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I saw the final Dress Rehearsal last night.

While it wasn't the greatest piece of theatre, it's better then the other junk that's getting thrown out there.

With that said... the score was sweet and delightful but nothing more than that. It didn't stand out to me.

The book, as well, just lacked any type of punch. Obviously I wasn't expecting some hip show like "Passing Strange" or risque like "Spring Awakening" but it just lagged on. I became extremely bored.

Does it have potential? Yes.

Does it fill that potential? No.

A positive note - The performances were very strong; everyone was just fabulous!

Too bad they ditched Don Sebeskey. He's one of the best orchestrators out there.

- Some were not happy with what he did to SWEET CHARITY in 2005. I prefer Tunick.

Anyway. The opinions are mixed so far at ATC.

So, I went to the first preview tonight... Partial view which I didn't think would be a problem after seeing grey gardens 6 times and never having a bad seat. Haha well, I've found the one bad seat in the kerr.. Second row to the extreme left but I could bacially see the action except for some random upstage windows. Guys, I really wanted to love this show... I left the theatre thinking the cast was very talented. THATS ABOUT IT. The book is kinda dull and just falls flat after an hour. I'm a HUGE Bucchino fan and while the music was pretty to listen too.. 90 percent of those songs are spoken and to be honest I can't remember a single song. The only thing memorable about this show was Faith who gave a whole hearted performance. There wasn't one cast member I disliked... Go see the show and make up your own mind. I don't think it was "bad" by any means, it was kinda "flat" for lack of a better word.

Updated On: 3/25/08 at 11:17 PM

Yeah, hi, I know who Tunick is. You don't just throw out Don Sebesky orchestrations, sorry. He's top notch.

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Updated On: 3/25/08 at 11:24 PM

"Yeah, hi, I know who Tunick is. You don't just throw out Don Sebeskey orchestrations, sorry. He's top notch."

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You throw out Sebesky orchestrations if you can get Tunick to write new ones.

It was a last minute change, before they began the New York process, and I personally know that Mr. Bucchino was EXTREMELY pleased with the change.

I mean, Tunick is the man responsible for assisting Sondheim in writing some really genius arrangements.

>You throw out Sebesky orchestrations if you can get Tunick to write new ones.<

You do. I wouldn't.

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Anyone feel like being uber-kind and get an image or two of the PLAYBILL up here. Or, y'know, a song list?

Jesus Christ Almighty could be brought in to re-do the orchestrations, and it wouldn't help the bland banality
and static untheatricality of the score I heard in California....

Well, I'm shocked at these negative reviews. Everyone I have spoken to has liked it. And, while I've only had the opportunity to listen to the show these past two nights, I have been very moved by it.

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i love John Bucchino's work and I really look forward to seeing it.

Well it's not Mamma Mia or Legally Blond that is for certain.

It's not a typical musical at all. I suspect that is why many people are not enjoying it. It's doesn't serve the audience expectation for a "musical". It serves the story, which is what all theatre should do.

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So wait... It's ALL sung-through?

I would say 77% of the show is sung through.