Where is the WOW?

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 11:02pm

(Disclaimer:Living in Chicago, I have not had the chance to see any of the shows that opened this season. My feelings are based on keen observation of the press, including interviews, previews and reviews and, of course word of mouth.)

Where is this seasons one big "WOW"? It seems that it has been a season of mediocrity. Every year there seems to be a show that cries out to me "Get your ass here and see this production." Not this year. The only thing that comes close is Sweeney Todd, and after having seen umpteen productions of the show, that is not saying too much. The pre-buzz has been more exciting than what seems to actually appear on stage. I mean would Color Purple have been noticed if Oprah had not stepped in? The Threepenny Opera sounded great on paper, but now just seems like a misguided and unmitigated mess.

Lennon, In My Life, Ring of Fire, Woman in White are all gone with what seems to be good reason.
I don't hold out much hope for Lestat, Tarzan, Hot Feet, Drowsy Chaperon or Wedding Singer.

Then there are the non-musicals. Rabbit Hole seemed to be the best received show of the season, but even that comes off as a Lifetime movie of the week, as someone pointed out. Well seems to be remarkable for the work of the wonderful Jayne Houdyshell. Festen? Forget it. Three Days Of Rain? All washed up. And the less said about the Simon revivals the better.

So let us pray that History Boys, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, Shining City or Faith Healer come through.

So I suppose that leaves us with the "It is NOT a jukebox musical" Jersey Boys as the breakout/non-revival of the season. To which I just have to say, "Wow!"

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 11:05pm

This version Sweeney is the biggest "WOW" I have ever seen in my life! Grey Gardens is also a big "WOW" for me, especially Ebersole.

[C is for Company]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 11:11pm

Why don't you come and revisit the WOW of 2 seasons ago? Wicked NEVER gets old!!! hahahaha

[Unknown User]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 11:17pm

Thats sad. The WOW could come from anywhere now, Its all up in the air. I miss the WOW that was ALL SHOOK UP, it was so funny and full of comedic and musical moments that touched you and had you singing and dancing out of the theater. Just like ALL SHOOK UP & Elvis- the WOW has left the building.

[1 Train Away]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 11:20pm

At the Broadhurst.

[sanda]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 11:20pm

Go to DRS, you will find plenty of them.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 11:35pm

DRS is so last year, Sanda. And the WOW does not apply to any musical without an original score and this particular thread is in reference to the Broadway season. I know that Grey Gardens and Jacques Brel are wowing some Off Broadway.

[GovernorSlaton]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 11:54pm

I remember having a conversation with another poster at the beginning of the season about this. We were having trouble mustering up enthusiasm for any of the upcoming shows, and it seems that it's because there really wasn't anything to say "Wow" at this year. This season comes off as especially pathetic considering the wonderful year for musicals we had last year (Piazza, Spelling Bee, Scoundrels, and even Spamalot). Better hope for some great shows next year.

[leefowler]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 12:00am

Suleen,

I'm glad the fact that you haven't seen a single show on Broadway this season hasn't impeded your ability to hold very firm opinions on the subject. I only hope that Broadway can do better for you in the future, and come up with better shows for you to read about, without actually seeing.

[greeneyed_one]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 12:00am

A little off-topic but I can never figure out why DRS isn't more popular than it is. It seems like everyone who sees it loves it but it doesn't seem as well publicized or well known as many other equally brilliant shows.

[Over_the_Moon]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 12:06am

As a fellow Midwesterner, I agree.

There aren't many shows that I'm upset I won't be able to see, and I have no staples for my next trip.

[musicman89]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 12:22am

Way to base your opinions on shows you have only read about instead of seeing for yourself. Honestly, this is a great Broadway season compared to some the past ones we have experienced. In my opinion from the shows I have seen this season, SWEENEY TODD, THE COLOR PURPLE, JERSEY BOYS, and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE have all left me leaving the theatre feeling fulfilled that I experienced an enjoyable night of theatre.

Not all of those shows are amazing or groundbreaking or outstanding, but they are an entertaining night of theatre to many. If you really want to experience WOW shows, then venture off-Broadway or look into regional theatre productions.

[HBG]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 12:25am

Well, I have to disagree with you...I feel there is at least one "WOW" this season: Drowsy Chaperone.

And, I'm looking forward to Legally Blonde next season...hopefully that show will "WOW" us all! With Jerry Mitchell directing, I'm sure at least the choreography will.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 12:41am

I knew people would think I was judging the shows not having seen any of them. That is why I put my disclaimer at the top of my post. I DON'T judge shows I have not seen. I evaluate what I have learned about shows from the resources readily available and decide if anything sparks enough interest or passion in me to spend the money to go to New York and see it. This season has yet to provide me with one really good reason to do so. That is what I am saying. I never pretend to have seen any show that I haven't.

[Kringas]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 12:43am

I hear that Rent is still changing hearts and minds.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 12:53am

The only showis that WOW me this season are/have been: THE WOMAN IN WHITE (which I saw) and SWEENY TODD (which I have not yet seen)

[Blair]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 1:06am

I don't know about anyone else, but The Pajama Game was a WOW for me...

Charming, sexy, and funny, with a star-making performance by Kelli O'Hara, and a brilliant performance by an established star, Harry Connick, Jr.

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 2:02am

Oh, hell, there hasn't been a WOW on New York musical stages since the original Sweeney Todd shuttered nearly 25 years ago.




Boguslawa Przbyczka
Gdansk, Poland

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 2:05am

Updated On: 4/23/06 at 02:05 AM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 3:49am

I totally get what you mean. I agree. There isn't any show that is WOW this year. I don't think he/she is saying that inregards to seeing the shows, but just the fact that there aren't really any shows that people are flocking to. It seemed like last year people just couldn't stop talking about the best musical noms, hence while they're all still running. But this season it seems like things are getting lost. I mean Jersey Boys and Color Purple are still packing houses, but they're not really run-away hits. As much as I loved Wedding Singer, I'm not sure it will become one either. I don't really care for the Tarzan score, but I was sorta thinking it was going to be the big show this year that people flocked to and was the big fat hit of the season, but by word of mouth, I'm not so sure.

[Corine2]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 5:07am

Big wows. (Plays)
In The Continuum
Awake and Sing
Entertaining Mr. Sloane
Rabbit Hole
Musicals:
Jersey Boys
The Color Purple
Grey Gardens
Sweeney
I also liked Title of Show and give it a little "WOW"
Female performers who WOWED ME: Felicia P Fields for her performance in The Color Purple.
Christine Ebersole- For one of the greatest performances I have ever seen in my life. Grey Gardens needs to extend. IT IS A BIG WOW.
Males that WOWED ME: John L Young and Daniel Reichard in Jersey Boys. Brian Charles Rooney- As Lucy in Three Penny Opera.


Updated On: 4/24/06 at 05:07 AM

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 9:33am

Well of course I feel Woman in White was a big WOW! and that can't be taken from me! lol

There has been so much big stuff on broadway this year, that I really think you must come watch before you judge.

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 10:03am

i really have no reason to talk, but I think COLOR PURPLE, SWEENEY TODD, JERSEY BOYS, and DROWSY CHAPERONE have all been pretty WOW shows from what i've read. ive heard enough WOW about them to most likely seeing them when im in NYC this summer- if i can get tickets.
i think its been a pretty exciting season-last year wasnt exactly a perfect season either!
and about DRS, i also dont know why that isnt more popular. i personally liked it more than SPELLING BEE, and i bet id like it more than SPAMALOT, and both shows are doing better than DRS. hmmm... shame

[DG]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 11:03am

Sueleen - the highlight of our trip this year was a repeat of PIAZZA, which we saw last year. That pretty much told us what this year was like, at least from our perspective.

[WiiCKED x3]

Posted: 4/23/06 at 11:28am

i love Jersey Boys.

"DRS is so last year"?? It opened last year, your right about that , Wicked opend in 2003, so what? Both shows are amazing