Which is better?

[DoogieB]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 3:43pm

Which do you like more in order to enjoy a Broadway musical...Listening to the OBCR first, or going in without any previous song knowledge at all?

[itravel94]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 3:59pm

I like listening to the recording first. It gives you a better understanding of the story.

[green_duck]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 4:01pm

listening to the OBCR first definitely. That way i become familiar with the story and the characters. I don't have to waste any time trying to figure out what's going on.

[mikewood]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 4:03pm

I listened to OBCR of Miss Saigon before I saw the show...I was not happy about knowing the ending before hand and swore I'd never do that to myself again.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 4:04pm

I love going in with no knowledge so I'm unbiased. I'm so glad that the first time I heard the score to Piazza was live and not on the CD (even though it's great being able to listen to over and over)

[broadway betty]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 4:06pm

I like going in without having heard any of the music and not knowing too much about the story. I think it's more fun that way.

[Dirty Rotten Scoundrel]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 4:08pm

i like seeing it and being surprised, then buying the OCR

[DoogieB]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 4:17pm

Yeah, before DRS I heard some brief clips of the songs and saw the show. After getting the OBCR afterwards I wanted to see it again because I wanted to see these songs I love performed. I once heard John Lithgow say how he thinks people should be going back to the "tradition" of getting the CD before seeing the show. I'm kinda mixed.

[manders]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 4:21pm

I like seeing the show first, otherwise I'll be distracted by any spot in the show that's different from the recording.

[Magical_Ms._Mistoffeles_72]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 6:45pm

I do both, it really depends on whether or not I can get the OBCR first without paying any money for it before I know if I like it. But I usually can, and I 've never heard a show I didnt like

[TheatreDiva612]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 6:46pm

Listening to the show first. Then, I actually know the music and semi what is going on.

[xxnewgirlxx]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 6:47pm

I'll generally see the show first. I did buy the DRS CD already (I'm seeing it in a few weeks), but since I know the film, I knew I wouldn't ruin any surprises.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 6:49pm

I NEVER listen to a cast album before seeing a show and usually like to know as little about the plot as possible. It takes away from the fun of discovering the show in the theatre if you walk in humming the tunes. If the creative team -- book writer, composer, director, et al -- have done their jobs and crafted a coherent and interesting theatre experience, then I should be able to enjoy and appreciate on one cold initial viewing. If I can't and need to consult a cast album or reviews to understand any aspect of it before going in, then they haven't done their jobs.

[Ellie3]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 7:01pm

I prefer going in without any knowledge of the show at all. Same with movies.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 7:05pm

I agree with Margo. I like to be introduced to something completely new to me. I think it shows whether or not the creative team has done their job.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 7:07pm

If I am seeing an amateur production, or a revival of something, such as classical material, I try to listen to the cast recording. When I used to review musicals, I would listen to the cast recording.

For new works, I prefer to go in fresh. And most of the time, there isn't a cast album at the point I see it.

[DoogieB]

Posted: 6/14/05 at 8:20pm

Yeah sometimes it depends on the show. Anyone have any suggestions on what to do for Spelling Bee? Seeing it this weekend and wondering if it is a kind of show I might want to go in with a fresh look or get the OCR ahead.