Worst B-Way show On now- Page 3

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:09pm

BroadwayGirl, I know what you mean about shows getting stale. Most of the time, this is die to the cast. (Rent, anyone?)

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:12pm

I'm pretty sure you just saw Chicago on an off night. Many find it far from stale. Walter Bobbie and Ann Reinking still return to help direct and choreograph for new stars, it's wonderful. The story never gets old, it's about everything America has become these days.

It still has several years left on Broadway. Plus the tour is in INCREDIBLE shape.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:15pm

I have seen CHICAGO atleast twice every year since it has been on Broadway, and I have never once seen it stale or boring. Ever.

And trust me, many times I expected it to be - whenever I return to long-running shows (Q, PHANTOM, PRODUCERS, etc.) I always anticipate the staleness - but CHICAGO is one of the very few long running shows that remain fresh night after night.

IT's in glorious shape, and it's as fun and sexy as it was nearly 10 years ago.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:16pm

Yeah, same case with Rent, except Rent has gone so much more stale, unfortunately.

ljay, I don't think I'm the only one who found it stale. I happen to really love the show and movie, but it was very stale when I saw it. It seems to happen to all long-running shows; even I can admit it when my favorite show is stale.

On the bright side, they seem to change casts over at Chicago so frequently, maybe it's freshend up since.

[C is for Company]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:19pm

Don't worry BroadwayChild, perhaps it may freshen up when Idina Menzel comes screeching into it!!!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:20pm

RENT is not stale more often than it IS stale...

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:22pm

I personally love Idina, BwayGirl107 is a know-it-all though, why fighting with her. She is rude person hiding behind Idina.

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:22pm

For the record, when I saw Chicago last month (I've only seen it once, unfortunately) I was blown away. I haven't felt the material the least bit boring, or worse, that any of the actors were bored and/or going through the motions.

With Rent, it really is due mostly to the cast. I actually felt BORED during parts of the second act, and that has never happened before. Even during shows I dislike, I've never really felt BORED. It was pretty horrifying, as Rent happens to be one of my favorite Broadway shows.
Updated On: 7/14/06 at 07:22 PM

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:23pm

I disagree about Rent, munk. It's been stale for years now.

EDIT: For the record I saw Chicago probably over a year ago, so like I said, it could have freshened up since. I was just saying that I could see how someone could walk into a great show like Chicago and be underwhelmed because long-running shows DO tend to go stale. Updated On: 7/14/06 at 07:23 PM

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:24pm

"I personally love Idina, BwayGirl107 is a know-it-all though, why fighting with her. She is rude person hiding behind Idina."

LOL. C is for Company is a friend of mine and he was just teasing me...

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:47pm

With Rent, I have to wonder how much is due to Caplan. I've only had the opportunity to see the show once (Caplan/Shields - I was underwhelmed), so I'm definitely not offering an opinion as much as just throwing some thoughts out there. Perhaps Hanke will freshen the show up considerably. It's still far from the worst show on Broadway, though.

Posted: 7/14/06 at 7:59pm

I think a lot is due to Matt Caplan, actually. He's a great actor; great comedic timing, but he's really phoning in a lot of his performances.

I'm very pleased that there will be a new Roger (although I adore Tim Howar) and a new Mark within a month. I think it will help liven up the cast. Although I really, REALLY dislike the Mimi.

*enjoys threadjacking*

[Jersey Girl2]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 8:06pm

the producers is a great show
its the cast
tarzan is BAD!!
it replaced Movin Out in the Richard Rogers theatre.
get movin out back in!!!
tarzan sucks

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 8:32pm

When I saw Chicago, I found the energy to be quite low, so I guess it was an off night. Though the book and score are both incredible, this production is far from great. The lack of sets and flashy costumes put me off, and I found the choreography to be a little too elegant and understated for this show. Despite this, I did still enjoy it, but it did not meet my lofty expectations. Though far from the worst show on Broadway, I totally understand why some people don't like it, especially when people only get to see shows once or twice a year. When people shell out (sometimes) a hundred bucks for a ticket, they want spectacle and pizazz, which Chicago didn't provide.

Posted: 7/14/06 at 8:34pm

Although I suppose it's merely opinion, I don't think that a "spectacle" makes a great show. No matter how often you get to see Broadway shows.

[DefyingEDCT]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 8:35pm

Phantom of the Opera has to go. it is so damn boring when I saw it, the production was shoddy, ligths werent working etc. Its had its time.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 8:37pm

To answer the question, there is nothing on now that I've seen that I don't like, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like Hot Feet or Rent (I did not like the movie).

Posted: 7/14/06 at 8:40pm

Oh, wow, I'd completely forgotten about Phantom! I agree that it's time for that show to go.

Posted: 7/14/06 at 9:00pm

To answer the question, there is nothing on now that I've seen that I don't like, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like Hot Feet or Rent (I did not like the movie).

I enjoyed the Rent movie, but unless you have a considerable disdain for the songs themselves, it's not wise to assume you'll dislike the stage show simply because you didn't care for the film. They're very different.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 9:05pm

If everyone keeps claiming that Hot Feet was the worst show, it'd be selling better than Wicked.

All Shook Up

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 9:07pm

Siamese Dream, I did not like Rent's songs, with a few exceptions, and I did not like the characters or the story. While I am aware that the show and the film are different, I assume that they would have the same songs and basic plot

Posted: 7/14/06 at 9:46pm

Well, yeah, if you didn't like the plot, characters, or songs, I think it's a safe bet that you wouldn't like the show.

[bigbigbill]

Posted: 7/14/06 at 10:00pm

Hands down, Rent.

[ReNtHeAd04]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 3:51pm

ok. i saw hot feet for free and i still feel like i paid too much for it.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 4:05pm

Yes, Phantom is very tired. Also, I have seen Chicago numerous times, each time hoping that it will be better than before. Unfortunately, as much as I love the music and choreography of Chicago, the revival is tired. It wasn't just an off night, I have seen it numerous times, and every time the energy has been low. I don't dislike the production, but it is not in nearly as good of shape as it was 5 years ago. I think if you are a true Chicago fan, which there is nothing wrong with, it's hard to see that it has gotten so tired. Not even in the same class as Tarzan, Hot Feet, and Mamma Mia! though. LOL.
-BJH