ZHIVAGO 5/20/06, my impressions- Page 2

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 5/24/06 at 7:32pm

Labashier- The Solider scenes are some of the best parts of it. They are a huge part of the story, and if you cut it out like you said, the story wouldn't make sense it SHOULD and NEEDS to stay in.

[dented146]

Posted: 5/24/06 at 8:02pm

Labashier, I agree with some of what you said about the sets and pacing. And you are correct about the next to last scene. Also I did mention that I thought the intimate scenes were the strongest ones. But if you remove WWI,the riots and the revolution, it isn't Zhivago.

So much of Zhivago is very good. And as you said, the score by Lucy Simon is gorgeous I believe this production is very close.

[BroadwayBaby6]

Posted: 5/24/06 at 8:55pm

I thought the show was very good. The score, book, acting/singing and direction were excellent. Lyrics were serviceable but not great. I really question whether there's an audience for this kind of show (dramatic mega-musical) right now, Les Miz being a notable exception.

[beav]

Posted: 5/24/06 at 11:09pm

(SPOILER) Lebashier, I agree about Zhivago coming down from the rafters, that was very cheesy. Hopefully, that will change. Simply walking out on to the scaffolding would be much better. His voice is effective at the end so it's good that he comes back, but cheesy the way he does it.

But I really disagree about the war scenes needing to be cut. The song you are talking about at the end is a reprise (I think) of a wonderful song in the first act. I agree it feels a little unnecessary at the back, but it brings that part of the story (communist taking control) to an end. Also, all the Red was visually striking against the cold, steel, and gray set.

I think they could slow down the second act a little without cutting any songs. Adding 5 minutes to the show wouldn't make it over long. It would still be under 2 1/2 hours with intermission.

[dented146]

Posted: 5/25/06 at 12:50am

I heard that the press is there tonight so we will hear their opinion soon.

[lite2shine]

Posted: 5/25/06 at 1:18am

I'm going to see it next week. I hope to get a rush tix.

[lite2shine]

Posted: 6/2/06 at 2:25am

I saw the show last night via rush tix (5th row center!)

The show, overall was good, but as other said, the score (except a couple of songs) sounded generic and there was only one Russian folk or traditional song (It's a Godsend). "A Man Who LIves Up To His Name" reminded me of Valjean's "Who Am I?" I really was moved by "It comes as no surprise" but as soon as the song ended, the scene changes, and I was hoping to see more interacting between the women.

I really didn't care for the moving raft/bridge or whatever you call it. However, I thought the rest of the scenic design was beautiful.

While I thought Matt Bogart and Jessica Burrows were great, and Ivan Hernandez is a good singer, I really didn't see the chemistry between Zhivago and Lala. It's like when he was with his wife, he didn't even think about Lala.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 6/2/06 at 2:29am

Is Chris Hoch in this...how is he?

[lite2shine]

Posted: 6/2/06 at 3:23am

Chris Hoch is not in this show.

[rockfenris2005]

Posted: 6/2/06 at 4:25am

Anyone mind if I pass any comments to Weller?

[WickedOne2]

Posted: 6/2/06 at 11:44am

I heard Melissa Hoff is in this production. How was she?

[lite2shine]

Posted: 6/2/06 at 1:01pm

Melissa Hoff is an ensemble member so I can't say she stole the show. But all the ensemble members were pretty good.