Posted: 3/7/22 at 12:28am
I saw Paradise Square twice in Chicago largely for Kulakango's performance which is possibly one of the best performances I've ever seen on stage (yes I saw Clarke's Caroline). I among family and friends (10-15) was probably most critical of it with everyone else absolutely loving, and some saying it was one of the best things they have seen, which is something I don't agree with, but did enjoy overall. I've had my issues with the show (and obviously the production team). It's not perfect but relies on its choreo and performances to imperfectly tell a compelling story, which is worth the price of admission.
Honestly, if Drubinsky isn't advertising this properly, which it sounds like he may not be, it could rely on word of mouth and a Tony for Kulakango but I don't think it's going to beat A Strange Loop and I question if it will be enough. That being said, Come From Away had pretty much the same feelings (granted with a much smaller budget) when it first opened and has survived largely from good will and word of mouth. So I think it can happen but it will be interesting. Do see it for Kulakango though.