I've waited 15 years to see this show. I've driven down the LIE countless times blasting it and singing along - with friends, by myself... I've played "Louder Than Words" a hundred times on the piano, singing it with all my friends. I didn't know much about the book, but I wore that Cast Recording out. Truly. I had to buy another copy.
I saw it tonight and realized that I could've waited another 15 to finally see it...
Sure, the book is pretty lousy. But is it too much to ask that they hire a Jon who could sing it on pitch? Lin is a wonderful songwriter. He's smart. He's funny. And I'm sure he's a very nice guy. But he's just not a singer, and I'm tired of seeing him handed parts like this because he's "cool". I want more than that. And I thought the score deserved more than that.
Odom and Olivo are magnificent. "Real Life" and "Come To Your Senses" were real highlights for me. I enjoyed the stage's transformation during "Why". A nice, subtle, gradual touch.
But beyond that, I just felt a wave of disappointment. I guess I should've known better. Isn't that what always happens when you wait a long time for something? Ah, well. Still happy to be able to see and hear it live.
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman