I totally agree. I went in completely blind and had lukewarm feelings on it. I didnt hate it, like most people leaving my matinee did, however i didnt love it. Now that i am listening to the cast album I’m warming up to it more. My biggest complaints for the show are the opening number, as well as your previously mentioned thoughts about it being “preachy” with its messaging. The opening number felt very abrupt. The entire cast comes out on stage, kelli and brian sing one line and then the show jumps right in. The messaging was a bit corny at times. Once joe is introduced to the AA book, he immediately launched into the song “forgiveness”. That song is pretty corny and eye roll inducing, especially the “i can teach others now. Teach them what i know. I can be useful now.” That being said, I feel like the show is most successful when the two leads are plunging head on into the depths of addiction. One standout moment was Kelli’s vacuuming scene, which was absolutely mesmerizing to see live. The complexity of the music mixed with kelli’s raw emotion was so captivating. I really hope both she and brian at least get nominated for their performances.
i had thought there would have been a better reception if the leads' voices had not seemed to be shouting the words. i'm not so sure the singers were up to the demands of the songs. i think it should eventually be turned into an opera where the singers would be better capable of delivering the songs. it's a good first draft of a musical piece. the acting, of course, was very good.
Are you pulling our leg about the pronunciation of the composer's last name? I have always heard it pronounced "get-tull". Perhaps you are confusing his last name with that of "m 6:43 a and pa kettle".
I saw it last night. Kelly is def a Tony contender. Hard to connect to the music but overall I enjoyed this very depressing musical. The two leads give incredible performances, especially Kelly!
looks like it will be this show winning the tony for music/lyrics.....and KO as best actress......and it might walk away with the overall tony for best musical
Great review! FYI, I believe the Tony committee decided Mendez would be considered a supporting actress so she won't have to go against O'Hara
I totally agree. I went in completely blind and had lukewarm feelings on it. I didnt hate it, like most people leaving my matinee did, however i didnt love it. Now that i am listening to the cast album I’m warming up to it more. My biggest complaints for the show are the opening number, as well as your previously mentioned thoughts about it being “preachy” with its messaging. The opening number felt very abrupt. The entire cast comes out on stage, kelli and brian sing one line and then the show jumps right in. The messaging was a bit corny at times. Once joe is introduced to the AA book, he immediately launched into the song “forgiveness”. That song is pretty corny and eye roll inducing, especially the “i can teach others now. Teach them what i know. I can be useful now.” That being said, I feel like the show is most successful when the two leads are plunging head on into the depths of addiction. One standout moment was Kelli’s vacuuming scene, which was absolutely mesmerizing to see live. The complexity of the music mixed with kelli’s raw emotion was so captivating. I really hope both she and brian at least get nominated for their performances.
i had thought there would have been a better reception if the leads' voices had not seemed to be shouting the words. i'm not so sure the singers were up to the demands of the songs. i think it should eventually be turned into an opera where the singers would be better capable of delivering the songs. it's a good first draft of a musical piece. the acting, of course, was very good.
Glad you liked the show. Just FYI, “Guettel” is pronounced like “kettle.”
Are you pulling our leg about the pronunciation of the composer's last name? I have always heard it pronounced "get-tull". Perhaps you are confusing his last name with that of "m 6:43 a and pa kettle".
Oh, I wish I could see this! But I am too far away (and too poor, anyways)
I saw it last night. Kelly is def a Tony contender. Hard to connect to the music but overall I enjoyed this very depressing musical. The two leads give incredible performances, especially Kelly!
looks like it will be this show winning the tony for music/lyrics.....and KO as best actress......and it might walk away with the overall tony for best musical