"He found something that he wanted, had always wanted and always would want— not to be admired, as he had feared; not to be loved, as he had made himself believe; but to be necessary to people, to be indispensable."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise
"He found something that he wanted, had always wanted and always would want— not to be admired, as he had feared; not to be loved, as he had made himself believe; but to be necessary to people, to be indispensable."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise
I saw them at BoB - and they were all really good, I'm really excited to see it. I saw one of the girls in the audience and congratulated her on being awesome.
I am definitely rushing!!!!!! THe show is the best front row!!!! Can't wait to see it again!!
"He found something that he wanted, had always wanted and always would want— not to be admired, as he had feared; not to be loved, as he had made himself believe; but to be necessary to people, to be indispensable."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise
I saw the Dress Rehearsal for invited teens yesterday and thought the show was awesome!
Let me start by saying: I've been reading some bashing reviews from a few people on the broadwayworld boards (aka WiCkEDrOcKS), mostly immature attention starved teens looking for attention on the internet. Having an opinion is one thing, but bashing the entire show is ridicules, does it need work? sure it does, but I think it will be really wonderful once the production is completed. You can tell how immature this person is through their posts in this thread : https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?page=4&thread=978125&boardid=1 (How the audience is annoying him on line, etc. from his profile name alone his opinions seem highly biased and unnecessary for a dress rehearsal review, I choose to see the potential rather than be rude during the beginning of the process of editing a show, creators were watching it in a new element for the first time along with this audience.)
NOW with that out of the way more specific thoughts:
First off people should keep in mind that this was the first ever complete run of the show, it was a dress rehearsal and there is a preview process ahead of the show.
I think that the choreography in the production is fantastic at times, and a bit unnecessary at other times, the excess will be cut away in time, still performed really well by the cast, very impressive.
The music was really wonderful, you can tell that the production is still beginning previews, but I think the cast recording will be really popular once it is released; some great singles, and really captures each characters voice in the stages of development. You can tell that Jason Robert Brown wrote the music specifically in the correct keys for each character to sound like they are in a teenagery prepubescent point of their lives. A very smart composer, we could use more of them these days putting out original work and nurturing the characters as apposed to the crowd pleasers, but still understanding the balance between the two.
I really enjoyed the book by Robert Horn, as did the audience, responding so powerfully that the show was interrupted many times, wild applause and laughter, a very brave book, i'm really excited to see how it forms.
I think the show is introducing some amazing new talent to New York, Allie Trimm has an absolutely amazing voice, her tone is fantastic and she had great control, making it look easy like a pro. "What it means to be a friend" is fantastic. Major chills. Brynn Williams, Caitlin Gann and Ariana Grande had amazing voices, and fantastic presence showcased in the last song "Brand New You" I predict a big future for all of them, though I must say that their voices are sorely underused in the production. Graham Philips as Evan completely held the show together on his own, a very hard task during a dress rehearsal with a WILD audience, interrupting the flow of the scenes and yelling out at rude and inappropriate moments. Major props to him, his voice is fantastic as well. Aaron Simon Gross was absolutely amazing as Archie, whose character makes the show for me. He was completely dedicated to his character, physically, vocally, and emotionally. Five stars from me, maybe even a supporting tony nomination, I wouldn't be surprised.
That's all for now! Maybe more thoughts next time I see the show! Check it out! Its wonderful.
Updated On: 9/14/08 at 04:05 PM
wicked_beast4, if you don't mind me asking, who do you know from the show? While I was waiting on-line the people right in front of me new Delaney, Brynn, and I think Al, and all three of them kept coming over.
I know as a fact a few people in front of me were/are in Broadway shows, so maybe one was you. I just know there was a former and current Michael Banks and current Michael Banks. Also, two Flounders stopped by twice. I don't really want to use names, for privacy.
I would prefer not to say, just because I like to keep my personal life separate from those online. I wasn't one of the Flounders or Michaels, but I have done other things/shows with them before.
"He found something that he wanted, had always wanted and always would want— not to be admired, as he had feared; not to be loved, as he had made himself believe; but to be necessary to people, to be indispensable."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise
Oh, ok, I just realized you weren't one of them because I read you comment on the set design thread, I was coming to edit it. Cool that you've done shows with them before though.
"He found something that he wanted, had always wanted and always would want— not to be admired, as he had feared; not to be loved, as he had made himself believe; but to be necessary to people, to be indispensable."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise
perhaps you did... but MOST fans, of the show, are around that age. can't expect to be successful without some type of older fan base. even SPRING AWAKENING has an older adult base.
thanks for the link to this thread. I posted a review from tonight in another thread. I am in my 20s and I really enjoyed myself tonight. I thought the kids had fabulous singing voices.
sgv123- Yes, I did. I was front row, center section, right aisle seat. Bright yellow shirt.
Did you?
"He found something that he wanted, had always wanted and always would want— not to be admired, as he had feared; not to be loved, as he had made himself believe; but to be necessary to people, to be indispensable."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise