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Cry Baby Reviews
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| 1 |
Review by: , Jun 16, 2008 |
| I liked it. The synchronicity in the ensemble numbers was impressive. Boppy music although the lyrics are not strong. It was fun and enjoyable. It was the closest to old style musical this year as opposed to In the Heights which had alot of hip-hop. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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| 2 |
Sorry, no cigar. Review by: Joe, May 29, 2008 |
Cry Baby is supposed to be a musical. So, you, Mister Casting Director, why did you not hire a cast that could sing?? The only singer on the stage was the girl who played the crazy chick. The lead was competent, but he certainly wouldn't be able to make it as the lead singer in a band so why would he be cast as the lead in a musical about a singer? The singers in general were so overmiked that if you closed your eyes you would not be able to ... read more tell where they were on the stage, just where the speakers were. In a hall that small there is no excuse for that. A couple of the numbers were decent, but the only one that sticks out is, "I did something wrong...once." This lady's acting and comedic timing were right on, but her singing was just painful. OK, as for the rest of the show: story was amusing, acting was competent, dancing was good, costumes appropriate, staging and lighting adequate.
Overall it was an average show, but with poor singing. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Large Group
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| 3 |
I would see CRY-BABY again in a heart beat, so good!! Review by: Franky, May 29, 2008 |
| This show is funny funny funny. It has a very summery feeling to it as well, which is good because it is almost Summer. The music is great and you will leave the theatre humming the songs. The performances are funny and entertaining. The dancing is great as well. It is a great show with a lot to offer any family. GO SEE CRY BABY!!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Tourists
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| 4 |
See it for Harriett Harris Review by: Girlsgonebroadway, May 20, 2008 |
| Got great seats through Broadway Box discount code by going to the box office the day before. Excellent show for persons who just want to have fun. Theater has no standing room so you have to pay for a seat. I had the mid mezz and they were great seats. My favorite was Harriet Harris. If you remember Frazier's agent Bebe or the sister of the murdered neighbor on Desperate Housewives, she's the actress. Outstanding in this part. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family, Seniors, Tourists
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| 5 |
Review by: 851958, May 19, 2008 |
I was never a fan of the film Crybaby from the 90's. In my opinion, it was a letdown from his previous film Hairspry. However, after seeing the musical Crybaby my opinion changed. The adaption of Crybaby to the stage kept John Waters warped sense of humor throught with book and the lyrics of the songs.
The music was alot of fun. Most of the numbers were parodies of 1950's songs that could have been sung by Elvis Presley,... read more, Patsy Kline,Brenda Lee, and the Four Freshman.
The musical really came to life whenever there was a dance number. This was probaly the best chorregrapy I have seenin the past few years.
The supporting cast were wonderfull. I had slight reservation for the 2 leads. James Snyder was missing that certain charisma, and Alison really couldnt sing well and looked a bit too old for the part.
If you come to see this show, please put any thought about Hairspray out of your head and enjoy. If you want to see something silly and fun, this is the show to see. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family
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| 6 |
LLoved it ge tyour tickets fast before it sellsout! Review by: , May 18, 2008 |
| I was worried about this show because of the mixed reviews - some reviewers love it, others dump on it. we went to a Wednesday matinee and it was only 2/3 full. It proved to be a wonderful aftrnoon. I decided the reviewers who didn't like it just don't know how to have fun. the pot is a bit predictable, but hey!, it's a love story! the hero looks a bit like Elvis - so what's not to like? The music is catchy and you can hum it, the dancing ... read more is terrific, the actors sing and do their parts wonderfully - tell all your friends to come quick before the tickets get hard to get. I like serious theatre more than many people, but I know a great musical when I see one. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Seniors
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| 7 |
CRY-BABY: "Nothing Bad's Ever Gonna Happen Again" Review by: , May 16, 2008 |
The curtain came up and we were happily transported from stuffy NYC to Baltimore, Maryland, home of a bunch of battling stuffy Squares and too-cool-for-school Drapes, played by a mostly unknown batch of Broadway fresh faces. Tony winner Harriet Harris (Thoroughly Modern Millie) is featured as a society lady with a secret past, Mrs. Vernon-Williams. The cast, by all accounts, was truly spectacular - from leading players to members of the ... read more ensemble - everyone 'clicked' for a greater good, making this evening a truly, truly enjoyable one.
Now, let's move on to a little bit of CRY-BABY history. Fresh off the mainstream success of his dance-heavy hit film Hairspray, writer-director John Waters ventured farther into movie musical territory with 1990's Cry-Baby, which featured actual singing-and-dancing original production numbers (although leads Amy Locane and a pre-Sweeney Todd Johnny Depp were dubbed). He also jumped back a decade, centering his story of a good girl who falls for a bad boy in the 1950s, making the skanky shenanigans of the white trash Drapes all the more scandalous.
The stage version features an all-new rockabilly score by theater guy David Javerbaum and rocker guy (from the band Fountains of Wayne) Adam Schlesinger. Director Mark Brokaw makes his musical debut, with Tony-winning choreographer Rob (best-get-his-TONY-this-year) Ashford as his talented right-hand man. Scenic design (Scott Pask), Costume design (Catherine Zuber), Lighting design (Howard Binkley) Sound design (Peter Hylenski) all work like an extremely well-tuned piece of machinery. Truly spectacular work with all of the technical aspects of the piece.
Since the film helped to launch Depp into the stratosphere, all eyes were on James Snyder, the fair-haired Broadway newcomer chosen to headline the show as juvenile delinquent Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, and he didn't let anyone (in the sold-out house) down! Elizabeth Stanley (Allison) was something wicked in her own right. Having seen Ms. Stanley in John Doyle's incarnation of COMPANY last season, I knew that she was a talented singing actress. CRY-BABY proved that even-more-so. The stand-out performances, for me, came in the form of Alli Mauzey as the wonked-out 'Lenora', Chester Gregory II (who's vocals are abso-freakin'-lutely killer) as Cry-Baby's best buddy 'Dupree', and Christopher J. Hanke (whom I had only heard of, never seen prior to this production) as the uptight, 'wants-everything-to-be-perfect', blonde buttercup of a boyfriend 'Baldwin'.
The entire company gives it their all throughout the entire 2 hours and 20 minutes of performance. You can definitely tell that they are comfortable with one another on-stage, pulling off 'the ultimate in campy fun'! In truth, many of Cry-Baby cast members previously appeared in Broadway's Hairspray, the former Broadway darling to come from the mind of Mr. John Waters, including featured stars like Mr. Gregory, Ms. Mauzey, and Carly Jibson.
Folks, if you want to laugh your butt-off, you best book a pair of seats, nay, a BLOCK of seats to tsee this show ASAP. It's nominated for 'Best Musical', 'Best Choreography', 'Best Book' and 'Best Score' at the TONY Awards for a reason! Take a moment, and make your way to see the laugh-out-loud, feel-good show on Broadway. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 8 |
I'VE SEEN IT TWICE AND GOING BACK AGAIN! Review by: bertandrew, May 15, 2008 |
GREAT FUN! Not sure why everyone has to compare this with Hairspray...its not Hairspray. Its better! Fresh, fun lyrics...its familiar and new at the same time. BEST CHOREOGRAPHY AND DANCING ON BROADWAY RIGHT NOW! Hands down!
Sure, one can quibble with things here and there..but just go and enjoy!! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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| 9 |
Hysterically funny show Review by: BradW, May 12, 2008 |
| Great parody of the 1950s. Hysterically funny - great dancing, sets, acting. Had a great time - my teenage niece loved it. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 10 |
WHAT A DELIGHT... Review by: UWS THEATER LOVER, May 8, 2008 |
Saw the show on Tuesday night (6TH)- very full house and everyone laughing and enjoying it immensely. What a fun, laid-back and completely enjoyable evening- and at a 7PM curtain- made it out and to the subway by 9 40= GREAT! I thought the look of the show was wonderful- my wife particularly loved the period costumes that are completely evocative of the Eisenhower 50's. We found the songs funny, bright and very satirical (especially the ... read more last number which seems sadly way too accurate for our times) and we loved the performers- Wonderful talented cast with terrific singers and dancers who seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. Toe tapping and delightful and loved how the band members interject through the overture and with the exit music- "watch your cholesterol" sent us all off into spasms of more laughter as we waded through the crowd and up the aisles.
Will be coming back to see it with our kids and friends over Memorial Day... can't wait... |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 11 |
Review by: michael, May 5, 2008 |
Cry baby is great FUN! Is it going to win a Pulitzer Prize? No...but you'd have to be pretty cynical and jaded to not at least "like" it. It is enjoyable and kept a smile on my face and Ive seen EVERY Broadway show (musical and play) since 1996. (and I do MEAN EVERY SINGLE SHOW!)
Obviously to some people that see 2 shows a year, it may be a bit of a let down, but to these people I say "lighten up and take this show for what it is! FUN." |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Tourists, Adults, Anyone
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| 12 |
LOVED THIS HILARIOUS SEND UP OF THE 50'S Review by: Drape Wannabe, May 5, 2008 |
| We went to see CRY BABY over the weekend and LOVED it! Although the book has a few weak moments, the singing, and most especially the dancing in this production made it a fantastic evening in the theater and the cast totally delivered the goods. Especially captivating were the actors who played Lenora and Baldwin- the secondary leads- Hilarious!! I found the gentle spoofing of the 50's with the satirical rock 'n roll melodies and dead-on-target ... read more lyrics a complete delight. If you are looking for an evening of good old-fasioned fun, where you can sit back and thoroughly enjoy a live performance, this show definitely fits the bill. The night I attended, the audience gave it a standing ovation and I was the first one on my feet... |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 13 |
NOT GREAT, NOT TERRIBLE Review by: lady di, May 4, 2008 |
| IT WAS OKAY. VERY SIMILAR TO THE GREASE THEME. BAD BOY GETS GOOD GIRL. IF YOU CAN GET DISCOUNT TICKETS, IT IS WORTH SEEING. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 14 |
FOR A GOOD TIME - CALL CRY BABY Review by: Drape, Apr 29, 2008 |
What are some of the Critics talking about?
"When will they Never Learn"...why are they turning a carnival of a good time into a circus where the lion gets out?
The one that wrote the songs are not memorable, I bet is singing the songs a week later at home, like I was. It is the brilliance of "pop singers" working Broadway; the songs will "get in your head". One other square loved the music and dancing and does not like the leads ... read more or the book and visa versa for the next guy and so on. Get it together team. You mailed it in on this one fellas. Put all your thoughts together and you'll have a real true review Will any one of these other squares have the stones enough to write later in the week/year, "Maybe I was wrong...? This show is a Good Time! I doubt it. They'll yell "I Know...." {get it;)} once the guy in the office starts quoting lines and Tony nods. If you want to get out and simply laugh and have a great time, here is my review;
GO SEE IT / YOU WILL LOVE IT / I GUARANTEE IT
Don't worry Cry Baby, real folks will get you! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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| 15 |
Cry Baby Review by: Tom, Apr 28, 2008 |
Here's what's right about "Cry-Baby," the new musical opening at the Marquis next week:
- The orchestra. This band swings. Incredibly tight, big, boisterous -- everything you want a party band to be. The rhythm section keeps things rolling, and the horns are always ready to stand up and be counted. Plus they start the evening off right with a fun, creative way of doing the "silence your cell phone, unwrap your candies" announcement.
- ... read more The dancing. I guess when a band swings like the "Cry-Baby" orchestra does, it's hard not to move in time. But these kids are some of the most talented, energetic, precise dancers I've seen anywhere. It's just fun watching them strut and shimmy.
- The staging. It's big, it puts you right where you need to be, it supports the story and it moves swiftly and seamlessly from one scene to another. Truly top-notch.
- The performers. Start with Harriet Harris, who absolutely seizes the stage as Mrs. Vernon-Williams, the squarest of the square, queen of the uptight. Finish with the rest of the cast, who are uniformly strong. Add special kudos to Chester Gregory II, for his preening (at least vocally) portrayal of Dupree.
- Many of the songs. "Misery, Agony, Helplessness, Hopelessness, Heartache and Woe," "Girl, Can I Kiss You...? (the sentence is completed "with tongue"), "Screw Loose," "I'm Infected" and "I Did Something Wrong Once" are all fun, if slightly forgettable. And the wonderfully, hopelessly optimistic closer "Nothing Bad's Ever Gonna Happen Again," brings the proceedings to a wonderfully ironic close.
Now, what's wrong with "Cry-Baby"? From a critical standpoint, I'm not sure anything's really wrong, per se -- the show seems to rocket along, telling a simple story that's about as old as stories get: it's "Romeo & Juliet" without the tragic elements: rich girl falls for boy from the wrong side of...well, the wrong side of just about everything: the tracks, the law, fashion... There are plenty of laughs, and as I previously said, the performers are terrific and the music and dancing stellar.
So what's my qualm? Well, since "Cry-Baby" is designed as a mainstream entertainment in the vein of John Waters's previous Broadway hit re-make of a quirky movie of his, "Hairspray," I think it needs (and I so very rarely say this sort of thing) to be a little more mainstream. As in "Hairspray," the basic story follows a clash of cultures. As in "Hairspray," there is an uptight mama who wants to protect her daughter from a boy whom Mama sees as wrong. And there are a group of kids from the wrong side of the tracks who teach the elite (or at least some of them) how to loosen up and go with the flow. But in "Hairspray," the bad kids are "bad" merely because of surface differences. Inside, they're good kids.
In "Cry-Baby," the "Drapes", the outcasts who run with Cry-Baby Walker are actually delinquents. They are thieves who settle things with switchblades. Pepper is a pregnant 16-year old who's not sure who the father of her baby is, and proudly smokes and drinks, even while she is being rolled into the delivery room on a gurney. (The show is set in 1954, but the attitude Pepper takes is that she seems to know all this is bad for her baby but does it anyway because it's the rebel thing to do.) Mona, who has a deep scar running from above her left eye and across the nose and down her right cheek, is called "Hatchet-Face," but proudly claims "I'm ugly inside, too!" Even at the end of the show, after some court-ordered reconstructive surgery, she gleefully insists "But I'm still ugly inside!"
Maybe deep down inside I'm really a square, but I think a mainstream audience might have a hard time accepting this motley collection of refugees from juvie as heroes. Yes, they are wrongly jailed and Cry-Baby's birth stain (his parents were pacifists, framed for a fatal arson fire and executed on hearsay) is cleansed by the time the curtain fa |
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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