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Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris Reviews
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Good show which should have been better Review by: JW, Feb 20, 2007 |
I had mixed feelings after seeing this show. It was enjoyable but it could have been so much more. After all, the show has so many positives going for it--sparkling performances, excellent direction and choreography, even exceptional lighting. In addition, the Zipper Theatre is a
wonderful venue in which to watch a show, so intimate with great sight lines from almost every seat in the house.
However, the essence of this show ... read more is still Jacques Brel's songs with their intricate and poetic lyrics. (Most of the lyrics are translated into English from the language which Brel penned them, which in most cases was French.) From what I heard, I was very impressed. The lyrics of the songs cover so many aspects of life--love, old age. social class, war, death....a remarkable collection. So what's the problem with this show? Several of the songs are simply inaudible because of dubious musical arrangements. Must we listen to tender love songs accompanied with a disconcerting, percussion-driven beat? I'm sure Brel did not arrange his songs in this manner when he recorded them or performed them on stage. And although I did not see the original "Brel" production back in the 1960s, I'm sure the musical arrangements were a cut above the arrangements in this production. If ever a show cried out for a violin, this was it.
Nevertheless, the many positives outweigh the one glaring negative and this is a show worth seeing. But if you decide to go, do so quickly because the show closes February 25th. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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Good show which should have been better Review by: JW, Feb 19, 2007 |
I had mixed feelings after seeing this show. It was enjoyable but it could have been so much more. After all, the show has so many positives going for it--sparkling performances, direction, choreography, even exceptional lighting. In addition, the Zipper Theatre is a wonderful venue in which to watch a show--so intimate with great sight lines from almost every seat in the house.
However, the essence of the show is still Jacques ... read more Brel's songs with their intricate and poetic lyrics. (Most of the songs in the show are translated into English from the language Brel penned in, which was mainly French.) Of much of what I heard I was very impressed. The songs address so many aspects of life--love, death, war.... So what's the problem? Several of the songs' lyrics were simply inaudible because of questionable musical arrangements. Must we listen to tender love songs delivered in a percussion-driven manner as those in this show were?
I'm sure that when Brel recorded his music or performed on stage, he did not use these disconcerting musical arrangements. And the same probably holds true for the "Brel" production in the 1960s. Why couldn't this production follow suit? If ever a show cried out for a violin, this was it.
Nevertheless, the many positives outweigh the one glaring negative and this show is still worth seeing; but if you decide to go, go soon because this show closes on February 25th.
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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Review by: JW, Feb 19, 2007 |
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Terrific! Review by: kris, Feb 19, 2007 |
| Loved the show! The quality of singing and acting was amazing. The Zipper Theatre was so different and fun. The seats are actual car seats! It was nice to be able to take your drink into the theatre with you. I would see it again! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
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| 5 |
Fantabulous, don't miss it!!!! Review by: BrieTrade, Jan 28, 2007 |
| If you haven't seen this yet, don't miss it. The casting is superb and the music is wonderful. It's a musical review of Jacques Brel's work in the 60's. Very moving piece... I would see it over and over again. All four cast members are wonderful. Rave!!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Tourists
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Constantine from IDOL a Wonderful addition!! Review by: Theatre_Lover, Jan 26, 2007 |
| Went back to see the show again for the 2nd time and Constantine is AMAZING!! He more than holds his own in the NY Theatre scene. I can honestly say that I laughed AND cried.....The passion and intensity of the entire cast is an evening of theatre not to be missed! My friend from out of town was sceptical about seeing an off-bway show-And afterward said she enjoyedit more than anything else she did in NY! Big Congrats to the whole cast!! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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| 7 |
New castmembers are wonderful! Review by: Showgoer, Jan 26, 2007 |
Saw the show this past weekend. The new castmembers (Paterson, Maroulis) are wonderful. I was not sure how the originals could be improved upon, but I think this set of four are perfectly balanced, and the voices blend spectacularly. The funny songs are funny enough to make you laugh out loud, the serious ones make you think, and even cry. This production is a wonderful tapestry of human life, growth, emotion, and reality, and these four ... read more players, with their almost intuitive intercommunication, really bring the story to the audience. Robert, Gay, Jayne, and Constantine were all superb in their solos as well as the amazing ensemble work. Constantine is so much more than just an American Idol contestant, I feel like I had seen only a tiny corner of his talent up to this point. I'll be watching to see what he does next. Next! I'll never hear that word again the same way!
The theatre is a trip, all funky and close, and while the subject matter (the realities of life) is suited more to adults, mature teens could handle this as well. I totally recommend it. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Business Associate
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Recommended for:
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Wow - The talent in this show is worth the price of admission! Review by: Theaterguy, Jan 9, 2007 |
It was a Saturday afternoon and we had seen another show and we were with my parents who love this show. They have seen in 3 times including once when it first came out in the 60's... We were a little skeptical but were amazed at the talent these performers had. Each song told a story and was sung with a passion that was inspiring.
The show didn't tell the story that I was expecting but love, life and war, have never been presented ... read more with such a talented cast.
We would see this again and the Zipper theater was so cool too, perfect for this show! |
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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, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 9 |
family time-out Review by: June, Dec 10, 2006 |
Family time-out: run away from everyday problems to see a Jacques Breil is Alive and Well and Living in the Paris. Our children 10 and 12 really loved the show because it was very different. Each song was telling a story of life.
It gave them opportunity to think about life situations. The singing was absolutely amazing! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family
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Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris: Timeless! Review by: LimelightMike, Nov 13, 2006 |
I had the distinct pleasure of attending the evening performance of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris last night (Sunday, 11.12.06). I had been longing to see this production since it first opened in March, but I was swept away by other wonderful experiences throughout the first half of '06 (i.e.: Forbidden Broadway, Jersey Boys, The Weddinger Singer, RENT, the Off B'way run of Spring Awakening, and a few others). ... read more I treated a buddy (and fellow actor) of mine to this show. We both knew that we were in for a REAL treat!
With a song list consisting of 30-someodd numbers (all of which, tell a story all their own), four AMAZINGLY talented singing actors: Robert Cuccioli, Gay Marshall, Natascia Diaz, and Jim Stanek, all giving 110% with every-which-number -- acting-wise, singing-wise, each and every second of this awe-inspiring production packs an INCREDIBLE punch of raw emotional intensity that I feel cannout, should not, and could not be duplicated by any-which-company. I can assure you without a shadow of a doubt. Songs like "Amsterdam", "The Middle Class", "Old Folks", "Jackie", "Madeline", and of course, "If We Only Have Love" evoke the absolute best from both those onstage and those who paid good money to come to the Zipper and experience such a beautiful show.
Experience Jacques Brel's masterpiece ... It truly is timeless. In this day and age, Jacques Brel should be celebrated day-by-day, night-by-night, song-by-song. You don't have to take *MY* word for it! :-)
Best,
- Mike
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My recommendation:
must 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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| 11 |
brilliance! Review by: folkyboy, Sep 25, 2006 |
I had heard through the buzz that this show was really a treat but was not fully prepared by what an earth shattering time I would end up having. This show really does reak remnants of the old style of broadway. Each of the songs sort of take you on an emotional ride through the ups & downs of human existance. From the initial start where it sort of lures you into the devil's den until the very end when everyone is hand in hand and speaking of ... read more world peace.
GO SEE IT! GO SEE IT! GO SEE IT! You will not be disappointed! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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| 12 |
What a wonderful show! Review by: mr_joe, Jul 30, 2006 |
What a wonderful show! It talks about "life" through Brel's songs. The Musical is magnificent considering the amount of talent on the stage at the Zipper Theater. Every actor is a gem.
We saw the show with Natascia Diaz who we last saw in Man Of La Mancha on Broadway. She is a magnificent actress with a stage presence and vocals that are a delight! (My wife and I even met her this afternoon outside the show, and she is as delightful off ... read more stage as she is on stage.)
Drew Sarich who we last saw in the short lived LeStat - a great actor, wonderful in his role as he was in LeStat(which unfortunately closed before it's time.)
Robert Cuccioli and Gay Marshall round out the cast that is no less than brilliant.
The music (Jacques Brel's music of course) is music that has come full circle. This is so much the right time for this music as it seems we need to learn about life and peace once again in the world.
It is helpful but not necessary if you know some of the songs. A few are in French, most are in English, and some are in both.
The Zipper Theater, God Bless it is so unique, it's the perfect venue for a show that has so much "cool." May the show have a long run and thank you to Ms. Diaz, Ms. Marshall, Mr. Cuccioli, and Mr. Drew Sarich for putting so much life into this musical. You all make it a special experience.
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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, Seniors, Adults
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| 13 |
Don't Miss This One Review by: Ray, Jul 24, 2006 |
I had the great pleasure of attending a matinee of BREL on Sunday, July 16th and found it to be an even better compilation and production than the original 60's version of Mort Shuman. Tremendously versatile cast, interesting staging, and a great 'feel' in the theatre made for one of the best experiences of our week long NYC theatre vacation. Neither my wife or two teenage daughters had ever heard of the show (or J. Brel) before attending, but ... read more they unanimously agreed it was one of their 'top two' of the week. Highly recommended for everyone (despite a tiny profanity here and there). Brel is as relevant today as he was 40 years ago and his music/lyrics still shine.
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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Lucky to have chanced upon this show Review by: zipper-convert, Jun 23, 2006 |
| I went to the show almost randomly, but oh my what a nice surprise. I found everything satisfying, including the set design and lighting. The Zipper is perfect for this show. I've seen it written that the choreography may have been a bit much, but I think it was performed without pretense and is right for this time. I wouldn't change a thing. Eric Svejcar is an amazing music director and alone merits the price of admission. ... read more I was moved and charmed by this production and I'm trying to figure out how to get to NYC to see it again. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| Acting: |
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Adults, Anyone
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| 15 |
Second time for Jacques Review by: marien, Jun 11, 2006 |
Saw this show in the early seventies at the Village Gate and it was great. It's still great: wonderful songs, wonderful singers. You'll go in feeling one way and come out feeling totally different!
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| Acting: |
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| Music: |
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| Production: |
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| Story: |
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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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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