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Nice Work If You Can Get It Reviews
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| 16 |
it cradles you in comfort until you're ready to start a new day. Review by: Tom Bestor, Jun 10, 2012 |
Though street smarts help in this world, being rich and good-looking is usually more than enough to get by. So says (in so many words) Matthew Broderick's character, Jimmy Winter, in the new musical at the Imperial, "Nice Work If You Can Get It."
That wisdom could also apply to Broadway musicals. "Nice Work..," was, in a way, born with a silver spoon in its mouth: when you start with the songs of Ira and George Gershwin as the foundation ... read more of a new production, it's hard to go too far wrong. Add a clever book by Joe diPietro (based on some earlier work by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton) and creative contributions from the team that gave us the wonderful revival of "Anything Goes" and you've got a good chance at a pretty good-looking (and plain old good) show.
In fact, if you loved "Anything Goes" (and I did), you're probably going to at least like "Nice Work..." Both are old-fashioned Broadway musicals: great songs, broad, silly plots, witty dialogue, handsome boys, beautiful girls, a couple of tap numbers... It's escapist theater at its zenith.
The story of "Nice Work..." is a pretty simple one: Jimmy Winter is an heir to some very old money, and about to be married for the fourth time. Until, that is, the sparkling bootlegger Billy Bendix (the radiant Kelli O'Hara) enters his life. But before they can be united, there will be misunderstandings, mischief, mistaken identities and shocking (sort of) revelations. Along the way, Judy Kaye adds her prodigious comic (and vocal) talents as the Duchess Estonia Dulworth.
I won't say "Nice Work..." is a perfect show, but it's sort of like one of those memory foam mattresses - it cradles you in comfort until you're ready to start a new day. And maybe even leave you filling a little richer and a little better-looking.
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NICE to TO SEE Review by: BigKen, Jun 7, 2012 |
| This is what Broadway is all about...fun,lightheartedness, good music, great acting, recognizable music, nothing "heavy" and did I say FUN? I enjoyed it. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Alone
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Great show Review by: Mr. C, May 29, 2012 |
Singing, dancing, acting and music were wonderful. If you enjoy the old fashion Broadway shows don't hesitate to see this one. The actor who played the butler, stoled the show. The costumes and set designs were outstanding.
One of the best shows that I saw this season. Some people complain about the plot which is alright but you're seeing this show for the music and dancing.
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Seniors
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| 19 |
Terribly disappointed... :( Review by: HuskerGyrl, May 26, 2012 |
| I know I'm going to be in the minority here, but I did NOT like this in the least. I'm not a fan of the classics (Oklahoma, West Side Story, South Pacific), so perhaps I should've known better - but I was hoping that a new book and fresh perspective would modernize the score. Alas, no. Even Matthew Broderick, whom I normally adore, seemed stiff and out of place in his character. Perhaps it was an offnight, but in any case -- this one ... read more simply didn't resonate. (To the point where I actually dozed off twice in the first act! Ack!) |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Large Group
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Review by: PAEM, May 22, 2012 |
| Lovely costumes, hilarious Judy Kaye and a wonderful score. However, why cast a charmless non-dancer, non-singer to play the lead in a musical? I've enjoyed Mr. Broderick in many shows but he is woefully miscast in this one. And the entire project lacks spark. Hard to believe that the same person directed and choreographed the superlative Anything Goes last season. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Business Associate
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Seniors
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Spectacular! Best musical on Broadsay, and best in many years Review by: BroadwayBabySawIt, May 19, 2012 |
| Spectacular show! Truly entertaining, great cast, script, choreogpraphy, and the Gershwin music is always delightful. See it for Kelli O'Hara's wonderful work, she makes it look so easy and sounds so good! Matthew Broderick is sensational as the rich playboy, and looks to be having a blast. See it for Michael McGrath as the mobster turned butler, Cookie McGee, he has superb comic timing. We loved everything about this show, and unlike many ... read more that we've seen recently (like Leap of Faith), we looked forward to the second act so much that we counted down the time of the intermission. Go see this show, it is the best we've seen in a very long time. |
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must see!
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Nice Work, for sure! In fact, 'S Wonderful! 'S Marvelous! Review by: Chatty Cathie, Apr 27, 2012 |
| I went to NYC for a long weekend and was thrilled to get tickets to Nice Work If You Can Get It. It was just wonderful in every way. Kelli O'Hara and Matthew Broderick were outstanding, but then the entire cast was fantastic too! The original choreography, the clever script with many terrific Gershwin songs woven throughout, the beautiful costumes, humorous surprises...they all just made for a delightful time! I am predicting many Tony ... read more nominations and wins from this hit! Don't miss this...it's nice work, for sure! 'S Wonderful! 'S Marvelous! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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Review by: , Apr 23, 2012 |
| S'Wondeful. S'Marvelous. Saw it on April 21 with 3 friends and we came out of the theater feeling very grateful to have seen such talent at all levels. I predict that this is going to have a very long run. |
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must see!
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Large Group
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| 24 |
Major Revision Needed by Director Review by: Donnyg, Apr 16, 2012 |
I truly expected much more knowing the talents of the two main roles. Matthew Broderick needs some serious assistance with dance moves-much too stiff and uneasy in his dancing. Kelli OHara was excellent, but was restricted in her dance moves to try to make Matthew look half way decent. Kathleen Marshall, the show's choreographer was disappointing in her style compared to Anything Goes. The only thought I have is that the director did not give ... read more her free rein to choreograph and limited her creativity. Imagine not one tap number in the entire show! How could that be? Tap was definitely strong during this period of history!
The first half was much too boring and needs a complete revision. If it is not changed before the official opening, it could cause the show to close. Please end the closing of the first half with a high stepping tap number. Also, it is necessary to revamp the script in the first half and embellish it with a few more Gershwin hits that are more popular. Let Kelly do a jazz ballet to Rhapsody in Blue with the dancing guys. Yes, take the liberty to revise the original script and music to keep the audience captivated in today's competing Broadway shows.
The shoe definitely has the potential to score high only if revisions are done. The rest of the cast is excellent. In fact, the butler outshines Matthews' dancing throughout the show. The second half was totally hilarious! The producers of this show need to make sure the director makes the changes immediately before the official opening. Let Kathleen go wilder with the choreography to make the audience go wild with applause. Instead of the closing of Act 1 giving the "wow" factor, it was blah and unappealing. Revision of the script in Act 1 needs to be tighter and have more fluidity.
I want to see this show succeed wholeheartedly. My criticism was meant to be constructive and not detrimental. The show has potential, so please Mr. Director, get busy and make the necessary changes before the critics make mince meat out of the show. I realize most of the comments have been positive, but they are not scrutinizing the major components of what makes a Broadway show succeed. |
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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, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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S'Womderful Review by: mojo, Apr 13, 2012 |
| Fantastic show!! Saw it early in previews and it was so sharp and tight, wonderful dancing and singing, great music and so many wonderful performers. Can't wait to see it again. Matthew Broderick and Kelli O'Hara, best chemistry ever!! |
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| 26 |
What Fun! Review by: Carol, Apr 10, 2012 |
For an evening of unadulterated joy, see Nice Work. The stars of the show, Matthew Broderick and the incomparable Kelli O’Hara make this romp a delight. Supporting cast member Duchess Estonia Dulworth (Judy Kaye) should garner a Tony for her uproarious performance as an ardent prohibitionist. I will not tell more for fear of spoiling the fun. Robyn Hurder as Jeannie Muldoon adds to the mayhem of this matchmaking screwball comedy and bedroom ... read more farce a la Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night or A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in Joe DiPietro’s work including George and Ira Gershwin’s music.
As impressive as the acting of this talented group is Kathleen Marshall’s direction and choreography. With the exception of Jimmy Winter (Broderick), who valiantly tries to keep up with his far more able partner Billie Bendix (O’Hara) and the chorus, this is the fare Broadway audiences expect and demand. Derek Mclane’s set and Martin Pakledinaz’s gorgeous costumes add to the richness and comedy of the play. You will leave the theatre with a big smile while humming the Gershwins’ classics.
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 27 |
BROADWAY ENTERTAINMENT AT ITS BEST !!!! Review by: Tony, Apr 9, 2012 |
| I loved this show! Finally, a Broadway Show that feels like a Broadway show; FUN FUN FUN. I could not stop laughing and smiling the whole way through. Matthew Broderick can really sing and dance!! Kelli O'Hara sings the Gershwin hits like a bird. The dancing is amazing. Just loved the entire feel. Uplifting and joyous. Go see it. PURE ENTERTAINMENT |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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A rare chance to see this many names at once onstage. Review by: Edi, Apr 8, 2012 |
| This show is definitely about going to see the stellar cast. The play itself I enjoyed, but it probablly landed as a nice solid "B plus." Angela Lansbury is always a joy. She makes the most of her two scenes. James Earl Jones, Eric McCormack and John Larroquette were all very good, with John's performance surprising me as my favorite of the three. Candice Bergen simply seemed uncomfortable. Dakin Matthews was my favorite comedy relief. ... read more I know men like his character and he stood out in the middle of all of those names. Not an easy trick. And they did a great job with making you feel like you were at the convention. |
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Go see if you get a chance
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| 29 |
Good show...could be better... Review by: Edi, Apr 8, 2012 |
| To be upfront, I went to the third preview so at moments you could tell they were still working things out. Chose the show since I loved Anything Goes and this was Kathleen Marshall's next production. This was my first chance to see Kelli O'Hara perform. Her voice and stage presence were wonderful. Esp enjoyed Michael McGrath whom I was not familiar with previously. As a fan of the Sue Grafton novels, it was a thrill to see Judy ... read more Kaye for the first time...amazing voice and she had a solo piece that had the audience laughing plenty. Wish I would have gotten more of Estelle Parsons. By the time she showed up, I had forgotten she was supposed to be in the show. I also had a hard time buying into Kelli's character actually being interested in Matthew Broderick's character. I kept waiting for the show stopper number like the tap number in Anything Goes, but I didn't get it. So, I left thinking the show was still missing something. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Nice Work Isn't Review by: EL Grouch, Apr 5, 2012 |
Nice Work or how to make the Gershwins sound like muzak. Maybe it's taped. As for dancing, Marshall channels Bob Fosse, hats, and Susan Stroman, plates and flatware. As for the book, mediocre at best. Witless and devoid of logic. Act I Jimmy and Eileen show up at his breach house married. Ginger won't sign the annulment so Jimmy's a bigamist. Act II, efforts to get Eileen and Jimmy married.
As for the attempted fun book, ... read more DiPietro brings out the tired anti-politician, anti-Republican jokes. Ah, but the cast, a dream. They minimize the flaws and maximize the assets.
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Family
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Tourists
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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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