 |
 |
Pal Joey Reviews
|
|
|
|
|
| What to Expect: |
| Acting: |
 |
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
|
|
|
| Recommended For: |
|
Adults: |
 |
|
Seniors: |
|
|
Romantic Date: |
 |
|
Anyone: |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 |
FANTASTIC! A MUST SEE! Review by: fran, Feb 1, 2009 |
| GREAT SHOW!!! MARTHA PLIMPTON WAS FANTASTIC AND STOCKARD CHANNING WAS FABULOUS!!! |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
 |
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Business Assoc., Seniors, Adults
|
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
Interesting, but misses the mark. Review by: Jim, Jan 9, 2009 |
Flew to NY to see the show this week. The work of Rodgers and Hart is an avocation of mine, and I had been following the development of this revival for a long time. Bottom line: well performed and staged, but ultimately a disappointment.
Theatergoers should be advised that this is NOT the original Pal Joey. The libretto has been almost completely rewritten, a couple of songs have been interpolated, and other numbers have been truncated. ... read more However, unlike the film version, which was a lighter variation, this one is darker in the post-Chicago/Cabaret mode.
The positives are that the staging is quite professional, the acting is generally first-rate, and the show does retain the viewer's interest. The producers also wisely give the "Zip" number to Gladys, and Martha Plimpton does an absolutely bang-up job with it. But for the reasons below, it is not a show that anyone is likely to want to see more than once or rave about to friends.
The main issues are twofold. First, the creators of this version seem to have forgotten that Pal Joey is, first and foremost, a MUSICAL. This show feels more like drama with musical interludes. One of Rodgers' wonderful performance numbers, "Plant You Now Dig You Later", was given a 30 second treatment as a scene transition. The short shrift given to the song and dance aspects of the original is a major mistake -- these provide the necessary balance to the seamy nature of the characters and story. In short, this show lacks the needed element of fun. Ironically, the two numbers that do add some sparkle are "Flower Garden of My Heart" and "Zip", both of which are often cut from revivals.
The second major miscue is the handling of the Joey Evans character. Yes, the character is supposed to be completely narcissistic. But here the producers have made him positively reptilian. Not only does he repel the audience, but it is impossible to believe that this character could seduce either of the female leads. That is why the original casting of Gene Kelly was so inspired. In fact, "think Gene Kelly" should be the mantra for any future revival. Joey Evans may be a reprobate, but he has to be a charming reprobate.
In addition, the Joey Evans character needs to be given at least one bravura dance number. The audience needs a reason to give him an ovation at show's end. This revival fails to provide that reason.
As a general rule, a revival will only be successful if it is crafted by those with a real love for the original. That is not to say that some libretto tweaking may not be appropriate, but the endeavor should be to lovingly restore a valuable work of art rather than to start with a blank canvas. One gets the feeling that the artistic team here was guided more by condescension than love.
I was hoping to see a top notch revival of Pal Joey in my lifetime. I still am. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Family
|
Recommended for:
Adults
|
|
|
|
|
| 3 |
Nice Pal Joey but protect your KNEES Review by: MickeyBoy7, Dec 25, 2008 |
Saw the show the first Sat nite after it's debut. All in all it's a nice musical. I was a little upset with the low cost replacement for the male lead but he wasn't bad. He had a Sinatra feel to him, though certainly not the Sinatra voice.
NOTE: If you are anywhere over 5 foot tall DO NOT SIT IN THE BALCONY. If you do prepare for your knees to be firmly planted against the seat in front of you...extremely uncomfortable. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
 |
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Anyone
|
|
|
|
|
| 4 |
Review by: APRALEIGH, Dec 19, 2008 |
| Saw this show on Friday, Dec 12 which was the original date for opening weekend. Costumes by William Ivey Long were gorgeous - particularly the gowns for Stockard Channing. Martha Plimpton was a delight in the role of Gladys Bumps. I wish the same could be said for the rest of the leads. The ensemble was very good - particularly the tenor and girls in "The Flower Garden of My Heart". Stockard Channing is a brilliant actress, but she ... read more cannot sing. She doesn't make the choice to speak sing, and she does not actually "sing" well enough to carry her part. She if often flat and terribly nasal. Matthew Riesch in the title role is appropriately handsome and sleazy, but he lacks the magnetism that is required for this tricky lead role. His singing is passable, and his dancing is very good. Unfortunately, he sweated his way through the entire show. It was like watching Nixon debate Kennedy. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Don't go
|
| Acting: |
 |
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
|
|
|
|
| 5 |
Stockard, Plimpton, Riche & Girls... AMAZING! Review by: Dave, Dec 16, 2008 |
| I saw the show before Matt went in and after and I have to say it is a new show with the new lead. Stockard gets better and better and Martha Plimpton is OUTSTANDING! One thing that gets glossed over is the female ensemble! They are probably one of the best lines of female ensemble dancing on Broadway today! They support the show and each and every one is a talent to be reckoned with. The overall feel of the show is that it is what it is... ... read more talented cast, great production definitely something to see. I enjoyed the show very much. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
|
|
|
|
|
| 6 |
Just ok: no spark other than Martha Plimpton Review by: Amy's Mom, Dec 14, 2008 |
Saw the Sunday matinee today with my daughter. It's unfortunate that the producers feel they need to cast a famous name like Stockard Channing in the lead role to attract an audience; she overacted and can not sing a lick. The best I can say is she physically she looks great and has a great plastic surgeon. I've always liked her in her films and TV work but this show is not the right venue for her.
The show clearly belongs to Martha Plimpton,... read more, who's always a scene stealer and proves to have a dynamic voice and stage presence.
I give kudos to the rest of the cast (especially Jenny Fellner) for their singing, acting and dancing abilities.
The show is ok but nothing memorable. We feel for the money, the best real broadway musical right now is South Pacific hands down! |
|
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Kids
|
Recommended for:
Tourists
|
|
|
|
|
| 7 |
Very good revival of a classic piece Review by: theatre goer, Dec 14, 2008 |
| Great show. Very entertaining for what it is. A show written in 1939 that carries very well today. Stockard Channing portrays her character well. Her rendition of Bewitched, Bothered is quite unique. The set is well done. Martha Plimpton is excellent. The work is a piece of theatre history and should be accepted for what it is. An enjoyable evening at the theatre. The show deals with some delicate subjects matter-abortion, affairs and of ... read more course a completely ammoral character and the people he takes advantage of. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Large Group
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
|
|
|
|
|
| 8 |
The best musical in a long time Review by: Fan, Dec 12, 2008 |
I saw the show on December 9th and liked
everything about it. Of course, I was in
an orchestra seat close to the stage, so it
may be that Stockard Channing's voice doesn't
carry throughout the theater. But she sounded
good to me.
Matthew Risch, who has stepped in to play Joey,
danced well.
The show-stopper was Martha Plimpton as Gladys
Bumps, a great performance and her "Zip" stops
the show.
It's ... read more clear that without "Pal Joey" there might not have
been a "Guys and Dolls." Don't be put off by the
carping. It's a great evening on Broadway. |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Alone
|
Recommended for:
Anyone
|
|
|
|
|
| 9 |
Review by: Lindylee, Dec 9, 2008 |
| Stockard Channing and Christian Huff were disappointing in their roles - they are not strong singers, and I believe if these roles were cast by different performers, the show would have a chance. I kept equating the title song "Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered" to the version sung by Cher - it hardly seemed like Ms. Channing was singing it at all. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Don't go
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
|
|
|
|
| 10 |
Enjoyed it! Review by: nan, Dec 1, 2008 |
Saw the show after Christian Hoff was injured and was replaced by Matthew Risch. Matthew Risch is both a good actor and a fantastic singer--he seemed made for the part. Stockard Channing fits the part but wish she was a better singer.
Martha Plimpton was very entertaining! The actress who plays Linda English also had a beautiful voice, but is not sultry like the original part called for.
Overall, enjoyed the show and the music. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
|
|
|
|
|
| 11 |
Review by: , Nov 30, 2008 |
| We saw the show on the first night of previews. It needed alot of work. Stockard Channing looked fabulous, but she definitely is not a singer! The highlight of the evening was Martha Plimpton. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Don't go
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
|
|
|
|
| 12 |
Good Production, but with some Major Flaws Review by: rskblueyes, Nov 19, 2008 |
I saw this show early in previews. Overall it is a very good production, with great staging, sets, and costumes. Unfortuently both leads ( Stockard Channing and Christian Hoff) cannot sing! This problem ruins what could have been a real great show, as this is a Rodgers & Hart shows with some great balladswhich require someone who can carry a tune.
The acting of Ms. Channing and Mr.Hoff in their roles was excellant. Ms. Channing's ... read more comediac timing was perfect. Mr. Hoff stage swagger reminded me of a young Frank Sinatra.
The biggest surprise of the evening with the exception of the stars tone deafness was the performance of Martha Plimpton. She stole the show. Her vocals and her perfomance made the evening worthwhile.
As per each year Roundabour churns out shows that are either hits or misses; due to the two leads vocal abilities I will have to count this as a miss. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Alone
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Adults
|
|
|
|
|
| 13 |
just o.k. Review by: Clarice, Nov 16, 2008 |
| The acting, dancing, costumes and staging were good. Ms. Channing's acting was better than her voice quality. The male lead (a sub for the show) was out of tune during most of his songs. The story was a little slow and wasn't really compelling. We saw this show during previews and I hope it will get better as time goes by. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
|
