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Passing Strange Reviews
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WE ARE NOT ON AVENUE Q ANYMORE! Review by: Beth M, Jul 22, 2008 |
By Beth Mandelbaum, July 22
When the closing notice was posting for Passing Strange I decided that I really should see it, but somehow it had never appealed to me, so I let it go. What an extraordinary surprise awaited me. I found Passing strange to be an amazing powerhouse of a musical. And finally, I understand why Passing Strange received the best reviews of any musical this season. What an experience. This is one of most ... read more wisdom filled musicals I have ever seen--full of life’s lessons and a looking back on one's life journey, with lots of unbelievably meaningful messages. I have now found another show that I have truly fallen in love with.
Having listened to the CD twice in advance was so helpful, as I had developed an appreciation for styles of music that I might otherwise have probably just passed off as not being “Broadway” enough. I found quite a number of the songs to be extremely catchy and tuneful, and others remind me of Bob Dylan's style, and also Hair, which is perhaps the true predecessor of Passing Strange: both are musicals of the psychedelic and the anger of rebellion. And they lyrics are brilliant—full of poetry and philosophy about life. And they have a mystical/metaphysical quality that I don't often find to this extent in Broadway musicals. This is part of what made Passing Strange really compelling and rather unique. And after hearing it 4 times, twice on CD and twice in the theater, I am now totally engaged with the music. And the more I listened, the more accessible it became.
It was especially exciting because I went to one of the two performances that Spike Lee filmed as he is making a film of the show, perhaps for PBS and a DVD release. I don't know if his film will tell the story outside the theater environment or be a way to make it possible for audiences everywhere to actually “see” the show. And because he and his crew were there, we were all invited to be as enthusiastic as we wanted to, and WOW was this an exciting performance. The show was impeccable and the audience was going wild, I included.
I was so moved and excited that after the show was over, I went back to the box office with a Broadwaybox discount, and found myself buying an orchestra seat for the following afternoon, the final performance. I knew that this performance would be extraordinarily exciting and meaningful, but also deeply sad, as everyone involved with this extraordinary musical had been working on aspects of this show for several years.
I am so glad that I went back to see the final performance. It was amazing. The audience was overflowing with deep enthusiasm, appreciation and love. Again, the applause was thunderous, and we stood at times during the performance, to clap and join in the singing. And the “curtain call” went on and on and on, with the audience applause and screaming at an extraordinarily high volume. No one wanted to see this unbelievably extraordinary show end.
And it has been so hard to come down from this “strange” weekend. Now, two days after the closing, I cannot get this show out of my mind. And it is my sincere hope that it stays in memory forever.
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Alone
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Tourists, Adults
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| 2 |
A cliché and boring show Review by: tpk-nyc, Jul 17, 2008 |
I wanted to like this show but, despite with others have written, found it very unoriginal and boring. A middle class guy feels out of place growing up, sings a few "gotta be me" songs, moves to Europe, gets stoned and has a lot of sex, curtain. There is nothing in this play that isn't standard-issue adolescent angst. The majority of people who move to New York have the exact same story. How is the new ... read more or cutting edge?
The performer are excellent, but I expect them to be on Broadway. This is rock musical for people who don’t see downtown theater or don't listen to rock music. Tepid and uninspired. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 3 |
The Future of Broadway Review by: DoctorJoeE, Jul 6, 2008 |
| A very interesting experience -- and, I think, the general way many non-revival Broadway shows will look in 4 or 5 years. (In The Heights is another example.) Four musicians sit in a ring, facing center stage, and the action takes place within that ring. That's it for staging -- you must use your imagination to visualize the same actors within the same ring playing totally different characters (except for narrator Stew and ... read more is alter-ego protagonist, Youth) in LA, Amsterdam, and Berlin. More reminiscent of a "singspiel"-type opera than a musical (and indeed, Stew insists in interviews that it is not a musical). The plot is nothing special -- a basic coming-of-age story -- but it's told in an original, quirky way. The other major theme is stereotypes -- self-imposed, unconscious stereotypes -- and how scary and dangerous they can be. This is a good one, and I recommend it. As I said, you'll be seeing many more like it in coming years, but most are unlikely to be this good. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| 4 |
Life changing writing, music and performances Review by: chula, Jul 2, 2008 |
| PS is the best musical I have ever seen. It spoke to me on many levels-- musically, emotionally, intellectually and artistically. Some may not like it, and that is fine, but for those us who are moved, it is life changing. Give it a chance and engage in the dialogue (if nothing else)! |
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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, Business Assoc., Seniors
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| 5 |
Brilliant modern musical! Review by: gooddoctorkate, Jun 29, 2008 |
| Brilliant show! Outstanding music and acting, and social commentary! Negative reviews here must be folks who were expecting traditional "old-school" Broadway musical fare (R&H, Sondheim). This show asks you to push the boundaries of the concept of a "musical". I highly recommend it! |
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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, Tourists, Adults
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| 6 |
Stew and his crew are amazing. Highly Recommend!!! Review by: LM, Jun 29, 2008 |
| Stew and his crew are amazingly talented, energetic, fun, sensitive, and so versatile in every role they played. We loved this show and are still discussing the well written lines and their pertinent and touching meanings days after seeing it. I would love to see it again and I usually don't say that about Broadway plays. I've also never bothered to write a review but I felt like this show deserved it! The writing was so meaningful, unlike ... read more so many of the shallow plays I have seen lately. My husband and I are 53 and we went with my daughter and nephew who are 25. The sets are simple but very well done. Highly recommend! |
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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, Business Assoc., Adults
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Don't Get a Rush Ticket if You Value Your Hearing! Review by: Theatergoer, Jun 25, 2008 |
I got a rush ticket for $25 and my seat was right next to one of the speakers. Big mistake! I could not enjoy the show, since it is mostly a concert with very loud rock music.
I see many, many Broadway shows. This was the first time I have ever walked out during intermission. The plot was boring, and everything was mimed, because there were no sets or costumes. Plus, I'm 41 and worried that I would permanently damage my hearing.... read more.
Don't get me wrong I love rock music. I remember seeing Tommy a number of years ago on Broadway, and it was amazing.
This is dull. I might buy the CD though. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 8 |
very original! Review by: , Jun 15, 2008 |
| This is the groundbreaking show that in the heights wishes it was! but sometimes it a little self-conscious in its attempt to not be a broadway musical. however, its effective overall and very touching. I cried. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Adults
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| 9 |
Tony Nominated? I think-Not So Worthy? Review by: Broadway Scott, Jun 8, 2008 |
| Too Loud! Too Much! I really wanted to love this show, but found it boring and really did not care for the storyline or any of the Characters. THough the cast is very talented. Only song I could remember or enjoyed was "Welcome To Amsterdam". There was a Major Hollywood Director sitting ahead of us-even he Fell asleep during the first act. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Large Group
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| 10 |
Powerful! Exploxive! Unique! Review by: smholst, Jun 8, 2008 |
| Passing Strange is the best musical to hit Broadway in years. From the moment it begins to the conclusion, it captured my imagination, my spirit, and my emotions. Each individual performance is strong and the narrator and narration are superb. As an ensemble piece, it doesn't get any better. I laughed, cried, applauded, and was elevated to another level. The lyrics told a story - my story, your story, and his story. I connected ... read more to the piece from beginning to end and left wanting the story line to continue. This was a graduation present for my son and his words were, "How can you not have a visceral experience after being exposed to Passing Strange? If you only have the opportunity to see one Broadway play, this is the one! I plan to see it again and take friends. Broadway may not be ready for the creator of this magnificent piece, but he is certainly ready for Broadway. It was, simply put, powerful! SMH |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
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| 11 |
Don't bother Review by: purlygurl, Jun 5, 2008 |
| I absolutely hated this show and so did the 3 other people I was with. I attend Broadway theater all the time and this is the first time I absolutely wanted to walk out (should have) it had moments of being very good but overall the flow, story line, and feel were off. Some good talent but not worth the trip. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 12 |
Passing Strange is indeed Strange at times Review by: , Jun 2, 2008 |
| If you want glitz, costumes, scenery, dancing – you won’t find it here. Rather this play is somewhat poignant while parts of it strange, bizarre and out there. I think you will either love it or find it mediocre, the latter of which we did (3 women, ages 44, 51, and 61). It is adult themed so definitely not for kids. The best part of the play for us was sitting in the 2nd row center so we appreciated the superb acting up close. The play ... read more does have a theme of “youth” trying to find himself via hometown church, Berlin, and Amsterdam. The music is original but nothing we would remember afterwards. I personally judge a play if I would see it again, and once was enough. I saw Jersey Boys, In the Heights, Grease, and Alter Boyz within the last 2 months and Passing Strange was my least favorite. I’m sure many people would love this type of play as evident by the man laughing hysterically behind us who announced “I can’t wait to see this again” or the man next to me crying hysterically towards the end. But for the 3 of us, we should have passed it by and thought it should have remained Off-Broadway. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Business Associate
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Best I've seen in a LONG, LONG time Review by: Broadway Buff, May 29, 2008 |
| Best Show I've Seen in many years. Multi-dimensional. VERY entertaining and also very deep. A rare combination in any venue these days. My 24 year old enjoyed it as much and wants to see it again. I'm going to purchase tickets for my other three; ages 28, 22 and 19. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Kids
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Recommended for:
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| 14 |
Great Show Review by: CM, May 18, 2008 |
Great Story and Music. The vocalist and musicians were excellent. It is more like a play with music rather than a broadway musical. Minimal staging. Loud rock music.
Try to avoid the balcony seats. It was hard to see the stage due to a safety bar and it was very cramped. |
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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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| Story: |
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
Adults
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| 15 |
Thinking to see wich show ? GO SEE THIS!!!! Review by: LouLou, May 13, 2008 |
We just LOVED IT GO see it you will know why....
Direction is good and music is fantastic
You did an amazing job Stew !
Best show in B'way for sure
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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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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