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Rock n Roll Reviews
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This neither Rocked nor Rolled! Review by: , Feb 3, 2008 |
| We made a last minute decision to see something on Broadway. Rock n Roll was not our first option but it is where we ended up. I am 34 years old and I somehow feel that this play was not written for someone my age. Although I recognized all of the music that was played in between scenes, I had a very difficult time keeping with the storyline of the play. We left at intermission and lets just say we were polite in waiting for intermission ... read more to leave. The shocker of it all was that I could see at least 6 people sleeping through the first act. Don't waste a dollar on this one, unless you find napping in a theater chair comfortable! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
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| 2 |
Well meant intellectual masturbation Review by: Byong, Jan 23, 2008 |
| This is not a play peopled with characters we can feel for or relate to. It is a densely packed dissertation covering a long period of European political history. Don't let people tell you that you're not educated or sophisticated enough to understand it. Stoppard clearly has an astonishing intellect but in this play, as in many of his others, he is incapable of creating real people to bring his ideas to life. There are many unnecessary scenes ... read more and obscure, repetitive arguments which never bring us closer to the real heart of human beings. I felt like I was watching a bad (modern) George Bernard Shaw play. On top of all this, it is long. Way too long. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 3 |
Interesting but not inspiring Review by: Joely, Jan 12, 2008 |
| The play is an enjoyable and somewhat informative evening's entertainment but, perhaps like many of Stoppard's plays, has been overrated, at least from the audience viewpoint. The rock and roll music, which is the central conceit of the play, is only marginally relevant to the play's central core which is the repression of Czechoslovakia by the Communist regime. Much of the story is a fancy soap opera about the lives of the central British and ... read more Czech characters. The most entertaining and worthwhile aspect of the play is --again a Stoppard specialty--the musings and philosophical observations of the main characters. Go....but don't expect too much unless you need an infusion of Pink Floyd every ten minutes. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
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| 4 |
Rock n' Roll Review by: Tom Bestor, Jan 2, 2008 |
Tom Stoppard's newest has been getting mixed reviews. Critics mostly seem to like it (one said it is "arguably Stoppard's best play"), but audiences (at least those who care enough to post their opinions on discussion boards) are more skeptical. Getting a ticket is pretty easy, even at deep discounts.
After seeing the production tonight, I can see why. The play itself is terrific -- filled with Stoppard's wit delivered by characters that ... read more are passionate and fiery -- but with a certain British restraint. The story is rich and important. (And should probably be considered in tandem with Stoppard's "The Coast of Utopia" trilogy -- one being about the birth of communism, the other about its death.)
But this production, for many reasons, never lets the power and passion of the play's text really come through to the audience. The cast, though capable (and including Brian Cox, Sinead Cusack and Rufus Sewell), never come together as a true ensemble. The direction is flaccid and impotent, denying not only the passions of the characters, but the menace of totalitarianism that hangs over virtually every scene. We're supposed to be frightened by what Communists clinging to control are capable of -- but we aren't. And the staging (imported, I understand, almost entirely from the National Theatre production in London last year) doesn't seem to fit very well in the Jacobs Theatre. The balance seemed off.
On the positive side, I will say the of all the actors, Rufus Sewell brought the most to his role. (Good thing, too, since his Jan is the heart and soul of "Rock 'n' Roll" -- the idealist who loves the freedom and mad release rock music delivers.)
By the second act, though, I was able to put the production's shortcomings into the background and let the power of Stoppard's words do the work he intended them to do. I loved the arguments about the nature of consciousness and the mind-body (or rather mind-brain) duality.
From what I read, there are many other plays coming up this trip that I will likely recommend more, but if you are a fan of Stoppard's on any level, I don't think "Rock 'n' Roll" is a play you should miss.
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| 5 |
boredom CITY USA Review by: theatreSNOB, Dec 8, 2007 |
| Do not go see this show. SNOOZEFEST. |
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| 6 |
Full Of Promise But ultimately -A Letdown Review by: Logan Parker, Dec 3, 2007 |
Rock'N'Roll is chock full of ideas and talent but
ultimately does not engage or stimulate the
theatergoer. Although i will say that the music
delivered some of the most affecting moments of the
evening only to have them disappointingly cut short to
bring you back to the actual play. I get what Stoppard
is attempting to do but he leaves you flat and adrift
with little pleasure and allot of frustration and
wanting. At one ... read more point late in the play, one of the
characters Esme passionately shouts out "I don't care"
and with that statement expresses how you feel
watching the play. Which is a shame because there is a
treasure trove of history and ideas that he is trying
to work with and i had such high hopes and
anticipation for it. It's hard to say what one thing
kills the play but the rapid changing of scenes that
never allow you to get into the groove of what's going
on doesn't help. The structure of the play seems
stiff, forced,overly controlled and old fashioned with
a very unsmooth and unflowing feel. It is as if a
totalitarian regime is trying to strong arm you into
submission to what is good for you but you are
resisting it all the way. The cast is excellent save
for a somewhat sluggish performance by Rufus Sewell as
Jan. Standouts are Brian cox, alice Eve, Sinead cusak
and Nicole Ansari who try their best to force some
life into this deadness. there are two or three
moments that break out with some electricity but they
are very very short lived and are far too few. Many of
the themes Stoppard is juggling are are vital and
interesting but would be better served in an essay or
a book.It just doesn't work theatrically. At least not
the way this play is structured or presented. The play
appears to get caught in one of the very issues that
is central to its themes. It has gotten lostin its
head and intellect and can not connect to the audience
with any heart or feeling.
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| 7 |
Review by: , Nov 30, 2007 |
| One one word to describe this play--- HORRIBLE. Waste of time and money |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 8 |
Intelligent well crafted work of art! Review by: Ted, Oct 27, 2007 |
| It is early in the preview period to write a review perhaps but everything about this show is so perfect that it cannot matter. Stoppard has once again created a dense multilayered piece of work but with humor and intelligence. The first act may drive you a little mad but it will be well worth your while to stay. It is a cerebral piece however and reading the program inserts would be advised. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
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| 9 |
Don't waste your time & money. Review by: , Oct 22, 2007 |
| My wife and another couple went to the show this past weekend. We all didn't get it! We decided to walk out during intermission. Many others walked out as well. We spoke with one of the ushers and was told that many people walked out the day before too. Don't waste your time and money. It is way too long (3 hours)and will put you to sleep. We see lots of broadway shows and this is the first one we ever walked out of! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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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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