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Sunday in the Park With George Reviews
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Beautiful But British Review by: Jay in (not of) L.A., Jun 25, 2008 |
| I'd only ever seen SITPWG on DVD, and I fell in love with it there. This production is quite beautiful. If you're a fan of the Mandy / Bernadette version, you will miss them greatly. But the staging and score are sights and sounds to behold. I'm so disappointed that some theater goers don't have the patience for this kind of show anymore. I still haven't figured out why (or even how) the British manage to boil the humor out of Sondheim, but ... read more by jove -- they've done it again here. A mixed review, certainly -- but if you're a Sondheim fan, you will enjoy it. |
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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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Review by: eric, Jun 16, 2008 |
| This is one of the worse shows I have ever seen. If I could have left after the first two scenes I would have. It is very boring. The actors diction is not understandable. The sets were great, but it in no way made up for the rest. I left at intermission along with many others. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Large Group
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this is the best show on broadway for a thinking person Review by: , Jun 15, 2008 |
| This is a beautiful and very emotional show. Evans and Russel do an amazing job as the leads. I wished Evans at least would have won the Tony tonight. The show is more original than South Pacific. It makes me sad that it wasn't honored. I bawled my eyes out during the curtain call. I couldn't stop thinking about it for days. This is a true example of a great revival that outdoes the original. Im only sad that's closing soon. go see it! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Artists - go see this now!!! Review by: Adyc, May 25, 2008 |
| Excellent! I am a graphic designer myself thus I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the show, from storoline to lighting effects. Acting was wondeful and very moving, it is a must see show! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I'll see you there Review by: Sparky Fecit, May 5, 2008 |
I saw the original producton in 1984 (I can't believe it was so long ago). I didn't like it at first. (I dislike Mandy Patinkin, who played George.) A second viewing several months later (with different actors) touched me and changed my mind, but still I found it difficult to get into. But now, 24 years later, I find it deeply moving. The actors are wonderful. So, if you are young, you have to get started with it now, so you can appreciate ... read more it when you're fifty-eight. This show is not revived often, and this may be your only chance.
The technical requirements of the set being able to mimic the painting are daunting. However, this production's technology is brilliantly conceived and executed, and promotes the "scenery" to a living character, in a manner of speaking, that responds amusingly and magically (and appropriately) to the occurrences onstage--and they will never be done better. It's worth the price of admission just to observe the set. Fortunately the human performances are every bit as good. The actor who plays "George" projects a joy at the end which was a revelation to me.
In preparation you can see vids of the original production on YouTube-- http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=sunday+park+george&search_type=
or read about the show here-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunday_in_the_Park_with_George
People seem to love it or hate it... but you should go to see it because you might be one of the blessed people who loves it, and it will be very deeply felt by you if you do. It's worth the risk. |
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must see!
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Ignore the ignorant...open you mind and let this brilliance wash over you. Review by: Michael, Apr 30, 2008 |
My initial experience with this show was some 24 years ago when I was in college and was fortunate enough to see it with Mandy and Bernadette. This production, which I have just returned from seeing rivals that one and then some. So many of these "negative" reviews were likely written by people from out of town who couldn't get tickets to "Wicked". The leads: Intoxicating. Do they possess the same vocal power as Mandy and Bernadette did? ... read more No they don't. Do they know how to convey a song with just as much emotion? YES.
The supporting cast: Not a weak link. In fact, MaryBeth Piel as the mother is FAR superior to the original...less "shrill" and more "believable". All were excellent.
The production: Disarmingly and jaw droppingly gorgeous.
Run don't walk to this show and open your mind to art. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Adults
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Amazing, beautiful show, but requires a sophisticated taste for Sondheim's intricate music Review by: cspahn21, Apr 26, 2008 |
| This is one of Stephen Sondheim's most beautiful shows! It isn't quite as spectacular as the original was, but the cast is mostly British, and their accents add a certain authenticity to the entire play that the original did not have. Theatregoers who are into the mainstream types of shows wouldn't appreciate this show as much--the plot is very serious and deep, and the music is not very melodic or hummable, but instead more expressive and ... read more emotional. This show is sophisticated and artistic on so many levels and has so much more depth than most Broadway shows. This makes it a show that I want to see several times, and there is no better place to see it than at Studio 54! |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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A mixed bag and not for everyone. Review by: Dramamama, Apr 26, 2008 |
First let me say that Sunday is NOT a musical for the masses. The original production was a critical success but not a popular one. You either get it or you don't. The original with Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters remains one of the most moving theatrical experiences of my life.
Now on to the revival: The sets/projections/lighting was awe inspiring and every bit a star of the production as the lead actors.
The biggest difference ... read more between the original and the revival was (IMO) the focus. I found the original to be a about personal journeys and choices...which happen to focus the story around artists. The revival chose the focus to be about the creation of art...which happen to focus the story with relationships. I believe this to be why so many people refer to it as "cold" and I concur.
Jenna Russell was truly outstanding, although there were definite directorial choices I questioned. Daniel Evans (?) was good, but made some character choices that did not work for me.
I really liked this, but was no where near as moved as I would have hoped.
If you don't like to think while being entertained, this certainly is NOT the show for you. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Excellent cast, story, music Review by: M, Apr 24, 2008 |
I am generally not a fan of musicals, but this play made me a believer. I chose to see it for the story, which lived up to my expectations, but the music really caught me by surprise. The tone, the lyrics, the cast were all stellar. The production, lighting, and special effects were really cool as well.
I would see this show again and recommend it to my friends. |
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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:
The Entire Family, Seniors, Tourists
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| 10 |
Amazing Staging and Lighting Effects Review by: Clarice, Apr 7, 2008 |
| The story was a little slow, but the scenery and background lighting effects were amazing. I would recommend this to adults who are into shows that require some thought. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
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| 11 |
Review by: bookliz, Apr 3, 2008 |
| Boring. Fell asleep in the first act. Second act better. Sets were great |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Show lacks emotional warmth Review by: JW, Mar 24, 2008 |
| Maybe I expected too much, but sad to say, this was a disappointing experience. As others have mentioned, the show does offer an intellectual examination of the conflicted artist, but the story is presented in such a cold manner, that I felt no emotional connection with the characters. I guess it would also help to listen to the show's cast album before seeing the show, because for the life of me, I can't recall one melody from the show. ... read more In short--unengaging and boring. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 13 |
Expecting a whole lot more Review by: theatretime, Mar 24, 2008 |
This is definitely a show for a very specific theater audience, and not for the casual theater-goer. I wouldn't recommend this show for anyone who likes to leave the theater humming one of the songs from the show.
The production is visually stimulating, and as a whole, the show provides for a lot conversation after its over (not necessarily in a good way). Unfortunately, the music isn't impressive with a VERY small orchestra. The acting ... read more was just fine, but didn't make me care for any of the characters.
I was expecting a lot more from this show and came away with the impression that it is catering to a somewhat pretentious crowd that seems to want to rave about the show because they think they are supposed to. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Recommended for:
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| 14 |
HATED IT!!! Review by: Theatremaven, Mar 23, 2008 |
| I am sorry but this was the worst musical I have seen on Broadway in my lifetime. I am an avid theatregoer and this was the most boring, unappealing show. The characters portrayals are hollow and cold and the show is very unemotional. The songs are not memorable and it is such a tedious performance. Don't waste your money or time. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
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| 15 |
Review by: JPC, Mar 22, 2008 |
| I am a theatre professional from DC with an abiding love for the sophisticated music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim rewards those who spend time with his complex work--you can't get everything the first time. If possible, spend some time with one of the cast albums and let this magical score get under you skin. I have seen multiple, superb professional productions of this show and I spend over 100 nights a year in the theatre. ... read more All this is to say that this is one of the most thrilling and emotional art experiences of my life. I am now online to get tickets for a second visit. The score is vibrantly sung and played and the specificity of the acting--even in the small parts is breathtaking. The unique design is like nothing ever seen before and brings the show to heights never imaginable. If you are a Sondheim fan, or if you want to be challenged and moved by a life altering piece of theatre, DO NOT MISS THIS PRODUCTION. I attended with my wife and a close friend from NYC (late 50's) and my daughter and her partner (mid 20's) and we all were overcome with emotion and crying on multiple occasions. This is not escapism, but a vivid memory that will last forever. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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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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