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| 1 |
WHAT THEY DID FOR LOVE Review by: Beth M, Oct 13, 2008 |
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE’S FAVORITE THING—THE FINAL MATINEE OF [TITLE OF SHOW]
By Beth Mandelbaum
It was both an exciting and a sad occasion to see the final matinee yesterday of the extraordinarily and delightful musical [title of show]. It was truly heartwarming to see so many fans in the audience, quite a few wearing their [tos] tee-shirts and hats. And it was very wonderful to see the show sold out and with a full compliment of ... read more standing room-ers, to send it [tos] with cheers of appreciation as it ended its all too brief Broadway transfer at the Lyceum.
I had seen [title of show] off Broadway at the Vineyard a few years ago and had thoroughly enjoyed it. I found it extremely clever and witty, funny and touching, with an “infectious” score that was thoroughly accessible, and the fantastically talented cast, which included the shows brilliant creators, Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, and the delightful Heidi Blickenstaff, with her gorgeous voice matched with the wonderfully witty Susan Blackwell.
[Title of show] has sometimes been criticized as being too much of a Broadway “insiders” show, with its often seemingly endless references to rather obscure flop shows and theater people known only to theater aficionados, which may have been the primary reason why [tos] was unable to survive on Broadway. Having been a theater goer since the 1950’s, I must admit I actually saw some of the flops, and am aware of at least some of the theater people mentioned, so found a great deal of this somewhat easy to “get.,” which added to the fun for me. But I have to agree that the show’s creators did take a chance on this approach. But yet, for me, all of this was totally natural to them and this kind of naturalism was certainly part of [tos]’s charm.
Witnessing the life journey of a musical, actually from cradle to grave, and having such a realistic and honest glimpse into the lives, especially of Jeff and Hunter, as this journey progresses, was a rather unique experience for a show and this was, for me, one of the reasons that made [to] so very special.
I found it very interesting that the shows director and choreographer was Michael Berresse who played Zack, the Michael Bennett style character in the recent revival of A Chorus Line, a show with some similar themes. Both are about putting one’s life, hopes, and talent on the line in the attempt to make ones dreams about being recognized in theater come true. Both are also about the wide range of emotions among the performers who are willing to (or in the case of ACL, often forced to) expose their vulnerabilities. I would consider both to be excellent examples of a genre of theater that I would like to call the “reality” musical.
I truly feel that [title of show] is first and foremost very much about that highly recognizable and inspiring, though tinged with sadness, song from A Chorus Line, “What I Did For Love.”
And in reflecting on sadness, sitting in the second row center, I had the privilege of sharing my own tears with those of Jeff, Hunter, Susan and Heidi. While I was filled with joy during most of [tos], as the show was starting to head to its close when the group are rather tensely making their plans to bring the show to Broadway, I became so acutely aware of the fact that I was witnessing the final matinee.
The show ends, as I believe it also did at the Vineyard, with the realization by all that they had created a work of great meaning to them, had put it out there, and that now was the time to “let go” and see what destiny brings.
I think that everyone in the audience was acutely aware that this was the show’s final day, and this made yesterday’s performance so deeply human, touching and poignant, as the show’s “destiny” was now.
The applause was thunderous. I left with tears streaming down my cheeks and I know that I was not alone.
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| 2 |
Great Show Review by: ava, Oct 10, 2008 |
| I am a senior citizen and went to see it with another senior citizen and loved it so much we saw it a second time and bought the CD. It is refreshing, loved the music and thought the cast was very talented. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| 3 |
See it Before It Closes--An Original Work--The Writers are in the Cast Review by: manc, Oct 5, 2008 |
I try to make it to NYC at least twice a year to see the new shows--my latest trip was the weekend of September 19. A friend (I consider him very informed on musical theatre) recommended [title of show], so I headed to NYC with tickets waiting (and knowing nothing about the production).
I absolutely loved the show. I laughed, I left humming the tunes (until I could get back to my hotel and download the cast recording from iTunes), I ... read more almost blew off another show, for which I had tickets, to see it again, and I throughly enjoyed myself--[title of show] was a highlight of the trip.
There is a lot of humor in the show that will go over the heads of those not that familiar with musical theatre; however, that inside knowledge is just icing on the cake--complete novices would enjoy themselves (and the cast acknowledges this as they are "writing the show").
If you're expecting a Les Miz or a Phantom, then you will be disappointed. However, if you're looking for an original work and want to be entertained, then see this show before it closes (the guys who wrote the book, music and lyrics are in the show)-catch those others on their perpetual national tours.
I waited on line after the show to meet the cast--they spent so much time visiting with everyone waiting for them--the cast was (and those on line were) truly passionate about this show. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 4 |
AMAZING Review by: , Oct 2, 2008 |
WONDERFUL! LOVELY FRESH BREATHE OF AIR!
Wonderful Cast - I Loved Every Minute of It!
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Large Group
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| 5 |
Disappointment Review by: emmgal, Oct 1, 2008 |
| Probably this was one of the worst shows I ever saw on Broadway. I completely agree with the previous review, that it looks sometimes that significant part of the theatre were planted with folks who kept laughing at stuff I totally didn't understand. All the jokes were like the ones from a cheap soap opera when people are laughing even when the cell phone rings. There is no story in the show. The acting is OK, music so-so. This is the show ... read more that you will forget in two weeks what it was about. A complete waste of time. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 6 |
Funny, but maybe better left OFF-BROADWAY Review by: reviewer29, Sep 28, 2008 |
I had read this and a few other sites and somewhat hesitantly decided to try the lottery for the show on Thursday 9/25 and won a seat. I have seen the promoters push this show at TKTS and all along Times Square, citing it's hilarity and originality.
I must admit this was VERY different, and at times I didn't get it (I felt like the last 3 rows of the orchestra were planted folks who kept laughing at stuff I totally didn't understand..... read more..maybe those were the inside jokes everyone kept mentioning). The cast here is VERY talented, especially the two women who could absolutely hold their own in most full-fledged Broadway musicals.
Apart from the talented cast, this show did disappoint me. The self-referentialism got tiring at points, and I wish they had at least tried to develop more of a connection between the characters (there is emotion toward the end but it's a little overdue by that point). As for being a musical, except for one or two numbers with the women, it felt like an Off-Broadway play with some music they forced in. I cannot overstate that I really felt like I was watching something Off-Broadway, completely bare bones, and I would have been very upset had I paid full price for a ticket.
In the end I was glad I got to see it for myself to make my own opinion. I heard a promoter on Times Square announce it is now closing in two weeks, which didn't surprise me.
I know a lot of others really enjoyed and thats the magic of theatre, but this one just wasn't for me. I hope the two women find awesome roles in their next show, they were very talented! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 7 |
KEEP THIS GEM ON BROADWAY WHERE IT BELONGS!!! Review by: summerawakening, Sep 27, 2008 |
| I saw [title of show] for the second time today. I had imposed a no-duplicate rule on myself and this show was made to break that rule. This is a clever, unique, funny, and entertaining show. Is it a Phantom, Les Mis, South Pacific kind of show - no...but it's not supposed to be. I would hope that theater lovers out there could open their minds to something different. I love all of the classic shows, but it was so refreshing to see ... read more something different. By the end of the show, you will want to take the cast out to celebrate their success. I thank the cast and crew for bringing this "rice krispie treat" to Broadway. Go see it and you will know what I mean. Tossers forever:) |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Business Associate
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Tourists
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| 8 |
funniest show on broadway!! Review by: mikeshee, Sep 17, 2008 |
| extremely original concept. excellent music and hysterical dialogue. also very moving. cast was superb! i highly recommend it to anyone. |
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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., Tourists
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| 9 |
Best thing to happen to Broadway in decades! Review by: broadwayboi, Sep 11, 2008 |
Title of Show is the best thing to happen to Broadway in almost 30 years! The music is sublimely simple, the book and the "device" of the show, if you can call it that, are fresh and unexpected.
The entire thing oozes inspiration from every pore, and you really feel the warmth of the friendships on stage.
You should be somewhat familiar with musicals to catch the references and of course, if you are unintelligent, you will not ... read more like the show, hence the occasional negative review here.
I dream of a time when Broadway will be dominated by quirky one of a kind shows and the movie-turned-musical will be a thing of the past, though I'm not holding my breath. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Adults
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| 10 |
Terrible! Review by: Carol, Sep 7, 2008 |
| What a disappointment. Does this show really think it is a play? We walked out on it. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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| 11 |
great show! Review by: billyelliotfan12, Sep 5, 2008 |
refreshing is the first word that comes to mind when reviewing [title of show]. it's completely original (something broadway has been lacking for years), lighthearted & funny. It's not for tourists (which again, is refreshing), not for "old theatre people" (which again, is refreshing) and isn't for stupid people. I do agree that a lot of the jokes can get lost in the generation gap, but even so this show is special and different in a way ... read more that could very well change most theatre-goers perception of theatre. GO SEE [TITLE OF SHOW]!!!!!
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Adults
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| 12 |
A great little show that will make you grin ear-to-ear! Review by: HenryinNYC, Aug 30, 2008 |
[title of show] is a whole lot of fun! People call it the "little show that could." It's the true story of the four actors you see on stage – and about how the two male leads wrote a show about the process of writing a show for a theater festival, that then went to an off-Broadway theater, and then went to Broadway. And as a Broadway musical, they have still kept that little show feel. By the end of the show, you can't help but become a ... read more cheerleader for the cast.
It's warm without being sappy. And it's VERY funny! There are quite a few Broadway-insider jokes that I didn't understand. I'm not a big theater guy, but that didn't keep me from enjoying the show. Some of the language may be a little R-rated for seniors or young kids. But for anyone 16-66 who every dreamed about being in the theater, or had any childhood dream that they wished they had followed through on, this show is a real treat! You'll grin ear-to-ear, and you'll leave with this sense that you just watch four people tell their story and achieve their dream right there in front of you.
It's really a terrific show! |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
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| 13 |
Review by: Amanda, Aug 27, 2008 |
| This show was amazing! Must see. You wont see anything else like it. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 14 |
Very entertaining despite its limitations Review by: JRSpeck, Aug 25, 2008 |
| I went to see this show on Saturday the 23rd and found it very entertaining. Yes, one needed to be somewhat cognizant of NYC theatre or even bad TV (Shields & Yarnell?lol) but one could enjoy it without that knowledge, just not as much. The music was at times bland and perhaps a bit simplistic but many of the songs were interesting. The rapport the 4 actors had was obvious. It would be interesting to see how the understudies do when or if they ... read more go on. This is a show for everyone but especially theatre dorks like Hunter and Jeff! There is a lot of foul language and the "f-bomb" drops alot so this show may be better suited for adults rather than the whole family. |
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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:
Adults
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| 15 |
[title of show] = bad attempt at a high school marketing scam Review by: AdamZ, Aug 24, 2008 |
Fueled by overzealous and obviously understimulated teenage on-liners (Age of Aquarius? More like "This is the Dawning of the 21st Century YouTube Groupies!!"), [title of show] is one of the most embarrassingly awful "We dared to dream" musicals ever produced in New York. The number of insider jokes -- and I'm not talking about the sublte references to other B'way shows; I'm talking about the nudge-nudge, wink-wink, 'Did you catch ... read more that totally [tos]some, cramazing reference to our latest podcast?!' cafeteria cliquery that happens throughout the entire 85 minutes between the 4 cast members on stage and those wearing duct tape in the audience was enough to turn my stomach and make me do something I've never done before: demand my money back.
Simply put, if you're going to see anything on B'way, save your "Peanut Butter Haystacks" and "Cincinatti Bowties" (nudgey-nudgey!) and see anything but [title of show]. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
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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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