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THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jacobsnchz14 2012-07-28 15:01:12

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jpbran 2012-07-28 15:05:41

jacobsnchz: Are you referring to "Into the Woods?" This is about "Nutty Professor..."

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jacobsnchz14 2012-07-28 15:08:40

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Whoops! Had both tabs open and confused the question for the other thread! :P

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by AEA AGMA SM 2012-07-28 15:22:13

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"(even with a non-typical market for a tryout, just the people involved would -- you think -- invite more coverage and discussion)"

Or maybe they chose such a non-typical market to avoid the coverage and discussion. There is a reason shows used to go out of town for try-outs in the pre-internet age, to be able to avoid the scrutiny of the New York scene while they work the kinks out.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by ggersten 2012-07-28 16:55:48

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Found this on line of two unknown people about seeing the show

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jpbran 2012-07-29 23:21:53

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Just got home... Not too exciting for me to say "it was just... ok" but that's about it. Haven't seen the original movie since I was a kid, but it seemed to follow pretty closely from what I remember.

It was sorta funny, sorta moving, sorta memorable (well, actually I can't remember a single song just an hour after curtain call.) The cast was energetic and did as well as possible with what they had to work with. Melissa McGowan as Stella seemed like she was in a different, more traditional/less slapsticky show at times.

Michael Andrew often seemed to be doing more impression than full-fledged performance at times, though he was generally likable despite being more Carol Burnett show than legitimate Broadway star throughout most of the show.

Jerry Lewis came out and spoke at the end and said "we're going to Broadway." I think that still may be optimistic in the absence of a real release or announcement. As is, to quote my partner-- "Broadway will eat the show alive."

It's basically a serviceable musicalization of a well-known property, complete with a fairly accurate if by-the-numbers impression. A smidge more "Cry-Baby" than "Hairspray" (to compare to two other 50s and 60s set film adaptations.

Staging was simple -- mostly backdrops with a handful of physical sets, the largest being the oft-used nightclub stage. (The band/orchestra is at the back of the stage for the last 1/4 or so; reminded me of CMIYC.) A small "lab" apparatus drops in several times; seemed like a small, lower-budgeted piece of the "Young Frankenstein" set. Oh, and NO show curtain.

Could have used the elimination or shortening of a couple of the dance breaks. The show seemed about 10-15 mins too long.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jpbran 2012-07-30 11:07:53

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PS-- One of those dance numbers was an overlong and somehow low-energy cheerleading routine, seemingly in vogue for recent musicals.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by BwayGeek2 2012-07-30 12:46:00

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I know you said you don't remember the score afterwards, but while you were in the score how was it??
(I know that Hamlisch's SWEET SMELL score, I didn't "remember" songs afterwards, but still thought that the score was very good.)

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jpbran 2012-07-30 13:29:41

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Was ok overall... "Serviceable" is the word that comes to mind. (already used by me I think)

Even during the reprise numbers, it would take me a minute to go "oh, yeah." Nothing too cringe-worthy, but nothing memorable.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jpbran 2012-08-07 15:47:45

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RIP Marvin Hamlisch.

How do things work in a situation like this? If there are changes being made either on the fly or between Nashville and wherever-it-goes-next, will they bring someone else in (maybe after waiting a while) to make some updates/improvements? Or will they freeze it and hope for the best?

Any other examples of this happening before something is "locked?" (aside from "Rent")

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by Dollypop 2012-08-07 20:56:13

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Yes, VICTOR/VICTORIA lost its composer, Henry Mancini, before the show came into NYC. Someone names Frank Wildhorn was brought in to provide additional music. CURTAINS had Rupert Holmes providing lyrics when Fred Ebb passed away.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by sparrman 2012-08-07 23:00:43

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Holmes could of course do additional work on the SCORE of Nutty Professor, too.

What's the deal with Holmes? I'd say Drood's strongest element is the musical score, but Holmes seems to have abandoned composing for book and lyric writing, which I feel are the lesser of his abundant talents.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by bk 2012-08-07 23:35:55

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If you search around you'll find the reason. No need to post it here, as it's very personal.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by ghostlight2 2012-08-08 00:31:13

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If that's true that it's very personal, how considerate of you to draw attention to it.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by sparrman 2012-08-08 01:34:38

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Thank you, BK. I did search, and found the answer in an interview on his own website.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by HauteCraigture 2012-08-08 06:45:11

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If it was that personal, he wouldn't have talked about it in interviews. He stopped writing plays after his daughter passed away. Was that so hard?

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by sparrman 2012-08-08 10:48:05

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Not hard, but quite inaccurate. After his daughter died, he found it hard to write music, and so he essentially-but-not-entirely stopped composing.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by devonian.t 2012-08-08 12:52:17

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A frank, moving and fascinating interview.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by iluvtheatertrash 2012-08-08 13:24:39

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I'm hearing the divine Klea Blackhurst is stopping the show, which isn't surprising in the least. Is it true?

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by bk 2012-08-08 14:13:35

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"If it was that personal, he wouldn't have talked about it in interviews. He stopped writing plays after his daughter passed away. Was that so hard?"

HIM talking about it is one thing - you, who don't know him, is entirely another. I have respect for people and Rupert is a friend of mine. The ten questions with posted above was done by me.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by chrisampm2 2012-08-08 15:56:44

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BK, your discretion makes sense to me. Thanks.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by EricMontreal22 2012-08-08 16:00:52

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He did continue writing some music for his AMC TV show Remember WENN (which despite some problems, I kinda loved).

I never knew that about his daughter--very sad. The musical that it turned into a book instead sounds pretty interesting, too...

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jayclay 2012-08-08 16:44:21

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My mother-in-law saw this last week. She happened to be sitting next to Michael Andrew's mother, who said the previous night their section had been full of backers. She said it does not have the money to go to Broadway at this point.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by best12bars 2012-08-08 17:26:25

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I think Rupert is kind of a genius. Always have. HIs music constantly surprised me when I sat in the audience for a preview of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Wholly unique and wonderful.

I understand his reasons. Still, it's our loss that the music went out of his life.

I completely respect his decision, however.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by tazber 2012-08-08 18:36:54

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Meanwhile the clips BWWTV is showing look great.

Colorful, tuneful, and fun.

I really hope this continues and further enhances hi

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by Playbilly 2012-08-12 02:19:14

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Just saw it. The show is fun, which is more than you can say for recent B'Way musicals, especially those based on movies, ahem. Still needs work, and from I hear a Broadway production would also include higher production values. The show needs tinkering, and the creatives know it.

It's a pleasant show that could certainly have a life on tour. Yes, Klea stops the show.

I feared it would be a Lewis vanity project, but it comes off more like a Holmes' show. I think they would be smart to wait to transfer if they can. There will be a slew (too many?) family friendly shows this Fall and Winter.

Not every show that comes to Broadway has to be Theatre Changing Art.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by henrikegerman 2012-08-12 12:34:08

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"though he was generally likable despite being more Carol Burnett show than legitimate Broadway star throughout most of the show."

I'm sure you have something in mind here but it's not clear. Given that Carol Burnett = textbook legitimate (in the sense of consummate, not in the sense of non-musical) Broadway star. And Korman, Lawrence and Conway were/are great talents.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jpbran 2012-08-12 17:14:47

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I guess my point is the character is played in a "sketch" tone, meaning something fine in a small dose, but tiresome in a 2+hour show (though the character is actually two throughout the show.)

Even for a show of this type, it just seemed overly cartoonish/broad (esp the Kelp half of the character.) Hard to explain, but more of a skit/sketch level character. Sorry for the muddy explanation.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by broadwaybabytn 2012-08-12 17:17:57

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I'm seeing the show tonight. For anyone interested, I will try to collect and share my thoughts.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by iluvtheatertrash 2012-08-12 20:20:32

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Please do! I'd love to hear more about the divine Klea Blackhurst.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by Playbilly 2012-08-12 21:24:54

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Klea was fantastic! She brought 100% to this show and role! I hope they give her more as the show develops, but as it is, she has the showstopper. I'm sure it wasn't designed to be tbs showstopper, but she makes it so.

She nails the comedy, singing of course. She also has a good dramatic moment and rocks.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by DrMark 2012-08-13 09:21:41

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So, I saw it last night and thought I'd share some of my musings. First, let me say that the cast is really doing the very best they can with the material they have been given. I will say that there are noticable differences in the technique of the dancers' abilities. This is most apparent with the female cast members when you see some of them pointing their toes and others apparently unable to do so. The male cast members are more consistently outstanding. Michael Andrew does a fantastic job of bringing life to the dual role of Julius/Buddy. Each character is completely distinct to the point that sometimes it is hard to believe that the same actor is playing both roles. The set is pretty cool for a pre-Broadway tryout in a smaller venue. The lack of automation is noticable, as actors are pushing the set pieces around by hand.

Now, the real problem with the show is the book and lyrics. The music is fun, but not at all memorable. Some of the jokes are quite funny, while many land with a thud. It is almost as if you are watching a revival of a 1960's show. It's a new show, but immediately feels dated. If you were not a fan of Jerry Lewis and the comedy of the 1960's, much of the humor might go over your head. One example is the gym manager who is a direct hommage to Jack LaLanne. If you don't know who Jack LaLanne was, then you're likely going to miss quite a bit of the humor in this show. There was a completely boring, long production number with cheerleaders and band majors that really did nothing to advance the story. It looked like the casts of "Bring It On" and "Legally Blonde" were sort of passing through the theatre on the way to their shows. The whole teacher-student romance was a bit creepy in today's culture. The character of Stella started off strong, but became uninteresting as the show progressed. Ms. Lemmon went the other way and finished strongly. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you all the details.

They are going to need to rework the show substantially if they don't want to be laughed off Broadway. I really wanted to like it, and there were several parts that I did like, but it's just not there yet.

The direction wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great, either. Apparently, Mr. Lewis thinks that every time a leading actor has to deliver a solo, duet, or monologue they have to do it downstage center. It really got tiring. It is possible to be in focus and not be in the downstage center spotlight. The choreography was servicable, but not great.

They did not provide any opportunity for audience feedback. No surveys, no talkbacks, nothing. For a show that is trying for Broadway, I felt like they should have had something to measure the audience's reaction to the show. I wish I could sit down with Mr. Lewis for about an hour. I really do have some thoughts about how they could improve the show, but unfortunately they didn't seem interested in feedback. I hope that sort of vanity is not going to doom this show for good.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by TxTwoStep 2012-08-13 09:46:42

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what i'd love to see is a Holmes musical of his novel WHERE THE TRUTH LIES based on the Martin/Lewis partnership. i love his many talented sides, and that's a fascinating mystery with a strong relationship at the center...miles above, though not as instantly recognizable, NUTTY.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by TxTwoStep 2012-08-13 09:48:14

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the movie version of TRUTH LIES is pretty good too. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373450/

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by bk 2012-08-13 11:10:31

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"They did not provide any opportunity for audience feedback. No surveys, no talkbacks, nothing. For a show that is trying for Broadway, I felt like they should have had something to measure the audience's reaction to the show. I wish I could sit down with Mr. Lewis for about an hour. I really do have some thoughts about how they could improve the show, but unfortunately they didn't seem interested in feedback. I hope that sort of vanity is not going to doom this show for good."

Surveys? Talkbacks? This is the theatre, not the movie business. They measure the audience's reaction to the show the way musical theatre creators always used to do - by listening. It's really simple.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by DrMark 2012-08-13 11:28:36

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When I went to "Billy Elliot" previews on Broadway, they distributed surveys and pencils to all the audience members and solicited audience feedback. When I went to the "Bring It On: The Musical" pre-Broadway tryout, the creative team was at the back of the theatre after the show, and they invited the audience to stop by and offer comments. There was nothing of the sort at this tryout.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by sparrman 2012-08-13 11:49:31

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DrMark, Thanks for the review, I agree with a lot of what you've said. They have had talkback sessions after a couple of performances. And there is certainly SOME automation in the scenery, from fly rail and hydraulics, but clearly they're basically just trying to get the show "on its feet". I'd interpret the current set as more about "style" than ultimate functionality.

And I would suggest that another kind of "vanity" is imagining Jerry Lewis would want to sit down with you and hear your ideas! (And I intend that much more as a comment on him, not you.)

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by DrMark 2012-08-13 12:18:29

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"And there is certainly SOME automation in the scenery, from fly rail and hydraulics, but clearly they're basically just trying to get the show "on its feet". I'd interpret the current set as more about "style" than ultimate functionality."

You're quite correct. I omitted the flying in of the lab set and the lab table which rises from the floor. The lab set is really cool, complete with bubbling flasks. There was still a lot of pushing of things around, and I clearly saw stage hands pushing and pulling things (and I was in the center orchestra). I felt like the cast had to do too much of the heavy lifting (literally). I thought the style was really cool, and I could imagine how this could be translated into a great automated set. I understand they need to be somewhat frugal at this point.

"And I would suggest that another kind of "vanity" is imagining Jerry Lewis would want to sit down with you and hear your ideas! (And I intend that much more as a comment on him, not you.)"

Oh, I have no delusions of grandeur, and that statement was not vanity on my part. I said I wish I could, not that I think he would care to hear what I had to say. I still have some thoughts. For example, why did Stella say she had to go change for the big pep rally/Buddy Love concert, but then she was in the same dress at the show?

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by bk 2012-08-13 14:11:54

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I didn't say they don't do survey, they do - and it's stupid. If they can't figure it out then they should get out of the business. Why do you think the movie business has devolved into what it is today? I think you know the answer. You think Hal Prince needed surveys when he was trying out Cabaret? No, he had a brain and talent and he listened, as did the show's creators, and they fixed. And that's the way it was for every musical up until THIS decade.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by Playbilly 2012-08-13 14:36:07

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I went to On A Clear Day.. after the closing announcement & they handed out surveys. Seemed odd unless they were planning a tour.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by broadwaybabytn 2012-08-13 15:00:46

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The show is mediocre. A fun and funny adaptation of a classic movie, but geared towards a much older audience, which was the group seeing the show last night. For a "family show," it's a bit raunchy, but nothing that wouldn't go over most kids' heads. Technically, it's fine. Nowhere near Broadway quality, but it's up on its feet, working well, and there were some cute tricks. The direction felt ok, and the general choreography was good, but the staging, especially during solo numbers, was odd.

The cast is spotty... Michael Andrew is terrific, and though he seems to be giving a Jerry Lewis impersonation at the beginning, he grows out of it as the show progresses. The girl playing Stella Purdy was incredibly bland, though she was blessed with a beautiful voice. She also had to work against a student-teacher relationship, which comes across as completely inappropriate in our atmosphere. Klea Blackhurst stole the show, and she wheeled on about half the scenery. Mark Jacoby, in four mediocre featured roles, wasn't doing his best work at all. The ensemble is weak, with a few exceptions. The male dancers are stronger than the female ones, and generally, the choreography is much better than the dancers themselves. There was a cheerleading number, which felt odd, and a section featuring boys as the drum corps, in which they were painfully out of step. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the cheerleading number was where I noticed that some girls were All in all, it was pretty fun, but it needs a lot of work. The book felt dated, as did the score, but the book was a bit worse.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by broadwaybabytn 2012-08-13 15:04:52

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Double post.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by Playbilly 2012-08-13 15:50:11

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The cheerleading/drumline number was a little offputting. The point of the first part dealt with Stella being a non-conformist, but she just explained that in the previous solo. I'd lose the solo. She has enough. If they changed the cheerleader number to more of an "America" type number, it would strengthen the show.

The drumline number needed...drummers. It could be replaced with a number about the students feelings about Kelp.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by Nouveaux 2012-08-16 15:31:43

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I went last night and agree with the others, it was OK. I pay a lot more attention to the story than the singing (mostly because I can't carry a tune) and there were several things that bothered me.
First, as others have mentioned, the teacher/student relationship seems really creepy now.
I'm not sure how old Marissa is, but she looks older than the students. They could do some work on her makeup to help with that.
The dancers were decent. Lindsay Moore stood out as the best of that bunch to me.
Klea Blackhurst was fantastic and was easily the best on the stage.
Costumes were very good overall, although they opened in the back a few times.
The point where Buddy/Kelp confesses who he is was very odd. It was obvious that it was coming, but there wasn't near enough of an event to warrant the confession. That needs to be much bigger.
Buddy's cigarette was unnecessary. I didn't mind it at the start when he's going way overboard, but it wasn't needed at the end. I think we've moved past that stereotype.
There are several places where Kelp mentions that Buddy isn't aware of him and Buddy comments that he doesn't know where his knowledge of math came from, but then he sings a song about knowing what it's like to be picked on. They need to fix that inconsistency.

Again, overall, it was ok. A fun night out that isn't too serious, but I'm really glad I got it at a discounted price of $15 thanks to a Facebook promotion as I wouldn't have paid regular Broadway prices for it.

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by jpbran 2012-08-16 15:37:52

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Not sure about anyone else, but I did get a survey from TPAC a couple of days later.

And I'd imagine the "Billy Elliott" surveys were due to it being an established show with a LOT of history and language specific to the UK; I remember hearing they were very nervous about how B.E. would play to US audiences, specifically the "family crowd."

THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, Pre-Broadway Tryout in Nashville -- Discussion
Posted by DrMark 2012-08-27 12:26:18

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Well, I just received an e-mail survey about "The Nutty Professor." It was fairly generic, asking me to rate the show, choreography, set, cast, etc. I did put a lengthy comment in the free text field.

As I remember the "Billy Elliott" survey, it did ask about if I could understand the accents, slang, etc., so I think you're right about that. I really didn't like that show, and I really wanted to like it, since I liked the movie. But I digress.