I haven't had a minute, but saw it on Saturday night and loved it. I hope it's a big fat hit. While I think the dancing is the only lackluster thing about it (I think Broderick is not wooden at all, but quite charming), it's quick, fun, and full of laughs. Kaye is walking away with the show. McGrath is also very good.
Highlight for me was "Delicious", sung by Thompson in the bubble bath. Also O'Hara's "Treat Me Rough" was hilarious. If you go in simply looking for a great time, you'll have it.
Kudos to the orchestrator who included the preludes, ambulatory waltzes and concertos in underscoring.
Yes Brody I did. That is why I am asking. Theater Trash; thank you so much on your thoughts. Might check it out. Sounds like the show is a distant cousin of My One And Only?
It will definitely be compared to that and CRAZY FOR YOU. But to tell you the truth, I enjoyed it immensely. I went in expecting a trainwreck, and smiled throughout the entire show.
The dancing is lack luster, to be honest. There's one tap number but they're not wearing tap shoes... or at least it LOOKS like a tap number minus the shoes. There are some wildly cleverly moments and SPOILER ALERT Judy Kaye swings on a chandelier.
The cast is having a great time, it's clear. And the audience seemed to love it. Several show-stopping moments that get thunderous, lengthy applause. The house was very full when I went -- sat in the rear mezz, which was a surprisingly wonderful seat.
The set is beautiful and grand, the costumes are great, and there are some terrifically clever moments. The bathtub scene is a bit long, but wonderful. They could trim 10 minutes and add a tap number and be golden, in my opinion.
It's dance heavy, but not in the way that you'd expect. There's a ton of dancing, but there are no lengthy tap sequences or sections that really make your jaw drop.
Exactly what theatertrash said; there's a tonne of dancing, but it's more quantity than quality. But this show was so so much fun, such a pleasant surprise. Hearing Kelli's voice is worth a ticket price and is the reason I went, but I would go again to see Kaye during that luncheon scene. Amazing!
Thank you all so much. Picked up a ticket for the weekend. I love me some Judy Kaye. Anything Goes for me in a couple of hours. Great time to be in this fantastic city.
The book is absolutely hilarious, some of the lines brought tears of joy to my eyes. The songs are by the Gershwin's so no complaints there.
Judy Kaye gives the kind of scene stealing, audience pleasing, over-the-top musical comedy performance that wins Tony awards (think Sara Ramirez, Katie Finneran and Harriet Harris).
Matthew Broderick at age 50 still has the same boyish charm and personality that has kept him consistently employed for over 30 years. And Kelli O'Hara is apparently able to do anything. Estelle Parsons doesn't have much to do, but when she does, she does it very well.
I've read some complaints about the supposed lack of dancing -- well there is dancing and movement throughout the show but rather low key which is fine with me. After the anachronistic, high-flying, gymnastics of "Newsies" this was a welcome change.
bob, I totally agree with your assessment of this show. I have been a fan of this since it's opening preview and believe it will surprise many people come May 1st Tony nominations.
I saw the Wednesday matinee and the audience was loaded with theater party groups (there were buses lining the street in front of the theater). The nearly SRO crowd went wild over the crazy antics onstage. I predict that the show will be very, very popular with theater parties, charity fundraising events, and tired business travelers looking for some screwball, escapism entertainment after a day full of boring meetings.
I saw this tonight. Judy Kaye, Michael McGrath, and Chris Sullivan were wonderful. Kelli sang beautifully, she was much warmer than usual and I enjoyed her performance. But Matthew... oh Matthew. I believe tonight was a press performance and it seemed as though he was just going through the motions. Like he said his lines and danced the motions, but there wasn't anything going on behind his eyes (and I was sitting close). Therefore, I couldn't connect at all to him or understand Billy's interest in him, causing the show to fall flat for me. Plus nothing in this show is new or original.
Did anyone else feel like a scene was missing? During the luncheon scene the butler keeps rushing them, but it is never addressed why and was very jarring to me.
I would like to give props to the fantastic orchestra because the music sounded great.
I saw the matinee this past Wednesday and loved it - LOVED IT! It's so charming, and crafty, and just so much fun. Judy Kaye & Michael McGrath are fantastic. Loved every second of it!
So mel, I guess Matthew won't be considered for best "behind the eyes" Tony this year? I'm not sure what you mean by that but the two times I saw it he was quite charming and engaging. That's exactly what made the story work for me. The entire cast is excellent.
All I know is that I am addicted to the video highlights - particularly Broderick and O'Hara's ADORABLE "S'Wonderful". I was excited for the show prior, but now this has gone to the top my "to see" list.
I haven't seen 'Nice Work' yet, but I am LOVING the video clips. I don't understand peoples disappointment with the lack of choreography though?! From the clips the dancing looks great, IMO. As a Director/Choreographer I am a huge fan of Kathleen Marshall and really admire [most] of her work.
I really wish I could see this when I visit NYC soon. I don't think I can afford another show though ( I had to pay full price for 3 shows- 2 of which are premium seating)
I'll be seeing: Newsies, Evita, Death of a Salesman, and Peter and the Starcatcher.
If I can get cheap tix/Lotto/SRO/ or Rush I think Nice Work If You Can Get It just moved to the top of my list. I had planned on the 5th being Streetcar or Once though. For those who have seen them, which do you think I should shoot for??
Sorry if I wasn't clear. It just looked like he was going through the motions very lazily. Every line was said with the exact same intonation and he came across as very bored and as though he could care less about the show. When I say there was nothing behind his eyes, it means it didn't look like there was a thought in his head other than "say this line" or "do this dance step."
And obviously it is live theater, which means actors have a different performance every night, so he could easily have been stupendously charming for your show and utterly dull for mine. It's just a shame he was dull for the press. I would have enjoyed the show much more if I cared about the leading man. But I didn't and neither did my friend who saw the show with me.
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Posted: 4/18/12 at 12:06pm