February House -- early reports?

[whatever2]

I know previews only just began last night, but I'm very anxious for any early reports on this one.

Thx!

[Kad]

It's a really lovely musical. The performances are all wonderful. The design is simple and elegant, but evocative.

The first act drags a bit, and the ending sequence should be condensed. But the characters are so well-defined and realistic... not just a Parade of Historical Figures.

The score is really something, though. It's not the 'ol tune you can hum, with an exception or two. But it's beautiful. The characters often are associated with particular styles or instruments that all work together very well.

I expect it should find critical success. Audience success, perhaps not. It's contemplative and more of a character study, no real "plot".

[After Eight]

An estimable effort, though only fitfully satisfying. A boarding house in Brooklyn houses famous artists- Auden, Britten, Pears, McCullers - as World War II rages in Europe.

To its credit, it broaches such important themes as the reponsibility of the artist before the vital social issues of the day. Here is where the musical is most dramatic, and where it comes to life. Unfortunately, it doesn't examine the question deeply or extensively enough.

The rest of the time, it just coasts. But it does hold one's interest to a degree, and there is a moving portrait of Auden facing love's loss.

A serious problem is having great artists portrayed in cartoonish fashion. It's one thing for Dolly Levi to teach Cornelius how to dance. It's another to have someone teach Britten and Pears to lighten up, and then have them sing a song about bedbugs!

The music is resolutely untuneful, but not aggressively abrasive. Some of Auden's verses are set to music.

[GlindatheGood22]

How's Kacie?

[Kad]

She is good, but she has one of the smallest roles in the show.

[newintown]

I had high hopes for this, but it strives to be "art" first, "entertaining" second. One of those musically rambling scores that never breaks out into a satisfying song. Neither opera, really, nor musical theatre. Too bad; it could have been a terrific opportunity, but the writers, I feel, were too concerned with being admired, and not concerned enough with giving the audience a good meal.

[whatever2]

sorry ... been out of the country -- thanks for the responses, all.

some of these concerns don't sound like things that can get tweaked during previews (though i suppose one never knows) ... i'll probably take a chance on this one and see for myself, but the comments were interesting!

[Kad]

Some of it could be, I think, simply through tightening up the material and excising some stuff (the aforementioned bit about Britten and Pears learning to lighten up is one of my first choices for things that could go). Since the song list is an insert and not published in the Playbill, it's very possible such cuts may happen.

[whatever2]

thanks, kad -- i would agree that tightenting is always possible as previews progress; i suppose the bits that i'd be concerned about not being fixable really depend on how much change the creative team (esp. kahane) can make to the book in only a few weeks ... which i suppose in part also depends on how much -- and what kind of -- material they have, er, in reserve.

i'll book my tickets for sometime after the opening.

[AC126748]

Dramatically inert. Some of the music is downright awful, but there are a few songs that really shine. That Gypsy Rose Lee number is basically an unsubtle mash-up of "Zip" and "Let Me Entertain You." Game cast--Kristen Sieh and the actress who plays Erika Mann (name escapes me) are the obvious standouts.

[YoungSally]

Going Saturday night....mixed reviews it seems....but I am still eager to see it.

[whatever2]

i actually thought the reviews skewed slightly positive (surprised brantley seemed to like it, to be honest) ... am going to see for myself next Tuesday.