Nice Show if you GET IT Review

[bundy5000]

I am 23 years old, so I admit I am not entirely familiar with the Gershwin brothers and their work. While standing in line to enter the theater I didn't find anyone my age in line. When I got into the theater I saw some but not many, you could argue that for many Broadway shows though.

Throughout the show I heard some familiar songs before such as a "Let's Call The Whole Thing Off" but not many and never in their entirety. Nevertheless I thoroughly enjoyed most of them. There was no signature song throughout the show (ex. Rose's Turn, Memory) that I could identify as being a showstopper. Maybe that kind of tune was never Gershwin style. But I felt that each tune complimented the scene, set, plot, and characters for the most part. Some songs had some real toe tapping moments that I wanted to just move my body along to. All in all the score was great because some musicals have songs that just flop while others stand out. In this case, most songs got equal treatment.

The story, it is simple and maybe a little dragged out but it did work. The comedy within the dialogue was fantastic. It wasn't revolutionary or the AHAHAHAHA type moments but subtle to chuckle at. Which was perfect for this kind of show.

The Acting..........I think this is the part that will have people divided. Matthew Broderick, in my opinion was great. I actually didn't remember if he got nominated for a Tony or not. He didn't and yes I understand why. BUT for the way his character is written it matched up for me. I tried some of the dialogue in the show with my friends and fell flat but when he said them ,it worked. Never really listened to him from the Producers so I was impressed with his musical vocals. Nothing jaw dropping but still. Kelli O'Hara, maybe i went into the show with higher expectations for her but she didn't provide a convincing Billy. Perhaps Gershwin music isn't the best music to really use those vocal chops. The character Billy seemed to be written for the character to have more gumption for herself. Something Kelli did not show much off. McGrath, i wasn't convinced in his performance. I know many people enjoyed it but I felt it was forced, again it could have been the way it was written. Judy Kaye, throughout her scenes I kept wanting more and never got it. She was the highlight of the show for me but still I didn't feel completely satisfied.

A lot of my criticisms most likely stem from the plot and dialogue and what the actors could do with the characters but still it was a highly enjoyable show. It definitely didn't try to be anything more then it is (like Evita 2012). Everything flowed and had a great balance. Not one specific act was better then another. Toe tapping tunes made a great evening. There are many tunes throughout the show, so there was no lull moment and I never thought "when is the next song!?" I sat 3rd row from stage for $90, for an almost 3 hr show, I am a happy audience member. It is not for everyone but to those who did GET IT(not saying those who didn't like it are wrong) will enjoy the evening.

[blaxx]

I am 23 years old, so I admit I am not entirely familiar with the Gershwin brothers and their work.

I don't see the relation, but ok...

While standing in line to enter the theater I didn't find anyone my age in line. When I got into the theater I saw some but not many, you could argue that for many Broadway shows though.

Translation: The staff at the Gershwin was SO ready for the change of diapers and urinated seats at intermission.

Glad you liked it?

[bundy5000]

The relation was to forgive me if I not giving a more historical or fair perspective on the show/songs. For examples a lot of the songs Fred Astaire have done, so older individuals can provide better insight and comparisons than me. And your next translation is clearly insolence on your part. I was just saying that this show seems to have a target audience. Love how people pretend to feel more superior and belittle others!

[theaternut]

bundy5000; You have to forgive some of the bitter queens on this board. Most people your age are not that familiar with this material. Good for you for taking it on.

[mc1227]

Amen to that!

[thetinymagic2]

bundy - as an (older) gershwin nut myself, bravo for enjoying the music. You may want to listen to more, including Rhapsody in Blue, a work of genius, and also listen to (Michael Feinstein) and other greats of the "golden age" (30s-50s), like Ella, Frank,Rosemary, etc. interpret the Gershwin songbook. It's utterly fantastic, the more you listen. We're so lucky now to have YOUTUBE.