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It IS possible for somebody both to have taste and not like this show

Posted by: BrianJ 12:20 pm EDT 04/03/14
In reply to: re: Gentleman's Guide - Michael_Portantiere 11:51 am EDT 04/03/14

I don't begrudge anybody loving this show, and obviously a lot of people do. I didn't hate it - I was engaged during it and not so bored I was tuning out, I was mildly amused enough a few times to chuckle - but I wouldn't ever really recommend it to anybody. And I assure you, the basis for my feelings is NOT because I evaluate musicals on whether they're based on a movie I'm familiar with or a popular song catalogue. Again, I don't begrudge the many who do like it, but this isn't a CAROUSEL, MY FAIR LADY, WEST SIDE STORY, a work of such staggering quality that it seems clear that anyone who likes or loves musicals should embrace it, and whose rejection by the public would have been an indictment of audience taste. This is one that some people love, some people don't.


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Thank you, BrianJ!

Posted by: DistantDrumming 10:42 pm EDT 04/03/14
In reply to: It IS possible for somebody both to have taste and not like this show - BrianJ 12:20 pm EDT 04/03/14

Kind of sick of being told that if one doesn't connect with this show, one simply doesn't have good taste or the ability to appreciate great, old fashioned musical comedy.

Perhaps the problem is with the execution, not the intent of the creative team.


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re: It IS possible for somebody both to have taste and not like this show

Posted by: EvFoDr 04:57 pm EDT 04/03/14
In reply to: It IS possible for somebody both to have taste and not like this show - BrianJ 12:20 pm EDT 04/03/14

Obviously can’t speak for the masses, but isn’t it known (as much an anything in this business can be known) that especially after a show has been open for a bit, it’s word of mouth that matters most rather than advertising? I generally don’t pay attention to advertising. I don’t watch live television (with commercials) and don’t read much print media anymore, or listen to the radio. I did see some posters and I have to admit I was intrigued but slightly turned off by the title. If it’s bad marketing that they didn’t change the title…well that’s a much bigger conversation…

I went to see the show because it got strong reviews and the buzz I interpreted from ATC and friends was primarily positive. My reaction was just about identical to BrianJ. It’s “fun”, but thin. And further, for me it matters that there is no heart or emotional content to the story. It’s all about the style. That’s fine for some shows, but if a show isn’t going to have heart or emotional stakes than it either needs to be mind blowingly funny, like a great farce, or sharp and witty, for example like Chicago. People don’t go running around telling all their friends to see a show they think is merely pleasant.


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re: It IS possible for somebody both to have taste and not like this show

Posted by: Thom915 06:56 pm EDT 04/03/14
In reply to: re: It IS possible for somebody both to have taste and not like this show - EvFoDr 04:57 pm EDT 04/03/14

I really loved Bryce Pinkham and adored Jane Carr and the two young ingénues. And yet for whatever reason this show does not stick with me when discussing shows. I also think the advertising campaign is not the best for the show. I do hope it gets some recognition at awards time. I am not sure if there are any awards I feel it deserves to win however. My opinion only.


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re: It IS possible for somebody both to have taste and not like this show

Posted by: ryhog 05:51 pm EDT 04/03/14
In reply to: re: It IS possible for somebody both to have taste and not like this show - EvFoDr 04:57 pm EDT 04/03/14

there are no rules but it is certainly not "known" that anything trumps advertising for long running shows, especially after the demand starts to get wobbly. WOM is great but not dependable.


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