| SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN | |
| Posted by: | hitbycab 05:01 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| Funniest show I've seen since Book of Mormon and smart too!! I pity the fool who doesn't know their theatre as the references are hilarious; What a great premise and the actors give it their all with each show stopping number. Brian d'Arcy James and John Cariani are fantastic but the scene stealing Bard is Christian Borle as the rock star Shakespeare...He is a riot!! Whether he's greeting the adoring masses or stealing every line under the sun for his own and showing off his buff body...I like THIS Shakespeare!!! I would have paid more attention in school had I known...heh heh The costumes, the sets, the tap dancing!! This is a FUNNY FUNNY show!! Can Brooks Ashmanskas ever give a bad performance? I love this guy!! I wonder if they had to pay rights to all the references made..esp Disney shows??? Ssshhhh...maybe Disney doesn't know??? For a good time with thunderous laughs, do not miss this show. It's EGGSactly what you'd want to lift your spirits. Can't wait for the Tony's now... my heart is still with Paris but THIS was a non stop laugh machine!! Tonight 54 Below and that's it folks... until next time... | |
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| not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. | |
| Posted by: | Draeigon 03:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - hitbycab 05:01 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| The first act is a fairly consistent delight. But the whole starts to wear out its welcome long before intermission. I would suggest this show if you have never seen an episode of Forbidden Broadway and if you desparately need tof eel smuggly like an industry who finds it funny to hear countless side expired theater references. Also, if you have never seen one of the umpteen hundred musicals that tried this wink wink at the theater and flopped. Sure...have a good time. The show feels like a slapped together and rushed effort by people with enough money to do just that. Their arrogance proved fatal to me because had they done their work this could have been, if very familiar, stylish and amusing. The first 6 songs sound like tv sitcom themes from the 70's. sure, I giggled in the first act but having seen this kind of silliness countless times over the years, I was more than ready to head home after the first act. I mentioned in another post about the weak influence of the theater critic today. The standard for what is acceptable on Broadway has plummeted. This and that Should have been You crap would have and should have dissappearex without a trace 30 years ago. I guess there lite stopping this industries descent into becoming a home for what used to be regarded as tired Vegas claptrap. But hey...Knock yourselves out. kiddos. Laugh away. But I have to say Broadway really is a pretty tired tourist trap now. I remember vividly when it truly was the place to see the best theater in the country. Tired complaint...yada yada yada. I know, But if the 2 shows I have a dressed here are anywhere close to beoming acceptable representations of the American Musical. Then I guess I just do not have an interestin it anymore and will just shake my head when I hear idiotic and uneducated confusfion over the Yellow shoes and the use of yellow in the seasons most daring and Tony deserving show THE VISIT. | |
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| we need an emoticon for eye rolling. (n/m) | |
| Posted by: | enoch10 02:29 pm EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. - Draeigon 03:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| oi vey. | |
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| @@ nmi | |
| Posted by: | ryhog 03:17 pm EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | we need an emoticon for eye rolling. (n/m) - enoch10 02:29 pm EDT 05/10/15 |
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| Excellent! Thank You But Keep In Mind ... | |
| Posted by: | enoch10 01:33 am EDT 05/11/15 |
| In reply to: | @@ nmi - ryhog 03:17 pm EDT 05/10/15 |
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| ... this could come back to haunt you. | |
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| re: Excellent! Thank You But Keep In Mind ... | |
| Posted by: | ryhog 01:52 am EDT 05/11/15 |
| In reply to: | Excellent! Thank You But Keep In Mind ... - enoch10 01:33 am EDT 05/11/15 |
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| yikes. I'll start preparing now. | |
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| Why is laughing at theatre jokes "smug"? | |
| Posted by: | portenopete 09:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. - Draeigon 03:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| I won't spend more than a sentence on the challenge that your writing "style" poses, although it certainly is bracing and gives me a sense of having accomplished something before I've finished my cup of morning joe. But I'm curious why you- and others, admittedly- label theater jokes as "smug". Are parents who laugh at jokes about the perils of raising children smug? Or brides-to-be when confronted with gags about the difficulties of planning a wedding? They seem to me about a shared understanding and recognition, yes, but why is that "smug"? I laughed a lot at the many references in SOMETHING ROTTEN, but I wasn't looking around me to check if the punters around me were looking clueless in order to feel even more satisfied at my "smarts". Do you feel the same way about THE SIMPSONS? (The number of large and small references to pop culture in that show can be breathtaking.) I don't give a toss if you find theater jokes funny or not, and I'm not saying they are the highest form of comedy we have, but to label the people who write and laugh at them as "smug" seems both mean and wrong. And your assertion that there have been "umpteen hundred musicals that tried this wink wink at the theater and flopped", the ones that come to my mind are shows that performed quite well, thank you: BAT BOY, AVENUE Q, SPAMALOT, THE PRODUCERS and a little flopperoo called THE BOOK OF MORMON. Again, no pressure to like it and I can get sick of the same dish if it's served every night, but in a year when FUN HOME, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS and THE VISIT are the other nominees, I'm glad for the "amuse-bouche" quality that SOMETHING ROTTEN brings to Broadway. | |
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| For me, the most annoying thing... | |
| Posted by: | Ijest22 09:41 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. - Draeigon 03:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| Was the high volume with which a number of audience members responded to the show-- screaming and clapping loudly, which seemed to continue well past the point of appropriate response. It seemed akin to having mistakenly ended up at a boy band concert and being surrounded by inexplicably enthused teenage girls. The show itself was cute but mediocre, and for me, quickly forgettable. I must say, though, that seeing it back to back with Neverland made my assessment of that show increase exponentially. Hard to believe that one show got 10 Tony nominations and the other none, but what do I know? | |
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| re: For me, the most annoying thing... | |
| Posted by: | lowwriter 09:55 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | For me, the most annoying thing... - Ijest22 09:41 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| So now an audience isn't allowed to enjoy themselves when we don't share their enthusiasm? | |
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| re: For me, the most annoying thing... | |
| Posted by: | Ijest22 10:08 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: For me, the most annoying thing... - lowwriter 09:55 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| Of course not, but it is a fine line, isn't it? At what point does excessive exuberance in screaming and clapping interfere with others' enjoyment of the show? I agree everyone should be able to laugh and clap as they think appropriate, but I would hope they would also at least give some thought to the possibility that others were trying to hear the show rather than their appreciation of it. Of course, ultimately, I think it was most annoying because I didn't think what they were applauding and screaming over was that deserving. I think it can be annoying in general to be in the presence of rabid fans when you yourself just don't get it, and I most certainly, don't get the rabid appreciation of Rotten--great cast, though. | |
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| re: For me, the most annoying thing... | |
| Posted by: | MockingbirdGirl 10:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: For me, the most annoying thing... - Ijest22 10:08 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| ultimately, I think it was most annoying because I didn't think what they were applauding and screaming over was that deserving. LOL, ya think? :-D | |
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| re: For me, the most annoying thing... | |
| Posted by: | Ijest22 12:20 pm EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: For me, the most annoying thing... - MockingbirdGirl 10:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| I know... More power to them for feeling so passionate (as long as they hopefully don't do it in my earshot again) | |
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| Thank you, Draeigon. | |
| Posted by: | manchurch03104 09:13 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. - Draeigon 03:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| I know we're not alone. the Tonyx will tell. | |
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| re: Thank you, Draeigon. | |
| Posted by: | portenopete 09:44 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | Thank you, Draeigon. - manchurch03104 09:13 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| Will tell what? Does anyone think SOMETHING ROTTEN is going to win? I don't think so. Only if the vote between AMERICAN IN PARIS and FUN HOME is split. (Although I'd think THE VISIT would triumph in that case.) Well, if it makes you happy, I hope the Tony voters do their job and vindicate all your opinions and predictions. | |
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| re: Thank you, Draeigon. | |
| Posted by: | Ann 09:23 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | Thank you, Draeigon. - manchurch03104 09:13 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| What do the Tonys usually tell? | |
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| re: Thank you, Draeigon. | |
| Posted by: | lowwriter 09:57 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Thank you, Draeigon. - Ann 09:23 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| All the Tony nominations tell us is that the nominating committee liked the show more than the haters on this board. I expect Rotten will win some Tonys but I'm unsure which ones. | |
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| re: not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. | |
| Posted by: | ryhog 09:11 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. - Draeigon 03:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| "The first act is a fairly consistent delight. But the whole starts to wear out its welcome long before intermission." Never a good idea to start trying to make a point with a contradiction. But from the reader's standpoint, it's a useful red flag to what follows. The remainder of the first paragraph is devoted to the tiredest of tired banalities: the assertion that anyone who likes something you don't does so out of ignorance and unsophistication. (Notwithstanding the unaddressed fact that many people with a solid pedigree saw something far more worthwhile than you did.) Never a good idea to make the central part of your argument a revelation of your ulterior motive: the "arrogance" of the producers. Again, from the reader's standpoint, it's a useful red flag. And finally, never a good idea to put on blinders when trying to make a point with facts. You've hit the jackpot here, wearing them in both directions: seeing only the good in what Broadway was, and only the bad in what it is. Reality illuminates that there has always been crap that ran (a subject rehearsed with facts in response to earlier posts that want to forget that). That's not to suggest that there is not crap on Broadway now (there is, and too much) but simply that Broadway is (and has been within your viewing lifetime, unless you are a centenarian) first and foremost, a destination for that which is commercial, whether good or bad. Reality also reveals that during the same viewing lifetime, off-Broadway has developed as a destination for other, often better work, some of which then ends up on Broadway. None of this suggests that you should like Something Rotten any more than you do. Nor does it suggest that you must have an interest in Broadway anymore. But that exposes yet another set of blinders (where do you store them all?) since you seem not to have opened your eyes to the riches of off-Broadway. Why not talk about Hamilton instead of something you regard as "claptrap" when you are hunting for "acceptable representations of the American Musical"? And then you can mention where it's headed in a couple of months. | |
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| ....ZZZZZZZZZZZZ... | |
| Posted by: | Draeigon 10:17 pm EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. - ryhog 09:11 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| tired, tired ti....-zzzzzzzzz. | |
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| re: not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. | |
| Posted by: | manchurch03104 09:16 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. - ryhog 09:11 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| That's your agenda, Ryhog. I never understand why posters here aren't allowed to have an opinion. If you disagree with a post, fine, disagree, but don't turn this site into some sort of exercise in the Socratic method. I think SR is one of the worst shows ever to grace Broadway. That's my opinion. I don't care what you or any other posters here think about that and I don't want to hear you.r counterpoint on it. | |
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| re: not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. | |
| Posted by: | ryhog 10:05 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: not ROTTEN..Just TIRED. - manchurch03104 09:16 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| If that is my agenda, then why did I say "None of this suggests that you should like Something Rotten any more than you do."? And if you don't wan't to hear counterpoint then why in heaven's name are you here? Just to have a place to state your opinions and see if someone will reassure you that they are right? | |
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| re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN | |
| Posted by: | lowwriter 12:09 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - hitbycab 05:01 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| Yes, Brooks A was absolutely awful in Private Laughter, one of the worst attempts to be funny in all of my lifetime of theater going. Though I do like him when he's good. | |
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| and Peter Bartlett... | |
| Posted by: | lastcall 07:01 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - hitbycab 05:01 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| what a joy to watch this talented actor in any role....he was brilliant in FROGS, hilarious (in a small role) in the movie THE PRODUCERS, and sensational in his roles in ROTTEN. how about a starring role for mr. b.? | |
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| re: and Peter Bartlett... | |
| Posted by: | Harper 08:22 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | and Peter Bartlett... - lastcall 07:01 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| What Peter Bartlett does with his three or four lines is astonishing. He makes every word an aria of comedy. | |
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| re: and Peter Bartlett... | |
| Posted by: | TheHarveyBoy 02:33 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: and Peter Bartlett... - Harper 08:22 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| Well, he did have a starring role off-Broadway at the Mitzi Newhouse as the eponymous "Mr. Charles, Currently of Palm Beach" in Paul Rudnick's THE NEW CENTURY. | |
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| re: and Peter Bartlett... | |
| Posted by: | AlanScott 02:46 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: and Peter Bartlett... - TheHarveyBoy 02:33 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| And he also played an important role in Tony Kushner's version of The Illusion at Signature a few years ago. He killed in the Roundabout She Loves Me concert and I hope he will end up in the full production. He's done a lot over the years. I first saw him in Boom Boom Room at the Beaumont way back in 1973. He's 72 now. | |
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| re: Paying rights | |
| Posted by: | wisebear 06:40 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - hitbycab 05:01 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| I'd venture not a cent needs to be paid. It's clearly parody. Also, none of the references seemed longer than two bars of music. Isn't there a limited number of bars that's allowed to be "quoted"? | |
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| I agree 99% | |
| Posted by: | wisebear 06:37 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - hitbycab 05:01 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| My only quibble? I think enough of the theater references are well known enough to be understood by the occasional theatergoer, much like Forbidden Broadway. Granted, the cleverest come fast and furious and will be missed by some, but I don't want people to get the idea that they don't know enough theater to enjoy this show. I think it's going to become a wildly performed staple. | |
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| re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN | |
| Posted by: | drummergirl 05:09 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - hitbycab 05:01 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| I love your enthusiasm, hitbycab. | |
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| re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN | |
| Posted by: | hitbycab 05:56 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - drummergirl 05:09 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| oh shucks!! thank you drummergirl it's New York!! I calm down back home... :) | |
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| re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN | |
| Posted by: | drummergirl 06:36 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - hitbycab 05:56 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| You especially, but really, everyone who visits our fair city and regales us with their opinions on shows, whether or not I had the same experience of not (though, for the record, I had a very good time at Something Rotten), reminds me how ridiculously lucky we are to have such access. I see far less on Broadway, but there are so many reasonably priced option available these days, especially if one is willing to go off the beaten path. I can't imagine life without it, but reading your enjoyment underscores my love for the theatre and luck in living here. Also, such enthusiasm is just fun to be around ;-D | |
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| re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN | |
| Posted by: | henny 07:43 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - drummergirl 06:36 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| Nicely put, drummergirl. | |
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| re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN | |
| Posted by: | hitbycab 09:10 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: SOMETHING VERY NOT ROTTEN - henny 07:43 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| lovely!!!! :) | |
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