I didn't see it at Barrington so I can't compare, but I found a lot to love at the Lyric. Chiefly the performers who- with one exception- were able to find the humour and innocence and confusion of the characters. I remember finding it deeply moving.
And yes, it was certainly gaudy and overblown, but that seemed in keeping with the sailors' perspective. I found it beautiful in a Paul Cadmus way.
