I saw the show very late in its run, and it was about 15 minutes longer than the Netflix version. No additional songs, just a lot more talking. I remember asking an usher before I sat down how long the show was going to be, and she said, "Honestly, I'm not completely sure." My impression was that the show became longer over time as opposed to changing dramatically from one night to the next, and it was about the same length as she said it had been the night before. But I don't think I've ever gotten that response from an usher at a Broadway theater before!
I thought he was mesmerizing all the way through, but I can see why the CD version might feel a little bloated. I think the visual helps.
I was surprised what a good actor Springsteen is. He really made it seem like he is spontaneously making up the monologues (which he is not - they are written out on teleprompters). I think if he had been submitted for Leading Actor in a Musical at the Tonys, he would have won. (Tony Shalhoub won that year for The Band's Visit.) |
