I was a Broadway musical completest.
Me: I heard that it's terrible.
Friend: Then why are you going?
Me: But...it's a musical!
To this day I get anxiety knowing that I missed seeing Rachel Lily Rosenbloom......
I no longer make it a point to see every musical. If it's original or a revival of something that I like, then I go. I've no issue with 'new' music. (I thoroughly appreciated Kimberly Akimbo and A Strange Loop.) The musicals that I don't automatically go to are: movies into musicals, unless I hear that there is a reason to go. Like it or not, the creators of Some Like it Hot are trying to do something original, not just put the film on stage and pausing every so often to sing. The other category of musical that I don't automatically go to are the the jukebox musicals. Even when it's music that I like.
In addition, I no longer have the energy or the funds. TDF, discounts, even some of the lotteries can be pricey. I was fortunate to have seen the original production of A Little Night Music over forty times as last two rows upstairs were $2. As a college student I would skip lunch and that money got me into a Broadway musical. Of course, 'second acting' was totally free.
Funny thing. I started going to theater in 1969. I was told by those in the know, why bother? Broadway's golden age has passed. I didn't listen and I've seen a bunch of amazing stuff. I know that many of us curmudgeons tell you younguns the same thing. Don't listen. Gems will always come along and even the less than perfect productions could have something for you to appreciate. |
