Yes, we're already raving about RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles. How can we rave when it doesn't come to Atlanta until next month? Well, a few of us from Arts Across Georgia saw it last time it was at the Fabulous Fox Theatre and we were singing for days. I'll have to admit that I was one of those rare types who didn't "get it" when it came to the Beatles. I liked some of their tunes, but didn't go ga-ga over them. However, even I got enthusiastic after seeing RAIN!
This is an excellent show for all ages, whether you're a Beatles fan or not. It's fun. It's cool. It's hot. It's fab.
We can't top the reviews included in the official press release below, we can just agree. RAIN is a great show to introduce non-theater-goers to the thrills of live stage. Seeing your first show at the Fox Theatre is an experience in itself! Toss in the music and talent in RAIN and you have a true winner. Be sure to take a ride on the elevator and check out the bathrooms --- who'd a thunk anyone would ever recommend looking at a bathroom?!
Now for the official release which we included in our Backstage Georgia blog at an earlier date:
From Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road…RAIN: A Tribute to the Beatles
SEPT 17-19 FOR 5 SHOWS ONLY!!
GET BACK Atlanta! “Hey Jude, Lucy, Martha My Dear, Lovely Rita and all you Beatles fans... we’re delighted to help you get back to one of the most fab shows ever,” states Christopher B. Manos, Producer of Theater of the Stars. “The award-winning Beatles concert, RAIN: A Tribute to The Beatles, returns to Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre from September 17-19. Like The Beatles, the onstage members of RAIN are not only supreme musicians, but electrifying performers in their own right. You can see the show here before it makes its Broadway debut in October. Make plans today to experience RAIN with your loved ones and friends. Tickets are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling 800-982-2787, online at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Fox Theatre Box Office.”
RAIN, the acclaimed Beatles concert, returns by popular demand! They look like them and they sound just like them! “The next best thing to seeing The Beatles,” raves the Denver Post. All the music and vocals are performed totally live! RAIN covers The Beatles from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late 60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. RAIN is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience...a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s lights up video screens and live cameras zoom in for close-ups. “A thrilling bit of time-warping nostalgia…Boomer Heaven!” raves The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “Uncanny! RAIN are a quartet of fine musicians in their own right…as The Beatles, they triumph!” cheers the Boston Herald. “An adoring Valentine to The Beatles,” declares the Washington Post. Sing along to such favorites as “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Come Together” and “Can’t Buy Me Love,” and relive Beatlemania from Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road!
RAIN covers the Fab Four from their very first Ed Sullivan Show appearance through the Abbey Road album, through the psychedelic late 60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. RAIN is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience...a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s lights up video screens and live cameras zoom in for close-ups. RAIN boasts a repertoire of nearly 200 Beatlemaniac favorites, ranging from such beloved songs as “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude” to classic hits including “Revolution” and “Come Together.”
For the four longtime band members – Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Joe Bithorn (George Harrison), Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr) and Steve Landes (John Lennon), with a little help from their friend Mark Lewis (keyboards, percussion) – the music is first and foremost. For more than two decades, RAIN has distinguished itself by focusing on details, always being faithful to The Beatles with the ultimate goal of delivering a perfect note-for-note performance. All the music is performed live, with no pre-recorded tapes or sequences. For more information visit: www.raintribute.com
“On their feet, with arms raised high above their heads, all in the audience were swaying and singing along in blissed-out, nostalgia-powered unison! -- Chicago Sun-Times
“The enraptured audience relives the soundtrack of its life!” -- Chicago Tribune
"RAIN nails the full glory of those heavenly vocal harmonies and thrilled an all-ages crowd with note-perfect renditions of songs from the mightiest canon in all of popular music history." -- Buffalo News
“RAIN creates musical nirvana…makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! A thrilling bit of time-warping nostalgia...Boomer Heaven!” -- Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“Uncanny! RAIN are a quartet of fine musicians in their own right…as The Beatles, they triumph!” -- The Boston Herald
“An adoring Valentine to The Beatles!” -- The Washington Post
“RAIN is a spectacular extravaganza…did the audience love it? Yeah, yeah, yeah!” -- The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“Parents (and grandparents) and kids were on their feet bopping like crazy!” -- The Courier Post
RAIN will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta from September 17-19, 2010. Performances are Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm & 8 pm, and Sunday at 1:30 pm & 7 pm. Tickets are on sale NOW at all Ticketmaster outlets, at 800-982-2787 and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices range from $25-$65. Special group rates are available through the Fox Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.
Theater of the Stars celebrates its 58th Anniversary as one of the nation’s premier regional theater companies. A civic not-for-profit cultural treasure, Theater of the Stars is dedicated to presenting and producing the best in musical theater. To learn more about our history of excellence, visit www.theaterofthestars.com.
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www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
Read our other Arts related blogs:
http://backstagegeorgia.blogspot.com/
http://artsacrossga.blogspot.com/
http://musicmattersga.blogspot.com/
http://hummingbirdhollowstudio.blogspot.com/
http://georgiaswriter.blogspot.com/
http://dancingacrossgeorgia.blogspot.com/
http://gaclicks.blogspot.com/
http://secallsforentries.blogspot.com/
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Showing posts with label fox theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fox theatre. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Friday, January 15, 2010
Annie at the Fox Theatre: Perfect show if you need a lift!
Many of us know the tunes from Annie by heart. They pop into our head at the most appropriate times... the sun'll come up tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there'll be sun... it's the hard knock life for us... and my sister's favorite, 'little girls, little girls, everywhere I turn I can see them' (she has three little girls).
Annie has a song and a message for every mood and happenstance in our lives. While watching the show at the Fox earlier this week I found myself reflecting that it is the perfect show for our current tough times. The message of overcoming any trial, of finding a bit of sun tomorrow and of being hopeful no matter what life throws at us gave my overall outlook on life a lift! Plus, everything turns our just swell at the end so what could be better?
The current show at the absolutely fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta continues the tradition of excellence that has been a part of Annie since 1977. All ages filled the theatre... and every one of them sat enraptured throughout the entire show. Although there were a lot of children, not once did I hear a complaint or cry. They came dressed in their Annie shirts and dresses, some with their hair in curls. The clutched "Sandy" plush dogs and carried flowers to give their friends who participated in the show.
I started by saying that Annie is the perfect show for the times and I'll end by saying it's also the perfect introduction to true theatre for any age. The story line is great, the music is fantastic, the acting superb. The venue is stunning and once you've introduced someone to theatre at the Fabulous Fox they'll be hooked forever on quality.
If you don't have your tickets find a way to scrape the dollars together to take the family. Tickets start at $18 and that's a steal! Visit our main site: http://www.artsacrossgeorgia.com/theater/10/annie.htm. It's only here through Sunday, so grab your tickets fast.
More info via Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_%28musical%29
Here's a YouTube video showing some of the many Annies from 1977 through 2006 (or 2008). Wish it had this Annie, she did great, as did the other performers. Top notch.
Annie has a song and a message for every mood and happenstance in our lives. While watching the show at the Fox earlier this week I found myself reflecting that it is the perfect show for our current tough times. The message of overcoming any trial, of finding a bit of sun tomorrow and of being hopeful no matter what life throws at us gave my overall outlook on life a lift! Plus, everything turns our just swell at the end so what could be better?
The current show at the absolutely fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta continues the tradition of excellence that has been a part of Annie since 1977. All ages filled the theatre... and every one of them sat enraptured throughout the entire show. Although there were a lot of children, not once did I hear a complaint or cry. They came dressed in their Annie shirts and dresses, some with their hair in curls. The clutched "Sandy" plush dogs and carried flowers to give their friends who participated in the show.
I started by saying that Annie is the perfect show for the times and I'll end by saying it's also the perfect introduction to true theatre for any age. The story line is great, the music is fantastic, the acting superb. The venue is stunning and once you've introduced someone to theatre at the Fabulous Fox they'll be hooked forever on quality.
If you don't have your tickets find a way to scrape the dollars together to take the family. Tickets start at $18 and that's a steal! Visit our main site: http://www.artsacrossgeorgia.com/theater/10/annie.htm. It's only here through Sunday, so grab your tickets fast.
More info via Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_%28musical%29
Here's a YouTube video showing some of the many Annies from 1977 through 2006 (or 2008). Wish it had this Annie, she did great, as did the other performers. Top notch.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
A "RAIN"-y night in Georgia...
I have a confession to make... I've never been a huge fan of the Beatles. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike the Beatles music, in fact I enjoy it. I'm just not one who knows the words, knows any trivia or keeps (or kept) up with their "doings".
However, last night I went to see "RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles" at the Fabulous Fox Theatre and found myself standing up with the rest of the crowd cheering, clapping and singing along. I enjoyed every single minute of their tribute to the group that changed music as we know it forever.
Every Beatles song RAIN sang evoked a memory and I realized just how much the Beatles tunes have been a part of my life, even without being a die-hard fan. The "concert" was a fun-packed trip down memory lane.
It was a fabulous concert! I heard the true Beatles fans raving about it and saw at least three generations of concert-goers "come together" in laughter, joy and musical appreciation. Everyone was on their feet, singing along at times, clapping, and yes, sometimes dancing.
I got a kick out of watching the old commercials and other snippets of history that played on the screens beside and behind RAIN. It's hard to believe how much has changed since the Beatles first stepped into the limelight.
This is one Fox show that should be on everyone's must-see list. Unfortunately, you only have a few days to slide it into your schedule.
Parents, it's one that you can bring your children to see, too. Share a part of your past and use it as a way to open a dialogue about your past and the world's history if you want to take it that far... If not, just enjoy the music.
It's fun --- RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles does a great job of capturing the look, feel and talent of the original fab-four. For all those who weren't lucky enough to see the original Beatles in concert, this is the closest you'll ever come to getting a sense of what it was like when they moved onto the world stage back in the 60's.
RAIN will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta from October 6-11, 2009. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm and Sunday at 1:30 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are on sale NOW at all Ticketmaster outlets, at 800-982-2787 and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices range from $20 and up. Special group rates are available through the Fox Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.
However, last night I went to see "RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles" at the Fabulous Fox Theatre and found myself standing up with the rest of the crowd cheering, clapping and singing along. I enjoyed every single minute of their tribute to the group that changed music as we know it forever.
Every Beatles song RAIN sang evoked a memory and I realized just how much the Beatles tunes have been a part of my life, even without being a die-hard fan. The "concert" was a fun-packed trip down memory lane.
It was a fabulous concert! I heard the true Beatles fans raving about it and saw at least three generations of concert-goers "come together" in laughter, joy and musical appreciation. Everyone was on their feet, singing along at times, clapping, and yes, sometimes dancing.
I got a kick out of watching the old commercials and other snippets of history that played on the screens beside and behind RAIN. It's hard to believe how much has changed since the Beatles first stepped into the limelight.
This is one Fox show that should be on everyone's must-see list. Unfortunately, you only have a few days to slide it into your schedule.
Parents, it's one that you can bring your children to see, too. Share a part of your past and use it as a way to open a dialogue about your past and the world's history if you want to take it that far... If not, just enjoy the music.
It's fun --- RAIN - A Tribute to the Beatles does a great job of capturing the look, feel and talent of the original fab-four. For all those who weren't lucky enough to see the original Beatles in concert, this is the closest you'll ever come to getting a sense of what it was like when they moved onto the world stage back in the 60's.
RAIN will play the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta from October 6-11, 2009. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 2 pm and 8 pm and Sunday at 1:30 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are on sale NOW at all Ticketmaster outlets, at 800-982-2787 and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices range from $20 and up. Special group rates are available through the Fox Group Sales Dept. at 404-881-2000.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Chang chang ah chang-itty chang shoo bop
Grease... had me a blast!
First, before I forget, here's a BIG tip if you're one of those that likes to sneak out when the play ends and the clapping starts: Don't. Do not leave. Stick around.
Hint as to why: Later today I'm heading to the store to buy Taylor Hicks' new CD.
OK, now that I have that out of the way, here's my thoughts on Grease at the fantastically Fantabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta.
It was good, you know what I mean? (are you saying, tell me more, tell me more?)
What a way to celebrate the end of our long summer nights and the beginning of school!
'Nuff, I'm going to stop trying to pull in the catchy, memorable lyrics from songs and just give you the scoop. It was fun, even before the 8 o'clock official start of the play. Another hot tip: Do not be late, be in your seats early or you'll miss some cool action.
I would recommend that you not see the movie prior to seeing the play as it's hard not to make comparisons. The play is slightly different from the movie version, although similar enough that you'll enjoy even if you're a movie-version Grease fanatic.
Also, if you're like me, you "hear" the songs as sung by John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and friends when watching the play. They're not identical and shouldn't be. Think of Travolta and Newton-John on music steroids. The Grease cast have polished, strong, voices and they shine.
This is a sanitized version of the original stage musical Grease by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. If you'd like to find out more about the history and understand why the play differs just a bit from the movie: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_(musical) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_(film).
Taylor Hicks of American Idol fame does a superb job as "Teen Angel", the role originally played by Frankie Avalon. He won't be in every show, so if you're going because Hicks' name is included, be sure to check. I noticed that some of the people around us where there simply because Taylor Hicks had a role. It's great that his participation is introducing some to the theater. I heard a number of people say they wished he had a bigger role or had more songs in the musical. His inclusion was definitely a high point!
Grease is great. One of the many things I loved was the interaction the actors had with the audience. By the end of the show even the most staid, regardless of age, were clapping and moving with the music.
I'm always awed when I encounter great talent. Everyone in Grease deserves a standing ovation. I highly recommend the show --- tickets are still available and well worth the expense.
My laugh lines are a little deeper, the music is still running through my head and I have a new CD to purchase...
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
http://www.fayettefrontpage.com/
http://www.georgiafrontpage.com/
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http://www.artsacrossgeorgia.com/
---
First, before I forget, here's a BIG tip if you're one of those that likes to sneak out when the play ends and the clapping starts: Don't. Do not leave. Stick around.
Hint as to why: Later today I'm heading to the store to buy Taylor Hicks' new CD.
OK, now that I have that out of the way, here's my thoughts on Grease at the fantastically Fantabulous Fox Theater in Atlanta.
It was good, you know what I mean? (are you saying, tell me more, tell me more?)
What a way to celebrate the end of our long summer nights and the beginning of school!
'Nuff, I'm going to stop trying to pull in the catchy, memorable lyrics from songs and just give you the scoop. It was fun, even before the 8 o'clock official start of the play. Another hot tip: Do not be late, be in your seats early or you'll miss some cool action.
I would recommend that you not see the movie prior to seeing the play as it's hard not to make comparisons. The play is slightly different from the movie version, although similar enough that you'll enjoy even if you're a movie-version Grease fanatic.
Also, if you're like me, you "hear" the songs as sung by John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John and friends when watching the play. They're not identical and shouldn't be. Think of Travolta and Newton-John on music steroids. The Grease cast have polished, strong, voices and they shine.
This is a sanitized version of the original stage musical Grease by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. If you'd like to find out more about the history and understand why the play differs just a bit from the movie: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_(musical) and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_(film).
Taylor Hicks of American Idol fame does a superb job as "Teen Angel", the role originally played by Frankie Avalon. He won't be in every show, so if you're going because Hicks' name is included, be sure to check. I noticed that some of the people around us where there simply because Taylor Hicks had a role. It's great that his participation is introducing some to the theater. I heard a number of people say they wished he had a bigger role or had more songs in the musical. His inclusion was definitely a high point!
Grease is great. One of the many things I loved was the interaction the actors had with the audience. By the end of the show even the most staid, regardless of age, were clapping and moving with the music.
I'm always awed when I encounter great talent. Everyone in Grease deserves a standing ovation. I highly recommend the show --- tickets are still available and well worth the expense.
My laugh lines are a little deeper, the music is still running through my head and I have a new CD to purchase...
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
http://www.fayettefrontpage.com/
http://www.georgiafrontpage.com/
http://www.politicalpotluck.com/
http://www.artsacrossgeorgia.com/
---
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Oh, What a Night!
I had a huge problem with Jersey Boys, The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.
Huge.
Monumental.
Rather than bore you with a long explanation I'll be brief:
It ended.
I had to leave.
The singing stopped.
The fun fizzled.
I hated to leave.
Huge.
Monumental.
Rather than bore you with a long explanation I'll be brief:
It ended.
I had to leave.
The singing stopped.
The fun fizzled.
I hated to leave.
I wanted it to keep going. I wish I were in the theater watching it again right now.
I can't remember enjoying a play as much as I enjoyed Jersey Boys in years, if ever.
I found it difficult to be "proper" and sit when what I really wanted was to be in the aisle dancing. I could tell I wasn't the only one itching to stand, to dance, to sing along, to move! If just one person had been brave enough to get things moving, I know the entire theater would have been on their feet throughout the entire performance!
Sometimes it's difficult to make the leaps that some plays make jumping from one song to the next. It's as though they made up something just so they could get a song in and it just doesn't flow. Jersey Boys was seamless.
I can't remember enjoying a play as much as I enjoyed Jersey Boys in years, if ever.
I found it difficult to be "proper" and sit when what I really wanted was to be in the aisle dancing. I could tell I wasn't the only one itching to stand, to dance, to sing along, to move! If just one person had been brave enough to get things moving, I know the entire theater would have been on their feet throughout the entire performance!
Sometimes it's difficult to make the leaps that some plays make jumping from one song to the next. It's as though they made up something just so they could get a song in and it just doesn't flow. Jersey Boys was seamless.
It was amazing how well the play moved and how clearly it conveyed the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons using their own music. Every little bit of the play was perfect in my estimation.
Jersey Boys, The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is playing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre through June 21st. If you love theater and you love music, this play is one you can't miss. Beg, cajole, borrow, give up your lunches to pay for a ticket, do whatever you have to, but make sure you see this one!
Want to learn more? http://www.jerseyboysinfo.com/ or http://www.foxtheatre.org/.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
http://www.fayettefrontpage.com/
http://www.georgiafrontpage.com/
http://www.politicalpotluck.com/
http://www.artsacrossgeorgia.com/
---
Jersey Boys, The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons is playing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre through June 21st. If you love theater and you love music, this play is one you can't miss. Beg, cajole, borrow, give up your lunches to pay for a ticket, do whatever you have to, but make sure you see this one!
Want to learn more? http://www.jerseyboysinfo.com/ or http://www.foxtheatre.org/.
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
http://www.fayettefrontpage.com/
http://www.georgiafrontpage.com/
http://www.politicalpotluck.com/
http://www.artsacrossgeorgia.com/
---
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Not so Happy Days at the Fox Theatre
I give Happy Days 2.5 out of 5 possible paloozas.
Have you ever seen a movie that depicted people at a show getting up and leaving because it was so bad? Last night at the Fox Theatre I experienced it in "real life" for the first time. And yes, I felt horrible knowing the actors in the new musical had poured so much into the play. I can't imagine how it felt to those on stage to see the theater partially empty out while you were singing and acting your heart out.
Fortunately for those on stage the fault was not theirs. Hopefully they didn't take it personally, although how could they not?
During the first act I struggled to hear the words from the stage. I thought it was MY hearing! I would hear some in the audience laugh at a quip I'd missed and it confirmed that I needed to get my hearing checked. I spent a portion of the first act trying to decide how I'd feel about wearing a hearing aide. I thought about the commercials with the earpiece that looked like a bluetooth phone, wondering if that would help me distinguish words.
I kept looking around to see if anyone else seemed to be having difficulty. No, everyone appeared to be politely, intently, listening.
It wasn't until intermission that the irritation of my fellow theater-goers erupted. I wasn't alone. My hearing hadn't deteriorated to the point where I couldn't hear well!
As I walked around I overheard bits and pieces of conversations. Some were, like me, relieved to discover they didn't have a hearing problem. Others were cornering ushers to ask how they could get a refund. Some wanted tickets to another play in exchange. Many headed out the doors.
I happened upon a beleaguered someone I assumed was the Fox Theatre manager surrounded by a small group. He explained that the theatrical group opted to use their own production equipment rather than the Fox Theatre equipment. I felt bad for him, too. I would not have wanted to be the one trying to placate patrons who were used to Fox Theatre quality.
He assured those listening that those backstage had been told. I didn't pick up WHEN they were notified. If it was during rehearsal and they ignored the warning, a pox on them! If they only discovered the problem during the first act, that was a bit more understandable. However, I would have stopped the play at whatever point notified and fixed it. They didn't.
Patrons don't care who created the problem, nor does it help the Fox. People associate bad sound with the play AND the theatre. I hope that the Fox will consider changing their policies to require groups to use their equipment.
We decided to tough it out and watch the remainder of the play, hoping the sound would be fixed. Many didn't stay. Randomly looking around it looked like up to a third of the audience cleared out during intermission.
The problems with the equipment had not been fixed.
As the play continued more and more people got up and left. I saw people texting messages and playing with their phones rather than watching the play. One older gentleman who should have known better rudely answered his phone and started talking. He walked up the aisle with his companion and I overheard him saying "No we're leaving, the play isn't very good."
I shushed him, after all we were trying, trying desperately, to listen to the play.
I imagine they must have been scrambling to fix the equipment during the first part of the second act as toward the end one person's voice after another became clearer. By the end of Happy Days we could all miraculously understand what was happening on stage!
As I discovered, finally, the actors could sing. In some cases, exceptionally well. It's a shame their talents were muffled due to technical problems.
I hate to judge a play that I couldn't hear well as I know it probably colored my overall feelings. Typically good theater grabs you and wraps you into the story and the music. This one didn't. Even without the sound equipment problems I'm not sure it would be a play I would give a palooza about.
None of the songs were the kind you'd remember. Even those designed to engage the audience, inviting clapping along, didn't. In one scene James Dean and Elvis visit the Fonz. A choir of clapping singers join in, swaying with the beat of the music. Typically I'd be the first to start clapping along. No interest. It was as though the audience were sitting on their hands.
I had a tough time with the story line. Bolero dressed tough-guy wrestlers? A Fonz who was only tough for the first part of the show? Yes, I know in the "real" Happy Days series the Fonz ended up changing his ways and teaching school (or so I've been told), but I only remember the "cool" Fonz.
I talked to a few people about the story line since last night and they assured me it was faithful to the Happy Days television series, so chances are it was just me. I'm not a big television watcher so don't take my criticism of the story line to heart or let it keep you from going to see the play if given the opportunity.
It's highly possible that I'd have an entirely different take on the production if I'd been able to hear the quips, had not missed many of the words and had been able to enjoy the superb voices I heard toward the end throughout.
Again, I feel bad for those who shared their wonderful talents with such enthusiasm last night. Have you ever been to a play where the audience didn't give a standing ovation at the end? Only about a third of the audience stood up, and all of those who did were in the back middle area. That's where I heard the laughs coming from during the play, too. It made me wonder if they were the only ones who heard the actors clearly. If so, maybe that group who loved the play is the gauge you should use when considering whether to give Happy Days a try.
Have you ever seen a movie that depicted people at a show getting up and leaving because it was so bad? Last night at the Fox Theatre I experienced it in "real life" for the first time. And yes, I felt horrible knowing the actors in the new musical had poured so much into the play. I can't imagine how it felt to those on stage to see the theater partially empty out while you were singing and acting your heart out.
Fortunately for those on stage the fault was not theirs. Hopefully they didn't take it personally, although how could they not?
During the first act I struggled to hear the words from the stage. I thought it was MY hearing! I would hear some in the audience laugh at a quip I'd missed and it confirmed that I needed to get my hearing checked. I spent a portion of the first act trying to decide how I'd feel about wearing a hearing aide. I thought about the commercials with the earpiece that looked like a bluetooth phone, wondering if that would help me distinguish words.
I kept looking around to see if anyone else seemed to be having difficulty. No, everyone appeared to be politely, intently, listening.
It wasn't until intermission that the irritation of my fellow theater-goers erupted. I wasn't alone. My hearing hadn't deteriorated to the point where I couldn't hear well!
As I walked around I overheard bits and pieces of conversations. Some were, like me, relieved to discover they didn't have a hearing problem. Others were cornering ushers to ask how they could get a refund. Some wanted tickets to another play in exchange. Many headed out the doors.
I happened upon a beleaguered someone I assumed was the Fox Theatre manager surrounded by a small group. He explained that the theatrical group opted to use their own production equipment rather than the Fox Theatre equipment. I felt bad for him, too. I would not have wanted to be the one trying to placate patrons who were used to Fox Theatre quality.
He assured those listening that those backstage had been told. I didn't pick up WHEN they were notified. If it was during rehearsal and they ignored the warning, a pox on them! If they only discovered the problem during the first act, that was a bit more understandable. However, I would have stopped the play at whatever point notified and fixed it. They didn't.
Patrons don't care who created the problem, nor does it help the Fox. People associate bad sound with the play AND the theatre. I hope that the Fox will consider changing their policies to require groups to use their equipment.
We decided to tough it out and watch the remainder of the play, hoping the sound would be fixed. Many didn't stay. Randomly looking around it looked like up to a third of the audience cleared out during intermission.
The problems with the equipment had not been fixed.
As the play continued more and more people got up and left. I saw people texting messages and playing with their phones rather than watching the play. One older gentleman who should have known better rudely answered his phone and started talking. He walked up the aisle with his companion and I overheard him saying "No we're leaving, the play isn't very good."
I shushed him, after all we were trying, trying desperately, to listen to the play.
I imagine they must have been scrambling to fix the equipment during the first part of the second act as toward the end one person's voice after another became clearer. By the end of Happy Days we could all miraculously understand what was happening on stage!
As I discovered, finally, the actors could sing. In some cases, exceptionally well. It's a shame their talents were muffled due to technical problems.
I hate to judge a play that I couldn't hear well as I know it probably colored my overall feelings. Typically good theater grabs you and wraps you into the story and the music. This one didn't. Even without the sound equipment problems I'm not sure it would be a play I would give a palooza about.
None of the songs were the kind you'd remember. Even those designed to engage the audience, inviting clapping along, didn't. In one scene James Dean and Elvis visit the Fonz. A choir of clapping singers join in, swaying with the beat of the music. Typically I'd be the first to start clapping along. No interest. It was as though the audience were sitting on their hands.
I had a tough time with the story line. Bolero dressed tough-guy wrestlers? A Fonz who was only tough for the first part of the show? Yes, I know in the "real" Happy Days series the Fonz ended up changing his ways and teaching school (or so I've been told), but I only remember the "cool" Fonz.
I talked to a few people about the story line since last night and they assured me it was faithful to the Happy Days television series, so chances are it was just me. I'm not a big television watcher so don't take my criticism of the story line to heart or let it keep you from going to see the play if given the opportunity.
It's highly possible that I'd have an entirely different take on the production if I'd been able to hear the quips, had not missed many of the words and had been able to enjoy the superb voices I heard toward the end throughout.
Again, I feel bad for those who shared their wonderful talents with such enthusiasm last night. Have you ever been to a play where the audience didn't give a standing ovation at the end? Only about a third of the audience stood up, and all of those who did were in the back middle area. That's where I heard the laughs coming from during the play, too. It made me wonder if they were the only ones who heard the actors clearly. If so, maybe that group who loved the play is the gauge you should use when considering whether to give Happy Days a try.
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