Post by Michael on Sept 3, 2018 17:02:01 GMT
Flying back home today after spending a long weekend in New York seeing five shows. Since New York threads seem to be en vogue, here's mine 
1. Friday, 31st August 8pm, Avenue Q @ New World Stages, Orchestra B119, $59.00 + fees
My original plan was to get a rush ticket for A Bronx Tale, but since this show closed a few days ago, I was left with an empty slot. On Friday morning, I headed down to the Southside/Seaport TKTS to see what the got on offer. Wasn't interested in most of the shows so I decided to see Avenue Q again, which they offered with a 40% discount. I've already seen the show at NWS and am aware of the small band, but this time, something lacked. Can't put my finger on it, though. Also, the lady playing Gary Coleman must've been sick as she spoke-sang through her parts in the first act and was barely audible. In the interval, I did wonder what they'll do with Schadenfreude - guess what, they've cut it completely 
2. Saturday, 1st September 2pm, Pretty Woman @ Nederlander Theatre, Orchestra J22, $139.00 + fees
Haven't seen the movie. Yes, really. I only went because of Sam Barks and she did not disappoint. In fact, she was amazing - and looked absolutely stunning in that red dress. The score is instantly forgettable, after I had left the theatre, I couldn't hum a single tune. Still, I really enjoyed this feel-good show and would happily see it again. It was also my first time seeing Orfeh on stage - what a voice.
3. Saturday, 1st September 8pm, Frozen @ St James Theatre, Orchesta J22, $152.50 + fees
The show I was most looking forward to, but I'm sad to report that I didn't particularly enjoy it. I did listen to the cast recording before so I did know that the new songs - apart from Monster, which in my opinion is even better than Let It Go - are not that good, but during the show I noticed again the difference between old and new songs. And Hygge is really weird. The set looked cheap (not only the ice castle, which was done OK-ish, but in general), the view from my pretty expensive seat (three seats in from the wall) was quite restricted and the audience was horrible, worst audience I've had in quite some time. The two leads were amazing though, Caissie Levy sang the hell out of the songs and Patti Murin is pure fun to watch. This show could have been so much better. Admittedly, maybe my expectations were just too high, but still...
4. Sunday, 2nd September 3pm, Mean Girls @ August Wilson Theatre, Orchestra B9, $139.50 + fees
Again, haven't seen the movie and only bought a ticket out of a mood. I think this was my favourite show of the five I saw. The score was OK with two great songs - Apex Predator and I'd rather be me - but I haven't laughed that much in a theatre for quite some time - this show is pure fun and I do hope it transfers quickly. Also, quite unusual for Broadway, I had covers for all three Plastics. The view from my seat was great and I did remember sitting in the very same seat for Groundhog Day.
5. Sunday, 2nd September 7pm, Wicked @ Gershwin Theatre, Orchestra H28, $99.00 + fees
Booked this ticket long ago, mostly to see two new leading ladies. So you can surely imagine that I was slightly miffed when they announced that the two tour leads - Jessica Vosk and Amanda Jane Cooper - were transferring over to Broadway as I had seen both on tour in Orlando and, to be honest, didn't particularly enjoy their performances. I was at least hoping to see a cover, but wasn't lucky. Both were OK, but nothing special, and I just can't understand why so many fans seem to be so impressed by Jessica Vosk. And once again, I noticed that I've seen Wicked way too often and need to extend my hiatus.
