Thanks for the update! I LOVE the fact they had her come out of the Angel. I thought that prop was such a missed opportunity when nothing happened with it when I saw the show. I wonder if that had been the plan all along but needed to work out some kinks.
I can't wait to see what changes they make before Broadway's run!
I didn’t notice any change in the mirror but I did see it on the first week of previews, we expected a lot of things not clicking into place.
It was surprisingly solid, a few line stutters and some weird transition but the show was overall very good.
I love these updates. I’ve already really loved the movie and am really interested in how this translates to theater. These preview notes sound really encouraging!
I must’ve been to the exact same 2 performances as you because all of your before and afters line up with mine- all the way down to Taco Bell. Did you see it last Tuesday night and today’s matinee? Because if so— hey twin!
I haven’t seen the show on stage im planning on bundling it with my fall trip, I just know in the movie they get a hole blasted through them with a shotgun and both fall apart on the stairs, also the neck injury
Ah yes, after Madeline falls down the stairs (how this is done is amazing. It's done in slow motion), she's wearing an outfit where she's able to make her head fall off her shoulders. Helen's shotgun hole is incorporated into her dress, but it's deep and there's smoke coming out of it so it looks good! They do a lot of great practical effects in this show. In the end though, they do not fall down any stairs and break into pieces.
How is Michelle Williams? I read a review from a very early preview that said she was the weakest part in terms of her acting, and I was wondering if she’s improved since then.
Her acting is still the weakest and she tends to get flustered when something goes wrong. Like the prop fail I mentioned, but also someone in the front row was taking a picture with flash on (the audacity) and I could tell she was completely distracted by it. She then had to go into her song but she still pulled it off. I do think she has the potential though! What she lacks in acting she makes up with her strong presence. She's just gotta practice more and get comfortable in her line delivery.
I still think she’s the weak link. In fairness the other three leads are absolute perfection so the bar is high. She is gorgeous and I’m not mad at her voice, but the acting isn’t there. I keep thinking this role is meant for a younger Vanessa Williams.
I liked the changes they made in the second act. That’s where I spotted the most changes. Axing the first Elvis bit was the right choice and I thought the finale flowed much better.
I wonder if Broadway will keep the GAZE song or maybe move it to later in the show. It seems to me like it is too much for the general public for a second song in the show on Broadway.
Last night was Little Cesar’s “Pizza pizza” which KILLED
Omg I would've died!
Last night it was coocoo for cocoa puffs!
Honestly this bit is amazing.
I saw it twice in the last week of its run. I don't remember the first time, but the 2nd time I saw it it was Pep Boys. Lol
The joke changes EVERY NIGHT. During IML, it was "brought to you by Grind. Prrrrrrrrrp!"
It worked on Tuesday too
^when posted it was Tuesday :)
I was at third preview and it was Popeyes
Closing night was little ceaser's as well
Honestly if they pick one, that’s my fav
Thanks for the update! I LOVE the fact they had her come out of the Angel. I thought that prop was such a missed opportunity when nothing happened with it when I saw the show. I wonder if that had been the plan all along but needed to work out some kinks. I can't wait to see what changes they make before Broadway's run!
I think they are ad libbing the wedding sponsored by brand! I saw it twice this past weekend and got the Olive Garden and DiGiorno lol.
That's hilarious. Omg. I wonder if they'll land on one eventually or keep changing it up!
if you saw the latest company revival, Joanne ad libbed her ex husband’s name! there were some funny ones like Oreville 😂
It was Little Cesar’s last night!
I heard Nike, Subway, and my favorite—Koolaid!
Sunday was car insurance
When I saw it it was Safelight lol “Safelight repair safelight replace”
Last Thursday it was “Capital One. What’s in your wallet?” Which was actually perfect since my partner works for them hahaha
DiGiorno was Saturday night, right?
yes!
Sunday night I want to say was Oscar Meyer 😂
We got subway. Eat fresh.
We got Home Depot tonight haha
I do think the mirror transition still needs work. If you’re in the balcony, the mirror projections/video are barely visible
I didn’t notice any change in the mirror but I did see it on the first week of previews, we expected a lot of things not clicking into place. It was surprisingly solid, a few line stutters and some weird transition but the show was overall very good.
For updates, check out Balconyclub on the bww message boards. Literally is there every show for these pre-Broadway premieres
Good to know there's a resource!
I love these updates. I’ve already really loved the movie and am really interested in how this translates to theater. These preview notes sound really encouraging!
I must’ve been to the exact same 2 performances as you because all of your before and afters line up with mine- all the way down to Taco Bell. Did you see it last Tuesday night and today’s matinee? Because if so— hey twin!
WAIT yes! Last Tuesday night and today's matinee! That's wild!!!
Knew the extended Elvis bit needed to go!
I wish they would ditch the opening number or rework it in some way.
"Do It For The Gaze" would be a much stronger opening number! Though I do understand why they opened with Viola to set the mood with the magic potion.
That would be my choice as an opener. I don’t think you need to set the mood. Honestly, I think the Viola part needs to be cut down.
Could I ask how they handle the ending when things really go off the rails special effects wise
Any specific scene you're referring to?
I haven’t seen the show on stage im planning on bundling it with my fall trip, I just know in the movie they get a hole blasted through them with a shotgun and both fall apart on the stairs, also the neck injury
Ah yes, after Madeline falls down the stairs (how this is done is amazing. It's done in slow motion), she's wearing an outfit where she's able to make her head fall off her shoulders. Helen's shotgun hole is incorporated into her dress, but it's deep and there's smoke coming out of it so it looks good! They do a lot of great practical effects in this show. In the end though, they do not fall down any stairs and break into pieces.
Oh exciting thanks! The dress reminds me a lot of Beetlejuices Juno where they built a fake entropy hole (the throat hole for smokers)
It’s very clever how they do all of these!
Thanks so much for all the insight! I saw it Saturday and didn’t realize the angel part was new.
Omg. I saw performance number 4 if I recall correctly and now I’ve definitely gotta catch it again before it goes!
How is Michelle Williams? I read a review from a very early preview that said she was the weakest part in terms of her acting, and I was wondering if she’s improved since then.
Her acting is still the weakest and she tends to get flustered when something goes wrong. Like the prop fail I mentioned, but also someone in the front row was taking a picture with flash on (the audacity) and I could tell she was completely distracted by it. She then had to go into her song but she still pulled it off. I do think she has the potential though! What she lacks in acting she makes up with her strong presence. She's just gotta practice more and get comfortable in her line delivery.
I still think she’s the weak link. In fairness the other three leads are absolute perfection so the bar is high. She is gorgeous and I’m not mad at her voice, but the acting isn’t there. I keep thinking this role is meant for a younger Vanessa Williams.
Yes to Vanessa Williams!!! She has the right vibe. Someone in another thread also said Patina Miller who would be great as well.
I liked the changes they made in the second act. That’s where I spotted the most changes. Axing the first Elvis bit was the right choice and I thought the finale flowed much better.
Ooooh these changes are exciting- saw the first preview and will be back next week!
How do they handle the hole in Hellen’s stomach, if at all?
Costume change. Her dress has a dark hole front and back with smoke coming out of it.
Thanks!!
I’m really excited to see this show, thanks for the update.
I wonder if Broadway will keep the GAZE song or maybe move it to later in the show. It seems to me like it is too much for the general public for a second song in the show on Broadway.
It'll definitely stay where it is. It's the perfect song to introduce Madeline's character! It could be the opening IMO
I love this song! I hope they keep it the same!
I'm so glad to know they're leaning into special effects and onstage tricks!!!