THE OUTSIDERS Broadway Previews- Page 2

[bwayboy22]

Posted: 3/17/24 at 9:20pm

I was also at first preview and can't say I'm quite as big a fan as others in this thread. I found this show to be good, at times verging on great, but never reaching it. The performers were all excellent, especially Brody Grant as Ponyboy, I have absolutely no idea how he'll be able to maintain doing this role 8 times a week. Even when he's not in a scene, he rarely leaves the stage. The score has probably half a dozen great songs, but to me the rest of it was filler that all sounded the same. I also felt like the book writers made some unnecessary adjustments that didn't better serve the story and weakened character development and the stakes.

I love Danya Taymor's direction and the Kuperman's choreography, that paired with Brian MacDevitt's Lighting Design truly created some visually inventive and beautiful moments that were great ways of telling the story.  

In all the biggest problem for me is that it never hooked me in. I really went in wanting to love this, but I never felt the stakes of the piece. It definitely seemed to resonate with a lot of the teen audience, there was one girl audibly sobbing for an extended period near the end of the show. I still enjoyed it, but just feel it's not living up to the potential.

Updated On: 3/27/24 at 09:20 PM

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 3:17am

Broadway Flash said: "Those are not “movie musicals.” They are musicals that are based on novels."

You are right. I should have said books turned movies, books revisited as musicals.

[MezzoDiva47]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 6:29pm

BentleyB said: "Just got back to our room after the show. Started late, but about 2:30 total length. I would have never guessed that it was the first preview. Other than being disappointed in another stripped down/representationalset, but it worked and the barn scene and rumble were incredible. I pretty much loved every moment of the show and the crowd (populated by several school groups) went insane over it. Of all the shows I have seen that have opened, just hand them the Tony now. The cast was overjoyed after curtain call walking off stage, which made this one even more special."

 

brrrrrrrrrr

its shilly in here

 

[PauliJ]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 7:47pm

I went to the first preview on Saturday night and definitely echo the praises for the show that people have already said. Major fan of the book and liked the movie, and I was very excited for this show. It somehow exceeded my very high expectations for the show. I do think there are flaws and things that can be changed, but I loved the show.

The set design was incredible and I loved the ways they utilized the different pieces for varied uses. I sat in orchestra left in row E towards the middle of the row and I don't think I missed any action behind the car. I think it may be a problem in orchestra right since a good chunk of scenes take place on the climbing area over there. I think the jungle gym aspect of the show is amazing and is very unique and I haven't seen much like it in any other show. The fire and rain were incredible as well.

Danya Taymor's direction amplifies the story along with the choreography. It is essentially the book brought to life on stage, with a few changes that don't sacrifice the story. One of the changes towards the end was actually one of my favorite parts of the show.

The main cast is insane, but Ponyboy seems like a very hard role for Brody Grant to sustain for 8 shows a week. It's not Brody Grant, who is incredible in the role, but the role itself. Lots of demanding songs and movement where he only leaves the stage for 1 song at most. All of the Greasers really seem like stars. I really appreciate how they gave each of them their own time to shine with their own songs. 

In my opinion, Grease Got a Hold and Friday at the Drive-In were the weakest songs. I think Grease Got a Hold should be replaced with a new song introducing the Greaser's better and sound more like Hoods Turned Heroes and Trouble. My problem with Friday at the Drive-Ins wasn't the song itself, but it seemed to paint Cherry as less of a good girl. Her character is exactly how she is written in the books except for that song. Her relationship with Bob in only that song feels off. I also think a song could potentially be added between Far Away From Tulsa and Run, Run Brother. That was the opportunity to give Bob a song there and I think it would fit very well.

Personally, I agree with theatretenor2 on most things that were mentioned, but I think that Darry's songs are very good and the show would lose some heart if they were cut. It shows how much he cares for Ponyboy and Sodapop and makes the ending more meaningful and impactful. They also do a very good job with giving Darry a better character arc than they did in the movie, and I like that they show his struggle in that he can abandon them at any time and become a Soc. Also, Brent Comer was a standout performance in my opinion so give him all the songs they can. He is incredible.

I also think that Great Expectations is great where it is at in the show. I also think the change of him reading to Sodapop was a good idea, because it that same scene they have him talking about his smarts and how he will be the brother to go off and do something. If it were to be moved to the end of Act 1, the middle of the act would really drag. Run, Run Brother is a huge number and has a lot of momentum. Adding in Great Expectations afterwards would bring down the high of Act 1 and feel out of place after getting onto the train. I think the main problem with Hopeless War was that it was too long and was in the wrong setting. I think if it took up half as much time as it did and was just Ponyboy and Cherry onstage, without Johnny being on the bed, it would read better. 

Overall, I loved the entire show and it went very smoothly for opening preview. I am hoping to see it again and if anyone is on the fence, go see it. It has a spectacle, great and memorable music, and a whole lot of heart.

[Mr. Wormwood]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 7:48pm

PauliJ said: "I went to the first preview on Saturday night and definitely echo the praises for the show that people have already said. Major fan ofthe book and likedthe movie, and I was very excited for this show. It somehow exceeded my very high expectations for the show. I do think there are flaws and things that can be changed, but I loved the show.

The set design was incredible and I loved the ways they utilized the different pieces for varied uses. I sat in orchestra leftin row E towards the middle of the rowand I don't think I missed any action behind the car. I think it may be a problem in orchestra right since a good chunk of scenes take place on the climbing area over there. I think the jungle gym aspect of the show is amazing and is very unique and I haven't seen much like it in any other show. The fire and rain were incredible as well.

Danya Taymor's direction amplifies the story along with the choreography. It is essentially the book brought to life on stage, with a few changes that don't sacrifice the story. One of the changestowards the end was actually one of my favorite parts of the show.

The main cast is insane, but Ponyboy seems like a very hard role for Brody Grant to sustain for 8 shows a week. It's not Brody Grant, who is incredible in the role, but the role itself. Lots of demanding songs and movement where he only leaves the stage for 1 song at most. All of the Greasers really seem like stars. I really appreciate how they gave each of them their own time to shine with their own songs.

In my opinion, Grease Got a Hold and Friday at the Drive-In were the weakest songs. I think Grease Got a Hold should be replaced with a new song introducing the Greaser's better and sound more like Hoods Turned Heroes and Trouble. My problem with Friday at the Drive-Ins wasn't the song itself, but it seemed to paint Cherry as less of a good girl. Her character is exactly how she is written in the books except for that song. Her relationship with Bob in only that song feels off. I also think a song could potentially be added between Far Away From Tulsa and Run, Run Brother. That was the opportunity to give Bob a song there and I think it would fit very well.

Personally, I agree with theatretenor2 on most things that were mentioned, but I think that Darry's songs are very good and the show would lose some heart if they were cut. It shows how much he cares for Ponyboy and Sodapop and makes the ending more meaningful and impactful. They also do a very good job with giving Darry a better character arc than they did in the movie, and I like that they show his struggle in that he can abandon them at any time and become a Soc. Also, Brent Comer was a standout performance in my opinion so give him all the songs they can. He is incredible.

I also think that Great Expectations is great where it is at in the show. I also think the change of him reading to Sodapop was a good idea, because it that same scene they have him talking about his smarts and how he will be the brother to go off and do something. If it were to be moved to the end of Act 1, the middle of the act would really drag. Run, Run Brother is a huge number and has a lot of momentum. Adding in Great Expectations afterwards would bring down the high of Act 1 and feel out of place after getting onto the train. I think the main problem with Hopeless War was that it was too long and was in the wrong setting. I think if it took up half as much time as it did and was just Ponyboy and Cherry onstage, without Johnny being on the bed, it would read better.

Overall, I loved the entire show and it went very smoothly for opening preview. I am hoping to see it again and if anyone is on the fence, go see it. It has a spectacle, great and memorable music, and a whole lot of heart."

So what job do you have with the production?

[PauliJ]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 7:53pm

Mr. Wormwood said: So what job do you have with the production?"

I wish, but nope. Just really loved the show

 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 8:11pm

MezzoDiva47 said: "BentleyB said: "Just got back to our room after the show. Started late, but about 2:30 total length. I would have never guessed that it was the first preview. Other than being disappointed in another stripped down/representationalset, but it worked and the barn scene and rumble were incredible. I pretty much loved every moment of the show and the crowd (populated by several school groups) went insane over it. Of all the shows I have seen that have opened, just hand them the Tony now. The cast was overjoyed after curtain call walking off stage, which made this one even more special."

brrrrrrrrrr

its shilly in here"

BentleyB is a longtime regular poster who's been here for years, person who showed up two months ago. Their likes and dislikes are often different from the majority (a quick review of their history shows they loved Harmony and hated Tommy), but they've been here long enough to be taken at face value, especially over someone who just showed up and hides their own post history.

Updated On: 3/18/24 at 08:11 PM

[BentleyB]

Posted: 3/18/24 at 10:19pm

MezzoDiva47 said: "BentleyB said: "Just got back to our room after the show. Started late, but about 2:30 total length. I would have never guessed that it was the first preview. Other than being disappointed in another stripped down/representationalset, but it worked and the barn scene and rumble were incredible. I pretty much loved every moment of the show and the crowd (populated by several school groups) went insane over it. Of all the shows I have seen that have opened, just hand them the Tony now. The cast was overjoyed after curtain call walking off stage, which made this one even more special."


brrrrrrrrrr

its shilly in here

"

And you sir are exactly why I don’t post here often.  I have seen probably more Broadway shows in my 66 years of life than you probably have.  While you may not value my opinion and think I am a “shill” perhaps you should check histories and learn from YOUR arrogance.   BTW did you see the first preview?  Also, wanna make sure I don’t shill? Check my post about TOMMY and the show being stopped for 20 minutes?  How about that? But I guess my view is unimportant because I have more to do than post pages of reviews after every show I see or nonsense like others do just to get a rise out of someone. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/19/24 at 5:58pm

Enjoyed the songs they released on Spotify. 

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/19/24 at 9:14pm

How high is the stage? Would first or second row be too close? Those rows are cheaper than mid orchestra. 

[veronicamae]

Posted: 3/19/24 at 9:35pm

Bettyboy72 said: "How high is the stage? Would first or second row be too close? Those rows are cheaper than mid orchestra."

When I went there were only 4 people in the first row (invited dress) so I remember it well - the stage was higher than the top of the full-grown man's head by a few inches.

[HunterK]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 10:37am

I was at this past Monday evening's performance and enjoyed it. I will happily review it when I go to the last preview. 

But I have to mention a fantastic moment that happened in the audience.

Our seats were directly in front of the truly amazing Angelina Jolie! She is a first time  executive producer on this show She was talking to young theatergoers at intermission about their dreams and aspirations. She took some pictures with some and was just beyond open and kind. I stopped her quickly on exiting and just said "Thank you for bringing your talents to Broadway." She smiled and said "I am so lucky to be here..thanks my love!" I was in heaven! 

I have to say that made me want to spread the word about the show, just the same as seeing it. It was a special surprise. I never thought I would see Ms. Jolie so excited. It was a moment I will never forget. 

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 1:52pm

veronicamae said: "Bettyboy72 said: "How high is the stage? Would first or second row be too close? Those rows are cheaper than mid orchestra."

When I went there were only 4 people in the first row (invited dress) so I remember it well -the stage was higher than the top of the full-grown man's head by a few inches."

Thank you Veronica for answering me. Your answer reminded me I thought the same thing when I saw Parade. The stage was high. I opted for the same first row mezz seats I had for Parade. The view was perfect and they were included in the discount. 

 

[veronicamae]

Posted: 3/20/24 at 5:42pm

Bettyboy72 said: "veronicamae said: "Bettyboy72 said: "How high is the stage? Would first or second row be too close? Those rows are cheaper than mid orchestra."

When I went there were only 4 people in the first row (invited dress) so I remember it well -the stage was higher than the top of the full-grown man's head by a few inches."

Thank you Veronica for answering me. Your answer reminded me I thought the same thing when I saw Parade. The stage was high. I opted for the same first row mezz seats I had for Parade. The view was perfect and they were included in the discount."

Front row mezz is where I sat and it was wonderful.

 

[Jonathan Cohen]

Posted: 3/21/24 at 1:28am

A few thoughts after watching it tonight...

• I really enjoyed the first half and it lost me in the second act. Ponyboy is such a passive character. He's just doing what other people tell him or a victim of bad circumstances. The two major exceptions were when he chose to do the right thing by going in to the burning church, and when he chose to do the wrong thing by participating in the rumble.  Since the bad decision came second, I couldn't figure out how he evolved as a character over the course of the story. I think it's supposed to be him realizing there's “lots of good in the world” but that doesn't seem different from the character at the beginning of the story. 

 

• Kevin William Paul plays a character who gets killed then the cop investigating the first character's death. That took me out of the story a little. 

 

• Brody Grant/Ponyboy is sitting on stage before the show begins, journaling. It works but between this, Parade, and A Doll's House, there's been a lot in the last year of having the star sitting onstage before the show or during intermission. It's become a repetitive directing choice.  

 

• My location was Left Orchestra Row D, seat 7. In that context, I recommend the mezzanine if you want a good view of the rumble. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 3/21/24 at 11:33pm

Of the 500 new shows opening this season, this is the one I've been most looking forward to while also most skeptical about. The film had a huge impact on me as a kid in the 80's and the book even more-so when I was given a copy for my (I think) 10th birthday. So it's always been something I hold very close to me. But oh, did I love this tonight. There are some things I'd change of course (because there always are) and I hope they can work on them through the preview period but they're off to a fantastic start. I think this is a perfectly cast show, nobody sticks out as being in any way wrong or ill-fitting. The score is STRONG, much more than most other shows this season and sitting at home now, I even have a few of them running through my mind. But I gotta say the direction and choreography are something really special. The rumble in act two is probably the best stage scene of the season. I would be shocked if I see something else on stage this year come close to that. 

There were so many kids/teenagers there tonight. Leaving, we saw lines of what looked like 9-10 year olds being led out and multiple large groups of teens throughout the house. The ones behind us were just sobbing in act two, so it was cool to see it touch them. 

I really really hope others like this, as well. It has the makings to be a huge hit and have some staying power. After several disappointing new musicals lately, it was so nice to walk out of something tonight wiping my eyes and a huge smile on my face. 

[BentleyB]

Posted: 3/21/24 at 11:48pm

Jordan Catalano said: "Of the 500 new shows opening this season, this is the one I've been most looking forward to while also most skeptical about. The film had a huge impact on me as a kid in the 80's and the book even more-so when I was given a copy for my (I think) 10thbirthday. So it's always been something I hold very close to me. But oh, did I love this tonight. There are somethings I'd change of course (because there always are) and I hope they can work on them through the preview period but they're off to a fantastic start. I think this is a perfectly cast show, nobody sticks out as being in any way wrong or ill-fitting. The score is STRONG, much more than most other shows this season and sitting at home now, I even have a few of them running through my mind. But I gotta say the direction and choreography are something really special. The rumble in act two is probably the best stage scene of the season. I would be shocked if I see something else on stage this year come close to that.

There were so many kids/teenagers there tonight. Leaving, we saw lines of what looked like 9-10 year olds being led out and multiple large groups of teens throughout the house. The ones behind us were just sobbing in act two, so it was cool to see it touch them.

I really really hope others like this, as well. It has the makings to be a huge hit and have some staying power. After several disappointing new musicals lately, it was so nice to walk out of something tonight wiping my eyes and a huge smile on my face."

I could not agree with this more.  (I hope that you don’t get labeled a “shill” as well.). I think this has the potential to be a long running hit. 

 

[Cape Twirl of Doom]

Posted: 3/22/24 at 12:04am

Saw it tonight and I agree, the rumble scene was so well done! It got its own applause when it was over. Really stunning work and so physical!

There were a bunch of school groups there tonight for a talkback afterwards, and the teens sitting near me all loved it and were sobbing at the end.

I really enjoyed it as well, minus a few quibbles. Somehow I’ve never read the book or seen the film so the story was entirely new to me and I loved the relationship between the three brothers. My main issue was the actor playing Ponyboy sounded like he was singing through a mouthful of marbles at times. The lyrics to the opening song were hard to decipher. But it got better as the show progressed and I ended up thinking its the best of the new musicals I’ve seen this season so far!

[60'splayoff]

Posted: 3/26/24 at 12:49pm

I caught this on Saturday night and was pleasantly surprised. For whatever reason, my excitement level for this one was low. Out of the recent streak of "meh" new musicals, I would give these guys a Best Musical nom. The cast is excellent, it moves rather quickly thanks to some exciting stage moments (the barn, the rumble etc.) and while the music did start to sound the same, at least it sounded pleasant and cohesive.

I do want to comment on whatever is all over the stage: rubber bits?! I was sitting in the 2nd row orch, far side house left (very obstructed at times- the tire completely blocked the stationary car stage left). At first I thought the stage was wet from whatever was being kicked up but after watching the front row continuously pick it off themselves, I realized it was something dry. I got a kick out of it! Although I couldn't help but think they're in trouble the second that accidentally gets in someone's eye. I enjoyed sitting so close but fair warning, not only is the cast flinging themselves into the piece, they're flinging water, blood (spoiler?) and these mysterious bits all over the first 2/3 rows. It's thrilling... but messy.

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 3/27/24 at 11:22pm

I read this novel and saw the movie many, many years ago, so I couldn't pass up seeing the musical adaptation on a comp tonight. My high expectations were pretty much met — it really is already in strong shape.

The Outsiders has its own unique sound, a blend of roots, Americana, blues, and rockabilly making for a score that is as varied as it is catchy. I thought much of the first act, in particular, provided a distinct musical echo of something like The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. 

The musical is very true to the novel, though I did pick out a few minor changes.

The choreography is inventive and VERY physical. The rumble sequence got the most rousing round of applause of the evening, and the onstage rain outclasses its next-door neighbor.

Brody Grant is such an appealing lead and I'll be shocked if he isn't considered for that final slot in the lead actor in a musical race. Shoutout to Joshua Boone as well, what a voice. The entire cast shines though. 

I saw Justin, Adam, Danya, Jon, and Zach seated towards the back of the orchestra level. Their freeze day will be April 5.

Reviews will probably be quite favorable in a couple weeks, and this'll ride on for at least a few months on title recognition alone. I'll be curious to see what Tony noms this one snatches up.

 

 

 

 

Updated On: 3/27/24 at 11:22 PM

[kurtal]

Posted: 3/27/24 at 11:47pm

I saw tonight's preview performance (Orchestra Row M, house right) and was very pleasantly surprised.  Yes, the show wears its heart on its sleeve, and yes it toes the line between endearingly earnest and schmaltzy at times, but it doesn't fall into the latter too often.  As others have mentioned, the score is very rockabilly toned, but it felt appropriate for the time and place the story is set.  Some of the lyrics are a bit basic, but I appreciated that most of the songs felt character-specific and integrated into the plot.  These weren't just trunk songs that were plopped into a show to hit an emotional moment.  For the most part they did what good musical theatre songs do -- advance a moment of character development and move the characters forward.

I thought Act One was stronger than Act Two, but the rumble is really excellent stage work.  I'm really impressed with how Danya Taymor executed her vision.  

Other than Illinoise, this is my favorite new musical of the season.  (To be fair, I haven't seen Gatsby, The Notebook, or Heart of Rock and Roll yet, but I've seen everything else).  The teen girl audience is going to eat this up, and deservedly so.  It's like the sadboy's Newsies -- and I don't mean that as a slight.  

Also, major props to the sound designers.  They did some really cool things throughout. 

[incomesabby]

Posted: 3/28/24 at 2:16am

Saw the first preview and then saw the show tonight (Wednesday 3/27). Happy to report that they've made significant changes and improvements to the staging and lyrics of "Hopeless War", which was really the only low note I had from first preview. Also loved the new staging of "Stay Gold" with Johnny being down on the floor and more interactive with Ponyboy. And once again so floored by the pure talent of this cast and the quality of this show. I could go on and on but I'll limit my fangirling...

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 3/28/24 at 8:34am

I also saw this last night and have to agree with the other comments. 
 
It’s in very strong shape with a great score and some of the best staging I’ve seen this season. 
 

Definitely an audience last night that was full of what I think its target is and they seemed to really connect with it. Lots of tears in act 2.

Updated On: 3/28/24 at 08:34 AM

[CJRochester]

Posted: 3/29/24 at 5:20pm

I saw the show last night (Thursday). The largely young student-aged audience was very well behaved. I sat in front mezzanine, house left (A-7), which I thought was an ideal seat. 

The song list is printed in the Playbill. That's not always the case with shows in previews, so I gather at least the that aspect is frozen. 

As others have said, this felt a bit like a cross between West Side Story and Newsies, a heavy and intense story filled with class struggles and teenage angst. 

A very strong performance by newcomer Brody Grant as Ponyboy. He never leaves the stage, even when other actors have their solo moments. In fact Brody enters 10-15 minutes before curtain time, sits on the tire stage right, and writes in his notebook. He ignores the audience taking photos just a few feet away, and keeps looking at his notebook or offstage. 

Sky Lakota-Lynch as Johnny Cade broke my heart. I remember him being so funny as Jared in DEH several years ago. His acting in this role is understated but quite powerful. 

I loved the score and thought the staging was very inventive. The rumble in the rain brought back memories of that awful West Side Story four years ago. I kept thinking this is how they should have done it. 

Stay gold Ponyboy. xoxox

Updated On: 3/29/24 at 05:20 PM

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 3/29/24 at 5:23pm

I'm hearing initial praise for this show, but with how reviewers want to hate shows right now, I'm curious as to what they'll say. Also curious as to how Tony voters will feel