Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark

I saw the first preview of Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark last night. I know most reviews aren't made until opening night, but a lot of people are trashing it already.

I started in the minority, since I've been excited for this musical since it was announced. Again I'm in the minority, because I loved it.

It's not flawless. It's far from it. The finale needs to be changed. Some of the lyrics are terrible. The score is, for the most part, quite forgettable. There are songs about "Bouncing Off The Walls" and "High Heels," which are kind of ridiculous, but then there are special moments I have never felt from any other piece of Theatre. I left the Theatre with so many questions, but I loved that. I was able to relate to wanting to "rising above myself" and growing up. I loved how Spider-Man was almost controlled by his nightmare, since I'm still young enough for my dreams to have such an impact on me. There were times in the show I was so drawn in and connected, and I was especially so during the longest stop they took. There were times I actually feared for my life, not because I thought the actors would land on me, but because I felt like I was in the city under attack. I'm not big on spectacles, but the flying blew me away.

I think Spider-Man is perfect for kids and teenagers. Nothing extremely inappropriate stands out in my mind. I was captivated and blown away, even though I tend to shy away from "spectacle" musicals. Spider-Man isn't only good for younger audiences. I'm pretty sure anyone can enjoy it if they go in with an open mind, especially in previews. There are some really great, interesting, new things going on in the musical. The choreography is very well thought out and spectacular. The story gets a few messages across; I have a feeling I could get a completely different experience next time I go. The actors are marvelous. Jennifer Damiano and Patrick Page absolutely blew me away.

I say, absolutely go see Spider-Man. No matter what, it will not be like any other piece of theatre you've ever experienced. Go with an open mind, I bet you'll find something to enjoy. I cannot wait until I can go back again and hopefully see the finished product.

Next To Normal

Before Next To Normal even made it to Broadway I had fallen in love with it, and I had to see it almost immediately when it came back to New York. After seeing it once I couldn't wait to get back and listened to the recording many times, and after not seeing it for months, I have revisited it twice. This musical means more to me now than it ever did.

When I first saw Next To Normal I was absolutely blown away. I got rush seats in the boxes, so they weren't that great, but no matter where I saw it from I knew I would love it. There were plenty of college kids there to rush, and some that I talked to after the show were floored by it. When I went back recently I met a few girls around my age that had been dying to see it, and I couldn't have been happier they chose Next To Normal over the other show they were thinking about. I didn't know then, but they weren't the only ones about to fall in love with Next To Normal; I did again.

After obsessing over Next To Normal for months, I moved on to listening to other things, mostly rock music. Still, I don't listen to the recording much; it's not exactly a happy soundtrack. After not listening to it for long, I had just kinda felt disconnected from Next To Normal. When I saw it again in August all of my love for the show came back and more. It opened my eyes to issues going on in my life and feelings I hadn't given myself time to deal with, and I connected extremely deeply with many characters, and at times it felt like the words they were speaking were just what I needed to hear. Before that day, I always told people Next To Normal is great, go see it... blah blah blah. Now I tell people, even if they don't mention it, that they have to see it.

Even though I tell almost everyone I encounter in the city to see Next To Normal, I don't think everyone will enjoy it. The soundtrack is awesome, and if you've heard it and want to see the show, go for it. I can't say who would or wouldn't appreciate the show, because even the people who look the happiest and most perfect have problems. I relate to the show because of the characters dealing with a family member with a mental illness, and I also relate to other parts. I always hear many people crying in the theater, so many people either relate or are just that touched by the story. If you're looking for a happy musical, don't go. If you're looking for a musical with an outstanding book that may make you think, feel, and bring your emotions on a roller coaster ride, Next To Normal is where you should go. Many teenagers can easily relate to Natalie; almost every teenager has anger toward their parents and situation. Quite a few of my friends and classmates have seen the show and they have all gone back to see it again or want to. Not everyone gets so emotional in the show; some people just really love it. Girls seem to like it more than guys, but none of my guy friends that are into theatre dislike Next To Normal.

In my opinion, Next To Normal has one of the best books currently on Broadway. Many people in their teenage years and beyond can relate to the story, and it's also very touching. Even though I've stressed how it's not a happy story, it does have a happy, optimistic ending, which is one of my favorite things about it. I suggest you go if you even think you might want to before it's too late. If you want more information about the show or have questions or comments, comment below or e-mail me!

Billy Elliot

When I was watching the 2008 Tony Awards I saw an ad for an awesome looking new musical, Billy Elliot. For months before it came to Broadway I tried to find a way to see it, and I got to see it a little before the Tony Awards in 2009.

I went into Billy Elliot really excited since I had been waiting almost a year to see it. I was not nearly as in love with it as I thought I would be, but I don't think it's really a bad musical. I was confused during the first 10 minutes, but I don't think I would have been if I read the playbill before the show. Everything cleared up and turned into the show I was expecting to see, the one about a young boy who wants to be a dancer, and I got my hopes up again. The musical never met my expectations, which may have been a little high, but I can't say I was ever bored or dreaded being there.

My biggest problem with the show, other than my confusion with the beginning and some of the English terms, was that I couldn't empathize at all with the musical, which is what I look for when I go see a Broadway show. I danced when I was younger, but I couldn't wait to quit, so there was nothing in the dancing area for me to relate to. I am also just not impressed by sticking kids on stage to make a cutesy musical that probably wouldn't be cared about if it was all done by adults. Many people sympathize for Billy because of his mom and because of his situation, and many people are impressed and fall in love with the little kids on stage. It's not a bad thing, just a different taste.

All of my dancer friends who have seen Billy Elliot love it and have seen it multiple times. I also know people who aren't dancers who love it for the score, story, acting, dancing, or anything else. Whenever I'm asked if someone should bring their family members to Billy Elliot I ask if they're dancers and what types of musicals they like. I usually say that dancers, people who like larger scale musicals, and people that go occasionally or because it's nice, but not because it's a hobby, will like it. People who go to Broadway every week also love it, so it really just depends on the person. If a teenager wants to see a show like American Idiot or Next To Normal, I wouldn't say pick Billy Elliot as an alternative. If the choice is between Billy Elliot or something like Wicked, I'd say it's a tougher choice, and it comes down to personal choice.

If you can't decide whether or not to go, it will be around for a long time, so it's also a show that can wait for a trip in a few months or longer. If you have any questions or comments just comment or e-mail me!

The Lion King

I saw The Lion King around two years ago- just after I turned 14. I was just starting to love Broadway, and it was, I believe, the 4th Broadway musical I saw. I didn't go in with high or low expectations, but I left completely unsatisfied.
I don't know what about The Lion King didn't work with me. It was one of my earlier experiences being in the mezzanine, which I don't like in general, but I was sitting in third row center, so I wasn't too far away. Sure, the sets and costumes were spectacular, but that didn't keep me entertained for over two and a half hours. I did realize that I and the person I was with were just about the only people there without a child. The musical seems geared toward children, but their parents seemed to enjoy themselves. The person I was with walked away underwhelmed, and she was very excited to see it because she loves the movie. When we left, she said the movie was much better, and basically said that experience was just a waste of our money. She said she might bring her daughter, now 7, back to see the show.
At 14, I almost fell asleep at a matinee performance of The Lion King. I'm sure I would if I was put through it now, so I would feel like a hypocrite if I recommended to for any teenagers. I know older people (over 60) who really enjoy it, and my friends who saw it when they were younger loved it. I think anyone under 12 would be amazed by it, and probably love it just for that. Teenagers, however, will probably be bored, and it won't be worth it. It would be near the bottom of my list of shows to bring anyone between 13 and 40 to. If you have any questions or comments just e-mail me or comment!

Hair

I have been extremely reluctant to review Hair, but because it is closing so soon, I can't think of a better time to do so.

I first saw Hair toward the end of last year, and I was not in love; neither was the person I went with. After the show I walked around Times Square with the biggest smile on my face because of how happy Hair made me, but even all of that happiness didn't make me feel like I had to go back. I went back in January because I needed to do lotto for a show, and a song from Hair was stuck in my head that morning, so I figured I should see it. I didn't know it at the time, but that decision changed my life. Since then, I have only seen one new show, but I have been to Broadway many times. Most times I was at the Al Hirschfeld Theater having the time of my life.

When a lot of people think of Hair a few things pop into their minds: Aquarius, Let The Sun Shine, hippies, 60's, nudity, etc. All of those things are part of Hair, but they're such a small part. There is so much that I have taken away from it, and that's why I love it. As cheesy as it may sound, Hair truly has changed my life for the better. I have told many people they should see Hair, and most of my friends want to see it just because of how much I praise it. I do understand that it's not for everyone because not everyone will connect with the story. My Mom can't see the beauty underneath; she is too caught up with the pot smoking and the short nudity scene. A much older person told me he walked out of Hair, but he said he would have loved it like I do at my age. I wouldn't ever say Hair is a family show, and it could be awkward at times for kids to be with their parents. It's a better show for teenagers to see alone or in a group of friends. I don't believe anything in it is too inappropriate for people over 13 to see. I was not allowed to see it for the longest time, but reluctantly my parents let me, and there was nothing in it that I didn't know about when I was 15. I wouldn't say bringing kids under 13 is a good idea, even though the cast has fun with them, they probably won't understand everything, and it might create an awkward situation. Otherwise, I'd tell teenagers to go! Even though it's closing in less than two weeks, the tour starts in the fall so most people will be able to see it nearby. Not every teenager is going to like it. I have told my parents not to bring my brother because it just doesn't seem right for him. You should know what type of person would absolutely dread going to Hair and what type will enjoy it. I know both girls and guys that like it, so I can't even specify a gender. If you have an interest in seeing it but are afraid of the content, don't worry, just go! You should not regret it :)

I'm going to miss Hair on Broadway more than any other show that has gone. It is so beautiful, and I wish more people could have had the chance to experience the love at the Al Hirschfeld. Though I can't recommend it to everyone, I can say it's very enjoyable and most people do like it.

If you have any questions or comments just e-mail me or comment!

American Idiot

After waiting for what seemed like years, I finally saw American Idiot over this past weekend.

I've been listening to the cast recording since the day it came out, and I was so psyched to see the show. There is so much energy in that theatre that you don't get from listening to the cast recording, and I could not piece together how the story would go just from listening to it. There's almost no dialogue in the show, and the songs can't explain everything, so a good amount of the plot relies on the choreography and the set, which I thought were genius.

The story is clear enough, but I feel like there's room for interpretation, which I really enjoy. The person I was with and I had some good discussions about the show and the message after. This musical would have been perfect for me to see about a year ago when I was extremely rebellious; it really proves to me that even though some teenagers are rebellious and it seems right, everyone grows up and it's just a phase. Not only do I recommend it to people of my age, I also think it's important for people my age to see. It's somewhat of a reality check, and instead of being told by a parent or family member, it's shown in the musical, so it has a better chance of getting through to people my age because it is much less annoying than hearing it from an adult over and over again. Almost every teenager knows most of Green Day's songs, and the arrangements of the songs in this musical are beautiful, so they should have a good time. The adult I was with also really enjoyed it and said how true the message is, so parents won't be bored during the show.

You can get tickets for as cheap as $27 each through the lottery, and if that's all you can spend, it is definitely worth it. The person I was with won the lottery and was called early, so we were in the front row. I've sat in the front row for many shows, but none have been quite like this. There is so much energy that you can feel from the vibrations of the stage only a few feet away from you! It was a little overwhelming trying to take in and process all of the set because of how close we were, but that didn't hinder my experience. We agreed it would be nice to sit a little farther back next time, but it really was a fun experience being that close.

I can't forget to mention the absolutely amazing cast who play their parts so perfectly. It really adds to the experience. If you have any more questions or suggestions comment or e-mail me :)

Rock Of Ages

The first time I saw Rock Of Ages was with a group of about 20 kids from my school and three or four adults. I was basically forced to see it so I could write a review for my school paper, and even though I went in saying I didn't think it would be good, I had a great time!
Rock Of Ages is a jukebox musical featuring songs from the generation before mine, but they are songs that mostly everyone in my school group knew. It's safe to say we knew at least more than half of the songs, and the others weren't unfamiliar. i was immediately drawn in by the exciting, but not overdone set. One of the first songs, "Nothin' But A Good Time," basically describes the musical. By intermission all of us, adults included, were moving our heads along to the beat and having a great time. The show ends with "Don't Stop Believing" and even the audience members that looked extremely unimpressed seemed to have fun in the end. All of us left the theater saying how much fun we had, and everyone loved it.
I was surprised that I loved Rock Of Ages because I usually like theatre that I can relate to, makes me feel, and that makes me think. I'm usually not into fluffy fun stuff, because I can get that anywhere. There's not much to relate to other than the love story in the paper thin plot, and there's no deep, insightful points made during the musical, but I loved it so much I went back more than once. It is made clear by the narrator of the musical what exactly the show is aiming to do, and it does just that.
I'd recommend Rock Of Ages to anyone over the age of 12. There are some crude jokes and references to sex in the show, but most teenagers hear about these things in school, on TV, and on the internet constantly. Not only will teenagers love the "fun-ness" of the show, adults will love it too, and probably have a hard time not singing along. Every person I brought to the show, two teenagers and two adults, really enjoyed it. Seasoned theatergoers and newcomers alike had a great time, so literally anyone will be good to bring to the show. It's also great to see after seeing something deep and emotionally draining such as Next To Normal. If you have any questions e-mail me or comment :)

In The Heights

In The Heights is going to be very hard for me to review because I love it so much, but I will try my hardest.
I first saw In The Heights in April of 2008 and I absolutely loved it. I have gone back many times since then, and I'll speak the most about the last time I saw it, which was close to the current cast. I have only seen Corbin once, about a week after he joined, and I thought he did a fabulous job. You can tell from the current commercial that he really gets it; I really appreciate it. The show is in great shape with an exceptional cast carrying the strong message that Lin-Manuel Miranda created.
In The Heights creates such a strong sense of appreciation of home that I actually appreciate my own home more. I can't wait to live in New York, which I believe is my true home, but I have learned to love my own a bit more. Sure, the book isn't very strong, but the point still carries from the beginning to end. I also love how every character has a song to shine in. Most of the songs are extremely catchy and fun to listen to.
As I said, I have seen In The Heights many times. I loved it so much the first time I brought back my friend, her mom, my cousin, and my Aunt the second time, and a different Aunt the third time I saw it. My brother, who has only seen one other show, was also dragged into the Richard Rodgers Theater by me. Everyone, with the exception of my brother, loved the show and has either gone back or wanted to go back. I have also recommended In The Heights to many people, including my dentist, and many have come to me saying they saw it and loved it. I have many friends my age who have seen it multiple times, and some people have randomly talked to me about it because they love it too. Teenage boys and girls alike seem to enjoy themselves at In The Heights, and I'd recommend it to anyone of any age. It's a true feel-good musical with a great message. Teenage girls will also delight in seeing Corbin Bleu on stage and meeting him after the show. Also, Jordin Sparks will be joining the cast in August, so if you miss Corbin you will still get to see a big star. Everyone should make the trip to see In The Heights at least once; you'll probably leaving the theater feeling great. It has a lottery, so if you go 2 and a half hours before the show on most days [except Sunday, which is 2 hours before] and put your name in you can win front row seats for $26.50! These seats are great, and they come at a great price. If you have any questions comment or e-mail me :)

I'll start with one of the most popular shows: Wicked!

When I first got into Broadway about 3 years ago all I wanted to do was see Wicked. My interest in it died down a bit, but I finally got to see it this April for my friend's birthday.
I really wanted to love Wicked, especially because when some people hear "Broadway" the first show that comes to mind is Wicked, and some people swear it's the best thing on Broadway. I didn't love it, and I'm in no rush to get back to it unless I win seats through the lottery, but I did enjoy myself at some points. The score is quite wonderful, but it is a bit repetitive. The book lacks a lot, and that really bothered me. I felt every character was underdeveloped and there could have been so much more to them, especially the main characters. Mandy Gonzalez' performance was almost worth the ridiculous ticket price itself. Her version of Defying Gravity is breathtaking! I would see it again just to hear her. There were no other standout performers, but I though Andy Karl did a very nice job as Fiyero.
Wicked has a big fan following, and I can see how it would appeal to many people. The young girls in the audience wanted their parents to buy just about everything, and if they made a foam finger for Wicked, they would have been holding them up the whole time. Any young teenage girl will probably have a great time at Wicked, especially if it's one of their first shows. It would also be a good transition from Disney musicals to real Broadway for younger audience members. Everyone I was with, mostly 16 year old girls, at least liked it, and some loved it. For someone who has seen quite a few musicals and plays, it was not the most impressive show. If you don't have an extreme desire to see the show, wait until the attendance dies down and you can get cheap tickets. It's going to be around for a long time, so I wouldn't rush down there other than to see Mandy Gonzalez, but even then over $100 for one ticket isn't worth it.
If anyone wants any more of my thoughts or has more questions just comment or e-mail me! :)

Hi everybody!

Hello there :) I'm totally new to blogspot so if anything on here looks ugly or can be fixed, please make suggestions!
I'm a 16 year old girl who loves Broadway. I go at least once a month, so I have a lot of opportunities to see a lot of shows! I often ran into problems when I wanted to find a new show to see but no one could make any suggestions other than children's shows, so I want to help others who might be going through the same thing. I hope I can help!