I got a sinking feeling reading the reviews last night for Women on the Verge of A Nervous Breakdown knowing that I have a ticket to see a Broadway musical widely considered a mess.It's one of 11 shows - 10 on Broadway and 1 off-Broadway - that I'll be taking in during my two trips to New York City this month.
For an out-of-towner, especially one who can't get to the city that often, the selection process can be a gamble. Sometimes I have friends who've seen a show and rave about it. Sometimes I'm making my decisions before opening night or even before previews begin.
Honestly, I'm not sure how I'll feel about my choices by the end of November or whether the results will affect my next round of theatergoing.
While I use discounts, I'll pay full price if I think a better seat is worth it. And my aging knees require the extra leg room in the orchestra section. So we're not talking about an inconsequential amount of money.
Fortunately, I'm in a situation where I could just eat the ticket and go see something else that got a better reception from the critics. It's not going to break the bank.
Maybe it's me putting on a brave face but despite the pans, I'm still curious about Women on the Verge - if only to see for myself what everyone's talking about. I'm still looking forward to seeing Patti LuPone and Laura Benanti onstage again. I will do my best to sit back and enjoy myself. I will NOT have a nervous breakdown over it.
Picking a show is a tough decision for a tourist. Do you go with the safe choice or do you take a chance? I hope I'm always willing and able to take a chance. That's part of the excitement of being a theatre fan - and sometimes the disappointment.
And I'm pretty easy to please. Being in New York City, on vacation and away from the responsibilities of daily life, is always a treat for me. A show has to try really hard for me not to be entertained.
I love being in New York and I love going to Broadway. If Women on the Verge doesn't work for me well, it's an opportunity to hone my critical skills and see why - and to be part of the conversation.
11 comments:
if you're seeing 11 shows, somethign will redeem this one. But yes, it's not good.
Laura Benanti is easily best-in-show. It's hard not to love her in it, so there's that to look forward to!
It isn't nearly the mess they say it is... no where near perfect, but still an enjoyable time...and I saw the 2nd preview!
Enjoy it! And if you don't, remember: you can't really appreciate the highs if there are never any lows.
Jeff
Esther, my love, there's no such thing as a wasted night in the theater. Plus, in all likelihood, you'll find something to enjoy. That often happens when a show takes a drubbing before you get to see it. You'll sit through the show and say, "Hey, this isn't so bad."
Thank-you all for the moral support! It's just hard when you buy a ticket nearly two months in advance for something that looked so promising.
I'm going to agree with everyone else and say you will find plenty to enjoy. I think part of the reason the reviews were so bad is that expectations were so high. It's a shame it didn't turn out better, but I don't regret seeing and I don't think you will either.
Thanks, Linda! I agree, expectations were high. This show just seemed to have so much going for it. Anyway, I'm sure I'll find lots to enjoy. Maybe it'll help that I've never seen the movie. ;-)
Plus, there have been lots of shows that I really liked even though they were panned. And there have been shows everyone loved that I haven't enjoyed. You never know!
i think sometimes nothing can please the critics! I thought the show was slightly messy, yes, but fun and entertaining the entire evening nonetheless. It's not Wicked. Nor is it Glory Days. ENJOY!
Thanks, Doug! It does sound fun and entertaining, if a bit of a mess. So I'm sure I'll enjoy myself. It doesn't sound like I'll be bored. ;-)
11 shows? That's amazing. Enjoy! (And I look forward to your thoughts on "Women on the Verge"..)
Thanks Bob! I'm like a theatergoing machine when I'm in New York - it's that laser focus. If they had Thursday and Friday matinees or midnight shows, I could see even more. ;-) Also, when I come back home there's honestly not very much to see, so this is my chance. And don't worry, I leave time for sightseeing, too.
There have been lots of shows that I really liked even though they were panned. And there have been shows everyone loved that I haven't enjoyed. You never know!
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