I finally had the chance to see "Wicked" in Chicago before its run ends forever there. The show is certainly not hurting for business, as pretty much every show is sold out; I had to buy my tickets from a scalper.
The production was amazing. One scene in particular (which I won't mention so as to not spoil anything) had the best light display I've ever seen in a Broadway musical. And the acting was superb, especially since most of the actors were the original ones from the New York version.
If I had to knock anything, it was that the songs weren't catchy. Don't get me wrong, all the songs were rich and well sung, but I wasn't humming any of the tunes afterward like I do after other musicals.
Lastly, this musical reminded of "Star Wars" Episodes I, II and III, in that "Wicked" is a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz". Thus, some of the humor (a ton!) and plot lines aren't as good if you haven't seen the latter.
So if you have the money, go check it out!
Showing posts with label musicals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label musicals. Show all posts
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Janesville Armory
I checked out the Janesville Armory to see the dinner musical, "Cabaret" (my favorite). For those who don't know, the Armory was built in the 1930s and was used as a World War II training site for the Janesville 99. A few years ago, it was converted into a restaurant, lounge and theater.
Located in downtown Janesville, Wis., the Armory has plenty of parking with a lot across the street (plus some street parking), all for free. Plus, next to the Armory is a residential neighborhood, so the parking lot isn't competing with many other businesses.
When you walk to the main entrance from the parking lot, you pass the outdoor patio, which seems like it would be a great place to have a drink in the summer. Once inside, you see the dining room and a big bar. Although I didn't eat in them, the more-upscale Lieutenant's Restaurant serves American and French cuisine, while the Bunker & Patio serves "regular" restaurant food and offers live entertainment every Friday in the summer.
The theater is not large, but it's big enough so you don't feel like you're in a second-rate room, and it's small enough that there's really not a bad seat in the house. Ticket prices include a prix-fixe menu; you select an appetizer and entree (plus you get dessert) when you arrive. You can also upgrade the appetizers, entrees and desserts for a small cost. Soda and alcohol are not included.
Thus, for the ticket price of about $70, you get a full meal plus a musical. The food was good, and I thought this was a pretty reasonable price for everything. It was a little annoying that they ask you to arrive 1.5-2.5 hours in advance. It certainly didn't take more than one hour to eat, so the rest of the time you're just sitting and waiting.
A few notes:
--The stage is tiny, without much room for set changes, so don't expect lavish productions.
--The sound quality is excellent, esp. since it's not a large theater as mentioned.
--In this particular production, some of the actors, in character, talked to the audience before the show began. I thought that was neat.
--The bathrooms are a bit of a hike (near the main entrance, then downstairs). However, they are big and clean.
--The dessert is served at intermission. I thought it was weird that the bill (only for add-ons and tips) was given out before the show began. What if I wanted to order a drink at intermission?
--If you're just a table of two, you and your guest's table will be about one foot away from an adjacent table for two. It reminds me of being in France, where all tables are this close.
More info at www.janesvillearmory.com
Located in downtown Janesville, Wis., the Armory has plenty of parking with a lot across the street (plus some street parking), all for free. Plus, next to the Armory is a residential neighborhood, so the parking lot isn't competing with many other businesses.
When you walk to the main entrance from the parking lot, you pass the outdoor patio, which seems like it would be a great place to have a drink in the summer. Once inside, you see the dining room and a big bar. Although I didn't eat in them, the more-upscale Lieutenant's Restaurant serves American and French cuisine, while the Bunker & Patio serves "regular" restaurant food and offers live entertainment every Friday in the summer.
The theater is not large, but it's big enough so you don't feel like you're in a second-rate room, and it's small enough that there's really not a bad seat in the house. Ticket prices include a prix-fixe menu; you select an appetizer and entree (plus you get dessert) when you arrive. You can also upgrade the appetizers, entrees and desserts for a small cost. Soda and alcohol are not included.
Thus, for the ticket price of about $70, you get a full meal plus a musical. The food was good, and I thought this was a pretty reasonable price for everything. It was a little annoying that they ask you to arrive 1.5-2.5 hours in advance. It certainly didn't take more than one hour to eat, so the rest of the time you're just sitting and waiting.
A few notes:
--The stage is tiny, without much room for set changes, so don't expect lavish productions.
--The sound quality is excellent, esp. since it's not a large theater as mentioned.
--In this particular production, some of the actors, in character, talked to the audience before the show began. I thought that was neat.
--The bathrooms are a bit of a hike (near the main entrance, then downstairs). However, they are big and clean.
--The dessert is served at intermission. I thought it was weird that the bill (only for add-ons and tips) was given out before the show began. What if I wanted to order a drink at intermission?
--If you're just a table of two, you and your guest's table will be about one foot away from an adjacent table for two. It reminds me of being in France, where all tables are this close.
More info at www.janesvillearmory.com
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