So The First Preview Has Ended

MrE1111 · Guru

So The First Preview Has Ended

jwbagman · Newbie

I enjoyed the show.

There were some minor glitches. A couple of songs could have used more volume on the vocals and less of the band. It was hard to hear Sandy during the last song. I think she may have had a problem with her mike and wig.

I spoke with David Ian during the intermission and noticed he was taking notes on items that needed to be addressed.

I know there were several people in the audience including myself that were not happy that this was a preview and not Opening Night. When people puchased tickets back in March and before, no mention was made that this was a preview. It appeared to be the first show. I have attended several shows over the years but am not a theater diehard that knows about these things. I spoke with David Ian about this and he was apologetic and understanding. The same cannot be said for Mr. Nederlander. He is arrogant and annoying. All he could say was that it said Performances begin on July 24. Everyone should have know it was previews and not the regular run. I hope he stays away in the future because he doesn't know how to treat people who are putting the money in his pockets.

Paikea · Veteran Member

Welcome to the forum, jwbagman. I'm glad you enjoyed the show. David Ian does seem like he would be polite and accomodating. How did the two of you get to speak? Would you like to share any of your thoughts about the performers? Many of us are very curious. aww

babbiebush · Newbie

Hey, I'm new to this but here goes,
just saw the play..have been following it for months since the TV Reality gig because I wasn't sure how that would play out with true Broadway enthusiasts. Max Crumb as one person has already said should have had more singing...he has a great voice, Laura definitely had the jitters...she was much to meek...even for Sandy. I too spoke with David Ian, he was downstairs, 1st floor standing on what seemed to be a box against one of the Ballister poles. He was extremely polite and I just introduced myself and told him the play was a success. I do feel that the other girls in the play stand out more than Sandy...even when she comes "out" in the end she is in a horrible pleather jacket, no spandex, BAD WIG (even without falling off) and did not have much presence on stage. Max has the charm and the audience knew it...his applause was unto itself.
Nice being able to discuss.

babbiebush · Newbie

Rizzo, and Angel stole show with voice, presence and timing. Absolutely phenomenal! biggrin

reniefran · Senior Member

While I appreciate your willingness to share, as far as Laura goes it might be good if you remembered that this was her first performance in front of a Broadway audience. Also several people have mentioned that she had trouble with the wig. I maybe wrong but I bet they don't ask her to wear it again. Having problems with a prop like that can surely distract you. Laura and Max have a lot of time to work on their glitches. Look at how much they grew through the TV show. I suspect that they will grow a lot during this process too. I bet if you went back again on say opening night in August the story would be vastly different.

Happy RN · Newbie

I was very disappointed as well to find out that the tickets I bought were "preview" tickets. I bought the tickets when they first went on sale and planned an entire trip to New York around seeing Grease on Broadway. When I bought the tickets it said nothing about "preview". I am sure the"preview" tickets are the same price as the regular season tickets- I don't recall any kind of discount.

Anyway, I am sure Grease on Broadway is going to be a wonderful experience. I just wish there was more of an explanation about "preview" versus regular season when I bought the tickets.

MrE1111 · Guru

There's no difference between a preview and a regular performance in terms of price anymore.

The only difference is that a preview is considered a work in progress. Leading up to opening week, the director and creative team still makes changes. Once the critics begin to come (2 or 3 days prior to the official opening night), the show is "frozen" and no other changes are made.

Often in previews, the show you see is no different than what you'd see 6 months, a year, 3 years later. Other times, the show is completely different than what you'd see on a return trip (actors are changed, costumes are changed, etc.)

And if you want to be technical, Laura and Max are only considered to be making their Broadway debuts on Opening Night. Previews don't count in terms of that.

Hope that's a better explanation. Sorry if anyone was confused, upset, etc. Chances are, what you saw is what everyone else will be seeing.