Rocky, Winter Gardens, New York, Tuesday August 12th 2014
For those new to my blog we buy our own tickets. We are regular theatre goers and are passionate about supporting the arts and recommending quality shows.
"Rocky" the musical is sadly closing and we bought our tickets in late March 2014 and paid about $142 a ticket. We met Stephanie next to us who paid $35 this afternoon for the front row Mezzanine. With these full ticket prices the producers should consider throwing in the photo programme as a bonus so you do not feel cheated when people get such cheap tickets at the last minute.
"Rocky" the musical is sadly closing and we bought our tickets in late March 2014 and paid about $142 a ticket. We met Stephanie next to us who paid $35 this afternoon for the front row Mezzanine. With these full ticket prices the producers should consider throwing in the photo programme as a bonus so you do not feel cheated when people get such cheap tickets at the last minute.
The show is sadly closing this weekend and we are so lucky to have seen it. I think "Rocky" is playing six months too early on Broadway to capitalise on the 40th anniversary of this iconic movie. It is a great adaptation by Thomas Meehan and Sylvester Stallone from his own work.
"Rocky" is such a treat and should transfer to Las Vegas where the audiences will really appreciate it. From some comments by people when we told them that we were going to see "Rocky", we felt that they looked down upon the musical because it may not have the "supposed" artistic depth of some other musicals.
This was the first show on our 2014 trip to a Broadway theatre, where we were not distracted by use of cell phones by an audience member. This audience respected the "turn off cell" phones and I am so impressed as they did not look like your "supposedly sophisticated" Broadway audience, but they were more respectful. Unlike the other audiences that have such public displays of "cellular sexual tinia" and cannot get rid of their itch (also known as "Cell phone separation anxiety".)
This audience was so respectful as they wanted to see their hero, Rocky Balboa from the film on stage. These people are real and some really struggled to pay for their tickets. They were not your traditional Broadway fans and it was their first theatre attendance. Some people did not know that this was not a film and were awestruck at the experience. It was a joy to witness some of their reactions.
This was the first show on our 2014 trip to a Broadway theatre, where we were not distracted by use of cell phones by an audience member. This audience respected the "turn off cell" phones and I am so impressed as they did not look like your "supposedly sophisticated" Broadway audience, but they were more respectful. Unlike the other audiences that have such public displays of "cellular sexual tinia" and cannot get rid of their itch (also known as "Cell phone separation anxiety".)
This audience was so respectful as they wanted to see their hero, Rocky Balboa from the film on stage. These people are real and some really struggled to pay for their tickets. They were not your traditional Broadway fans and it was their first theatre attendance. Some people did not know that this was not a film and were awestruck at the experience. It was a joy to witness some of their reactions.
Some audience members were disappointed with the ending as they confused the ending of the musical with one of the film's sequels - Rocky 2,3 or 4. But it was a joy to see the audience spellbound by the live theatrics. Theatre is for all people to enjoy.
I was impressed by the pre-attendance email to tell me that outside food and drinks was not permitted. They could add to the email that use of cell phones is banned also. They inspected your bags upon entry and I thank the Winter Garden ushers and security for this as it shows you will not tolerate inappropriate behaviour! It demonstrates respect for all theatre goers.
The ushers were pleasant and helpful.
The souvenir stand cashier was pleasant. The souvenirs were reduced as the show is closing and they had a deal for a reduced photo-program if you bought items over $25. I bought a t-shirt as I already have the cd, and three magnets for presents. $5.00 per magnet should be the standard. $10 is outrageous and they would sell more at a lower price. Some patrons wanted a souvenir but still could not afford the $5.00. Producers please take note!!
Then we were greeted by Brook Evans who was issuing surveys on behalf of The Broadway League. It is a good survey asking about our contribution to the Broadway economy to New York and the USA. She was impressed with my feedback about restricting cell phones in theatres, and my ideas of speaking up with inappropriate behaviour as people have paid big money to see a Broadway show and it is for all members of the audience.
This was our first time attending the Winter Garden Theater, which I believe is where "Cats" and "Mamma Mia" had long runs. I love the spaciousness of the Winter Gardens Theater though it bothered me with ticket prices as the views on the side could be restricting to see upstage corners. I think the prices should be much cheaper on the sides as we could not see into the upstage right corner and we sat at A113 and A115. You should be able to see the entire stage for full price!
"Rocky" the musical is a great adaptation of the film.
I love the music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens as it develops and gives more insight into the characters and their intertwining relationships. Their music and lyrics brings added depth to the characters and is a great companion piece to the movie.
I love the music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens as it develops and gives more insight into the characters and their intertwining relationships. Their music and lyrics brings added depth to the characters and is a great companion piece to the movie.
Sensationally directed by Alex Timbers. The fans of the movie gratefully recognised so many key moments from the movie. They said in unison "Turtles" as Rocky entered his apartment for the first time. This was not your usual Broadway audience and they relished in the respect shown for their favourite film.
I loved the emotion of the iconic moments from the movie, the training sequences, the running sequences and the memorable moment of climbing the stairs and command his presence. The final fight scene had me pumping adrenalin at the logistics of the entire staging. The direction was superb.
Great choreography by Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine to transform boxing archetypical moves into Broadway dance. I was so pleased it was not campy dance but choreography of masculinity, strength, power and endurance.
Sensational scenic design by Christopher Barreca which is cinematic and ingenious with the use of flies, trucks and screens. It was a visual treat. We met Jeff who sat next to us and said it was visually more impactful from the Mezzanine, even though you feel closer to the action in the Orchestra for the final fight. No wonder Jeff wanted to see "Rocky" again and I am so jealous that he could see it twice. Sadly with our other bookings we cannot see it again, as we want to see it again as there is so much depth to the design and performances in "Rocky."
Superb lighting by Christopher Akerlind to support every aspect of "Rocky." Faultless lighting which guides the story. He calmly lights scenes to create atmospheres of living alone, to living trapped, to a glitzy pet shop, to masculine gyms to dazzling boxing arenas. The team work by all production creative staff is highlighted by the icing on the cake of the Christopher Akerlind's lighting.
Wig and hair design by Harold Mertens honoured the mid 1970s. The fight scene make up was executed in stages with minimal disruption as our attention was cleverly diverted to the interview on the screens. A simple magic distraction technique completed with style and magnificent timing.
Associate Fight Choreographer, Patrick McCollum has achieved realistic fight sequences for the performers to sustain eight performances a week. Great control by the actors in conjunction with the lighting and special effects by Jeremy Chernick to create boxing atmospheres.
The video design by Dan Scully and Pablo N. Molina and music added to create suspense in Rocky's countdown to the big fight.
Rocky is played superbly by Andy Karl. His ease at singing and not using vibrato whilst doing chin-ups and not breaking his breathing was incredibly skilful and powerful. He was born to play this role with his masculine stature and smarmy stance. So true that I felt I was watching Sylvester Stallone play the role.
Adrian was played by Margo Seibert with mawkish charm and innocence. She developed her character to transform into the support love interest.
Dakin Mathew as Mickey gave a very credible interpretation of the role made famous by Burgess Meredith. I was so pleased he did not impersonate Burgess Meredith but used his own centre to create a believable character with his own voice and mannerisms.
My partner and I thought that there was a song sung by Mickey that sounded very much like a few bars of Peter Allen's "Tenterfield Saddler" and they reprised this moment a few minutes later.
During Mickey's song to Rocky the video footage looked like Balinese shadow puppets. Such a great use of shadows to illustrate the past history of boxing and paid homage to shadow theatre.
I loved the emotion of the iconic moments from the movie, the training sequences, the running sequences and the memorable moment of climbing the stairs and command his presence. The final fight scene had me pumping adrenalin at the logistics of the entire staging. The direction was superb.
Great choreography by Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine to transform boxing archetypical moves into Broadway dance. I was so pleased it was not campy dance but choreography of masculinity, strength, power and endurance.
Sensational scenic design by Christopher Barreca which is cinematic and ingenious with the use of flies, trucks and screens. It was a visual treat. We met Jeff who sat next to us and said it was visually more impactful from the Mezzanine, even though you feel closer to the action in the Orchestra for the final fight. No wonder Jeff wanted to see "Rocky" again and I am so jealous that he could see it twice. Sadly with our other bookings we cannot see it again, as we want to see it again as there is so much depth to the design and performances in "Rocky."
Superb lighting by Christopher Akerlind to support every aspect of "Rocky." Faultless lighting which guides the story. He calmly lights scenes to create atmospheres of living alone, to living trapped, to a glitzy pet shop, to masculine gyms to dazzling boxing arenas. The team work by all production creative staff is highlighted by the icing on the cake of the Christopher Akerlind's lighting.
Wig and hair design by Harold Mertens honoured the mid 1970s. The fight scene make up was executed in stages with minimal disruption as our attention was cleverly diverted to the interview on the screens. A simple magic distraction technique completed with style and magnificent timing.
Associate Fight Choreographer, Patrick McCollum has achieved realistic fight sequences for the performers to sustain eight performances a week. Great control by the actors in conjunction with the lighting and special effects by Jeremy Chernick to create boxing atmospheres.
The video design by Dan Scully and Pablo N. Molina and music added to create suspense in Rocky's countdown to the big fight.
Rocky is played superbly by Andy Karl. His ease at singing and not using vibrato whilst doing chin-ups and not breaking his breathing was incredibly skilful and powerful. He was born to play this role with his masculine stature and smarmy stance. So true that I felt I was watching Sylvester Stallone play the role.
Adrian was played by Margo Seibert with mawkish charm and innocence. She developed her character to transform into the support love interest.
Dakin Mathew as Mickey gave a very credible interpretation of the role made famous by Burgess Meredith. I was so pleased he did not impersonate Burgess Meredith but used his own centre to create a believable character with his own voice and mannerisms.
My partner and I thought that there was a song sung by Mickey that sounded very much like a few bars of Peter Allen's "Tenterfield Saddler" and they reprised this moment a few minutes later.
During Mickey's song to Rocky the video footage looked like Balinese shadow puppets. Such a great use of shadows to illustrate the past history of boxing and paid homage to shadow theatre.
My neighbour who got the $35 ticket said that she heard the book was pedestrian. Speak from your own experience. Yeah! So what it speaks honestly and succinctly. I thought Thomas Meehan and Sylvester Stallone did a sensational job in adapting for the musical stage.
I thought the only hiccough for me was that the count down stopped at about 31 weeks to go and then jumped. This created a break in the flow of the story for me and reduced the tension building count down. The video graphics for the countdown stopped too, which is my main criticism.
I thought the only hiccough for me was that the count down stopped at about 31 weeks to go and then jumped. This created a break in the flow of the story for me and reduced the tension building count down. The video graphics for the countdown stopped too, which is my main criticism.
The "Rocky" fight scene finale is unbelievable. I have seen many shows and to see the organisation of the front section of the audience in the Orchestra being moved to the stairs on stage was incredibly effective. To see the preparation of the Orchestra seats with the scenery and the rollers for the rink were incredible. I was and still am beside myself at the logistics of this incredible feat to move the crowd within a specific time frame eight shows a week.
Sheer magical set design and book writing to co-ordinate the timing of the movement of the audience with the video footage and the stage crew's preparations.
Sheer brilliance.
The final fight scene with the videos relaying live footage was sublime theatre. It was an event. It was old fashioned pantomime of cheering the hero and booing the villain.
What we saw live on The Tony Awards gave us a taste for what we saw live. I am in awe at the direction, lighting, sound, costumes, video etc. The entire production worked like clock work to create an experience. This was more than a Broadway musical, it was an event, one that people will regret that they missed.
Theatre producers take note. You are closing this show way too early. You are missing the opportunity as the prices are generally too expensive for the audience that you want to attract. It was sad to see some people want to buy a souvenir and they could not afford them even at the discounted prices. They longed to take home a small memory of their hero.
This show should transfer to Las Vegas and be enjoyed by the masses. They should reduce the prices for more to enjoy the brilliance of this musical.
Thank you for "Rocky" for such a special event. Suffer to those who thought it beneath them to see this musical.
Congratulations to "Once" for taking the lead in re-educating people on how to behave at the theatre.
What we saw live on The Tony Awards gave us a taste for what we saw live. I am in awe at the direction, lighting, sound, costumes, video etc. The entire production worked like clock work to create an experience. This was more than a Broadway musical, it was an event, one that people will regret that they missed.
Theatre producers take note. You are closing this show way too early. You are missing the opportunity as the prices are generally too expensive for the audience that you want to attract. It was sad to see some people want to buy a souvenir and they could not afford them even at the discounted prices. They longed to take home a small memory of their hero.
This show should transfer to Las Vegas and be enjoyed by the masses. They should reduce the prices for more to enjoy the brilliance of this musical.
After the show:
What was probably even more magical was seeing Andy Karl posing for a photograph with a down's syndrome youth wearing a gold studded red jacket. The sincerity of Andy talking with this young man made my heart swell at the impact that Rocky has had on people. It is the typical under-dog story and was an incredible holistic theatrical event from receipt of my confirmation of tickets to watching Andy signing autographs.Thank you for "Rocky" for such a special event. Suffer to those who thought it beneath them to see this musical.
An aside:
I was told that "Once" will not tolerate cell phones on at all in the theatre. I applaud them and hope this becomes the standard. That way people will talk to their neighbour before and after the show.Congratulations to "Once" for taking the lead in re-educating people on how to behave at the theatre.
Mind you this is the most respectful audience I have seen out of 11 shows here this year. No flashing and distractions.
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