Well, I can't discount it, but lots of theater ticket clubs are. This is how you deal with Broadway's high prices today. You wait for the e-mail or the flyer that tells you seats are now 30-40% off. It's how shows try to survive.
"On The Town" is the perfect example of a very good Broadway production that is attempting to gain a foothold with audiences. This revival of the 1940's show and the 1949 MGM movie opened to very nice reviews back in October. They've done the usual promotions. Appeared in the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Filmed TV spots that are reminiscent of the movie's opening with Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. Attacked social media portals with a vengeance.
Still, here we are six months later and "On The Town" is still an easy and cheap ticket to get. But, then again, so is "Honeymoon In Vegas," which was also well-reviewed by critics and yours truly. Go figure.
Now, those new shows which have yet to gain any audience traction hang on in any way they can so they can get Tony nominations and get some much-needed publicity during that prime time awards ceremony. But, it can be a long, long way to both Tipperary and Tony season. Shows desperately try to hang on.
The challenge for a terrific show like "On The Town" is that the MGM musical is so emblazoned in our memory banks that any attempt to redo it is viewed as pale in comparison. And, because the producers have opted to go back to the original stage roots for this revival, that very dance-heavy concept might not be the ideal cup of tea for today's theater audiences. Add to the equation that there are no "big name" stars in the current day production and you have a horrible uphill battle.
This is a shame because "On The Town" is great entertainment. Indeed, you have the same plot and characters from the 1949 movie. But, there are many more songs and dance sequences for us to relish in 2015. I did, however, miss the movie's "Going On The Town" number which was never in the original show. But, still there is enough fun going. How can you not like this show?
Sure, there are some hokey moments. Because the curtain features a 48-star American flag, the orchestra starts the evening with the national anthem. Hell, this is nothing new to me. The Hollywood Bowl does it for every show. But, on the night I attended, I noted that some place stood and sang. There were quite a few who did not. Huh?
The story still works as three sailors from the Brooklyn Navy Yard during World War II get a 24-hour leave in New York City. They will see the sights from the Bronx down to the Battery and hopefully fall in love. Of course, they do and, while relatively plotless, there is a charming story to each of the romances.
As the second act begins, a sleazy MC/comic takes the stage and notes those audience members who are having a birthday. All of a sudden, it's the warm-up act from "The Price Is Right." But, somehow, it all seems very pleasant and a damn nice way to spend a night in the theater.
Yes, there is a lot more dance than even I thought was in "On The Town." There's a great deal of marvelous talent on the stage, even though nobody knows who any of them are. Sure, there are probably people in the orchestra seats lamenting the absence of Ann Miller or Betty Garrett. Indeed, that's probably the biggest hurdle "On The Town" has to overcome.
But, then again, nobody knew who the hell the original dancers were in "A Chorus Line." And, gee, Ethel Merman had to start some place, too.
I was hoping that "On The Town" would hang in there long enough for the Tony Award revival categories but now they might be screwed there, too. You see, "On The Twentieth Century" now is likely the favorite in that race. Still, this is a show that is so endearing and downright pleasant it should find a home on Broadway for a long time.
But, inexplicably, it might not, regardless of how many discount seats are sold.
Full price or half price, go see "On The Town."
Dinner last night: Leftover ravioli.
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