http://www.vineyardtheatre.org/show-landing.html

[fashionguru_23]

I heard about this a few weeks ago. Thought it would be interesting to see a new piece from John Kander, but I cannot buy tickets, or know anything about the show other than the Vineyard's website.

Anyone know more?

http://www.vineyardtheatre.org/show-landing.html

[defyingravity11]

I believe that tickets have been on sale to Vineyard members, but that it will go on sale to the general public on May 1st.

[MurneyManiac]

Anyone know anything about this show? I went to the Vineyard's website and a few dates were already sold out. Is it worth it to see a "lab production"?

[After Eight]

^

I would say it's not worth it.

Dull, drab, and depressing. Three different playlets, all with an element of myth or fantasy. The first two were total duds, the third had a twist which was unexpected, unwarranted, and unwanted. This one actually made me angry.

John Kander's score was neligible, the first nondescript effort in his long career.

The cast did the best they could with the flat material.

90 minutes, no intermission. It seemed longer.

[RippedMan]

Did it have any of those gorgeous Kander vamps?

[After Eight]

^
None that I discerned.

[MurneyManiac]

I saw the show last night, and while the production hasn't come together as a whole, there were moments of Kander magic. It is a weird evening, and should be thought of as 3 separate one-acts. The pieces are almost plays with music more than musicals.
I won't speak much of the production, as The Vineyard touts their Lab Productions as "small-scale productions with limited runs that are open to Vineyard audiences, but closed to the press. The focus of a lab production is on the storytelling: production values are kept simple, allowing the creative team to work and revise throughout the run" (from the program). I don't feel it's fair to judge a workshop's first performance as indicative of the show.
I will say the cast is fantastic. Julia (of course) has some diva moments as well as some nice small moments as a mother and as a gay man's sister. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Paul Anthony Stewart and his varied characters.
And RippedMan, there were some lovely Kander melodies, with a few of them still in my head. A few traces of Chicago could be heard...

[RippedMan]

If only there were tickets!

[MurneyManiac]

Check the Vineyard's twitter... they just said some have been released.

[RippedMan]

Thanks!

[jv92]

How were the lyrics by Greg Pierce?

[MurneyManiac]

They were good... not as deep as Fred Ebb's were. The program said this is his first musical, so who knows. The third piece is about a gay couple who adopts the perfect son, and was the strongest. Some great, true moments. I'm interested in seeing SLOWGIRL at LCT3 now that I've seen a Greg Pierce show...

[jv92]

Well, Fred is my favorite lyricist ever, so I know nothing will top his. Still, very excited! Is Kander's music less show-bizzy without Ebb?

[jdrye222]

From what I understand, it IS actually intended to be plays with music... more than a normal musical... actually, I was told - "short stories with songs"...
I haven't seen it, but am curious to hear reactions. Don't think I'll get a chance if it isn't done beyond this lab production.

[After Eight]

"I don't feel it's fair to judge a workshop's first performance as indicative of the show. "

They charged $60 a ticket for this "workshop." It's damn well fair.

Moreover, your praise was based on this same workshop. So why is that fair?

[MurneyManiac]

After Eight-
From what I was told over the phone when buying a ticket (I got a $35 ticket and not the premium) the reason they charge for the "workshop" is because they're normally for Vineyard Members only. Only tickets left over are sold to the public, and you're really paying for the "privilege" of seeing something members only usually see.
I concede your point that my praise was based on the same "workshop" you saw. I guess I just think it's better karma to talk about what worked than to dismiss the entire project based on seeing what was probably the first performance before an audience. I'll certainly try to go back and see what changes are made.

[jv92]

Yes, usually the Vineyard Lab Productions are only open to members, but since I guess Kander (and David Hyde Pierce) are big deals to other theatergoers, they decided to sell more tickets.