Stephen Sondheim’s mysterious final musical has shocking Act 2: insiders
18.08.2023 - 21:47
/ nypost.com
starts previews Sept. 28 at the Shed in Hudson Yards, is based on two films by Spanish surrealist director Luis Buñuel — 1972’s “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie” and ’62’s “The Exterminating Angel.” Act 1 is said to be “Discreet Charm,” while Act 2 is “Angel.” The second part is heavily reliant on playwright David Ives’ book.The legendary creator of “Sweeney Todd,” “Into the Woods,”“Company” and “Sunday in the Park With George” died in late 2021 at 91, and his final musical, in whatever state it’s in, will be required viewing for Sondheim buffs.
But many have doubts that it’s ready for prime time.“This is half a show,” a source said.Yet one that’s charging full price. Theatergoers have griped about the stratospheric ticket prices, as the quality of the musical is unknown and it’s based on material unfamiliar to many.
Seats are $129 if you’re lucky, and $350 if you’re not. That’s more than Saturday night at “Hamilton” and “The Lion King” on Broadway.
Those eye-gouging costs for the 15-week run are due, according to a source, to its humongous $8 million enhancement. “Enhancement money” allows commercial producers to subsidize their own shows at nonprofit theaters.
It’s a practice that’s become commonplace, but that $8 million amount, the source said, is one of the largest ever.“Here We Are” is produced by Tom Kirdahy, Sue Wagner, John Johnson and the Stephen Sondheim Trust.As for the music that is in the show, how is it?One source who’d heard the score said it “has several terrific melodies.” Another said that “it’s not great Sondheim” and sounds “like David Yazbek if translated from the French,” referring to the composer of “The Band’s Visit.”Everybody agrees “Here We Are” is unwieldy and half-finished. But one
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