I get some of say it's over-hyped, and it's not well put together. You have to acknowledge a good majority of you aren't age group its aimed for. Yes, you still have older people watching Disney channel. Disney is hyped. Is it over-hyped though? Disney is hyped for its age group. In the end, the people who complain they didn't enjoy it probably it wasn't made for you. It was very successful (for its age group ), and I enjoyed it through the age group its aimed towards. You have the right to your opinion but please that in mind.
From a 56-year old veteran theater-goer. I went to this last night with my 15 year old nephew and we both enjoyed it. It may not be super-sophisticated or high-minded but the talent is superb. If you look at the song list who would think that Michael in the Bathroom would be a highlight?
5
I have never been a fan a Sci-Fi or Fantasy and my musical theater tastes run toward Sunday in the Park with George and Kiss of the Spiderwoman but I must say I totally enjoyed this show. It is very, silly fun and Jason Tam is giving a one-of-a-kind performance that shouldn't be missed. And "Michael in the Bathroom" is a second act highlight. It is not Dear Evan Hansen but it isn't meant to be and it is most certainly not Mean Girls, which we should all be grateful for, because that was a bore. Take your kids, or yourself; you'll have a blast and the world needs some silly.
2
Mr. Brantley refers to a "repetitive score", with "painfully forced rhymes". Seriously? If there was anything about this show that got my attention (and commanded my respect) it was the lyrics. And I'm a Sondheim fan!
4
Thank you for acknowledging the elephant in the room of Broadway. Be More Chill is insanely over-hyped for how lazily written and badly conceptualized it is. This show has become an addition to the collection of "normie" shows, of which self proclaimed theater fans have exclusively become obsessed with and absolutely nothing else(Hamilton, Mean Girls, Be More Chill, Dear Evan Hansen, Heathers). It truly infuriates me that this show is breaking box office records while drops in sales have led The Band's Visit(which I had the immense pleasure of seeing this past July after having been a fan of the show since its cast album release in December 2017) to announce its closing date, even though it performed one of the biggest Tony sweeps in history in addition to the Drama League Award for Distinguished Production.
3
I love BMC and have seen it 7 times (4 off-Broadway and 3 on Broadway) with my 13-year-old theater geek. We see a lot of theater but there are only a few shows that we have seen more than once let alone 7 times (and we plan on going again). The production is so much fun (reminds me of when I saw Little Shop of Horror in high school) and the cast is amazing. We have also connected with amazing kids and parents many of them who are seeing a musical in NY for the first time. None of these kids waited for the review. They loved the original cast recording and figured out a way to get to NY to be a part of it.
3
My nieces introduced me to the soundtrack over the summer and I then would embarrass them as we drove around with the windows down singing (too loudly for them) about a bathroom :) When the show made it to Broadway my sister and I decided to take the three of them to NYC for Spring Break - their big X-Mas present was Be More Chill tickets for us all. We saw it last week (before the opening and on a side-note my niece was devastated by a missing George Salazar... although the understudy sang his heart out) and we all totally enjoyed it. A theatre filled with joy and multi-directional love. My three nieces from Montreal have fallen in love with Broadway and absolutely loved the message that hating high school is normal - that doing arty things is cool - that you don't have to be skinny or tall or gorgeous or whatever to reach success. The Be More Chill twitter account interacted with my tweets leading up to our trip and my nieces felt special... and knowing all the songs in a theatre of young people from around North America who also know all the songs was a very special moment for all of us. I am not an intellectual (a PhD in management aside) and I enjoy catchy tunes and singing from the heart and positive messages - Be More Chill had all that and more.
6
To be fair, ole Ben here also complained that The Comedy of Errors was derivative of commedia dell'arte when it first came out. One wonders if perhaps he never attended high school (certainly not a public high school) to be so dismissive of this quite clever Cyrano-meets-Black-Mirror-with-a-splash-of-Clueless phenomenon. Though, given his callbacks to Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and Body Snatchers (1956 or, generously, 1978), perhaps he's simply forgotten what high school was like. Of course the characters are highly emotive and quite dramatic --it's high school! This child of the 80s hasn't forgotten.
7
@Barry Negrin, Just in case I actually do ever get to work in this town again, LOL: "The Smartphone Hour" is a clear nod by Joe Iconis to "Bye Bye Birdie" (Telephone Hour). The homage actually seems even more clear in this less-polished but very fun rehearsal YouTube (or maybe a presentation for backers?)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zE_mabR7dE
PS "Bye Bye Birdie" and "Telephone Hour" stays relevant with the prescient President Donald North Korean relations reference: "He's in love with Kim, Kim's in love with him". :)
2
Wow! I completely disagree with this review. I am over 50 and I loved it. But lets just talk about Joe Iconis for a moment. He is an original. NO ONE in the theater is writing like him. I love his "rhymes", I love his pop/rock/emo sensibility. Mr. Brantley just didn't get it.
7
A few things about this review need to be said: First, the only things written are negative. Why didn't he touch on the character of Christine for example. The love story here is so refreshing. Jeremy doesn't want to be with Christine because she's the classic "pretty blonde girl". He wants to be with her because of how much he loves her personality. Four girls have covered this part since the 2018 run, and none of them look at all the same. To say this show has a "basic plot line" tells you how little Bradley has been paying attention. Yes, the message it gives is not new, but it is still a message that people need to hear in a new more modern way. "Be More Chill" is not classic Broadway, but this is just the type of show that gets young people interested in Broadway and theater in general. Also, not only in this review, but others as well, I have seen people making fun of the song "Michael In The Bathroom" and it irks me. The adults writing these reviews must have had a fantastic childhood if they cannot recognize that MITB is about a kid having an intense panic attack after being abandoned by his only friend. He's not just feeling awkward at a party. Yes the dancing is frantic, but that is because high school students are frantic! Yes the costumes are bright, but that is because the characters want to be seen and noticed by their peers. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.
16
@Marc Leibman I super love that you call him Bradley. Super. Love.
@Marc Leibman - Great observations. I think Brantley's review misses the point - that the show delivers for its intended audience.
5
@Judy, I'm not sure if this is the culprit, but I think it's likely - the new improved spellcheck update as of last fall has been like a roulette wheel at times, It hasn't allowed "Barbra" without a real fight; for a show I'm pushing. I keep getting "starfighter" changed to "straighter" any time I'm at a different computer. Overall, I'm much better off with spell-check on than without it - but It's as if "Siri" had reached the wrong way in the fridge (before taking over the shift from "Alexa") and poured Bailey's in her cereal.
2
Why all the hate for Ben? He is paid to give his opinion and in my opinion he generally errs on the side of being overly nice. John Simon he ain’t.
2
@pmickey, "overly nice. John Simon he ain’t"
Maybe this is one of those obvious references like the William Tell Overture and the Lone Ranger, but I've got to ask - is that an intentional reference to the cut song for Herbie from "Gypsy," which was a bonus track for the 2008 cast album?
Nice She Ain't
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNQiZ4RA_Yk
Really?
My BF and I saw Be More Chill in its off-Broadway run back in September. Cannot tell you how utterly charmed and delighted we were! The music is fun and catchy (the opening number alone is worth the price of admission) and the actors truly look as though they're having a great time. What a blast!
(Incidentally, we are not teenagers ourselves....let's just say we are 45+.)
It's also quite refreshing to see a show that isn't a revival and/or based on a movie.
Sometimes, you have to leave your theat-ah snob jacket at home. Can't wait until my kids see it, and as for me, I plan on seeing it at least once on Broadway.
5
Ouch. That was harsh and I respectfully disagree. Perhaps this critic used an old fashioned rubric as a guide to judge this performance.
I am 50, and have seen the show 3 times. Each time the energy in the theater was electrifying and unique to any other theatre experience I have had. For 2 1/2 hours, I laughed, and danced in my seat. Simply said I find the production uplifting and riveting each time I see it. I can’t wait to see it again!
7
I was disheartened to read Ben Brantley’s review of the Broadway production of Be More Chill. Having seen the show with my daughter, who is just turning 13 and has now seen it 3 times on Broadway and once off-Broadway, I was impressed not just with the songs and performances, but with the way the show tapped into the anxiety of being in High School. Many in my audience appeared to be among those who might be on the fringe of the social scene and, I believe, that is a big part of the audience who the show is intended for. I am not questioning Mr. Brantley’s qualifications as a reviewer, but it is possible that at 64 years old he may no longer have the ability to tap into the emotions that this show touches in its younger audiences. Perhaps he should see it, and maybe discuss it, with a round table of people one might consider the shows target audience. I would be interested if their opinions might alter his impression of what I consider to be a truly terrific and entertaining production.
Michael Zorek
8
No wait a minute here-I’m 60 and absolutely loved the show when I saw it off Broadway! Maybe I’m just still young at heart?
4
I am 46, I loved it (saw off broadway production). I watched it with a teen / pre-teen mindset. Maybe that is what Ben is missing.
5
I am 45 years old and have made an 8-hour trip from my home to NYC to see Be More Chill 5 times (so far). Unlike Ben Bradley, I am able to empathize with characters other than myself--especially when they come life to through skillful, emotional acting. It's a pity that Bradley has been unable to open his mind and heart to the vibrant joy and spirit of connecteness inherent in Be More Chill.
8
Since catching a glimpse of Joe Iconis on NBC news on Saturday evening, I’ve been reading about and watching anything and everything Be More Chill and the Joe Iconis Family. I always knew that both he and his family were extraordinary. I think we all need a “Be More Chill” bumper sticker to remind us of what really matters.
8
The review reminds me of the early criticisms of the Star Wars movies. Sometimes the critics get left behind.
10
So now we’re comparing it with Star Wars? Brantley isn’t criticizing the phenomenon (to the extent that this is one), he’s criticizing the quality. That’s his job, and tho I often quibble with his opinions, this time I completely agree.
1
I took my 13-year-old daughter to see the Saturday matinee. She already knew every word of it. This show is clearly a THING (as the kids say). I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I told my daughter it's a combination of Little Shop of Horrors (one of my favorites) and Yo Gabba Gabba. Somehow it works. The experience went beyond what was going on on the Lyceum stage. Kids in costume, kids coming in wearing show gear and so, so many kids at stage door. The actors were friendly and gracious the day before opening nigh. This cranky review won't affect any of this magic. Bring the kids to Broadway (if only more could afford it).
11
“None of the characters on stage really look like enviably glamorous popular people, but friendly nebbishes imitating the social elite with slapdash satirical broad strokes.”
What the heck does this matter? These characters are high school kids in the full awkward flower of puberty. Earlier he complains that they are played by adult actors- and now he criticizes them for not being aesthetically pleasing enough? I mean, the actors talent doesn’t depend on whether or not he personally finds them attractive. Comments like this which demean an actors appearance are just gross.
12
I have seen this at Two River Theater, off-Bdwy, and in previews last week at the Lyceum. (Spoiler a family member works at TRTC). This show and Joe Iconis have found a way to speak to a new breed of theater goer while still reaching out to engage us olds (I’m 60). This show got here because of a ground swell of fan support all over the world. It speaks to the losers, the geeks, the whatevers with a loud, joyful voice. This isn’t another “Disney on Bdwy” nor is it another jukebox musical, and maybe that’s foreign right now on the Great White Way but that’s just one more reason to go see this show. I’ll raise a toast to Mr. Iconis for his continued success and I only hope that his next big show gets it’s start right back in Red Bank, NJ. Go out and see this show and sing along with all of the wonderful ear worm songs in it.
9
This review immediately brought to my mind a review that headlines the menu of a beloved West Village establishment:
"Waverly Inn - worst food in city" - Donald Trump
If a theater critic liked this show, something would be wrong with it. It's simply for a different audience (though not one quite as narrow as the critic defines).
This thirty year old had a blast at the Off Broadway production and is returning this weekend.
10
Don’t get it twisted: When a show makes it to Broadway on the strength of its (gorgeous, passionate) fan base, gatekeepers like BB are cut out of the equation. There’s a vested interest in self-preservation behind every word of this (soggy, boring) review.
15
@Kevin M. - re "When a show makes it to Broadway on the strength of its... "
My romantic notion of what getting ti Broadway changed with "Mike Tyson" - even directed by Spike Lee, - appeared in a real Broadway theater. It told me that if you can attract enough money, you can have a run in a Broadway house and be a Broadway show.
I guess we all always knew this deep down, but that show, is the one that drove it home for me, and dispelled romantic notions of what getting to Broadway means: "Broadway" is not a quality standard, it's a financial standard. (And there is no objective quality standard, but there could be an objective financial standard - Do you have enough? - when producers know what they're doing and can interest a Broadway landlord.)
On the flip side was “Caroline or Change” which felt like it was going to lose money, but investors and producers felt this work needed to get put on a road to more productions, and it needed a Broadway run to do that. Maybe it was an investment in the artists, rather than the specific production, to some of the investors, who one hopes were only playing with money they wouldn’t miss if the investment were lost?) So here, too, if you can attract enough money, the show can have a run in a Broadway house and be a Broadway show. (Looking at the reviews from London, and what it added to the reputation and output of its composer, that must be making its Broadway investors proud even as they forgot the money they lost.)
1
Man, seems Brantley is peeved that his opinion isn’t as important as it once was. Maybe you should write a musical about it!
10
Lo, and the old man raised his cane and shook it mightily saying, “Get off the stoop of my assisted living building. It’s 4pm and you’re blocking the dinner line!”
24
Reading just below the surface of Ben Brantley's review, it's obvious he knows none of his comments will make one bit of difference if "Be More Chill" is a hit or flop.
8
It seems Mr. Brantley is quite peeved that his cold, lifeless pen cannot seem to kill this show that so many people enjoy in spite of his position as Lord High Arbiter of Taste! Comical that he paid lip service to the idea of theater audiences being too old and dusty when he of all theatergoers so disdains the tastes of younger generations.
9
I believe the most negative review I saw of the original premiere production in New Jersey was the one written by Charles Isherwood for this very newspaper. It's a shame that Mr. Brantley seems unable to tap into his memories of his own adolescence and use that as a lens to view the show-- for a lot of us nerdy musical-theater adolescents (and beyond), Be More Chill provides the kind of catharsis that we need.
9
I stay clear of all musicals in which the players have mics on their faces....why don't the critics write about this?
5
The Room = Film
as
Be More Chill = Theatre
It is so so so bad. Thank you Ben Brantley!
5
I love this show now at age 58 as much or more then my 19 son who discovered it...I came back from TN to see it again with my older son.The cast is amazing and the show speaks to people who have been the geeks and loners, no matter their age. I realize he is a critic and not suppose to like every show but the people who enjoy something difference do not fit into your little Broadway model. You didn't like it before so why did you go see it again? You had made your mind up before you even went back. This show touches alot of people and your opinion won't matter to them. This show will change Broadway in so many ways.
10
@Mo Interesting point here: if a critic has seen a show during its formative early stages off-off B'way or off-Bway or out of town, and disliked it back then, then why send the same critic to see the finished Broadway production--since the critic already has a pre-disposed negative viewpoint about it. Perhaps Jesse Green should have reviewed this particular show...As the other comments have noted, this show is going to find its audience no matter what the critics say. And actually, Brantley does highlight a lot of singular good aspects about the show . In any event, the show will become very successful due to all its hype on social media.
7
I’m 57 and saw the show three times last summer and am going again next week. Some adults will not take to it; this serious theater-goer loved it. And seeing so many young adults sharing a theater experience with their parents is an added bonus of the show.
25
Like it or not (and i loved it) the sheer level of skill that’s at play in this production is beyond anything else i’ve seen in a long time. The mechanics of the work are brilliant, the timing, the movement, the rhythm; it frankly doesn’t get any better. Sure, it wasn’t the reviewers cup of tea (not a surprise), but let’s be clear that every performer and artist in the room is operating on such an advanced - and highly awake - level. (As a PS, i sat next to a teenager who, at the end, was crying. After the show, she told me how much the show meant to her and I told her all the things I noticed, all things she didn’t think about. She helped me feel what she felt, I helped her see what I saw. How much better does it get than that?)
37
It is hard to be an adult and write about this without putting yourself back in middle school or high school. The music and the cast have figured out how to draw every awkward teen into a place where they feel okay about self expression. I have a teen and she is my theatre geek. She has loved Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, and many others, but this one is her favorite. As zany as the story line is, and as energetic and fun as the music, dance and characters, Be More Chill is a lesson in how "no" means "not yet." Kids are finding their voice and expressing their opinions through social media and sharing their favorites every day. Be More Chill is a favorite of this 53 year old, because it is a favorite of my 13 year old. I don't get everything that they are doing in the show, but I don't think I am supposed to. I am supposed to enjoy the fact that my kid is happy, laughing and loving this show and the message it sends.
36
@Dana Lanham, wow, I never see this many recommends (19, 17) already 9 a.m. the morning after the review. This show has touched a nerve.
I remember reading the overnight Times review of "Wicked" way back - it was not positive, but as I was reading It, Kristin, the American Idol type singing in a Broadway show, the finding lessons that might be called preachy - everything in that review was telling me "Freddie, get to Ticketmaster right now and get tickets while the discount is still there" because the review was also considerately suggesting essentially "this is the type of thing you'll like if you like this type of thing, even if I as a critic dint like where this is taking theater."
Here, there's enough on YouTube to tell buyers whether this is for them, the type of thing they'll enjoy life in person. (Cheers to any success on any level for Two River, which I love. and where this came from. Right after I clean up from tax season, we got seats for the first matinee there!)
7