★★★★ REVIEW: Harmony (Broadway) | the Bruce Sussman / Barry Manilow musical at The Barrymore Theatre
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- Опубліковано 22 лип 2024
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OHMYGOD HEY!
While I was in New York, I was lucky enough to catch a performance of HARMONY, the musical by Bruce Sussman and Barry Manilow which sadly closed last weekend at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway.
The show, which followed the historic career of 1920s vocal group The Comedian Harmonists, was first seen by audiences in the late 1990s but has taken more than two decades to make it to Broadway.
Check out today's new video for my brief thoughts on why the show was ultimately short-lived, who gave standout performances and whether or not I enjoyed it...
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00:00 | introduction
03:23 | what is Harmony?
08:58 | how were the creative choices?
18:54 | how were the performances?
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#broadway #theatre #musical - Розваги
My 16yo daughter really wanted to see Harmony and I thought we'd be able to on a trip planned for next summer. But when the closing announced, I made the quick decision to fly half-way across the country just to see this show. I am so happy we made the trip because we LOVED Harmony. (Did I mention it was my daughter's first trip to NY?) We made some wonderful mother-daughter memories in the 24 hours we were there and I know my daughter will remember this trip the rest of her life.
"I Say Sondheim in his Assassin Era like he's Taylor Swift." I LOVE IT!
I saw Harmony in mid January (literally just a few days before they announced the closing) and my friends and I had no expectations at all going in. We knew next to nothing about it but we got rush tickets with great seats. Suffice to say, it was INCREDIBLE and it absolutely blew us away. We were all in tears by the end of the show (and more than once throughout). I’ve been recommending it to everyone since. We were horrified to hear it was closing. The cast were also all so lovely at the stage door and it was a just a great experience all around. I hope they are able to release a pro shot at some point!!
I've been following this show since 1997. Not because I'm a musical theatre person (though I am) and not because I’m a Fanilow ( I'm ambivalent) but because I’m kind of a Comedian Harmonists expert. I contributed to the book sold at the show ( though I wanted to write the whole book, but that's another story). I've watched this show develop from a time when Rabbi and Mary were played by Danny Burstein and Rebecca Luker and there was no Old Rabbi character through to the current version. With each version over the years, I came away thinking, “ they need to do this, they need to change that.” And with each subsequent version, that's what they did. It's been thrilling to watch the rough sketches of each Harmonist slowly develop into six distinct characters. To see more and more true stories get added to the script. And finally, the emotional spine of the show moving to the older Rabbi character. The score never changed much, but the orchestrations got richer with each version and some lyrics got tweaked for the better. I appreciated the effort that got put into the show to make the Comedian Harmonists “in performance” numbers mimic the actual Harmonists’ sound.
I believe your review was spot-on. I would love to see a Tony nom for Chip Zien. I do, however, believe that “Every Single Day” will be the bridge song that will ultimately keep this show alive. This show is going to be a big ask in the regional and community theatre market, though-seven strong men and two women is a heavy lift.
It’s fascinating to hear your point of view! I have a question that perhaps you can answer. Was the text of Ruth’s letter that she wrote from imprisonment taken from a real letter? Was she based on a real individual? I read that his wife in real life was not a political activist and that the character was a composite. I would love to know more about the basis of her character. That letter, and the song that followed, totally gutted me.
@@corinneferrarolam5101 Ruth was not a real character. She was a mix of a few characters. The real Ruth was called Ursula, and Erwin Bootz really did divorce her partially because she was Jewish (don't get me started on Erwin Bootz--he had a lot of commitment issues, including to the Comedian Harmonists) and partially because Erwin was just really young and immature and kind of an "I'm #1" guy. Ursula did survive, so there was no prison, no letter from prison. I think they really needed a character to not survive to bring the point home, so best to sacrifice a fictional one. I'm open to any questions anybody has about the real CH!
@@PamelaRosen thank you for the info! Do you know who are the real life figures that Ruth is a composite of?
I don’t. They’re people who don’t have anything who with The Comedian Harmonists, or they’re just bits and pieces of stories that got put together. But a good deal of the show is based on real events, though highly dramatized.
@@PamelaRosen I do have another question. I was wondering if it was historically accurate at the end of the show, when they said that the three members who remained in Germany had been arrested and interrogated in a notorious prison.
I was privileged enough to see Harmony twice . It was so moving in telling the story of The comedian harmonist. This show is so right for what is going on in the world today. It makes the audience think about life and how to live it . The cast was amazing. Barry & Bruce did an amazing job both with the music as well as the lyrics. I have to say your review of this musical was spot on. I
Was saddened by its closing so quickly. All because of the lack of ticket sales. I can only hope that it is nominated for a Tony Award this year.
I am a Jewish man living in Brazil. I'm going to NY for my cousin's bar mitzvah in April and of course seeing as many shows as possible. I am SOOOO upset that I will miss this show. Thank you for review and giving me some insight on what I'm missing. I am a HUGE fan of Chip Zien and Julie Benko!!!! I've seen him in Woods and Falsettoland and probably some other things.... I just saw Miss Benko in Funny Girl on my last trip!
I was fortunate to have seen Harmony several times (thanks rush tickets ). This production touched me deeply and I can’t quite explain why. Perhaps my being a minority in more ways than one contributed to the emotional connection . The mega talented cast introduced us to the Comedian Harmonists in a way that was humorous , poignant, sad, entertaining , relevant , and timely. The undeniable bond that the Harmonists (as well as the actors ) shared was touching.
I only wish this production developed the back story of each Harmonist more deeply.
Chip…..WOW!!!!!!
Harmony was definitely a THUMBS UP!!!!
Totally agree ! I see this show four times and I never saw a musical that many times ever!
I saw Harmony in November and was so sad to hear of it's early closing. I saw Chip Zien in Into the Woods and was thrilled to see him being just as wonderul here. My favorite musical moment was Danny Kornfeld singing Every Single Day. I still get goosebumps when I think of it. That song could stand on it's own and will hopefully become part of the cabaret scene .
I did get a Ragtime feel on occasion.
I saw it on Friday Feb 2. I bought the tickets after hearing you recommend it in your recent video. I’m so, so glad I did. The emotional impact, particularly in the second half, blew me away. I also am a fan of Chip Zien from his Into the Woods days as well as from Falsettos. His performance was incredible. Even better than I would have expected. I had no idea he could pull off this level of intensity so well. I came to NYC to see Merrily but this was an unexpected highlight. This, as well as All The Devils Are Here starring Patrick Page. Run to see that one if you get the chance. It was also awesome.
Oooohhh I watched a film about this group in german for my A levels! Such a tragic story but glad to see it told on another platform even if it was shortlived ❤
I saw the original version of Harmony in LaJolla California in 1997, and fell in love with the story and music back then. I was so hoping to see the final version later in the spring, but sadly, it's not to be. I'm hoping that it may eventually become a touring show so that everyone gets a chance to see its beautiful message.
I love your videos and I LOVED this show. Everything from the story to the songs tk the staging was amazing. I waited at the stage door and got Seirra(Who I'd been longing to see in something and hadn't until I saw this) to sign my Playbill along with the rest of the cast. Again I love your videos and can't wait to see what West End shows you're going to review in the next weeks. Please give Aaron a hug from me
Really glad you got to see this! I saw it in December and really enjoyed it more than I expected :) Hope it comes for some kind of run in London as I would love to take my dad to see it, turns out he is already a fan of the Comedian Harmonists
I feel the hearing issue (I'm watching this on a laptop inches away from me & still have the YT volume at half) in the case of live theater though I have to blame that a bit more on sound design. I'm actually really enjoying the cast recording (& thrilled we got it) because this cast really is spectacular. For those who know Blake from that other very popular voice role (or other musical stars in that show because there are a TON) I hope it will lead them to recordings like this & those actors other works to enjoy a broader picture of what they can do.
I saw this show four times on Broadway! I loved it that much. The cast is fantastic, especially with five out of the six harmonists making their Broadway debuts. Of course Chip Zien was superb and his solo Therenody made my heart break all four times I heard it. I laughed all four times when the six guys sang madame how may I serve you, Hungarian Rhapsody #20, and your son is becoming a singer. I can agree with many people’s opinions that act 1 wasn’t as great as act 2, but to me the talent of the cast made up for that. I also do think the promotion wasn’t done that well. But it is what it is and I’m so happy it did sell out their last two weeks. I know the chances are low but I really hope Chip at least gets a Tony nomination. Therenody just blew me away all four times I saw it. I’m also super jealous you got a hoodie! By the time I wanted to get one it was sold out! Also when I was there my fourth time, the lady next to me said she heard rumors about the show going to London. I’m intrigued how true this rumor is.
I also thought the scenery was interesting and by the fourth time seeing it, I was wondering if the stage being mirrored is a representation of Rabbi’s memory? Because Chip is remembering what happened to the group.
I am so glad you reviewed this show and also wish it had a longer run. All those involved have worked so hard for so long (27 years!) for it to get to Broadway. I am very curious as to what the show was like before Chips role, as it was added for the Broadway version!
I really had wanted to get to New York to see this, but between my Chanukah trip falling through and then the two weeks basically of notice where I (responsibly) couldn't make it there? I didn't get a chance even as I got to see the Ahmanson run.
Harmony is as if “Jersey Boys” and “Cabaret” and a beautifully unique baby.
I saw Harmony in November. The cast was outstanding. So talented. I enjoyed it. Such a shame it ended so early, but it’s good that their story was told if even for a short time.
When will we see your other reviews from NYC? Also, did I miss a review of Six on Broadway last fall?
Fantastic review and fantastic show! We saw it on closing weekend - so meaningful to our family. I’m just wondering why we didn’t get more about Steven Telsey / Lesh in the review? Wanted your take on his moments!
I saw it 4 WONDERFUL, MOVING, times on Broadway, as well as the previous Off Broadway production! NEVER was I bored.... From walking into the theatre with the hanging curtain of their Carnegie Hall performance got me. The opening number was the Perfect set up for this glorious musical. The cast was EXCELLENT and 5 of the 6 guys were making their Bway debuts as well as so many other cast members. You would never know that these talented actors were making their debuts on Bway! The score is magnificent! I loved the first act - as stated I was never bored (with the great acting, production, direction and story). I went to 3 different talks that the creators and some of the cast did prior and during the run. Years ago, I was in St Louis and heard "Time Heals Everything" prior to Mack and Mabel getting to Broadway. I was blown away by the beautiful moving song and my hands were numb and red from applause. I got the same feeling and with tears on EVERY occasion (on stage, at the talks and where ever) when sung by Danny Kornfeld - what a brilliant debut! Comparing to the beautiful and magnificent RAGTIME, I have to agree. But this was even more special because of the story. I was lucky to be at the closing performance to see it again - the show will never leave my memory. Mickey as for adding more story for the 2 women, it would have been a much longer musical... and OVERTIME is very expensive on Bway. Yes I would have liked more - I was glued to my seat. I never had a sound problem (I was on the last seat near the wall, under the overhang of the Mezz and elsewhere) and Heard EVERYTHING. The future of Broadway is very scary - when a show this well done and can not make it. VERY SAD I do not have commercial taste (or sometime the lack of taste for a bad show that gets acclaim). I thought the show was brilliantly promoted and kudos to everyone involved and the cast for the daily videos). Barry, Bruce, cast, all involved with the production and the producers a great big THANK YOU! I sincerely hope that there is a tour (with the 6 guys and women) = it is a MUST SEE and then a London production. I have seen hundreds and hundreds of show in NYC, Broadway and off and across this continent as well in many other countries) HARMONY will always be at a Top of My list for wonderful Theatre!!!!
I really enjoyed Harmony and left the theater thinking Chip’s performance had Tony best actor written all over it. I also saw Here Lies Love, Harmony, and How to Dance in Ohio all in the same weekend (Nov 25/26) and in a week they will all be closed … am I bad luck? 😢
I saw this wonderful show the night before it closed. It was amazing.
I went in with the same mindset and left like you, completely in awe. Fabulous, memorable show. Tourist, please, see something new on Broadway when visiting! Lion King is traveling, you can see it elsewhere! Same with Wicked, Aladin, Hamilton, Book of Morman, Moulin Rouge, give these new shows a chance! Sad Some Like it Hot closed, loved it! Now making closing soon NYC trips.
I loved harmony so so much, truly the best thing I’ve seen on broadway
I wonder if this would have done better in a non-Cabaret season as they are similar settings time wise, and US schools don't teach enough about it.
It was absolutely fantastic and I'm so sad that it closed! It was definitely Chip Zien's best work. I'm so glad I got to see it and am hoping a pro shot will be released and that will be a tour!
Saw it and was struck by its timeliness regarding the current Israeli/Hamas conflict..how war impacts personal relationships..I found it very moving..audience was a lot older/and Covid has hit ticketbuyers of that age (Also Barry Manilow? I am 58 but does anyone under 30 know him?)
While I agree with much of what you said, I compared "Harmony" FAVORABLY with shows like "Jersey Boys" and "Ain't Too Proud" in that all three ended with a strong, nostalgic reminder of how great their music was and "what could have been ...".
And while I didn't think the book was as great as you did ... after all, it's a very hard story to tell ... I was surprised at how much it has stayed with me. The music, in particular, has three songs that have been stuck in my head ever since I saw it last November: "Every Single Day", "Where You Go", and the closing song, "Stars in the Night". I felt that each of these had that throw-back quality of being good stand-alone songs that could survive and become hits outside of the show (think "Cabaret" or "People"). Since I'm usually a fan of those more sophisticated Broadway composers like Sondheim, Adam Guettel, and Jason Robert Brown, I almost feel a little ashamed to admit that I liked this score by someone like Barry Manilow. But dammit, the guy knows how to write great songs! Sorry to have doubted you, Barry! This is great work.
I saw Harmony last month and cried so much in the second row the actors recognized me at stage door
Love these insights! Please do make a Jersey Boys video. I have such problems with that show. I really enjoyed the mafia storyline and wonder if they should have just stuck with that and ended before FV goes solo. It seemed so strange to me to keep going for decades and decades. And I was troubled by the emotional climax being the off-stage death of a character we barely knew. If that's the story they want to tell, SHOW US!
Please make that jersey boys video
Yes! I am very interested
09:59 hard disagree, I think "Every Single Day" could totally be that song. Every high school baritone will be assigned that song!
Totally agree with you on everything else though! It was way too good to have closed so early.
In fact "Every Single Day" was a mild hit for decades prior to any of the productions Harmony has had over its troubled life as a musical. Barry Manilow recorded the song at least two times on albums and it has been re-released even more times on some of his compilation albums. I believe it was a favorite of many cabaret performers prior to anyone knowing it was part of Harmony.
Weirdly enough I saw the german film (comedian harmonists) last week and only then realized I used to sing their songs in school choir 😀
I couldn't take my eyes off of Danny Kornfeld - what a dreamboat
I saw the show and loved it. I thought the performances were fabulous. Hope Chip Zien is nominated for a Tony. So sorry it closed.
The music was pretty and the story was moving but some of the choreography and staging felt very “show choir” to me. The cast was incredible and the voices were amazing! I’m still glad I saw it.
OMG! First time I've heard you. If you aren't a fan of ALW's Cats, we are so similar on our theater taste.
I seem to remember a film about them. Sounds like a moving and unforgettable experience. Get your ears checked.
I like your perspective - I just wish you would have given credit to the video designers batwin + robin, who are different than the scenic designer Beowulf Borit.
i worked on the off-broadway production at the museum of jewish heritage. there was an entire number of chip in drag as marlene dietrich that was cut in the transition to broadway
Is MJ the musical coming to London ❤
Yes
Just a little note: Judaism is not just a culture, but an ethnicity. Culture is something that might be "played" up or down, ethnicity is not, it is something one is. Might seem nitpicky, but this is important both in relation to the material, and in these days where a lot of dangerously ignorant ideas about jewish identity are being spread.
"Because it's by and large the same story, without the mob, but with nazis - which feels more important..." 😆😆😆
Mehn, I would have loved to see it.
I saw harmony and I liked it but some pl I went with only liked the second half of the show. They hated the first half.
Unfortunately this show didn’t grab me, and I spent far too much time being irritated by the shiny set and unseemly reflections
Same
This is exactly how I felt. I wanted to love it, and irritated was how I felt throughout the show.
I'm sorry, I don't understand the comments. The show was pretty bland. I almost fell asleep in the first act, however the second act was lifted by its historical prevalence.
To be honest, I had no idea what this show was about until maybe two weeks ago. I hadn't even been actively avoiding news about it, I just hadn't sought out any reviews. If you'd asked me what his show was when it opened, I'd probably have said, "I dunno, I think it's a Barry Manilow jukebox musical." (Which, until a Neil Diamond jukebox musical opened, I would've thought was the most laughable idea in the world. But this is where we are now.) Let's just say that Manilow's involvement was not a draw.
Casting former superheros? What's wrong with that? Grant Gustin was in a National tour of West Side Story when he landed Sebastian on Glee. Now that Flash is over, he's the male lead in a new Broadway musical (his dream). Jordan Fisher played Grant's son on the Flash (another speedster superhero). It was a time-travel thing. Jeremy Jordan was on Supergirl for 5 years, eventually becoming a superhero. Oh...Hugh Jackman is Wolverine. I've got dozens more. I'm not necessarily a superhero fan, but I am a fan of everyone I mentioned.
I'm pretty sure I know where your comment was directed but it hit me wrong.
If you corrected yourself later in the video, my apologies. I stopped watching.
Was very much talking about Hugh Jackman!
@@MickeyJoTheatrebut Jackman only got Wolverine because of his 3 leading musical roles prior....OG Aus Gaston & Joe Gilles prior to Oklahoma
I won lottery tickets for this show back in November. I went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised. This show and especially this cast deserves a much longer run than it got. At least we got a cast recording to remember this show.
Thank you for your fabulous and thoughtful review. Harmony was important and so beautifully executed. The entire cast was wonderful, and I thought a lot of the songs were memorable. I was especially moved by the times Chip Zein interacted with his younger self. There is a long list in recent years of fabulous shows that closed much too soon. Harmony, Here Lies Love, Ain’t no Mo (this was fabulous), Life of Pi. There are so many new shows opening in the next few months I hope they all have time to find their audience.
You lost me after "...Barry Manilow, if you could believe it". Unnecessary commentary clearly said to make sure your viewers would know that you're not a fan of his - which is lame and unprofessional to have said. I even went back to see if perhaps I was wrong with what you were implying, just to be fed another not-so-low-key jab at him. How stupid to be so praising of a musical yet so crappy to the composer.
I love Barry Manilow, who doesn't?! You're taking this comment in deliberate bad faith - 'if you can believe it' is because you wouldn't usually associate him with writing a musical, especially one not ostensibly linked to his own (terrific!) songbook! Give me a little credit 😅
You are absolutely reaching and choosing to take an innocent comment as some sort of insult.