The end of the Bakumatsu era always depresses me regardless of the medium in which it's presented. However, I find Pacific Overtures to be particularly potent.
There's something a little over-precious about this musical that's summed up for me in the "these kids today with their headphones" gag. It's like Sondheim and Prince weren't completely sure what the point was except their Brigadoon-style nostalgia for the past.
Great moments, though. And I like that unlike the post-Prince musicals, the Sondheim/Prince shows have dancing. And what show today would have the budget to bring in women _only_ for the finale?
@thesafekind it is quite an intellectual challenge i admit, but well worth looking beyond the obvious 'tongue in cheek' cliches. look also at traditional japanase theatre, like shakekespeare, no women. stick with it. hope this helps.
@RaineaTrenton There's a dark side to progress. If you listen to the announcements at the beginning, they actually mention the downsides, like pollution and over-commercialization
@RaineaTrenton@thesafekind it is quite an intellectual challenge i admit, but well worth looking beyond the obvious 'tongue in cheek' cliches. look also at traditional japanase theatre, like shakekespeare, no women. stick with it. hope this helps.
It is the most creative American musical of its generation but they never have come up with an entirely satisfying conclusion to it.
ATsarIsBorn 10 months ago
I'd love to see this in person.
pqwilrj 1 year ago
The end of the Bakumatsu era always depresses me regardless of the medium in which it's presented. However, I find Pacific Overtures to be particularly potent.
klmnumbers 1 year ago
There's something a little over-precious about this musical that's summed up for me in the "these kids today with their headphones" gag. It's like Sondheim and Prince weren't completely sure what the point was except their Brigadoon-style nostalgia for the past.
Great moments, though. And I like that unlike the post-Prince musicals, the Sondheim/Prince shows have dancing. And what show today would have the budget to bring in women _only_ for the finale?
thesafekind 1 year ago
@thesafekind it is quite an intellectual challenge i admit, but well worth looking beyond the obvious 'tongue in cheek' cliches. look also at traditional japanase theatre, like shakekespeare, no women. stick with it. hope this helps.
gramule 1 year ago
"Welcome to Japan..."
What a chilling way to go out.
God I just LOVE this musical.
PhantomDawg594 2 years ago
OMG! The walkman-dance was a master-stroke of direction!
djimDjimTV 2 years ago
Absolutely, my thanks along with everyone else's for putting up this whole show.
ExorcismOnAisleFive 2 years ago
thank you so much for posting this!
badrice 2 years ago
what a sad ending...
wouldyoulikeit 3 years ago
@wouldyoulikeit How's it sad? The moved into the modern age
RaineaTrenton 1 year ago
@RaineaTrenton There's a dark side to progress. If you listen to the announcements at the beginning, they actually mention the downsides, like pollution and over-commercialization
WillScarlet16 1 year ago
@WillScarlet16 Oh I see. I don't get how over commercialization is bad but okay.
RaineaTrenton 1 year ago
@RaineaTrenton @thesafekind it is quite an intellectual challenge i admit, but well worth looking beyond the obvious 'tongue in cheek' cliches. look also at traditional japanase theatre, like shakekespeare, no women. stick with it. hope this helps.
gramule 1 year ago
Astounding. Sondheim is a genius. What a way to end it. Bring it right to the present.
MainiacBrainiac 3 years ago