As far as NBC live musicals go, production values have come a long way. The set and blocking really work well. The choreography is excellent. The chorus numbers sound great (even if they've been sweetened). I loved that they kept Herbert Hoover and also added a couple of tunes from the 1982 musical. The tweaked orchestrations are really nice and sound great.
I like the non-traditional casting, too (but if we're going non-traditional, don't cover Harry's beautiful head of hair-there's no reason Warbucks has to be bald.)
The thing that doesn't work for me is the WAY over the top acting from almost all of the principals. This would play as too broad in a huge Broadway theater let alone on The small screen. It so big and unbelievable, it's sadly unwatchable. Meghan Hilty is the exception here. She's fantastic. Harry Connick Jr. Is a bit understated as Warbucks, but it's not as offensive as the obnoxious "schmacting" by Annie, Hannigan, and the insufferably cloying orphans.
The other thing that's bothersome is the scream-singing. Everything is triple forte and belted from beginning to end. There's no build-it's almost all just loud, over sung, and way over-acted. And by the second act, their voices sound shot and they're singing flat. Harry Connick Jr. Is the exception here. He sings like an angel throughout. He is a true musician.
I wanted to love this, but unfortunately, it's really hard to watch. Social media seems to be in a positive frenzy over it (shockingly), so I presume I have a minority opinion.
I like the non-traditional casting, too (but if we're going non-traditional, don't cover Harry's beautiful head of hair-there's no reason Warbucks has to be bald.)
The thing that doesn't work for me is the WAY over the top acting from almost all of the principals. This would play as too broad in a huge Broadway theater let alone on The small screen. It so big and unbelievable, it's sadly unwatchable. Meghan Hilty is the exception here. She's fantastic. Harry Connick Jr. Is a bit understated as Warbucks, but it's not as offensive as the obnoxious "schmacting" by Annie, Hannigan, and the insufferably cloying orphans.
The other thing that's bothersome is the scream-singing. Everything is triple forte and belted from beginning to end. There's no build-it's almost all just loud, over sung, and way over-acted. And by the second act, their voices sound shot and they're singing flat. Harry Connick Jr. Is the exception here. He sings like an angel throughout. He is a true musician.
I wanted to love this, but unfortunately, it's really hard to watch. Social media seems to be in a positive frenzy over it (shockingly), so I presume I have a minority opinion.