Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre – "Here We Are" (Olivier Theatre, National Theatre, London) – ★★★ REVIEW
Release Date: May 10, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of MickeyJoTheatre, host MickeyJoTheatre revisits his initial impressions of Stephen Sondheim's final musical work, "Here We Are". Initially disappointed by the Off-Broadway production, MickeyJo shares how his perspective shifted after attending the UK and European premiere at London's National Theatre. Through comprehensive analysis, he delves into the show's intricate adaptation of Luis Buñuel's films, its musical composition, thematic depth, and standout performances.
Background and Initial Impressions
MickeyJo begins by acknowledging his previous negative experience with the Off-Broadway rendition of "Here We Are". He admits to misaligned expectations, anticipating a Sondheim masterpiece but encountering what felt like a David Ives play with limited musical integration.
"[00:00] ... I was expecting this last great Sondheim masterpiece ... and what I felt like I got instead was a day David Ives play with some Sondheim music."
Adaptation of Buñuel’s Films
"Here We Are" is a two-act musical adaptation blending elements from Luis Buñuel's "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie" (1972) and "The Exterminating Angel" (1962). The first act mirrors the socialite group's futile attempts to dine together, reflecting superficial social plights and deeper critiques of middle-class complacency.
In the second act, the narrative shifts to a more intense scenario where the characters are trapped in a room, unable to leave, symbolizing the collapse of their comfortable facades and exposing inherent societal flaws.
MickeyJo highlights the clever intertwining of themes from both films, emphasizing the critique of wealth and class dynamics.
"[...] the comfortable middle class having to experience in some trivial way the concept of being inconvenienced. And the concept, technically, I guess, of famine, really." [00:03:45]
Musical Score and Sondheim’s Contribution
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the musical composition. MickeyJo laments that the score remains unfinished, noting Sondheim's tendency to refine his work during previews. He critiques the lack of standout songs, contrasting it with Sondheim's renowned tracks from previous works.
"[...] it feels as though we have music and then in the second act we don't have music anymore." [00:15:30]
Despite these criticisms, MickeyJo praises Sondheim's lyrical prowess, citing clever rhymes and natural cadences that resonate with his signature style.
"There are such moments of wit and brilliance in these lyrics that I can't help but smile." [00:11:20]
He also points out moments where the musical acknowledges Sondheim's passing within the narrative, adding a poignant layer to the production.
Themes and Messages
MickeyJo explores the deeper themes of "Here We Are", discussing its satire on wealth, class, and societal norms. He appreciates the show's ability to maintain humor while addressing profound issues, though he expresses concern over the sudden tonal shifts from whimsical to dark.
"Is this actually making you feel anything? And also, what is it even articulating?" [00:25:50]
He questions whether the musical effectively communicates its intended messages or if it appears as an absurdistic piece without substantial emotional impact.
Performances and Character Analysis
The review delves into the performances of the star-studded cast:
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Jane Krakowski as Marianne: Praised for her charming portrayal of a vapid socialite, bringing humor and depth to the role.
"She is delightful to watch on stage almost immediately." [00:35:10]
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Rory Kinnear as Leo Brink: MickeyJo finds Kinnear's interpretation intriguing but somewhat inconsistent, struggling to fully connect with the character.
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Harry Haddon Payton as the Bishop: Commended for his quirky and engaging performance, adding a unique flavor to the show.
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Martha Plimpton as Paul Zimmer: Noted for her strong presence, though the material limits her potential.
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Paulo Schott as Raphael: Highlighted as a standout vocalist, delivering compelling performances despite some flawed lines.
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Denis O'Hare and Tracy Bennett as Servants: Celebrated for their comedic brilliance and versatility, providing the strongest moments in the first act.
"They deliver the strongest moments of the first act, and I think as they get either sidelined or switched into less comic characters in the second act, it's kind of where the tone shifts and it's almost a little bit of a buzz kill." [00:42:35]
Strengths of "Here We Are"
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Stylish Direction and Set Design: The production's visual elements, designed by David Zinn, receive high praise for their intricacy and aesthetic appeal.
"Everything about the set and costume design by David Zinn, also really stylish, really stunning, really vivid." [00:30:00]
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Satirical Elements: The musical adeptly critiques modern culinary trends and the superficiality of the elite, adding layers of social commentary.
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Character Development: Moments of depth, particularly in Marianne's transformation, showcase the show's ability to blend humor with meaningful character arcs.
"She feels as though she's starting to attain considerably more depth than she's had up to this point." [00:28:20]
Shortcomings and Criticisms
Despite its strengths, MickeyJo identifies several flaws:
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Inconsistent Tone: The abrupt shift from the comedic first act to the intense second act can disorient audiences.
"It's also a challenging post interval shift in as much as how many shows can you name where the first act has no stakes whatsoever and the second act is all very high stakes." [00:22:10]
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Underdeveloped Themes: The musical grapples with maintaining its satirical edge without delving deeply into the darker aspects of its source material.
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Musical Integration: The lack of memorable standalone songs detracts from the overall impact, with much of the second act lacking musical elements.
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Character Arcs: Some characters, like Fritz, exhibit hypocritical traits that muddle the show's critique of wealth and class.
"There is so much more done to point out Fritz's hypocrisy than there is to point out the immorality of Leo's wealth." [00:27:40]
Conclusion
MickeyJoTheatre concludes by reflecting on his evolved appreciation for "Here We Are" after extensive analysis and multiple viewings. While acknowledging the show's ambitious attempt to adapt Buñuel's films and integrate Sondheim's musical genius, he remains uncertain about its long-term success and resonance with general audiences. He invites listeners to share their own experiences and thoughts on the musical, highlighting its potential as an acquired taste.
"Do you think that Here We Are will go on to be as prolific and successful a Sondheim score show as his other works? No, not necessarily." [00:49:20]
He encourages continued engagement through subscriptions and comments, fostering a community discussion around this divisive production.
Key Quotes with Timestamps
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MickeyJoTheatre:
"[00:00] ... I was expecting this last great Sondheim masterpiece ... and what I felt like I got instead was a day David Ives play with some Sondheim music." -
On Lyrics:
"[00:11:20] There are such moments of wit and brilliance in these lyrics that I can't help but smile." -
On Performances:
"[00:35:10] She is delightful to watch on stage almost immediately." -
On Tone Shifts:
"[00:22:10] It's also a challenging post interval shift in as much as how many shows can you name where the first act has no stakes whatsoever and the second act is all very high stakes." -
Conclusion Reflection:
"[00:49:20] Do you think that Here We Are will go on to be as prolific and successful a Sondheim score show as his other works? No, not necessarily."
Final Thoughts
"Here We Are" presents a bold endeavor to merge cinematic surrealism with musical storytelling. While it showcases moments of brilliance in performance and lyrical composition, it struggles with tonal consistency and thematic depth. MickeyJoTheatre's nuanced review provides valuable insights for both seasoned theatre enthusiasts and newcomers, offering a comprehensive understanding of this complex Sondheim piece.
Have you seen "Here We Are" in London? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don't forget to subscribe to MickeyJoTheatre on YouTube and other platforms for more in-depth theatre reviews and discussions.