AMC Empire 25 @ Times Square NYC
Pretty low attendance comparing to the annual championship broadcast... which is understandable. I am surprised that this is only one of the two theaters screening the event in Manhattan (of all places). There were a number of Bluecoats and Cadets fans in the house, which provided the much needed excitement in the auditorium.
BD - It is sad to see their 2-year winning streak go. I never enjoy their programs but though we were too harsh (and jealous) of their technical achievement. I somehow think their 2009 production was better... in term of grabbing the audience.
Cavaliers - It is clean... enough said
Bluecoats - It is a bit disingenuous to say that they are starting afresh. It is really a variation of "Metropolis". It is difficult to exceed the high expectation. Still, great music but not the championship-caliber visual program. While many expressed the displeasure with the guard uniform, I think it is far superior than last year.
Crown - Just what we expect from the group. Most DCPers commented about how chessy the pre-show is. I actually think that is very "Crown", especially when you think about program like "Fin".
Cadets - Hands down the most well thought out program and received the most responses from the audience. The juxtaposition of the good/evil is designed and performed well. Among all the "innovations" George tried the past few years, this one really did the trick.
Phantom - Very easy on the eyes and ear. But not as challenging as other programs we saw tonight. Definitely the program with the least potential given its book. Look forward to the final version of Elsa came August! I hope they don't bother too much with molding their "Juliet".
Vanguard - Given how badly reviewed they are on DCP, it exceeded my expectation by a lot. Plenty of cringe worthy moment by the brass. They were barely relevant during the closer. For sure the one program that has the most room to grow. While it is much messier than "Bartok", it does have a more approachable closer this time around.
Blue Star - A bit too easy for the corp. Loud, confident especially comparing to Vanguard. I don't think they could overtake SCV after San Antonio (but may very well do between now and then).
SCORING - cheer erupted when BD was placed 3rd. Boos when SCV placed above Blue Stars.