Fortunately, it was filmed and the SPRINGSTEEN ON BROADWAY phenomenon is now available on Netflix – for the same price you pay for season two of FULLER HOUSE.
It’s not a concert film. It’s more like MARK TWAIN TONIGHT. It’s just Bruce, a few guitars, and a piano. No E. Street Band. No band of any street. For 70% of the show he just talks, telling his life story.
Now there are tons of these one-person shows. If you have friends who are actors you’ve doubtless been to at least four of them. Personal memoirs that range from fascinating to who the fuck cares?
These shows can be judged on four categories. 1) Is the person himself interesting (famous helps)? 2) Does he really have a story to tell? 3) Is the person a good storyteller? and 4) is the show theatrical?
Well Springsteen is certainly an interesting individual. And how he went from a grim blue collar upbringing in New Jersey to become one of the premier artists and superstars of his generation is (with apologies to my waiter) way more compelling than not getting a call-back for DOG WITH A BLOG.
As for the storytelling itself, Springsteen is an absolute master. The show is very scripted and a lot of it is so poetic and descriptive it sounds like he’s reciting lyrics. The Boss obviously has a real presence, but more than that, he understands phrasing, vocal impact, the power of pauses. He’s funny, candid, touching, and revealing. All those songs about working in factories – he admits he never worked in a factory and made all that shit up. Unlike some artists who clearly think they’re God’s gift to the world, Springsteen considers what he does a “magic trick.” And best of all, the humility, the desire to “find himself” and make sense of the world – all comes off as truly genuine.
In terms of theatricality, well, he sings a number of songs. Who needs slides and home movies when you’ve got the Boss singing “My Home Town?”
And for a one-man show it’s pretty long. 2 ½ hours. But that’s Springsteen. His concerts generally last four hours. You may pay a lot to see him, but he always gives you your money worth – and then some.
At one point when I was watching it I thought, what if someone sees this in fifty years and is unfamiliar with Springsteen or his work? Would they appreciate it or be bored hearing some stranger’s life story? Hopefully I’ll be around to let you know. But failing that, I do think someone being introduced to Springsteen by this special would recognize what a layered, passionate, brilliant artist he is. The songs, even if heard for the first time, would resonate due to their powerful lyrics, the universal stories, and the soul in his voice.
I’ve been to several of his concerts but did not get to see his Broadway show live. I’m sorry but for $2000 I want him to do his show in my living room. However, I loved the Netflix special.
That said, if I were given a choice (for the same price) of seeing the one-man Broadway show in an intimate setting or a full-out concert in a stadium, I’d still take the concert. The stories were great. I want more music.
from By Ken Levine
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