Monster Stomp on Ripper Row

[Diamond Dave]

I saw the show twice (1:30, 9:30) yesterday. The first showing I thought I preferred last years format for the third number where the coffin was set in the back of the stage parallel to the audience and they would sing to each other's face. In the second showing I came to like the new format where they are separated by the coffin. I DO MISS when the percussionists would come out from the back and hit the coffin during "Bring me to life" (or whatever the song is). I liked that. They're different.

I got used to the leads coming from the right stairs holding the lantern to start "Light my Fire", it's weird to me seeing him casually sitting on the left side of the stage.

When he goes into "Rhythm of Life", he doesn't do what the lead last year did when he pointed to the demons as they emerge, now they just kind of come out. He also lays stomach down to start the song, not sure if I'm into it.

I know last year the demons were tripping over each other quite commonly and the ears were very hard to apply and even remove properly for reuse.

The stage feels empty at times compared to last year. Having four demons/watchmen matched with the four women.

At the beginning when the curtain rises, the rest of the cast emerges shortly after the mourner comes to front stage. I like it better when they all are around immediately as the curtain rises, it just feels sparse and empty for a few seconds.

 

[Seraphblade7]

Monster Stomp on Ripper Row 2014 "Rap" #NeverForget

Did you catch the understudy performing in the lead last year? I'll take him over either over either of the main rippers anytime.

Is he back at all this year? He was just amazing.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

When he goes into "Rhythm of Life", he doesn't do what the lead last year did when he pointed to the demons as they emerge, now they just kind of come out. He also lays stomach down to start the song, not sure if I'm into it.

I agree. It's like this year, he goes from creepy to "prancing through flowers, nice guy" between each scene. Obviously it's the blocking/choreography, not the performer.

I also noticed what somebody said about the way the stage was raked ("theatre talk" for the grading or slope on a stage). It took a while for me to get used to the drummers in this layout, but I thought the set looked like it popped out more this way.

They just really need to re-do the opening animation to a stabbing or slashing. The blood content and murders were the only thing that made it "darker" than any other show. This reminds me of when the park gave in to moaners. I haven't seen that anywhere else this year.

 

[netdvn]

Overall the same show as last year. I really enjoyed it.

Opening scene went from straight beheading to a throat slashing. Still lot of blood involved.
Also the preshow was cut. Kinda disappointed by that.

 

[Bama]

I seen the show Friday its at least 5 minutes shorter than last years show what all did they cut out from last year besides having fewer cast members. Busch Gardens has really cut things this year summer and fall.Humm wonder what cuts are comming for Christmas Town.

 

[Eric]

Humm wonder what cuts are comming for Christmas Town.

I don't think christmas town will have that many cuts, it is an upcharge attraction and they don't have to pay to run most of the coasters and some attractions.

 

[CastleOSullivan]

I seen the show Friday its at least 5 minutes shorter than last years show

I just meticulously compared two time slots, one from last year, and one from this year. I know it's hard to believe, but they are both the same length without the applause.

That has always been one of my biggest gripes about the show. It simply ends without reason, even worse than London Rocks. It feels like the show should have at least five more minutes in my opinion.

I think the park probably decided that the only hit in the Globe Theatre (without hesitation) was Scrooge No More. Also, from what I know, even the numbers reflected that. All of the shows were bigger steps to what people like the most.

If this show remains unchanged (and I mean noticeable changes), I don't care if all three shows go next year, frankly. While I think it was about time, I think the haunts were all that got love this season. They took their fans seriously for once. For that, I won't complain this year.

 

[Zimmy]

something something, shows suck, something something, bad lighting, something something, waste of money...

 

[Retiree246]

I must be extremely unsophisticated or something, because I just love this show. I don't get all the criticism. It's entertaining, and I thought that was what a show was supposed to do..

 

[Nicole]

I think whether it is entertaining is a matter of personal taste.

 

[angelicurrr]

I still love this show despise some strange changes being made. Saw the 6:30 show on Sunday. I like the modified choreography the group does in 'Beat It' almost more hand clapping and stomping involved? I like the lead Ripper this year, but miss some of the facial expressions and tonality last year's lead brought to the show. My husband thinks this years Ripper is the son of Prince based solely on looks, haha! Still love Mary Jane, although she's been working on some new vocal techniques for this year that I didn't groove with.

My only complaint is that there were only 2 male dancers and 3 female. Really made the stage feel empty, whereas last years 4 of each was just enough without overkill. I'm hoping this is just due to people having to be absent last weekend? Oh, and the abrupt ending of the opening beheading video is dumb. I thought something went wrong with a projector, then remembered how the general public overreacts to EVERYTHING.

Overall, still my favorite show at the park on and off HOS season.

 

[Diamond Dave]

Back to three watchmen/demons compared to four from last year and two from last week. Makes the ratio 4 ladies:3 men

 

[Seraphblade7]

Are they still doing that cool pre-show thing when those people walk around the audience and stuff? Or did they cut that too..

 

[Applesauce]

No that was cut, now it just starts with one of the girl screaming and running down the side aisle to the stage.

 

[Luke]

I have always wondered this...but why does everyone applause and cheer when they do the black light skeleton scene?

 

[Ghost of Pretzel Kaiser]

The old Monster Stomp show had a similar scene what was really well liked.

 

[Luke]

Ooooooo ok I never saw the previous versions.

 

[SWStevo]

Ooooooo ok I never saw the previous versions.

Then you, my friend, have missed out. I scream like a little girl when those skeletons dance!

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[angelicurrr]

Does anyone know of a recording of the whole show anywhere?!?! Even if it's just audio. I'm really looking for Rhythm Is Gonna Get You and Rhythm of Life. I love the arrangements of these songs done for the show specifically. And listening to the original songs just doesn't cut it for me. Thanks!

 

[lazerdoc]

Ooooooo ok I never saw the previous versions.

Then you, my friend, have missed out. I scream like a little girl when those skeletons dance!

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I agree. It is still a very popular part of the show, but I liked it better when they came out to "Bad to the Bone" in the old show.