So after allowing this to sit for a week, I have my thoughts finally gathered. I will preface this by saying that I loved the original show and I found the 2012 refurbishment such an abject basterdization of the original. The Country Bear Jamboree at its heart was a vaudeville style variety show, a medium that was dying in the 1920's and effectively dead by the 1970s save for tv variety shows popular in the 50s and 60s and extending into late night. The original full show was filled with enchanting wit, humor and a mix of characters which were expertly designed. In 2012 when the spare dialogue was cut, the songs were tightened, and the order of the show shuffled, something was lost. The show is meant to evolve, it has naturally built levels, making the audience believe that the ensemble was a real troupe of actors. The cuts were extremely detrimental to this and made the show feel rushed and shallow... but enough of this yick yak and flim flam onto the review.
I was crushed when the show closure was announced, but my review of the new show cannot be a comparison of the prior show. I have to judge it on its own merits. My criteria is as follows: 1. Structure of the show. (Pacing, plot, immersion, cohesiveness). 2. Content of the Show (Humor, set list, performances) 3. Ascetics (AA quality, costumes, other artistic elements).
1. Structure: The show I think has a fairly strong structure. It does open now with a humorous interlude by Buff, Max and Melvin, whose interrogation into the show, makes them feel like part of the ensemble rather than audience members. Their banter throughout the show is a highlight and adds to the immersion factor. The show also adds back Rufus from later editions of the CBJ, which is a welcome return. These elements help make the show feel immersive and reinforces the notion the show is a "real" troupe of actors putting on a variety show. The structure keeps Gomer playing an introduction and then the bear band plays. This is where the first knock of the structure comes in, whereas before the bear band played numerous times, the house band is relegated to a minor 58 second song rather then a larger accompaniment same with Gomer. Recall that originally both these features returned multiple times throughout the show, not just at the beginning and end. The show continues with a nice flow although, I have serious critiques for not allowing each bear to shine as a solo act, the squeezing together of Teddy and Wendell as well as the Sun Bonnets and Trixie really are poor choices. I am all for reclaiming size, Trixie could have done that without the Sun Bonnets who deserve their own spotlight and not back up. The finale also feels rushed and could have used one more refrain and is missing a wow factor. Overall it felt a bit rushed and it needed a bit more air. I give the structure a 7/10 overall.
2. Content: Some of this was alluded to above. I have to accept they are choosing Disney songs, although I wish they choose songs more obscure from the catalogue they all work with the exception of Try everything and most egregiously a whole new world. These two songs are jarring in the context of the show. I can't get settled with them. Turning a whole new world into a song with a dopey bear singing to a sexualized bear is such a strange contrast for a love song. Teddy singing it solo would have been a much better choice. Other songs excel, particularly you've got a friend in me, fixer upper, remember me and the Mary Poppins interlude. The idea the drunk Big Al can't sing a forlorn love song is actually very funny and executed well. The new introduction song, Musical Jamboree is fun, but needs another 45 seconds of content. The return of Come Again and the choice of Bare Necessitates also fit very nicely. Overall 7/10.
3. Ascetics: These bears look great. There is no denying the animatronics look fantastic. I don't believe i've ever seen them looking so sharp and clean. Their movements are excellent and the programming is fantastic. They have so much animation in them. There are a few costume choices like Trixie's that I really don't care for, but overall this is the strongest aspect of the refurbishment. 9/10.
overall? 7.6 A solid C, its fine show. It is not everything I hoped it would be, but given the alternative, A toy story musical revue or nothing. I will gladly take this and will be coming again to see it.
For Reference, I give the original show a 10/10, the Christmas show a 9.5/10, Vacation hoedown 8/10 and the 2012 version a C+. Note while this show is a downgrade from original content, it at least maintains a good sense of immersion, great banter from the trio on the wall and really lets Henry shine as the MC who has finally allowed himself to get into the fun and not just be the straight man. Thanks for reading!