'Bullets Over Broadway' musical fails to impress critics

The "Bullets Over Broadway" musical failed to impress reviewers when it opened at St. James Theatre here.

The Woody Allen film, which has inspired the musical, released Sep 16, 1994. It's musical version was not much appreciated here, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The New York Daily News' columnist Joe Dziemianowicz called the production a "bit of a miss", adding: "Allen's showbiz and gangland eccentrics stiffen into cardboard when they're amplified from two to three dimensions.

"It doesn't help that key actors shoot blanks... Beyond mediocre acting is the poor choice at the center of this jukebox musical."

Columnist Marilyn Stasio of Variety magazine said: "'Bullets Over Broadway' is feeble on laughs, and certain key performers don't seem comfortable. So, let's call it close - but no cigar."

Ben Brantley of The New York Times also criticised the show, saying: "While the movie was a helium-light charmer, this all-talking, all-singing, all-dancing reincarnation is also all but charm-free. The musical version...feels more like being head-butted by linebackers. Make that linebackers in blinding sequins."