Profile for FranklinDickson2018

Then they have to cast a standby for the Tuesday nights LOL"

lol - savage but accurate!"

No.   Just savage.   Can you please give Benanti a break?  Her health problems dating back to Into the Woods are well documented, and they include a broken neck.  I have heard her in every Broadway role since 2001 --- and guess what she has NEVER cancelled and never disappointed.  Am I the only one?  I think

In terms of sheer vocal quality and timbre the "Rose's Turn" sounded completely wrong to me.  Both vocally and interpretively.  But this may have been the first time she had performed it?   Has Audra recorded any of the ballads from the show?  Are they better? But of course she could rework her vocal technique and dramatic approach as part of the rehearsal period of the show.  After Angela's revival, has a revival of "Gypsy" ever actua

Great question. I like to go back a number of years to singers such as John Raitt (a true BariTenor - from baritone to dramatic tenor), Alfred Drake (true baritone), Howard Keel (more a bass-baritone) and others.   It is interesting that to me, in the 1940s and 50s, I think men's voices were lower for the Broadway stage. Larry Kert of who started in the 1950s, sang higher than a lot of the men who came before him.    I do like the singing style of the earlier singers a

ardiem said: "Saw this last night and I mostly agree with BoringBoredBoard40 & bwayphreak234. There's a great story here, but as presented it wasn't done justice. One song's melody stuck with me, though, for the wrong reason - the duet between the wives seemed to be lifted verbatim from Chopin's Prelude Op.28 No.4."

Julie mentioned on social media that the duet was based on Chopin.  It was discussed back in May on Playbill.com as well. 

Finally get to post my thoughts!  Caught the show mid April, and absolutely loved it.  The new book didn't bother me, and in fact while trying to think what I liked about it, I thought that the concept was a bit "Downton Abbey"  Especially Phillipa Soo who reminded me more than once of Lady Mary --- in her character arc.  From appearing to be uncaring to finally showing her warmth as a person -- she did remind me of Lady Mary.  I found Soo to be quite th

I caught Julie Benko last month with mainly the "standby" cast:  eg both standbys were on for Nicky and Mrs. Brice.

Just now posting my thoughts.   To me it was a textbook example of how to keep a broadway show tight and fresh.  The energy level was incredibly high, the audience extremely enthusiastic. Julie was superb, and she had great chemistry with Jeremiah James.  The show was polished and an example (to me) of how to maintain quality during a Br

I keep seeing this thread as "working" out at Intermission  I think I need to go more often to the gym.  My walkouts are few.  "King David" at the New Amsterdam.  It was past midnight and the show didn't appear to be ending anytime soon.  "Barnum" on tour with Stacy Keach.  After he fell off the tightrope 3 times, and then started singing off key I left.  And "Falsettos"  - local production.  The actors h

Was about to hit "click" to buy a ticket and then I read that Lancelot sings "I Loved You Once in Silence."   If I can't hear Phillipa Soo sing this --- one of my favorite Lerner and Loewe songs --- I am not sure I want to see this . That is a major change for me.  Other changes I can more easily live with.  I admired Donica's intensity in "My Fair Lady" -- -but I find his singing too pitchy to want to hear him in yet another slow ball

SJB continues to perplex me . After "Falsettos" was a huge fan. Voice and acting.    But then her concert from Lincoln Center (PBS) was less than glorious. I felt she was shouting the highest notes -- no flip to a more warmer sound.  I also attended a program where she spoke of Crest Strips and Cher for what seemed like an eternity.  (It was how she found her "Cher" voice).  It was a lot about a little.   When she did the "Stars"

Hello, and since you asked.   I did see the Faith Prince revival twice.  I saw it in Stamford(freezing cold rain that day as I recall) and up entering the theater I remember a lady whacked me with her cane because I think she thought I had cut in line to get in. I didn't!  LOL  So, I was on the front row.  And another lady comes up and asks me if I can move over.  I said "sure" especially because Comden and Green ended up sitting next to me.&nb

I saw this idea mentioned on another website and it struck me as a perfect role.  I rewatched video footage of Beanie in Funny Girl, and I was struck by her radiant smile, big heart, and obvious love of performing and of her audience.  All of the qualities that Judy Holiday had -- and a terrific sense of humor and comic timing which they both share.   I think vocally Ella's music would be perfect for Beanie.  I don't know if Bells are Ringing is a show that fo

Hello all.  I am a huge fan of Fleming, and I was surprised how worn her upper voice sounded at times, at least on the HD (on Demand)  Did it sound like this in the house ? Several times, at the end of Act I, and the trio in Act II, she appeared to be off the mark as far as intonation.  Did they mention anywhere that she might have been under the weather.  Perhaps at this point in her long and important career, the high lying parts of the role are no longer comfortable for