Profile for Patti LuPone FANatic

Unless I'm mistaken, I don't recall Chicago's numbers being this low during the summertime.  In the back of my mind, I'm wishing that Terra C would make a return to Chicago, after finishing her Canadian shows.  

Dylis Croman is returning as Roxie from today July 30 ---August 3rd.  

Victoria Byrd was amazing as Betty on June 21st.  Has anyone else seen her in the lead role?  

Has anyone else seen the show with the Betty understudy Victoria Byrd?  She is AMAzing!

When I recently saw the show, I was surprised not to see Rachel Chase in the cast list.  Is she away permanently?  Looking at Playbill, I noticed that Arian Keddell just returned to the show and will resume being an understudy for Marton Mama Morton (along with Samantha Sturm and Celina Nightengale).  I'll miss Rachel Chase, as she often posted on social media.

KarenValentine'sheadband said: "Congrats Boop for your ability to annoy a few here closing notice or NOT. You've been a delight this Broadway season. Cheers to you!"   I absolutely loved the show...especially with the understudy Victoria Byrd on as Betty on Sat. June 21st.   

 

with Krysta Rodriguez  

Robyn Hurder

Patti LuPone FANatic said: "I am here at the Smash intermission. I love Robyn Hurder's singing and dancing. Caroline Bowman is thrilling up watch. I didn't expect to see and hear what the director decided to present. I was thrilled to anticipate Karen going on as Marilyn. I really was hoping ho see it. But they come up with a silly plot line about Karen eating a tampered cupcake and being unable to go on. WTF! Irealize that the producers didn't want to replicate the tv show, but their choices are insane. It's almost unrecognizable . Granted , the lady who went on for Karen had a good voice,. slightly soprano like. The audience liked her. At this point, I frankly don't know what to expect. Also, the old lady in black is frankly annoying. P.S. There was a good deal of extended applause when she finished Don't Forget Me. She was visibly moved. Uh oh, intermission is almost over. I am typing on one finger."

Continuing on.....I thought the 2nd Act was better.  The whole premise of having the asst. director thrown into the show is kind of not great.  Throughout much of the show, I thought the character of Karen was being given short shrift.  Even after Karen recuperates from that dumbass tampered donut business, it is ridiculous that Chloe is being considered to take over the role.  It was one frigging song.  Just because she suddenly gained online praise doesn't mean she is qualified for the role.  That's whu there's an understudy!!!!  Granted the actress playing Chloe is vocally talented.  I had hoped for a more familiar scenario.  Whoever wrote the book must have been out of his mind.  I did love the duet between Karen and Ivy Lynn. Robyn Hurder and Caroline Bowman were wonderful in their solos.  You could see they were visibly moved by the thunderous ovations.  Firing the director before previews?  Give me a break.  Once the show was over, there was an extended standing ovation of course.  After hearing some of the speeches, I decided to exit the theatre and go around back to the Smash stage door.  I planted myself in front of the entrance.  As the cast came out, they started on th right and worked their way around to the left.  I did manage to take some pictures.  

Caroline Bowman

with Caroline Bowman   

I'm resting in my hotel (located across from the Imperial Theatre stage door).  I was too tired after SMASH .  My phone is charging so I can go to Times Square later.  Here are the stage door pics I took at the Smash stage door.  One at a time.  

darquegk said: "ACL2006 said: "Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman made a cameo in Act 1."

Shaiman is pretty famous for making cameos in his own works, usually on film. What did he do in this one?". He was playing the piano.  Outside the stage door, I overheard him say it was really tough trying to keep his cameo appearance a secret from the cast.  Shaiman also spent a good deal of time signing autographs.  

 

Yes, I was very lucky that I got my ticket for Oh Mary! on June 21st.  To be quite honest, I don't think it will be hist last show.  It seems that he takes a break and then makes a "return".  It's Cole's baby after all.  I'm very fortunate that I got my Smash ticket for June 22nd.  It will be a bittersweet experience in some ways.  I just had a yummy lamb gyro from the food truck at 46th and 8th Ave.  I'll rest, shower and then get ready to do my impersonation of Eve Harrington,  outside of the Ambassador Theatre.  

When I see SMASH this coming Sunday, it will be the first time that I attend a last performance of a show.  I am sensitive that it will be difficult for the cast and crew.  What could I possibly see at the beginning and at the end of the performance?  I am curious.  I'd be interested to know what your last show experiences have been like.

https://playbill.com/article/zach-bravo-james-t-lane-sean-samuels-samantha-sturm-join-chicago-on-broadway-june-16

Who will be playing the role of "The Jury"?