Saving Aimee at Signature- In Great Shape!

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 4/13/07 at 12:19am

I just got back from one of the first previews of Saving Aimee at Signature Theatre in the DC area. I bought tickets before I knew Carolee Carmello was cast in the title role, but nonetheless went in expecting to love her (as I did in Urinetown) and find the show passable. I found Carolee enthralling, but also loved the show.

The show is in great shape- there were few weak links. The book is surprisingly tight despite much ground to cover as a biographic piece. There are no major clunkers in the score and per usual for Signature, the cast made good use of the space. The lack of mikes (or at least mikes with the volume up too high) was a nice change after spending a few weeks ago in many overmiked Broadway theatres. Carolee projected to the back of the audience, playing to every corner of the theatre and gave a stunning tour de force performance- both musically and acting wise. She carries the show and despite the strong nature of the book and a strong cast (to include E.Fay Butler and Florence Lacey, who were standouts to me), this is the type of show that needs a very strong lead given the character type. She made me feel for the character, which was not easy to do if you take her at face value.

The majority of the audience gave her a standing ovation at the end. Trust me, as a very regular Washington theatergoer, this is not a regular occurence in the Washington regional houses.

Go see the show if you can- it is worth it. I also hope Carolee gets another vehicle on Broadway soon worthy of her talents. Has anyone heard if it is exploring options for a Broadway transfer? (Though I think it would do better off-Broadway)

Updated On: 4/13/07 at 12:19 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/13/07 at 1:31am

I saw the world premiere of this show in White Plains and LOVED it. Glad to hear it is still in good shape! I hope I get to see it again in NYC...if and when the producers decide to bring it here.

[theaterkid1015]

Posted: 4/23/07 at 9:57pm

OH, thank you!! I can't wait to see this.

[regnad kcin]

Posted: 4/24/07 at 12:36pm

I saw this show a week ago, and agree with KCF that it is very well done. The cast is marvelous, and as with most Eric Schaeffer productions the staging and pacing is terrific. While I didn't find any of the music memorable, I thought it was fine, and served the story well. However, Peter Marks in the Washington Post, while crazy about Carolee Carmello, was lukewarm on the show as a whole http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/23/AR2007042302024.html?hpid=sec-artsliving