The Phantom of New York

Well I am here, aint I, for the fifth time and still trying to find the big apple.

Been out and about with Bob (bob8rich) and a planned bump into HotJohn, you will definitely know HotJohn, don't know why though.

Anyway the shows

A Little Night Music****

I saw this show again after seeing it twice in London last year, I wonder why I saw this again? Oh yeah a certain actress and she is sublime and she goes by the name of Angela Lansbury, gave a stunning performance, Catherine Zeta Jones gave a very good performance, but not as good as Hannah Waddingham, Alexander Hanson proved just why he is a leading man.

My only gripe is the theatre (Walter kerr), I was sitting in the balcony and hardly any leg room (less than 8 inches), for the second half I stood at the back of the orchestra. The worst house I have been into in Broadway and the West End, I do a separate thread when back home.

American Idiot****

I am not familiar with Green Day, but if you love Spring Awakening, Rent and Hair you are going to love this, in fact it makes Hair seem like Rainbow, that awful kids TV show. Dantes you are going to love this one.

As I said I do not know Green Day and what I could work out from the thin plot not much going of a book, but the performance delivered was electric which was infused by some great acting, superb set, lighting and choreography this show had Tony stamped all over it.

Still trying to figure why I loved this show so much.

Coming up.

Memphis (later)
Fela/Sondheim on Sondheim
Next to Normal
Promises, Promises
The Addams Family
In The Heights

"it makes Hair seem like Rainbow"

LOL. I don't remember Zippy and Bungle getting their kit off at half-time.

Really looking forward to reading what you make of Promises Promises.

SQV I was at the same show as you, would of been cool to hook up.

Thanks Tiggs and Scripps for your kind words, I post more when I am in the UK, expensive computer $1 = 5min.

What a night; I met Angela Lansbury, Alexander Hanson and Alice Ripley.

Promises, Promises****

I found out tonight alchemy is possible, after a slow start the showed turned to gold, but only needs a light polish to make it shine.

I loved the book and music and a very funny show, Kristin Chenoweth was faultless, Sean Hayes great actor a very funny guy, but not noted for his singing, but got by, he delivered the title song very well in fact.

In the song 'Basketball' you will see one of the best choreography you will ever witness on stage.

Updated On: 4/1/10 at 12:34 AM

You wernt fussed then!

You'll have to post more about meeting Angela Lansbury, Alexander Hanson and Alice Ripley when you get back. I'd love to hear about it.

Hey
Sounds like your having fun

Ive seen American Idiot on DVD from its out of town try out and as weak as the book is i still loved it, the music is sublime, the performances brilliant, i LOVED the set and lighting and i hope this does well, we are booked to see this on our trip this year

Addams Family is another ive seen on DVD and i have to say i was not impressed, the music was forgetable and the story a mess, however this was the Out of Town so i will probably see it when we go (though we have not booked it for yet)

Saw N2N and In The Heights live and loved them both, N2N still rates as one of my all time faves.

Glad your having a blast x

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"You'll have to post more about meeting Angela Lansbury, Alexander Hanson and Alice Ripley when you get back. I'd love to hear about it."

I did something in New York I never do, I staged door Next to Normal, had a little chat with Alice, told her, her performance was brilliant, well done on recouping, how deserved The Tony was and time to put a Olivier next to it, she said "London will happen, but a long time off". A great actress.

I was chatting to Bob at the interval, just in the doorway, where I come in from a smoke, suddenly Bob jaw nearly hit the floor, he said to me "do you know who is behind you", I jokingly said "Trevor Nunn", he then went on to tell me "that it is Alexander Hanson", then his jaw did hit the floor when he realised Angela Lansbury was with him.

I went over to congratulated them both on there stunning performance in A little Night Music, we had a brief chat, I said to Angela, I hope you nail another Tony, also told Alex a thought he was excellent in Marguerite, also said that "I saw him twice in London", but I was so excited I could not remember the Garrick name.

If I was not sitting in the mezz, I would of asked if I could escort Angela back to her seat. Morale of the story is, if you want to meet the stars, hang out with a smoker.

Updated On: 4/2/10 at 12:02 PM

New York Round Up

If anyone wants to go to New York, I can easy suggest eight good reasons to go, what a great trip, I did not see a bad show.

I was with Bob on the last night in Times Square, mine and Bob's favourite place on earth, I thought now I have been there five times it would be easier to walk away, let me tell you it aint, it is heart wrenching to walk away for the last time and doesn't get easier.

Took Sam's suggestion and went to the place where he suggested to get cheesecake, never knew about that place, seen it, but did not realise what it sold, went in there twice it was that good. cheers Sam.

In the daytime I went to my favourite places, The Met, MoMA, The Frick and Central Park, I went to the Met while it was raining, the only problem, everyone else did who was in New York, so wasn't enjoyable as I hoped, as massive queues. Central Park is great while it is starting to bloom. Checked out Macy's where I always go while in New York to get my Calvin Kline socks, also bought CK jeans for $17.50 a bargain. I spent a lot of time looking for a new suitcase, went into both Macy,s and Bloomindales, but did not have the one I was looking for, so asked the man who attended me in Bloomindales where I could go, he obliged and suggested a shop, where I found the case I want for a lot cheaper than the UK for a Samonite case.

Someday I have to go to The Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty!

I met Hotjohn and his partner which was great, I had the pleasure of the company of a real theatre aficionado Bob (Bob8rich), who has a immense knowledge of theatre, Bob was great company and introduced me to the delights of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream American style.

Back to the shows, here is my Tony list;

Best Musical – The Addams Family
Best Book of a Musical – Joe Dipietro - Memphis
Best Original Score – Andrew Lippa - The Addams Family
Best Revival of a Musical – La Cage Aux Folles
Best Special Theatrical Event – Sondheim on Sondheim
Best Leading Male in a Musical – Douglas Hodge – La Cage Aux Folles
Best Leading Female in a Musical – Montego Glover - Memphis
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical – Zachary James – The Addams Family
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical – Angela Lansbury - A Little Night Music
Best Direction of a Musical – Terry Johnson - La Cage Aux Folles
Best Orchestrations – Larry Hochman- The Addams Family
Best Scenic Design of a Musical – David Gallio - Memphis
Best Costumes Design of a Musical – Bruce Pask – Promises, Promises
Best Lighting Design of a Musical – Kevin Adams - American Idiot
Best Sound Design of a Musical – Acme Sound Partners - The Addams Family
Best Choreography – Rob Ashford - Promises, Promises

La Cage Aux Folles 3
A Little Night Music 1
The Addams Family 5
Memphis 3
Promises, Promises 2
American Idiot 1

My two shows I would suggest to come over would be, The Addams Family and Promises, Promises.

I would also love to see Sondheim on Sondheim for the Sondheim fans on here, they would love it.

Updated On: 4/3/10 at 12:25 PM