110 IN THE SHADE - FIRST PREVIEW - 4/13/07- Page 2

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 9:04am

I believe you are wrong Sidneybruhl. there are categories A CHORUS LINE and LES MIZ cannot be nominated but Best Revival is not one of them.
A CHORUS LINE is a major contender, it is an excellent Revival.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 9:49am

Did they keep the gorgeous overture? One of my favorites from that era, big, emotional, and thrilling.

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 10:08am

SidneyBruhl-
The only categories "Chorus Line" and "Les Miz" are not allowed to be nominated for, are design, choreography and direction. However, revival is available to them.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 10:12am

See it in a few weeks & really looking forward to it

Hopefully they will record it but have the original if they do not. I alwats liked this score & the 6 or so cut songs I have heard from it

[desiree armfeldt]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 12:38pm

I was there last night as well--and it was beautiful. The show itself, overall, was great! The set and lighting were incredible! Audra, as always, was amazing...but the orchestra drowned her out a bit sometimes...and I think they might need to putter around with the balance. The ensemble was SOLID! The father and two brothers were also amazing (my favorite, of course, being the youngest-he's adorable). But, besides those three men, the other principle men (file and starbuck) disappointed me a lot. Acting wise, they were great...but neither had voices that were that great or appropriate for the roles. I kept wanting them to just like let loose and SING!!!! but...they did not. I felt as if they were holding back a little bit.

either way, I think everyone ought to see this show if they have a chance. it's gorgeous!

tony wise....audra, the show itself, the set, and the lighting will surely get noms....but I still think ebersole has it in the bag.

[bwaygal1]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 1:26pm

Hope you're right about Ebersole. She was AWESOME last night. I had goosebumps all over my arms! She just was dead on. I've seen this show 11 times now and last night was special. It was magical to say the least. Everyone was dead on and Christine Ebersole was phenomenal (when isn't she terrific in this? I know, I always say how great she was. But this was extraordinary. Guess the vacation was a good thing. Now, she should get her Tony.)

As for 110, I am not an avid fan of the music itself. I like the play, "The Rainmaker" and adore the film with Burt Lancaster and Katherine Hepburn. But, the score does little for me and I'm not sure it's one of those plays that should have been made into a musical. We'll see...maybe I'll check it out.
Interesting reviews, though.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 1:28pm

sidney: You're wrong.

[D2]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 2:35pm

bwaygal1: Dear, this thread is about 110 IN THE SHADE, not Christine Ebersole and GREY GARDENS. We know, we know, we know.

And your reservations about THE RAINMAKER being musicalized are a little late - it was written in 1963, long before you had anything to say about it. And since the show has given many people a lot of pleasure over the years, you may be in the minority on that point.

[Roger246]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 2:56pm

Great review!

Do you guys think there is any chance that this show will extend, I might be going to NY in November. Or is it for sure going to close before then?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 3:10pm

If it gets stellar reviews, it may extend a few weeks, but certainly not through November. I'm sure Audra has other commitments scheduled.

[MungoGypsy8232]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 3:21pm

Great reviews! I may be going up to NY in June, but I'm not sure what I might be seeing if I do. Who's covering the roles, because with my luck I'll go and see it with every understudy?

[Dirty_Rotten_Guy]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 4:05pm

i hope this isnt too stupid of a question, but is this like a happy musical? i dont know, i want to rush a show for my birthday, and just want to see something with upbeat songs (not too many slow ballads), and just like excitement. and you know, interesting sets and stuff.
i dont know, it sounds great, but im just wondering

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 4:09pm

It is listed as a "strictly" limited enegagement, so the chances of an extention are slim (not to mention Audra's busy schedule.)

[AC126748]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:16pm

I just got back, and I'm pretty sure what I just saw will win the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. It was thrilling to see that the production is in nearly flawless shape so early in its run. For the first time in a while I NEVER looked at my watch once during the entire performance, and when it was over, I could've watched it again from the beginning.

Audra McDonald is doing the best work of her career as Lizzie Curry. Gone are her mannerisms and refinements, and there was no trace of Juilliard trained soprano Audra McDonald. There was just Lizzie Curry: plainspoken, tough and in pain.

Audra was born to sing this music. From her first number, the gorgeous "Love, Don't Turn Away", to the best "Is It Really Me?" I've ever heard, everything sounded pitch perfect. She provided formidable support for Christopher Innvar during "A Man and a Woman", and ferociously matched Steve Kazee step for step during "You're Not Fooling Me". You'll be wiping sweat off your brow after her breathless, forceful "Old Maid". Ebersole has competition now.

Kazee is the only cast member that still has a way to go. He has a beautiful voice, but I often didn't believe him as Starbuck. He was underpowering in the first act, rushing through "The Rain Song". It's a fast song, but he was running through it and dropping words left and right. He got better in the second act and delivered a commanding "Melisande", but I was expecting more. I'm sure he'll get better as previews move forward.

The ensemble is among the best on Broadway right now. Innvar makes a great File; John Cullum, Bobby Steggert and Chris Butler were terrific as the Currys, and Carla Duren was a scene-stealing Snookie. Paul Gemignani led a fantastic band.

Finally, I have to say that while I love experimental reimaginings of classic shows (a la John Doyle and the like), it can often be so refreshing to just hear a beautiful score performed the way it was intended to be.

Get thee to Studio 54. I know I'll be back.

[Mike3]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:18pm

Just saw the matinee. This production is charming, and Audra is wonderful. Wonderful.

It's so nice to have you back where you belong.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:51pm

I'm so glad this show is getting such positive buzz! Can't wait to see it again.

[Papa_Burgundy_NY]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 6:09pm

oh, I am soo excited to see it on the 21st. I've never seen Audra on stage and to see her in what is being described as such a beautiful production just gives me goosebumps!! I'm sure I'll fall even more in love with that voice of hers

[bjh2114]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 6:14pm

I also saw the matinee today. It was absolutely wonderful. Finally Roundabout has got a knock-out performance on their hands. All of the actors were strong and the set and lighting were absolutely gorgeous. Audra is Ebersole's only competition, and will most definitely win all of the other awards that Ebersole is ineligible for. It is so refreshing to finally see a strong production of a classic style musical. While I love Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, and Grey Gardens, this was the highlight of the season for me. If it doesn't win Best Revival, I will be REALLY surprised.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 6:17pm

I hope Audra does "Raunchy" on the Tony Awards!

[AC126748]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 6:18pm

Me too, WAT. She delivers it flawlessly.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 6:19pm

SUCH a good number! Although I really loved "Simple Little Things" too, and "Old Maid" and of course "Love, Don't Turn Me Away". She is SOOO talented.

[TheActr97J]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 6:36pm

I didn't think it was possible, but now I am even more excited to see this than I already was!

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 6:38pm

I stand corrected, but having seen "A Chorus Line" I don't think it deserves to win best revival. Wish I could see "110 in the Shade" as I'm sure it will be excellent.

Also...

Munkustrap: You're rude.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 6:45pm

I didn't know Christopher Innvar was in this show. Now I'm super-pissed that I may not be able to see this.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 8:05pm

When Audra was signing my CD cover of MARIE CHRISTINE last night, she mentioned that Christopher Innvar was supposed to play the role of Dante Keyes instead of Anthony Crivello...anyone know what happened?