Honestly, even if Special Theatrical Event was still a category, I don't think Rapture would fit there. It's definitely Best Musical material. Hopefully it'll stop shows like Fela! and Memphis from winning.
Saw the first Broadway preview of "Everyday Rapture" tonight and let me just say that Sherie Rene Scott is PHENOMINAL! She is an absolute powerhouse of a diva and deserved every second of the standing ovation she received. GO SEE IT! I don't want to speak too soon, but I think I may have witnessed a BEST ACTRESS performance from the front row tonight. It was - THAT good. I was completely taken by surprise. And the energy from the crowd tonight was really, really good.
The show is absolutely electric. From start to finish. I've never been the biggest Sherie Rene Scott fan (and I didn't see the Second Stage production) but she's just absolutely brilliant.
Between seeing this tonight and "La Cage" over the weekend, I feel like I've seen the best male and female performances of the season. (And hopefully the Tony Awards will reflect that.)
I saw it last night. I really, really liked it. Sherie really surprised me with her acting, and I think she deserves the Tony. I was not blown away overall by the show itself, nor Sherie's somewhat weak (in my opinion) singing voice, but she is definitely my pick for best performance of the season.
I went to the first preview last night (sold out!) not knowing much about the show or Sherie, but I was turned on nearly instantly. The show is very smart and sweet, and Sherie is a staggering talent. Great crowd! Loved it!
I saw this at Second Stage and will be going tonight to the second preview. I'm surprised so many people think Sherie is a shoe-in for the Best Actress Tony. CZJ, in my mind, is clearly the frontrunner and one to beat. Not that she doesn't deserve it either, but remember politics plays a HUGE role in handing out Tonys.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
...but remember politics plays a HUGE role in handing out Tonys.
Very true. I can't help thinking, though, that if Sherie gets across-the-board raves, voters cannot deny that. But you're right in saying that Zeta-Jones is still in this race and near that photo finish.
I am so happy to hear all these positive reviews! I will be seeing the show opening night and cannot wait!
Spring Awakening 7.3.07!!, Wicked/ Rent 7.5.07!!, Legally Blonde 7.6.07!! The Color Purple 7.7.07!!, Gypsy 8.19.08!!, In the Heights/Wicked 8.20.08!!, The Little Mermaid 8.21.08!! Legally Blonde Tour 11.9.08!! Shrek 7.7.09!!, Blithe Spririt 7.8.09!!, 9 to 5 7.9.09!!, Next to Normal 7.10.09!!
She received off-Broadway, including an absolute love-letter from Brantley. The show has only gotten stronger, so expect her to get another set of raves. I do anticipate Best Actress being a horse-race between Scott and CZJ, however.
I don't know what the big deal about this show is. I found it average, at best, and total, self-indulgent, verbal masturbation at worst. The only thing intriguing about the entire enterprise is that Roundabout brought cheapness to a whole new level by replacing LIPS TOGETHER with this half-baked thing, instead of programming in a real play or musical, many of which were ready to go, such as McNally's LISBON TRAVIATA or MASTER CLASS from Kennedy Center.
Master Class just finished at the Kennedy Center so it wouldn't have been able to make it in time. Also, they wanted to add another musical to the season.