BWW REVIEW: WITCHES OF EASTWICK AT OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE

[jmnpublications]

Posted: 9/10/14 at 8:33am

Performances run through September 27 at Ogunquit Playhouse, Route 1, Maine
BWW REVIEW: WITCHES OF EASTWICK

[Junior Babcock]

Posted: 9/10/14 at 7:53pm

I saw this production this afternoon and couldn't disagree more with your reviewer. (My ticket to the original London production nearly 15 years ago was never used, because the show folded before I got to London.) The Ogunquit production is a apparently a re-vision of a re-vision of the original, though most of the songs from the London show have been retained. With the exception of one song - Dirty Laundry - the songs are instantly forgettable, even though, in this production, half of them are reprised in the second act. The Broadway-veteran leads are first rate, though given inferior material to perform. They did their best with what they had to work with. The perennial Ogunquit featured performer, Sally Struthers, was a joy to watch as always and commanded the stage whenever she was on stage. Unfortunately, the book is weak, centering on three frustrated women who can't seem to get their lives together until they are each seduced by the devil. Through most of the first act I kept waiting for an actual story to begin. The serviceable set mostly worked as planned. The hidden orchestra - somewhere back stage, I guess - was also first rate. I have not seen the film on which the story by John Updike is apparently based, so I cannot vouch for how accurately it translates to the stage in his production. Billed as a "musical comedy," the jokes depend more on crude language and leering looks than on actual humor. Inasmuch as the climactic scene is a murder, those anticipating coming to the show should probably not bring the kids. That said, the mostly beyond-retirement-age matinee ladies and gentlemen who filled the Ogunquit Playhouse today seemed to enjoy their afternoon out.

[Bdwyblues]

Posted: 9/11/14 at 9:22am

I was at the matinee yesterday as well. I had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed the show. The cast was fantastic - the leads, amazing Broadway pros, but also the smaller roles - perfectly cast and everyone gave 110%. Beautifully staged and choreographed with an eye-popping set. This was summer stock at its best.

As for the show, I think the first act should be trimmed by about ten minutes. The second act is excellent with some great numbers.

I was highly impressed and enjoyed the show much more than I thought I would. I saw BILLY ELLIOT earlier in the Ogunquit season and that production was also first rate. In fact I enjoyed their version of BILLY more than I had enjoyed the show in London.

The woman who sat beside me yesterday is a subscriber at Ogunquit. She was raving about the season and thought WITCHES was her favorite show. The crowd definitely loved it.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 9/11/14 at 5:03pm

I wish I could see this,love the score to this show