"This production had the fizzy spontaneity of one of those unexpected New York dinner parties, where an oddball guest list and a make-do menu create magic that a glamorous catered affair could never hope to achieve.
It was as if some inspired host had said: “Ms. Greene, have you met Mr. Gyllenhaal? No? Would you two like to try singing a few songs together at the piano?” And then other guests picked up on the spare parts, and before you knew it, you were in the midst of an intoxicating singalong that you never wanted to end.
That was what this “Little Shop” felt like, tasting all the sweeter because it will never happen again in exactly this way. As long as this city can deliver the occasional night like this one, New York really is the capital of the universe for hard-core theater lovers."
You think, what do you want?
You think, make a decision...
Whereas last nights audience was amazing and respectful of what was on the stage, today's audience is made up of mostly twenty-something's determined to make these two hours all about themselves, screaming and shouting and working overtime to be as loud as possible to show everyone around them how much fun they're having. And comparing the performances today to last night, it's affecting the acting on the stage.
Sorry to hear that, Jordan. I guess that's because the matinee is the performance that was added once Gyllenhaal was announced? Hope you're still enjoying it.
Oh man I would love if this transferred with Ellen. Too old my ass. It would be so nice to see a relationship in any kind of art where for once it wasn't a super old man and a crazy young girl accepted without comment.
I thought Greene read older than Moranis in the movie, and I think it makes sense for Audrey to have been around the block a few times.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
The main reason the revival was bad- above all else, and a really, really common issue with productions of Little Shop- is that it felt the need to camp it up and acknowledge the silliness of the material.
You can't do that with this show. You really, really can't.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
I'd love nothing more than to see Ellen Greene made the toast of Broadway, but much of what was magical about the production I saw last night was fleeting--the serendipity of the casting, the mix of on- and off-book performances that comes with only a week's rehearsal, the euphoria felt by a group of acolytes at seeing their deity come to life.
None that would survive the process of a transfer. We'd be left with--at best--the ingredients, but not the dish itself.
You think, what do you want?
You think, make a decision...