Le odd duck...a review of Mimi le Duck

[Calvin]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 11:35pm

I don't usually do reviews, but since I actually saw something early in previews for once, indulge me.

Paris has always been a source of inspiration for artists, but the colorless Mormon life in Ketchum, Idaho must be particularly draining, because it seems that only the technicolor Paris of a Pepe le Pew cartoon could snap one of its natives out of the artistic doldrums.

When we meet Miriam Sanders (Annie Golden), she knows precious little about Paris other than what she’s seen in a Gene Kelly movie, and her art is limited to paintings of the same duck with different backgrounds, which she sells on QVC. Husband Peter (Marcus Neville), of course, is oblivious to her ennui, even though it’s affected her so badly that she’s ready to stick a shotgun in her mouth. Fortunately, Ketchum was also a favorite spot of someone else who knows a little about that suicide method, Ernest Hemingway, and his ghost appears in time to convince Miriam that a better answer might be to go to Paris and check out his old digs, where inspiration is supposed to come in the form of a green flash.

Yes, Hemingway’s ghost is a character in this show, and one of the more grounded ones, at that. Once Miriam makes it to Paris, sans Peter, we meet a host of characters who will now be her new neighbors. There’s Claude (Robert DuSold), the oyster shucker who harbors a strange fetish for Miss Marple. There’s Clay (Candy Buckley), the eccentric sculptress whose work looks as complex as the bottom of a lava lamp. There’s the faded chantreuse Madame Vallet (Eartha Kitt…who else?) and former lover Ziggy (Tom Aldredge), the owner of an empty, bird-themed nightclub. Strangest of all, there’s the con artist gypsy (Ken Jennings) who welcomes Miriam with a purse-snatching flourish.

Fortunately for Miriam, there’s no need for the American consulate after such a crime, because the denizens of Rue Danou seem perfectly happy to bend over backward to accommodate her. Vallet gives her Hemingway's old room, and Ziggy gives her a job in his club. Despite his warnings that the pay is tips only and it hasn’t seen customers in years, Miriam—now renamed Mimi—seems to make do (and it’s not exactly explained how).

Mimi le Duck is a bizarre little show that vacillates between some very lovely moments and some moments of almost In My Life-esque oddity. The windows and doors in the house at 22 Rue Danou sing, as do the portraits of Claude's oyster-shucking ancestors and we get to see Tom Aldredge glide around the stage on a scooter. And did I mention that Ken Jennings is playing a Spanish gypsy?

Annie Golden has always been a delight, and she doesn’t disappoint here. Miriam/Mimi is certainly endearing in her earnestness and naivety, but Golden doesn’t let it descend too far into aw-shucks foolishness. Despite the trite set-up, she and Nevelle have some nice moments in the second act.

Eartha Kitt is, well, Eartha Kitt, and no one should have gone in expecting any less. She’s obviously going to be the major draw to this show, and the audience lapped up her every purring syllable. She was nominated for a Tony for virtually the same performance in The Wild Party, so obviously, she’s doing something right.

The rest of the strong supporting cast does what they can, but the characters are so broadly written--they're all given a Cliff's Notes back story--that it seems almost laughable when they’re supposed to elicit sympathy from us. The plot twists among their storylines are either glaringly obvious, like Clay's, or somewhat pointless, like Vallet's big revelation at the end. But it's not their story, and the show does better when it remembers that.

The songs, by Brian Feinstein, are hit-and-miss. Some of the lyrics, by Diana Hansen-Young, are fairly repetitive and cliché-laden. Somehow, I doubt if Hemingway's ghost were singing today, he would be performing songs that boil some of his most famous works down into trite advice about "A Thousand Hands" ready to help out a stranger in need. Kitt has a nice lament onstage alone with "Everything Changes," as does Aldredge in the second act, with his wooing "The Only Time We Have Is Now." The fact that Aldredge does not have a beautiful voice and really sounds like an amorous octogenarian makes it work. Most of the second act songs, in fact, are far superior to the disjointed first act.

There were a few technical glitches last night, and some of the set changes were rather clunky, but they certainly can be chalked up to it being the first preview. One moving set piece proved particularly unstable, and I thought Aldredge was going to knock Golden to the ground every time he mounted it.

I left really not sure what to make of the show. I found it endearing, yet far too schizophrenic between the wackiness and the too-heavy pathos. The audience reaction was certainly mixed. One group of girls beside me laughed at it for all the wrong reasons, but the woman in front of me was moved to tears for the right ones.

When it comes down to it, I guess I would tentatively recommend the show just for the overall excellent cast—especially Golden—and for some parts of the lovely, albeit somewhat forgettable, score. With some work to the book, I see the potential for a good show. Perhaps, in time, this duck could be a golden goose instead of an odd bird.
Updated On: 10/13/06 at 11:35 PM

[Jane2]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 11:50pm

Bravo, Calvin-for two things- 1. You are right on with that summary/review. You said exactly what I would say had I your way with words, which is #2-You are one talented writer! That was beautifully written. wow.

I'm so impressed. You understood a lot more about the show than I did, and we saw the same performance!

[myManCape]

Posted: 10/13/06 at 11:56pm

Le good review!

[elvisitis1302]

Posted: 10/14/06 at 12:11am

how was Ken? He's a friend of mine, but I've yet to get my tickets to the show.

[Calvin]

Posted: 10/14/06 at 12:14am

He was fine. His part was kind of over-the-top goofy, but like I said, I think he worked well with what he had. Really, there were no weak links in the cast.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 10/14/06 at 12:27am

Calvin, I have not read your review because I am seeing the show on Sunday and don't like to read reviews until AFTER I've seen the show, but I have read all the reviews of your review and they are all raves!

We can compare notes then, I hope!

[Calvin]

Posted: 10/14/06 at 12:38am

Oh, and thanks guys, and Miss Pennywise, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 10/15/06 at 11:27pm

Well, Calvin, I do not disagree with a single thing you wrote...although I think you are more positive in your assessment than I can be.

As Calvin eloquently stated in his review, the cast is wonderful; there are a few good numbers; the sets, costumes and lighting are appealing, but the show seems far from being ready for an audience (many of whom left at intermission, I'm afraid).

I always have a problem with shows that have not figured out “what they are.” Is this a crazy, surreal, whimsical piece about life and love or a serious social commentary on aging, living life to its fullest and the implications of art? Certainly a work can successfully combine elements of both perspectives, but there must be an “identity,” a central idea and tone that run consistently throughout. Unfortunately, Mimi Le Duck lacks this essential self-awareness.

I feel so bad, too, because the entire cast does such a good job.

Annie Golden sings as beautifully as she did when she introduced “Unworthy of Your Love” in the original production of Assassins. No, she actually sings better.

Eartha Kitt...my god, that woman is the ultimate professional and the quintessential star. This is the 3rd time in 5 years I have seen her perform live, and I continue to be mesmerized by her.

I just wish she were in something worthy of our love.

[Calvin]

Posted: 10/16/06 at 10:43am

Glad to hear your thoughts, Miss Pennywise.

I probably was softer than I should have just because, as I said, I found this show endearing. I know it's not a good show, but I just want it to become a good show. Unfortunately, I don't think there's enough that could make that happen by opening, but I'll be rooting for it to do well, nonetheless.

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 10/19/06 at 1:16am

Thanks, Calvin, for your astute review.

This show has been bothering me.

I really, really liked it.

I think it has problems. First and foremost, Mimi, the character, seems to get lost halfway through the first act. I think the show should be about her, if an audience is to love it.

On the other hand, I think that all of the subcutaneous characters in the show totally worked. And I also think that the score is really, really fine. The lyrics always serve the characters, and I think the music is perfectly suited to the piece.

However, it doesn't quite work yet. And I'm not sure why.

Thematically, it's golden. The whole "mormon goes to Paris and discovers that life is not what she thinks it is" is a great starting point for anything. And the show expounds on that philosophy, and brings in other characters who back the basic point up.

PLUS, and this is big, the score is really well crafted. And the cast is terrific.

However, and this is what is hard, the people I was with the night I saw Mimi didn't like it.

The people I was with also hated "Caroline or Change," and "Passion."

As did most people. Maybe the general public will not like "Mimi".

But as this is a public website, let me say this. I think the the craft behind "Mimi" is amazing.

And I hope the authors of "Mimi" hear this. Your craft, and your understanding of using musical theatre as a vehicle to speak to the public, was terrific.

"Tarzan" has no craft whatosever. "The Drowsy Chaperone" has a modicum of craft, which is why, despite it's title, it's still running. But Mimi is a better crafted show. It totally deserves to be seen. I hope it happens.

If it doesn't, I hope you keep working. "Mimi Le Duck" moved the heck out of me. It's a fine, fine show. Updated On: 10/19/06 at 01:16 AM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/19/06 at 10:59am

I'm seeing it next week, and I look forward to the cast. But every mini-review makes the plot sound beyond the cliched. The whole idea of an American woman finding her inner soul in gay Paree has been done -- well, badly, indifferently -- or decades. So there must be something in the point of view, the tone, and certainly in the music, to lift this above the tired premise (and justify the producers pouring the large sums into it, notable in the ubiquitous advertising). Perhaps the show's inability to make up its mind is what makes it special, endearing. If it's a straightforward rendition of a finding-yourself-in-europe story, it would surely be DOA.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 10/19/06 at 11:14am

Great review, Calvin. The show sounds quite intriguing. It sounds like it needs work, but has potential to be something unique and special.

[Calvin]

Posted: 10/19/06 at 11:14am

I'll certainly give it this -- it's not as cliche as it seems on the surface, Auggie. There were a few scenes that I had expected to happen, and they never did. Example (and I guess this is a spoiler, as I'm telling you what DOESN'T happen): When they talked about Ziggy's always empty nightclub, I was expecting the big scene when Miriam/Mimi revitalizes it, and fortunately, that never came to pass.

And Veuve, I'm glad you liked it. I've been listening to the little sampler CD, and the score is growing on me. I hope the show does well enough for a full recording at some point. "Is There Room?" is particularly lovely.
Updated On: 10/19/06 at 11:14 AM

Posted: 10/26/06 at 2:47pm

I saw it last night and was thoroughly disappointed. I did leave at intermission. The hard working cast have been asked to sing poor songs, wear ridiculous costumes and have been given poor direction. I have seen Jr. High school productions with better direction!

I felt embarassed for the entire cast. Ms. Kitt is given a thankless, throw away role. She did have 3 numbers in the first act and did her best with them. I felt bad for Annie Golden- some of her lines were awful.

I really don't know what else to say except I was really hoping that this would be terrific...

[AugustBurns2]

Posted: 10/26/06 at 3:42pm

Bravo Calvin on a well-written review - I enjoyed your langauge and attentive perception!

It sounds like a strange, wonderful, and weird show - seems like the songs and book could be stronger but the story sounds fun.

I wish I could see it, but alas I am stuck in San Francisco (but with beautiful weather).

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 11/2/06 at 3:20am

Has anyone seen this show this week?

According to the Times, they were writing new songs for Kitt, before the opening.

Personally, I love this show. But I saw it two weeks ago.

It's apparently changed. Has anyone here seen it this week?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/2/06 at 7:18am

If I can't get standing room tickets for BUTLEY on Saturday afternoon, I may get a student rush for Mimi le Duck.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 11/2/06 at 8:34am

Deena's take mirrors mine. I don't think a new number for Kitt solves any of the craft concerns; it merely provides a star with more material, a non-uncommon practice that doesn't fix a poorly focused show. Better to write something new and arresting for Golden's character, who is introduced and then left adrift for too much of act one. She is forced to stand around, wide-eyed, as she encounters the various "eccentric" artistes in Paris -- the hoariest of premises, overused 60 years ago.

This show is a baffling expenditure of the talents of gifted actors and designers, none of whom have been inspired to do their best work. If people genuinely enjoy this effort, great. But I found it depressing that such a poorly developed piece - aftger three previous productions -- could open in NY in such a state.

[VeuveClicquot]

Posted: 11/11/06 at 1:08am

"This show is a baffling expenditure of the talents of gifted actors and designers, none of whom have been inspired to do their best work. If people genuinely enjoy this effort, great. But I found it depressing that such a poorly developed piece - aftger three previous productions -- could open in NY in such a state."

Crap, doll, at this point, I totally agree with you.

I really wanted this show to succeed. Not because I'm involved with it, but simply because I thought when it was good, it was very good.

And compared with the other shows running at that theatre (namely "Evil Dead"), it was hands and feet above its competition.

I'm just saying.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 11/11/06 at 10:17am

We liked it but after the reviews I think, unfortunately, its days may be numbered. Hope they do the CD but doubt it will happen