Oh crap, double post.
So: we saw MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG last night -- I agree with Addy. I liked it, didn't love it. The score is brilliant and it was brilliantly performed by cast and orchestra. But the two consistent problems with the show were exacerbated rather than solved by this production.
1. Like Sondheim's ROAD SHOW, all attempts to fix a book that can actually work (the Donmar Warehouse production in London proved that) have resulted in an even bigger mish-mash than before. It's not that the story moves backwards in time, it's the attempts to "improve" it that have gone backwards.
2. The characters are essentially unsympathetic and unlikable -- a problem that can be solved by the performances (again I cite the Donmar production). Unfortunately, as good as everyone was last night (I especially liked Celia Keenan Bolger), they weren't able to overcome that major flaw in the script.
But the final scene was just gorgeous-- moving, heartbreaking, beautifully realized, and "Our Time" just killed me -- I wish the whole show had been on that level.
Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)
Updated On: 2/20/12 at 08:09 AM