And now...storytime kiddies.
I was incredibly fortunate to see Rachel York at Seth's Chatterbox last night. Did I mention I love this woman? I won't mention too much, as you'll be able to listen to this on BWWradio at some point soon (absolutely listen!), but...will just hint. First off, she can do an AMAZING Julie Andrews and Liza Minnelli. It was perfect. She could be fantastic in Forbidden Broadway.
And you should hear me a bit on the radio if you listen. Rachel played Fantine in Les Miz at one point and was telling stories about a Javert who once or twice forgot his lines and the resulting laughter that came. So she was talking about when he comes to the barricade saying he has counted each line...then she couldn't remember the rest of it and neither could Seth...so I piped up with "I have counted each man" and then Rachel went YES! and finished with "I can tell what I can." I was proud. Unfortunately, another story was about what Valjean and Javert sing to each other when Valjean lets him go and I couldn't remember. Of course I did 2 minutes later when they moved on. Oh well.
She was also getting frustrated because she couldn't remember this line from Victor/Victoria. I didn't know it, but I did say oh you could watch the video, and they both laughed so maybe you'll hear that on the radio too.
And she tells absolutely hysterical V/V / Liza stories. Do not miss hearing about them!
And finally, she sang "I Dreamed A Dream." I...just can't tell you guys how absolutely amazing it was. I feel privileged to have heard it. So if I haven't made it clear, listen to her on BWW Radio!!
So then I ate, and was off to Grey Gardens. Lately, I try to know as little as I can about a show before seeing it, and that was totally the case here. I really had no clue what it was about. Nevertheless, it was really good. Interesting themes and contrasting acts. Christine Ebersole was just amazing, what a performance. I would describe the show as "different" which seeing as much theatre as I do, is always a big complement from me. I'd definitely recommend it if anyone can muscle tickets. Usually there's like people in the teens doing cancellation and often no one gets a ticket.
And of course, Sara was fantastic! Her part is basically in the first act, but that's longer and her part is very important. She plays the daughter of Christine, who Christine goes on to play in act 2 (Mary Louise Parker takes Christine's part). But Sara's an "it-girl" who's engaged to one of the Kennedys, but always has to deal with her eccentric mother, Christine, an ex-singer, who always tries to take the attention away from her and has chased away many of her boyfriends. Sara surprisingly sang a lot of soprano, and it was gorgeous. She did some cute dancing, definitely had an amazing singing moment, and gave a great dramatic performance. I'm so glad I got to see her in this.
It was amusing after...not too many people were waiting, but someone comes up to me and asks if I'm Mary (of course I think on this thread) to which I say umm no. He said oh sorry, she's supposed to go backstage (to myself: should have said I was).
Well Sara took a while, was actually the last to come out, because she was taking her close friend Mary all around. Kind of funny, I didn't mention waiting for Sara specifically or anything so that guy's mistake amused me. Anyway, god, I love her. We chatted for a while...umm of relevance, she misses Scoundrels, (though we laughed and agreed this role is a far cry from Jolene lol), she's signed through October but unless something comes up can't imagine leaving even then, since the next thing she's working on (Catch me if you can, yaay!) isn't set to get into action until probably a year from October.
Anyway, I'm so glad she got a chance to shine and be on stage for more than 2 songs, as her talent certainly deserves her to be. And of course, can't wait for her to come back!
And umm...I guess that's it.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli
Updated On: 3/24/06 at 01:41 PM
Or at least, can give some info on some things he specifically talked about? 
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