#1
Posted: 12/1/03 at 7:24pm
I just arrived home in the UK from my whirlwind visit to New York, when I saw 5 shows in 3 days. So I thought I'd share my thoughts on the shows.
MOVIN OUT - Although I prefer a "book show" and am not a fan of the contrived musical built around exisiting songs by well known songwriters, I found this a very enjoyable show. The blending together of songs with a story told in dance works well. "Goodnight Saigon" in particular is very moving.
Verdict: some great songs, stunning choreography and fantastic dancing.
AIDA - I already knew and really like the score but had been afraid that the book would be a little weak. But I was pleasantly surprised. Of the central performances, Michelle Williams was good in the title role, Will Chase scored very well with his rich toned voice and Mandy Gonzalez was superb as Amneris.
Verdict: Great music, a combination of cleverly witty and poetically beautiful lyrics - and the set is stunning.
THE BOY FROM OZ - I saw the original production in Sydney and have been eagerly awaiting a Broadway staging. I thought there were some areas where the Sydney production was superior and others where the new Broadway version excelled, especially in the inclusion of some great songs that were not used in Oz. The major disappointment is the omission of "Tenterfield Saddler", which is a key autobiographical number - but it is replaced by "Once Before I Go", which is a powerful vocal moment for Hugh Jackman that literally stopped the show.
The NY cast members are all excellent (especially Isabel Keating as Judy) but I think on balance the Australian performers were better. As for the leads - Todd McKenney in Sydney was incredible and perhaps more true to the real Peter Allen - but Hugh Jackman's vocals are a tour de force that are worth the price of the ticket alone.
Verdict: A highly entertaining show with a star performance that has "Tony" written all over it.
GYPSY - I have always loved this show - it has a wonderful book and the classic Styne/Sondheim score is vintage Broadway. The Mendes production at times is a little too minimalistic but on the whole he has recreated this classic quite expertly. Tammy Blanchard and John Dosset both shine and Bernadette Peters is sensational as Rose.
Verdict: A legendary musical with a central performance by a legendary star that totally blew me away.
WICKED - I LOVED THIS SHOW. I had read so much about it having an unmemorable score and then found it contained a series of songs that are absolute gems. The book is clever - witty and full of subtle sub-text. The cast are universally good - and Ms. Chenoweth and Ms. Menzel are both nothing short of brilliant.
Verdict: Great sets, great score, great humor, great performances - great show!
MOVIN OUT - Although I prefer a "book show" and am not a fan of the contrived musical built around exisiting songs by well known songwriters, I found this a very enjoyable show. The blending together of songs with a story told in dance works well. "Goodnight Saigon" in particular is very moving.
Verdict: some great songs, stunning choreography and fantastic dancing.
AIDA - I already knew and really like the score but had been afraid that the book would be a little weak. But I was pleasantly surprised. Of the central performances, Michelle Williams was good in the title role, Will Chase scored very well with his rich toned voice and Mandy Gonzalez was superb as Amneris.
Verdict: Great music, a combination of cleverly witty and poetically beautiful lyrics - and the set is stunning.
THE BOY FROM OZ - I saw the original production in Sydney and have been eagerly awaiting a Broadway staging. I thought there were some areas where the Sydney production was superior and others where the new Broadway version excelled, especially in the inclusion of some great songs that were not used in Oz. The major disappointment is the omission of "Tenterfield Saddler", which is a key autobiographical number - but it is replaced by "Once Before I Go", which is a powerful vocal moment for Hugh Jackman that literally stopped the show.
The NY cast members are all excellent (especially Isabel Keating as Judy) but I think on balance the Australian performers were better. As for the leads - Todd McKenney in Sydney was incredible and perhaps more true to the real Peter Allen - but Hugh Jackman's vocals are a tour de force that are worth the price of the ticket alone.
Verdict: A highly entertaining show with a star performance that has "Tony" written all over it.
GYPSY - I have always loved this show - it has a wonderful book and the classic Styne/Sondheim score is vintage Broadway. The Mendes production at times is a little too minimalistic but on the whole he has recreated this classic quite expertly. Tammy Blanchard and John Dosset both shine and Bernadette Peters is sensational as Rose.
Verdict: A legendary musical with a central performance by a legendary star that totally blew me away.
WICKED - I LOVED THIS SHOW. I had read so much about it having an unmemorable score and then found it contained a series of songs that are absolute gems. The book is clever - witty and full of subtle sub-text. The cast are universally good - and Ms. Chenoweth and Ms. Menzel are both nothing short of brilliant.
Verdict: Great sets, great score, great humor, great performances - great show!
THEATRE 2020: CURTAINS**** LET'S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS***** WICKED***** KEITH RAMSAY TAKING NOTES WITH EDWARD SECKERSON***** KAYLEIGH MCKNIGHT CONCERT***** RAGS***** ON MCQUILLAN'S HILL** DEAR EVAN HANSEN***** THE JURY***
