It is one of those shows that one cannot go and see and leave feeling miserable or downtrodden. Yet again, I think the same about Hairspray (which I can see you hated)
Throughout the course of the evening one sees three women transform themselves from somewhat pushovers into strong independent women, something I'm witnessing at the moment with my mum (recently separated from my dad). That definitely tugged at my heart strings.
On a less personal note, here's a breakdown of the different aspects of the show:
1. The Book: Yes the book is no Pulitzer Prize winner, but it is gosh darn hilarious with some very touching and emotional scenes thrown in. Violet's new monologue in the final scene is incredible, one of the most stunning displays of desperation I've seen in a musical comedy ... with a definite emphasis on the word COMEDY. This show is not serious, it is rather straight forward, with no angsty teenagers or matriarchs with bi-polar, but for a 21st century Broadway musical comedy it definitely stands up to be counted.
2. The Score: Dolly's score is not what I expected. Going into the theatre, I was waiting for an evening of country ballads passed off as Broadway show tunes. Instead I got an evening of sure-fire Broadway show tunes, with one county ballad thrown in for good measure. "Get Out and Stay Out" will definitely become a standard in years to come.
3. The Sets/Projections/Lighting/Choreography: Visually the show is stunning. One of the best matches of set design, projection design, lighting design and choreography I've ever had the luck to see live on a stage. The way Scott Pask's set design is complemented by Andy Blankenbuehler's choreography was ingenius. How someone can make a simple walk from a desk to a water-cooler into a funky, original, yet definitely of the time, dance step is beyond me. Each scene change garnered "oohs" and "aahs" from the audience ... truly a visual feast.
4. The Cast: Cast wise, there is not a weak player in the whole company. The ensemble is one of the most perfect mixes of character actors, fierce singers and sassy dancers I've seen assembled. At times they are obviously an ensemble, cast to blend and form a solid group, but at other times (most importantly the office scenes) they become a plethora of characters, each different and there for a reason. The leads are all spot on. I loved hating Marc Kudisch, I loved cringing at Kathy Fitzgerald, I loved swooning over Andy Karl and most importantly I loved rooting for Megan Hilty, Steph J Block and Allison Janney, truly one of the best trios ever seen on the same stage at the same time. Apart they are all very skilled performers, but when they come together they are like nothing else.
Judging by your comments on the board, I would imagine you'll end up not loving the show, but it would be pretty hard to come out of that theatre without a smile on your face and a dance in your step. Please just go along (even use a discount code) and give the show a chance. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Updated On: 4/24/09 at 09:14 PM