#1
Posted: 4/25/07 at 6:29pm
Well now we know what Roundabout spent its seasonal budget on...a sun/moon creation that makes In My Life's lemon look like a pipsqueak.
110 in the Shade is a shoo-in for the 2007 Best Revival Tony. A beautiful production of a beautiful show starring the (guess which adjective) beautiful Audra McDonald. The 2 1/2 hours zipped by, despite a very tedious first act.
The problem with the show is N. Richard Nash's book, which throws everything out of whack and manages it to tie it all up way too nicely. Thank goodness for the mostly excellent cast.
Audra McDonald is bound to win every award but the Tony for Lizzie Curry. Steve Kazee is too stiff but manages to loosen up by his big scene in the second act, despite his severe lack of chemistry with Audra. John Cullum is good, as always, and Bobby Stieggart steals the show (and emerges as the front runner for the Best Featured Actor Tony).
Lonny Price's production is very smooth but safe, Dan Knetches (forgive the spelling) choreography the same. Paul Gemignani's orchestra is beautifully lush. Santo Loquasto's set is stunning, ditto for Christopher Akerland's lighting.
My one little quibble....for 110 degrees in the shade, they're surprisingly composed and don't look the least bit warm....unlike the people in the mezzanine, where the air conditioner is broken.
Had a very nice conversation at the stage door with the various cast members (including Audra, who does indeed sign autographs following matinees, in case anyone who was wondering).
110 in the Shade is a shoo-in for the 2007 Best Revival Tony. A beautiful production of a beautiful show starring the (guess which adjective) beautiful Audra McDonald. The 2 1/2 hours zipped by, despite a very tedious first act.
The problem with the show is N. Richard Nash's book, which throws everything out of whack and manages it to tie it all up way too nicely. Thank goodness for the mostly excellent cast.
Audra McDonald is bound to win every award but the Tony for Lizzie Curry. Steve Kazee is too stiff but manages to loosen up by his big scene in the second act, despite his severe lack of chemistry with Audra. John Cullum is good, as always, and Bobby Stieggart steals the show (and emerges as the front runner for the Best Featured Actor Tony).
Lonny Price's production is very smooth but safe, Dan Knetches (forgive the spelling) choreography the same. Paul Gemignani's orchestra is beautifully lush. Santo Loquasto's set is stunning, ditto for Christopher Akerland's lighting.
My one little quibble....for 110 degrees in the shade, they're surprisingly composed and don't look the least bit warm....unlike the people in the mezzanine, where the air conditioner is broken.
Had a very nice conversation at the stage door with the various cast members (including Audra, who does indeed sign autographs following matinees, in case anyone who was wondering).
Updated On: 4/25/07 at 06:29 PM
