A fabulous B'way Weekend (5 Reviews)

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 10:23pm

I had a wonderful weekend in NY last week. I saw 5 shows in three days. I thought I would give a few short reviews for those who are interested.

Some Americans Abroad- I've already written a bit about this on the board. Overall, I really enjoyed the script itself, and I thought all of the performers were very strong. I loved the story, but I had some major issues with the staging of the show and rhythm of the dialogue. It seemed like a really strong cast that wasn't given much direction.

Spring Awakening- I saw the Saturday evening performance with the new cast. While the new Melchior was enjoyable, I was disappointed with the new Wendla. My biggest complaint is that she was so quiet that she couldn't be heard in the second row- singing and speaking. The younger looking cast gives the entire show a different feeling, and I'm not quite sure that I like it. Especially since the direction was intended for young adults playing teenagers. Still the lighting, movement, and story are just as touching.I still love the show, but the new cast doesn't even touch the original cast.

In the Heights- I returned to this show after a disappointing first experience. I've been listening to the recording non-stop, and I have to say that the music is fabulous. We were lucky enough to have Lin-Maunel Miranda and the majority of the principal characters. I have to say that I've really enjoyed Mandy Gonzalez's performance both times. Lin-Manuel is a genius, but he was rather hoarse for this performance. Of course, I would rather have a hoarse Lin-Manuel than an understudy. I was in a seat that allowed me to see the overall picture and the movement on the stage and the lighting are just beautiful. Overall, I'm glad that such a sweet, positive show won the Tony this year, and I enjoyed the show a great deal more than I did the first time.

[title of show]- Well, I have to say I was a bit disappointed with this show. It just wasn't as funny as everyone said. A couple of people compared it to Spelling Bee, and I didn't think it was anything like Spelling Bee. There were some very funny moments, and I really enjoyed the end when they are in the Broadway house. However, the music wasn't particularly catchy and some of it was just unnecessary. I didn't dislike it, but I probably wouldn't see the show again. I thought the advertising campaigns around the city were far more amusing than the actual show. I don't see [title of show] lasting all that long on Broadway. I don't think it has enough showy qualities for tourists, and I doubt if the fans (who were out in full force that night) can help it survive for too long.
My friend and I did repeat a few of the funnier jokes throughout the trip, so I guess it does have some enticing quality.

Rent- I've seen the show many times, and I have to say that right now it is in great shape. Eden was a fabulous Maureen. Tracie Thoms does a wonderful job of interpreting Joanne for the stage. The weakness were, funnily enough, Mark and Roger. It only became more clear after I saw Adam and Anthony on GMA on Friday. Marcus Paul James was Collins that night, and he was wonderful. Justin is doing a great job of keeping his Angel energetic and youthful. The new Mimi is fabulous- a nice change from Tamyra. It was a great treat to see Gwen Stewart as the soloist. It seems like the direction has been brushed up recently making the show more enjoyable than it has been in the past. If you are thinking of revisiting Rent before it closes, now is the time. Overall, it's a wonderful cast.

And on a side note, I saw Autumn from Legally Blonde walking down the street. That was a nice surprise. She kept walking, and since I was rooting for Bailey, I didn't bother her!

[george95]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 10:44pm

Wow I couldn't imagine Marcus Paul James playing Benny! I wonder what that must have been like. And I agree Eden makes a terrific Maureen, and it is GREAT having Tamyra out of the role of Mimi

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 10:48pm

Sorry you didn't like [title of show]. But I agree about the quoting, I haven't stopped referencing it since I've seen it!
Nice to hear some positive reviews about RENT recently.

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 11:02pm

Marcus was Collins - though he has played Benny before.

I didn't really dislike [tos], but I wasn't as impressed as I was hoping to be.

[george95]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 11:13pm

Oh sorry I read that post wrong. Still, I've never seen him play anything other than a background guy/Joanne's dad etc. Guess I should try to squeeze in a few more RENT shows before September.

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 11:24pm

I DID miss his solo in SOL, but his Collins made up for it. He actually played Collins on a non-eq tour several years ago, and I was SO SO pleased to have a chance to see him in the role again.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 8/4/08 at 8:56am

Interesting - I went into [tos] not expecting much, and I can't remember ever laughing so hard in my entire life. I felt like I was laughing constantly.

And you liked the new Mimi? Maybe I saw her on an off night, because her Out Tonight was cringe-worthy. But I agree that Eden was fabulous. Out of the five Maureens I've seen, she was by far the best.

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 8/4/08 at 1:03pm

I could definitely see where she might have struggles vocally... I could see the signs, but the night I saw her she was just fine (a little out of breath during Out Tonight, but that is it). I really do think that she just plays Mimi so differently than Tamyra that I enjoyed it just on characterization alone. I've definitely seen vocally stronger Mimis.