I was there tonight too and thought it was pretty fantastic, save for the proprietor. What an unsettling way to start off the show! Luckily everyone else was terrific, and I'll take ljay's comment about Victoria Clark even further and say that not only would she be nominated, but would have a very difficult time losing, regardless of the competition. I feel like I need to see this production again just so I can watch all the other actors as my eyes were glued on Clark during the group numbers. Just the way she popped her shoulder in the opening was spectacular. I couldn't get enough.
John Ellison Conlee did a lot with Guiteau; really the character was a barrel of laughs and Sondheim musicalized him so well. I feel like the real Guiteau would have loved his number. One of my friends said he actually read Guiteau's book and that it's completely bonkers and a total hoot. Might have to add it to the summer reading list now.
Steven Pasquale made for a sexy John Wilkes Booth and he sounded wonderful per usual. His scene with Cory Michael Smith played well too. In fact, I was captivated by the book scenes- I know the score well, but had only seen the full show once before.
Despite the bizarro casting/performance by the proprietor, I had a great time and lament that we don't get to see Assassins more often.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!