ASSASSINS at Encores Off-Center — Page 6

ljay889 said: "Something just Broke is included and performed beautifully.

Regarding the proprietor, think cheesy 1970's variety show host who can barely sing. The exact opposite of Kudisch.



"

The Proprietor felt very 1940s radio hour-esque mixed with a bit more sleaziness. Almost like a mix of Bert Healy and a used care salesman. I actually don't completely disagree with taking the character that way, but unfortunately his voice was just not solid at all.

The rest of the cast was fantastic, though, especially in the solo parts. Some of the harmonies in the group numbers were a little rough, but that's to be expected with how little time they had to rehearse this insanely difficult score. Overall, a very enjoyable evening!

I agree, I was very impressed by the physical production, though it's in the Encores style, it felt quite sumptuous for a concert staging.

It's too bad they were hindered with the scripts in "Another National Anthem," my favorite numbe from the score. They were a little shaky in that number, and with Lipton, maybe they really were uneasy, lol.

Also, can we just express how exquisite "Unworthy Of Your Love" is? It feels like an authentic pop song, with a soaring melody. Genius. I've always loved the song, but it's wonderful seeing it performed in the show.

Updated On: 7/13/17 at 10:54 PM

ljay889 said: "I forgot to ask. For those who have seen previous productions, can you please answer this spoiler....

Yes, that was new for this production.

"

I didn't see anyone rely on their scripts until "Another National Anthem." That's an intricate song to get right right if you're under rehearsed, so I understand using the scripts for It, but it did hurt the momentum of the number.

Was the dress last night or this afternoon?

The dress was Tuesday night. Yes it was the Anthem number and the unified stage movement was unmotivated. The actors looked like they did not like the staging. It had nothing to do with holding books other than it looked like they were reviewing blocking notes as well. There was a unified bump to the beat of the right arm and again the actors looked uncomfortable doing it. I think the scripts were used less on opening night. But this is part for the course. Encores production grow tremendously as the week progresses given their limited rehearsals although some shows like A New Brain were close to perfection at the dress rehearsal. Some of the book staging was unmotivated as well. But I am sure the Wednesday opening night performance had more coviction.

I was sad to hear that Pasqual had pulled out of Brigadoon.

I've yet to see this production (going tonight, in fact), so cannot comment on Lipton's performance in it, but I've seen his shows at Joe's Pub and have found him entertaining, though definitely idiosyncratic.

Ethan Lipton has a very unique sound....and 40s radio is a good comparison. He's doesn't hold himself out as a broadway singer/actor (to my knowledge)...he is a musician/storyteller....with a very wicked sense of well - everything. To those who don't know his work, I recommend you listen to the recording of his show - No Place to Go....which was performed at Joe's Pub a couple of years ago.

No, the Proprietor, played by Marc Kudisch in the lsat revival.

I didn't see Roundabout's revival, so I'm not sure how it was expanded.

I'm sure Lipton is a talented performer in his own right, but this was definitely one of the strangest performances I've seen ever in a Sondheim musical, right up there with Denis O'Hare in Into the Woods.

Oh, yes, it's the same in this staging. He has a microphone on the side of the stage, narrating certain bits like a radio show host with vocal effects on the mic.

Updated On: 7/13/17 at 02:02 PM

I wonder if it's something with the way the Proprietor is written at the opening of the show. I've seen it produced twice locally. In both cases, the first lines sounded underpowered and off-key, but by the end of the song, and in the following numbers, the actors gave great performances.

Updated On: 7/13/17 at 02:52 PM

Both of those reviews shortchanged Victoria Clark's brilliant performance.

Erin Markey's, too, for that matter.