Really loved this concert. And I feel that it needs to be restated that this is a concert, since people seem to be judging it as if it were a full production. Anne Kauffman clearly spent a great deal of her limited rehearsal time working the book scenes, and that is to a great benefit of the show, even if it means that "Another National Anthem" may have gotten shortchanged a bit and ends up lacking all the oomph it needs.
Erin Markey and Vicki Clarke end up nearly walking away with the show- and for Clarke, who doesn't even get a substantially musical character, it is especially impressive. It is a terrific comedic performance that really makes you realize how much she has been typecast following Piazza, and what a disservice that is doing her talents. I hope this leads to more interesting opportunities for her.
I was not bothered by Ethan Lipton and think the bafflement his performance has been garnering is baffling itself. It is a very understated, indifferent, mid century lounge singer take on the character, and while Lipton isn't exactly a Pasquale or Kudisch in terms of voice, he can sing and never attempts to reach beyond his abilities. His Proprietor's indifferent sleaziness contrasts nicely with Clifton Duncan's earnest and naive yet condescending Balladeer. The Balladeer's casual (but very dismissive) barbs toward the assassins he sings about come across very strongly and really reinforce the idea of the American dream having left these people behind- the Balladeer is not a neutral observer, but an advocate and believer in a philosophy, one that has no place for these people. The Proprietor, meanwhile, comes across as an amoral devil's advocate, offering another national anthem simply because it refutes the other option. A full production would definitely deepen both of these characterizations and the roles both characters have in the show, but the rendering here worked for me and I saw clearly what Kauffman was doing.
The show packs a wallop- "Something Just Broke" was surprisingly moving to me, and Kauffman's choice for the final moment of the show drew gasps and was a totally logical extension of the show's themes.
The acting across the board is top-notch, and by filling the cast with performer of varied backgrounds, Kauffman creates an ensemble as idiosyncratic as the assassins themselves. I can only dream of what a full rehearsal period would produce here, given the richness already on display.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
Updated On: 7/14/17 at 10:31 AM
