luvtheemcee, thank you so much for your thoughts. I've been hoping someone would share a review of some kind because I was absolutely itching to hear how it is.
I thought Fraulein Schneider was a man, from looking at the production photos, but wasn't sure. That's a pretty interesting choice but I like the idea of gender bending.
"I am and always will be the optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes and dreamer of improbable dreams." - Doctor Who
"Yes, the brutalities of progress are called revolutions. When they are over, men recognize that the human race has been harshly treated but it has moved forward." - Les Miserables
I saw the show on Thursday night.... loved it. Amanda was great, as emcee noted. I really liked some of the different choices made.
As for Fraulein Schnieder played by a man... it didn't matter to me, really. Thomas Derrah played the role not as a man in drag, not as a woman who looks vaguely manly, but as a woman. It was actually refreshing to have a gender-blind concept like that, but the actor not making a spectacle of it just for laughs.
No problem. Like I said, I don't want to go into toooo much detail about the specific choices because I saw it so early on and especially with this show, things could easily change, but I just cannot stop gushing about Amanda. I'll babble about her to anyone who will listen!
I've always liked Amanda, but kept missing out on her shows. So this is like the best thing that could ever happen, as far as I'm concerned.
I honestly can't wait for October to get here, because I'm excited to see how the show has progressed since its opening.
"I am and always will be the optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes and dreamer of improbable dreams." - Doctor Who
"Yes, the brutalities of progress are called revolutions. When they are over, men recognize that the human race has been harshly treated but it has moved forward." - Les Miserables
"There's nothing good on. The media hates Christmas. The media loves vampires, though. Maybe they will show a Twilight Christmas." -Danmeg's 10 year old son.
It's really quite different from the Mendes production. There are moments that are similar, but IMO those are moments that are sort of iconically Cabaret (I Don't Care Much, or Willkommen, for example), and done how they should be.
I do remember, Namo! I had never seen Amanda live before this. I've always liked her, but from a distance; I had been aware of her work and knew some of the Dolls' stuff, but I always thought it was a little too weird for me, or that I wasn't cool enough to be a Dresden Dolls Fan. But there was something about seeing her live that just completely, immediately reeled me in. I really regret not ever going to see her concerts. She's easily one of the most magnetic performers I have ever seen (and born to play this part). I've been watching a ton of stuff on YouTube in the past few days, and she's adorable. I will definitely go see her next time I can.
The tickets are pretty inexpensive. I bought standing room tickets for like $28 or so, and that included the service fee and whatnot. Actual seats are a little more expensive, but not by much. I really didn't mind standing, and you get to see some things you'd miss if you were sitting down. Totally affordable and totally worth it. I took the Bolt Bus up and spent the night with a friend!
So I'm learning! I also wish I had seen the New Years' Eve Boston Pops concert, aaagh. I hope she tours again soon. Or that I learn how to build a time machine.
I keep hearing about people getting in via cancellation on sold out nights, but I don't know if you'd want to make the trip to take that chance.
Most nights are selling out, so it is best to get tickets ASAP. Apparently there are VIP seats available for some of the shows, which cost $250 (that includes a table for four, plus a ton of really cool merchandise and such).
When I ordered my ticket back in the beginning of August, it was only $55. If I can remember correctly from the website, the prices are anywhere from $25-55, thereabouts.
"I am and always will be the optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes and dreamer of improbable dreams." - Doctor Who
"Yes, the brutalities of progress are called revolutions. When they are over, men recognize that the human race has been harshly treated but it has moved forward." - Les Miserables
Really really hoping this extends, as it's not that often that I'm up in Boston. I was about to grab tickets last night but something came up and I just decided to do it in the morning. The night I wanted to be there was completely sold out. Not fun.
Still, this looks like a wonderful production. I like my Cabaret really really disturbing, and this one sure looks like it delivers.
I do wish I could see this, since I imagine Amanda is really stunning as the Emcee. Still, I'm too far for that to actually happen...
However, the news of the reunion is very exciting! Fingers crossed they add more dates and hopefully come closer to where I am. I still have yet to see the Dolls or Amanda in concert, and that needs to be changed.
I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.
I'm still totally giddy about the tour! I was really bummed that I'd probably have to wait a while to see her on stage again since I can't return to Boston, but HAPPY DAY.
Great news about the reunion!(I haven't looked at the Shadowbox yet - that's a really wonderful forum for all things Dresden Dolls/Amanda Palmer so there's probably a ton of info there).
"I am and always will be the optimist. The hoper of far-flung hopes and dreamer of improbable dreams." - Doctor Who
"Yes, the brutalities of progress are called revolutions. When they are over, men recognize that the human race has been harshly treated but it has moved forward." - Les Miserables
Is anyone in the Boston area planning to go to this on the 20th?
AFP and the A.R.T. Present: Come to the Cabaret (A Panel Discussion)
Time: 6:00pm. Admission: FREE. Age restrictions: All Ages. Address: 2 Arrow St. Cambridge, MA 02138. A panel discussion co-presented by the A.R.T. and the Humanities Center at Harvard. Open to the public. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Moderated by Homi K. Bhabha, Anne F. Rothenberg Professor of the Humanities and Director of the Humanities Center at Harvard.
Panelists will include: • Amanda Palmer, the Emcee in the A.R.T. production of Cabaret • Charles Maier, Leverett Saltonstall Professor of History, Harvard University • Carol Oja, William Powell Mason Professor of Music, Harvard University • Martin Puchner, Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Harvard University
(From Amanda's website)
I would LOVE to go to this, I'm sure it will be fascinating.
I do, however, have tickets to see the tour in November. PSYCHED.
Has anyone had luck with the cancellation line? I'm going to be in Boston Oct 4-7th and really want to see this...
"As we all should probably have learned by now, to be a Stephen Sondheim fan is to have one's heart broken at regular intervals" - Frank Rich
"I think it's appropriate: iSondheim - a Sondheim for the new generation!
(wailing guitar riff)
Get your kids hooked early on Sondheim, so they'll grow up to be just as emotionally stilted and self-conscious as we are! - BustopherPhantom
You should keep an eye on the A.R.T's Twitter, they often post about good ways to get last minute tickets, new tickets that are released, etc. I've seen a handful of posts in various places that indicate people having gotten in on cancellation. It's worth trying.
Also, it's been like three weeks and I still want few things more right now than to go see it again.