Another (longer) LA CAGE review from Another Matt- 11/11- Page 2

[paradox_error]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 7:45am

broadway matt...who would have thought having your parents meet, fall in love to, and conceive you listening to Epiphany from Sweeney Todd could create such a fox? Based on the picture you had of the cranky old guy i always assumed you were bitter and twisted like munkustrap (in a good way!)...and very wrongly!
the show sounds fantastic...and i wish i was in America and have a chance to see it...but in about 3 or 4 years time i'm sure Australia will get a tour based on this revival production. We had a big raunchy Cabaret tour last year...it was only a little late...but it was well worth seeing

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 11:49am

work and school have kept me pretty busy this week, so I haven't had a chance to post a follow up till now. I've really enjoyed reading everyone's replies, and I thank you all for your input and lovely compliments. I look forward to reading more reviews as more folks get to see the show. a few responses:

"Where were your seats???"

Originally in the far corner of Row M Mezz. I bought the $25 seats, but even the back row of the tiny Marquis isn't too far from the stage. Lucky for us, many of the seats in the front and center Mezz weren't sold, so the ushers ignored the mass migration that shifted us all forward to the first few rows of 2nd level- great view.

How was "I Am What I Am?"

This is one of my very favorite songs so it was automatically among the high points of the evening for me. I thought Gary did a wonderful job with it, especially once the song starts to build speed and intensity. The only thing I missed in his rendition was the monstrous handling of the low notes a la George Hearn. As I already mentioned, Gary more than made up for this with his overall performance, but this is one number where I really appreciate Hearn's ability to start the song as a low, gutteral rumbling before it builds its own inertia. Never having seen Hearn perform the role, I'm more inclined to see Beach as my definitive Albin, but this song still belongs to Hearn IMHO.

"Could someone please mention Ruthie Williamson?"

Delightfully-played Jacqueline. The character doesn't get much stage time, but she made the most of her big scenes, especially the final scene with the Dindons that leads into the FINALE.


"I was suprised by how you looked in the photo--I had assumed you were like, 50!"

Thank you! I take that as quite a compliment. I do try to express myself well. There's also much to be said for a good moisturizer and the well-practiced ability to sound like I know what I'm talking about.

LOL, thanks paradox! I remember that thread well! And as for the cranky old guy, that would be Hunter S Thompson, but I think living in Australia is a decent enough reason for not being familiar with his caricature. And you should never be jealous of us in America, for you are the lucky one to have the immortal Warlow exclusively performing in your own backyard. Inevitably he'll play Valjean one day, at which point I'll hopefully be able to afford a trip to the Outback!

Updated On: 11/15/04 at 11:49 AM

[paradox_error]

Posted: 11/15/04 at 9:51pm

WEll we are very lucky to have Anthony Warlow...despite the fact all u americans keep trying to steal him. I've seen him in Annie and Phantom (when i was little) and have all his CD's. He is my hero! (after Stephen Sondheim of course). He used to date my old dance teacher so when i went and saw Annie (with school) she got us backstage and we got to meet him!!! Stupid me didnt get anything autographed but it is a fond memory nonetheless. He is just a tremendous performer, and arguably the greatest Australian contribution to musical theatre (sorry Hugh)