Posted: 11/21/25 at 10:14pm
Most people prefer to go into a show NOT knowing all the ins & outs of the plot. Unfortunately for this show, it is perhaps best enjoyed when you are prepared for where it goes.
A young lady seated beside me tonight was so completely angry at the break for intermission. She was just furious that the Wife would leave her husband for a creepy stalker type guy. That's a paraphrase of her words.
So I don't know that this would do well if it were to try to move Uptown. Too many people might have the same reaction as this young woman.
But I really enjoyed it. I think I had a better time than I did at Ragtime. In that show I was getting upset by Coalhouse's actions - probably because I hadn't studied that show as closely beforehand.
I thought DeBose's vocals were just gorgeous. Her voice reminded me of Diana Ross - especially Ross's vocals on the theme from Mahogany. I'd love to hear DeBose sing that.
While I was watching I did see some of the little things people here had complained about. But maybe I'm just more forgiving. Like the comment someone made about how they staged the final moments of Meadowlark.
DeBose sings most of the song from an upper balcony, but then as she decides to run off has to turn her back to the audience and climb down the trellis. Yes an awkward staging. Also at the song end she runs off stage, but this is when the audience wants to give her a big long applause, but she's no longer on stage!
