Saw it on Thursday evening. First off, the WORST audience ever! Cell phones going off everywhere in the theater and talking. More shushes than I have heard in a theater ever. The ver nice ushers at the Imperial were just beside themselves. They were running all over trying to find the ringing phones. I talked to them during the 2nd intermission and after the show and they were prefusely apologizing for all of the distractions with the phones. They were just as upset as a lot of audience members.
The show...It took a few days for me to think about it. This show takes the dysfunctional family to a whole new level. Wonderful performances all the way around but not all perfect, in my opinion. Although funny, Jean Fordham's, performance was my least favorite. I found her to be a wee bit too "stiff" and deadpanned. Her character should have bee softened just a bit. I kept thinking of Christina Ricci as Wednesday in the Addams Family movies. Ms Dunagan was a wonderful mess as Violet. Her character seemed to slip in and out of her drug induced state at will but she made it work. Mattie Fae Aiken was a culmination of every aunt we have ever had. She was excellent and when it came time for her to reign it all in, she was superb. But for me, the real star here is Barbara Fordham. She could have taken this way over the top but did't. She got close at times though. The way her character "developes" takes you a bit by surprise but then you realize that it is not a surprise at all. The set is wonderful and if you go, don't sit in the last 4 or 5 rows of the orchestra section as you wil not be able to see the top floor of the set and that floor plays an important part in the show as it does end there. Also, was the Sanford & Son theme song included when anyone saw it? I spoke to a few people who don't remember hearing it. Had to be one of the funniest moments in the show. If so, those of you who have seen it know what I am talking about. I suggest that if you are even remotely thinking of seeing this show, you should. And please make sure you turn your cell phone off in the theater! One woman across the aisle from me didn't and it rang right during the very final moments of the show. So those are my random thoughts on the show. I just saw The Homecoming this afternoon (Another dysfunctional family!) and I am now seeking therapy!
Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder
Updated On: 12/8/07 at 07:12 PM
