#1
Posted: 10/4/08 at 7:32pm
In a word, IN-F*CKIN'-CREDIBLE. Not since seeing the original cast of THE PRODUCERS in 2001 have I been upset at the prospect of the show ending.
David Alvarez is a tremendous dancer, certainly a star on the rise, one to look out for. Greg Jbara is a big (as in, he gained a lot of weight), ole softy, with excellent timing. Carole Shelley has a big number and then disappears for 3/4 of the show. Haydn Gwynne is exquisite. Joel Hatch, late of ADDING MACHINE, deserves a Featured Actor Tony nom.
Stephen Daldry directs the ensemble of 50-something with ease. I think the reason why the show works so well is the fact that he directed the film, Lee Hall wrote the film, and Peter Darling choreographed the film. Who knows the material better than they do, hence all of their working on the show? And, for the record, it's Elton's best theatrical score to date.
I've never seen the Imperial so full, yet I was still able to move into one of the mezzanine boxes from my seat in the last row, during the intermission.
On the train, I had a funny thought. Anyone else recall that "Simpsons" episode where the school has a science fair, Skinner finds the thing that deserves first prize and says "Well, you can throw out all the other projects..."? That's how I feel. Screw SHREK and 9-to-5 and VANITIES. Give BILLY the prize.
David Alvarez is a tremendous dancer, certainly a star on the rise, one to look out for. Greg Jbara is a big (as in, he gained a lot of weight), ole softy, with excellent timing. Carole Shelley has a big number and then disappears for 3/4 of the show. Haydn Gwynne is exquisite. Joel Hatch, late of ADDING MACHINE, deserves a Featured Actor Tony nom.
Stephen Daldry directs the ensemble of 50-something with ease. I think the reason why the show works so well is the fact that he directed the film, Lee Hall wrote the film, and Peter Darling choreographed the film. Who knows the material better than they do, hence all of their working on the show? And, for the record, it's Elton's best theatrical score to date.
I've never seen the Imperial so full, yet I was still able to move into one of the mezzanine boxes from my seat in the last row, during the intermission.
On the train, I had a funny thought. Anyone else recall that "Simpsons" episode where the school has a science fair, Skinner finds the thing that deserves first prize and says "Well, you can throw out all the other projects..."? That's how I feel. Screw SHREK and 9-to-5 and VANITIES. Give BILLY the prize.
