I think i just saw a Tony-winning performance. Cusack is a revelation. I was with her from beginning to end. She is just such a joy to watch, and her voice is flawless. I was just graveling at her feet for 2 1/2 hours. Wow. Just beautiful.
Nolan gave a awesome performance as well, and their voices mixed beautifully.
Shively, and the rest of the cast, were all just wonderful. Excellently cast.
Bobbie did such a beautiful job directing. THIS is how you do minimal and THIS is how you have your cast moving the set around. Take note Sher. THIS is how it's done. It happens so quickly and fluidly that at times I didn't even realize it happened.
The music is beautiful and catchy and interesting and everyone's voice is suited for that style. My only quibble is Cusack's 11 O'clock number is not what it should be. It's the most lacking of all the tunes. Between Cusack and the bookstore girl, I just loved all the voices. And her "When you get back from Ashville" was just gorgeous. I didn't love how Act 1 ended though. It's odd to end the act without any of the major players, and with a reprise of a song from a minor character. I understand it storywise, but eh. I think that could be cleaner.
As for the story. Sure, I guessed the twist early on, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of HOW it was all played out. And watching Alice's journey to finding that information. It's like Titanic. Sure, we know what's going to happen, but how it happens is what is riveting. And, most of the audience gasped at the twist, so I don't think everyone was thinking ahead.
My only major quibble was the set. I loved the actual design, I just wish it looked more like the actual Court backstage. It felt very much like a "set." The brick should have been distressed, and should have gone all the way to the ceiling, instead, it stops and so we know it's just a set and not actually part of the theater. That seems like a half assed design. Same with the big barn/house set piece. The wood needs to be distressed. It seems a little too "Broadway does poor Appalachian chic."
For those interested, I rushed around 12:00 and got second row center. Perfect seat. Although I do want to go back so I can see more of the stage pictures as there are some gorgeous haunting moments.
Oh! And the choreography is awesome and inventive.
I kind of wish Hamilton would take itself out of the running for the Tonys cause it makes the whole awards season so ho-hum. I mean, I think the music here is really great and on-par with a lot of Tony winning scores. And sure, It'll be nominated, but it won't win, obviously. Same for directing/choreographing.