Hi All. I'm here with a dissenting opinion. After seeing the invited dress on Wednesday, I returned last night on my OWN dime to see the first preview. I am only giving positive feedback here, in light of the fact that this was only the first preview. My apologies in advance for the length.
Do you know the rare feeling that occasionally happens, maybe a third of the way through Act 2, when you're watching an actor you've never heard of, and you realize: not only am I really enjoying their performance, but I am very likely watching what will be a Tony-winning (and everything-else-winning) performance. Ryann Redmond gave me that feeling. She was pretty much spectacular in all respects — especially in the humor and charm departments. I expect her to be a major contender for the featured actress Tony, along with all the other awards.
Not that it's all about awards. Awards or no, she is giving what for me is an excellent supporting performance. She's not reinventing the comedic wheel. She just does what she does very, very well, with essentially no major weaknesses in any element of her performance — singing, acting, movement.
I hesitated sharing my reaction to her performance, because I realize these kinds of ecstatic comments, if echoed by others, could engender a backlash. But after thinking about it, I think she's strong enough that even those who approach her performance with a prove-it mentality will likely be won over.
I had to get all my thoughts about her out of the way first, because she made such a fantastic impression. And yep, you guessed it. I'm her agent.
...I kid, I kid.
Other positive comments, in no particular order:
I thought the show was a blast. Very fun. And that's hard to pull off. So many shows that aspire to fun end up with something more like pleasing. (See Sondheim's comments on the reason for his return visits to see The Wiz.) Also, fun is not to be underestimated as a harbinger of the show's potential for good word-of-mouth and future success.
The choreography and cheering routines accomplish the goal of giving the show many wow moments without becoming deadening or repetitive.
Seeing all the great cheerleading live on stage was much more thrilling than I had thought it would be. Don't know why I was surprised about that. I should have assumed there'd be some impressive cheering pyrotechnics in a musical about cheerleaders. And there are. If it's been awhile since you've seen excellent cheerleading live, or especially if you've never seen it live at this caliber, well, you're in for a treat.
The casting is strong throughout. The lead, Taylor Louderman, is a charismatic powerhouse. Several recent shows would have benefited from having her lead their casts. She grounds her performance in both confidence and vulnerability, making for a lead you can really care about and pull for. (Spoiler in the next sentence.) She also pulls off the funniest dance by a leprechaun mascot that you are ever likely to encounter. She makes this look easy, but considering the size of that headpiece, there's just no way it is. (Spoiler over.)
[Update: below, it's suggested that a different actor does the leprechaun dance and that a bit of stagecraft-switcheroo is employed to make us think it's Louderman. So, I very likely gave her too much credit for that.]
While everyone is cast in their natural type, they all manage to avoid seeming cliched. Several secondary principals give dynamic performances. Gregory Haney, has the single funniest moment in the show — a quick little physical comedy bit with lots of attitude late in the show. It might have been a throwaway moment, but by that point, he has given you so much information about his character's personality that you're inside his head for the bit. Which totally amplifies its hilarity.
It's an embarrassment of riches in terms of the appropriateness of the casting of featured roles. Of course, when everyone is so right, that makes it harder to stand out (more props to Redmond and Haney for doing so). Also, Nicholas Womack, who is good throughout, totally nails some electric and funny hip-hop verses that are vintage Lin Manuel-Miranda.
The guy who plays the romantic interest, Jason Gotay, has a gorgeous pop tenor voice, which he uses most effectively in an Act 2 scene with Louderman. He could have a recording career, if he wanted to go that way. Although I know shows aren't built to actors' specs too much any more, I would be absolutely fine hearing more singing from his character, just due to Gotay's strength in that department.
Similarly, there were a couple of musical numbers that were so enjoyable, I actually wished they were longer. How often does that happen?
The first is "Bee-atch", a short character number that's hilarious and perfectly executed by Kate Rockwell. As far as I'm concerned, it could have continued to add humor and entertainment value for several more minutes without feeling like it was slowing down the plot (it's great for "color" but doesn't much move things forward).
There was also a very good, brief bit of music in Act 2, sung by the lead (Louderman) and Bridget (Redmond), who are coming to terms with a difficult moment in their friendship. With those two performers, this part was absolutely scintillating, and I thought it was about to head into an extended duet for them. If it had, I would have been thrilled. As far as I'm concerned, they're the two real stars of this show (bow order notwithstanding), and I love hearing them sing their hearts out with each other. Also, you're so into both characters' emotions at this particular point that hearing them sing their feelings just feels spot-on.
Well, that's about it. Again, sorry to be so verbose, though I did warn ya'! Just wanted to share my positive thoughts on this show. In case it's not obvious, I think it could be a hit.
Updated On: 7/13/12 at 11:11 AM
