Birdie 2nd Preview: This Show Makes 9 to 5 look like South Pacific!

[April Saul]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 12:55am

I'm sorry if I'm perceived as being snarky here, and I approached this show with nothing but enthusiasm. I got a ticket from a fellow poster here who had a spare and was kind enough to sell it to me at a decent price after I'd put up a thread about really wanting to see this. But all the criticisms I'd read here were true...and if that makes me "toxic," so be it.

Don't know if any cuts were made between last night and tonight, but my problems with this evening's performance seem to be the same as those of many posters from the first show. On the bright side, Houdyshell and Irwin made me smile and laugh a few times. The theater, though a bit too ultra-modern for my taste (guess I just love the old ones with the chandeliers and ornate decorations) works fine, but the bare cement floors did strike me as a bit harsh. Saw the first act from the extreme right front row mezz, no problem seeing; second act from the front row orchestra, nice low stage, great seat.

Count me among those who didn't like the ultra-modern, Ikea-type sets or the Gap commercial costumes. Thought the teens looked more like junior high kids; even though Allie Trim could sing better than the leads, she just seemed too young. The Birdie character should be played by a guy that evokes Cheyenne Jackson in All Shook Up, he has to have enough charisma and an edge of danger to give the hysteria around him even a little bit of credibility.

Of course it will get a little better, but I can't understand why the folks at Roundabout would think they don't need strong singers and dancers in lead roles in Broadway musicals. Pajama Game, 110 in the Shade and Sundays in the Park wouldn't have been the hits they were without people like Audra McDonald, Jenna Russell and Harry Connick. Gina Gershon was just great in Boeing Boeing--but she's no Kelli O'Hara and her role is the most important one in this production.

It almost seems cruel to set these people up for failure, just like it did when I watched Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham try--and fail--to make Guys and Dolls come to life. I don't know if the casting choices here once again reflect the economic necessity of putting bankable names on a marquee but this show seems on track to be just as disappointing.

[blaxx]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:02am

Are Stamos and Gershon really "bankable names"?

You'd think that if they were going to cast performers who suck they might as well have thought of someone a lot more popular than that.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:02am

Gina Gershon was just great in Boeing Boeing--but she's no Kelli O'Hara and her role is the most important one in this production.

Kelli O'Hara would make a terrible Rose. Just putting that out there.

Updated On: 9/12/09 at 01:02 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:05am

Yeah but at least she can sing, act and dance a little bit

[April Saul]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:09am

I wasn't specifically suggesting that Kelli O'Hara play Rosie--just noting that a common factor in Roundabout's musical successes of the last few years has been lead actors and actresses with really strong, Tony-worthy singing and dancing skills!

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:18am

April, I know you weren't suggesting Kelli O'Hara play Rosie. I was just being stupid. =P

and, Michael Bennett, I have to disagree about O'Hara's acting. I'm not a huge fan. She's not terrible, but she's not a favorite actress of mine.

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:42am

Gina is the worst thing to happen to this show.

[April Saul]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:46am

Yeah, I'm thinking she might be to Birdie what Christian Hoff was to Pal Joey...although I have really enjoyed her acting in other things.

[CyCoSpAz2]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:46am

I was at the second preview too, and I agree with you about how disappointing the theatre was. It doesn't look sleek, nor does it look modern, it is just sterile and boring.

[April Saul]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:49am

I know! Don't you just love the look and feel of the old theaters? What would've been amazing was if they could've given us those kind of touches but made things more comfortable at the same time! All I could think about in those bathrooms was how dated that ultra-modern sleek stuff was going to look in ten or fifteen years...

[jagfkb]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 8:29am

So, lets say she's to birdie what Christian Hoff was to Pal Joey, who's her understudy?

[Anakela]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 1:32pm

So, lets say she's to birdie what Christian Hoff was to Pal Joey, who's her understudy?

Natalie Hill

[bjh2114]

Posted: 9/12/09 at 6:10pm

Michael Bennett, I have to disagree about O'Hara's acting. I'm not a huge fan. She's not terrible, but she's not a favorite actress of mine.

Well, the critics and the nominating committees seem to disagree with you then too...

[theatregirlie]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 9:14pm

Lord I agree! Gina is tragic. How many wonderful performers out there could they have found for the role? Please don't treat us like we are stupid! Where have the great Broadway performers gone?

Brian D'Arcy James
Meredith Patterson
Christopher Fitzgerald
Sutton Foster
Stephanie J Block

These are the true Broadway performers I long for more of!

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 10:39pm

It's Roundabout, m'dear, it's Roundabout. I'm okay with the theatre, per se -- and it's nice to see a red velvet curtain for once, although the walk to an orchestra seat is a hike.

It's another case of Roundabout ruining a good show. And before anyone jumps on me by pointing out Cabaret abd Sunday in the Park, keep in mind that they all originated in England and were basically transfers. Pajama Game had Harry Connick, period; Pacific Overtures was okay if you'd never seen the show before; and giving credit where it is due, Assassins was fine -- although I'm not proof-positive that my reaction had a teensy-weensy bit to do with Stephen Sondheim.

[alightinthedark23]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 10:51pm

"Lord I agree! Gina is tragic. How many wonderful performers out there could they have found for the role? Please don't treat us like we are stupid! Where have the great Broadway performers gone?

Brian D'Arcy James
Meredith Patterson
Christopher Fitzgerald
Sutton Foster
Stephanie J Block

These are the true Broadway performers I long for more of!"

I know a few people who would disagree about those final two.

[fashionguru_23]

Posted: 9/20/09 at 11:04am

I know she isn't a big name to the "general public", but Bianca Marroquin SHOULD have been Rose. I even would go so far as to say Rosie Perez as Rose.

Kelli O'Hara is a brilliant actress. My opinion about her is that she is a classical actress. Meaning that the reason why she is doing revivals and original musicals that are like old fashioned musicals (ie. Light In The Piazza) is because she acts, and sings and looks like someone from the "Golden Age" of Broadway...Just my opinion.

[PitPro2004]

Posted: 9/20/09 at 12:03pm

No offense, but Sutton Foster is to Broadway what Britney Spears is to the world..."OVER-exposed".

Love Sutton but come on; she's beyond Broadways' poster child at this point...I could do with a little less of her actually.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 9/20/09 at 1:08pm

Hel-ooooo???? It's the Roundabout, folks. What were you expecting?


All together now: THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU HAVE A NON-CREATIVE AS YOUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR.