i was also at tonight's show. i lived abroad in the early 00's and missed this show completely, so I went in knowing nothing except (i) Tony Kushner never disappoints; and (ii) that Lot's Wife performance by Tonya Pinkins at the Tony Awards.
Kushner disappoints. I didn't think this show was boring for a second, don't get me wrong, I loved the characters and loved the world he created. But in terms of Book = Plot... meh. Maybe its the politics of the day but the statute subplot was confusing, and ultimately irrelevant? Am I right in assuming that the big prominent statue on stage at opening is a new addition? Because of my respect for Kushner and optimism in general, I guess, I was sure that statue subplot would figure more prominently, just as I was sure we'd see some sort of interaction between Rose's father and Caroline, or we'd see some come-uppance for little Noah at some point. I found myself disappointed in my own expectations-- even though I loved the subject matter and many of the points Kushner manages to get across anyway. I walk away very mixed, and I imagine my opinion will evolve over time (as it has re Lehman Trilogy)- the sign of a work that stays with you. Can't complain about that.
So while I didnt love the musical itself, I have to disagree with many of the criticisms above: i was in the back of the front mezz (perfect view, even towards the side) but from where I was, the costumes and set were FINE- simple, yes, but effective. My biggest takeaway from the cast was the sheer wonder of their vocals. Kevin McAllister took my breath away (twice), and the Radio were just sublime. I mean, WOW. And Samantha Williams- I thought her character would be a silly distraction at first but then boom, off she went. Real scene stealer. (Even the grandparents were impressive in their moments).
Caissie Levy and Tamika Lawrence were both highlights- yes they sang the hell out of the show, but both seemed like yin/yang of the foils in Caroline's life, and both took characters that could have gone very preachy and made them very human. Lawrence has a meatier role, and will hopefully get recognized award season, but I thought Levy made Rose more complicated than she was written. (And I loved hearing someone on stage pronouncing Hebrew authentically and correctly.).
Two weakest links were Nkenge's Moon--and this just might be the score/book, but I found her songs boring, and her voice drowned out the others. ANd this PAINS me but John Cariani is doing the same exact thing I've seen him do previously, and given the cast around him, his routine voice stuck out a bit like a sore thumb. (Is he actually playing the clarinet? Because then I take it back, he contributes a bunch).
As for Sharon Clarke: in the first number, her rich deep voice made me think "Ah so she can really sing" because, again, I only know Pinkin's croaking through Lot's Wife in 2004. And she can, and she does, and Lot's Wife stopped the show and gave me chills. She's doing great work, and I think her interpretation makes sense plenty. BUT because she plays the role so sad (and not as angry), and so withdrawn (and not as what I imagine was Pinkins' feistiness or sass, not sure of the right word), she sorta fades into the background a bit. I thought Dotty and Emmie outshone her- I wanted to hear more from THEM. We are told that Caroline is stronger than Noah's dad and Noah's mom- well, Cariani is so weak and quiet, DUH, and Levy's Rose seemed to go toe to toe with Caroline, easily. Again, I get what Clarke is doing, and maybe it makes Lot's Wife a bit more of an explosion, but there is a subdued quality there that I thought hurt the show.
All that said, hard not to urge people to see this. I was never bored, and even with the blips above, 2.5 hours flew by. I am traveling the next few weeks and I am so glad I got to see this (and Lehman, and Suresh) before I go. Theater makes me breathe, and this is good theater
