I just came back from this evenings performance. The two cut numbers at the top of ACT II were re-instated this evening.
I can't go into elaborate detail on the immediate, but I will say that it's clear what many have been saying about this production. I went in with an open mind. There is much to say about the show and it's many themes, etc. I will share my thoughts on that later on in more detail.
Just some thoughts on what I felt stood out - for the better and worse:
Possible SPOILERS:
Jessie - As many have said, the role is not much to work with, little dialogue mixed in with a few ballads. I love Mueller as an actress and I see all her shows. However, she could not have looked more bored. Rather, she had a state of shock on her face the entire time. Her singing was lovely, but unfortunately, her acting and "reactions" were so catatonic, I wondered if she was forced out onto the stage. Truly. It was like she was dragged into court and had to speak before the judge. Furthermore, the accent did her no favors, as others have stated. I could barely make out what she was saying -- the entire show. I'm sorry to report this. I applaud her tremendous talent and efforts but this was a shame. Her chemistry with Joshua Henry was ZERO. I didn't believe she had ANY feelings for him until she became hysterical at his death. It was then that she went for broke and I wondered where that passion was before. Director's fault, I say.
Joshua Henry: Aside from being visibly attractive and rather adorable, I thought -- he gave a wonderful, nuanced, and layered performance. I thought he gave himself to everyone around him and sold his songs with that beautiful voice. I was truly impressed and touched by his portrayal. There is much I would like to say about his characterization, the direction he was given, and the character as written -- but I will save that for another post. He was the core of the show and a great Billy...in my opinion. Worth the price of admission.
Lindsay Mendez: What a joy to watch. Her humor and voice were sublime and actually, perfect for the part. Her chemistry was palpable for everyone she came across and paired very well with Alexander Gemignani (also very good).
Amar Ramasar: Jigger's number at the top of ACT II (with Mendez) was where the casting faltered. Amar was smarmy with nothing else going for him. Definitely the weakest link. I didn't believe his tactics, nor could I see him trying to "wrestle" with Carrie. Mendez could kick his a** in two seconds. Another problem....no offense to Mendez.
Renee Fleming: Look, the part is all about her two numbers. The poor woman walked out on stage and stared like she was searching for cue cards. The death scene was the worst. She stood there like she didn't know what to do with herself. The music started and the light switch turned on for her number. That was it.
Margaret Colin: Just ok. I didn't quite understand the costume choices for her let alone some of her acting choices.
Ensemble: I absolutely loved them. The male dancers in particular. What a treat to watch. Justin Peck lights up the show with his choreography. The menvwere so in sync with each other. There was tremendous applause after the dock/ship number nd it was well deserved. I have to say, all the dance numbers were thoroughly entertaining. All the choreography felt fresh and exciting, executed beautiful by the dancers.
The Starkeeper: Having him walk around and stand in between characters like the angel of death (Yes, I get what they were trying to show us) was just irritating. That trench coat alone needs a new design. Thompson was just fine but that poor man looked like Morgan Freeman in Bruce Almighty. I kept waiting for Jim Carrey to pop up.
The set was just fine. Granted some of the scenery looked a bit like Never, Never Land from Peter Pan -- but it still worked. The top arch of the carousel was nice enough to look at....if only there was an actual CAROUSEL underneath it. Jessie Mueller sat on the horse stage left like she was waiting for a bus to stop.
Jack O'Brien should have passed this torch onto someone else. Casting should have made some stronger choices too, to balance out some of the solid performances.
It's a mixed bag of candy -- but I must say, I enjoyed it enough. I'd like to go again later in the run to see any changes and more development. If anything, Joshua Henry deserves another viewing.
The dancer playing Louise looked like Sarah Silverman with a bad attitude. At least she can dance.
Please excuse any grammatical errors. Thanks.
. I don't tend toward older musicals but loved Hello Dolly. I won't know any songs or lines that are cut, so it should be a different perspective than the experts. 
