Checking in with West Side Story...- Page 3

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 8:04pm

I said that a lot of the people who said Peters shouldn't win the Tony because of her vocal issues are the same who now are complaining that some of us don't think Olivo is the most deserving of the award, the difference is Olivo can sing but her dancing is unfortunately subpar.
And PJ, I literally lol-ed.

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 8:05pm

That's exactly what I said you said! lol

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 8:13pm

Whoopsie, read too fast.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 8:56pm

Karen was good by comparison, but was hardly the best performer of the season in her category. When I saw it last week, she was the best in the show. But her pitch was WAYYYYY off in the Quintet, and her dancing was really bad. Anita IS a dancer's role. There are people on Broadway who could act the part as well as Karen and dance it better (Natalie Cortez anyone?). She shouldn't win. I didn't enjoy Billy Elliot, but Haydn deserves the award in my opinion (well I think Damiano deserves it the most, but that won't happen).

[DickonDefysGravity]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 9:09pm

When I saw the show, Cavenaugh was fine. Bland but fine. Perhaps a fantastic replacement for him is: Josh Young. :)

[Dolly_Levi]

Posted: 5/24/09 at 9:45pm

I have also seen all 5 Featured Actress/Musical nominees -

Plimpton is def. a contender. Highlight of "Pal Joey," funny, biting, and the feeling that she is a "discovery" in musical theatre.

Gwynne benefits from having a "leading" role in the featured category. She was great in the show and hit all the right emotional and physical notes, but just not my choice for an award.

While I found Olivo the standout in WSS, which i just saw last week, I found her acting to be too contemporary and her dancing (as has already been mentioned) lacking spark.

Damiano is a bright, new talent - holding her own against veterans. The nomination is her award.

Shelley fills the veteran quota in the category, although the role is tiny. I also think the nomination is her award.

Updated On: 5/24/09 at 09:45 PM

[kelleymd]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 5:14pm

**Spoilers but seriously you all know this plot**
Couldn't agree more with the Matt Cavenaugh quandry. I sure as hell wouldn't foresake my brother/family for that bore. Could have been a career-making role for someone else.
As for the choice of singing 2 trademark songs in Spanish, I agree this was a poor directorial decision. I speak both languages (granted, Spanish is a second language for me) but nonetheless these classic songs were just not the same in their new form. I get it...we have not made progress in integrating Spanish into our culture, don't get me wrong.
I saw the Sat 5/23 show and Riff was played by John Arthur Greene. His performance was underwhelming and I didn't feel the emotional attachment necessary for the emotional impact of the rumble scene.
The dancing was beautiful but not as polished (group scenes)as I expected. However, I thoroughly enjoyed watching Ryan Steele in the chorus. What gorgeous extension.
Of course, Karen was fiery and fabulous. Josephina was ethereal and charming and deserves additional kudos for having nothing to play off of re. Tony.
Anyway, just the thoughts of someone who has never been close to being in West Side Story on Broadway :)

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/25/09 at 5:17pm

Where is Cody Green? He's been out since last week.

I think John Arthur Greene was better than Cody.