Chicago Spelling Bee First Preview Review:) — Page 2

More reasons to go see the other productions.

My friend says Deborah Craig, the O Marcy improvised that line a long time ago about Jesus when it went from Robb to Jose but they wouldn't let her keep it in. "Jesus you're Asian! I knew it!"

I just saw the show tonight. I am in town on business (thank you free hotel internet access in each room!) and chose Spelling Bee over a work dinner. Good decision. I have never managed to catch Bee on my visits to NY, so this was my first taste of this show, though I knew the OBCR by heart. What a charming show! Often, I generally tend to focus on shows for some deep message or meaning, given my cerebral tendencies, but this show brought me out of a very funky mood after a rotten day of work-related insanity and silliness. It put a smile on my face and made me laugh out loud. Something I rarely do, which is saying something. The only other show that has come close to doing that to me is Urinetown.

The cast seems to be in great shape even in previews. The vocal choices seem to mirror the ones found on the OBCR to some extent, though of course differences are apparent and welcome. That is the beauty of live theatre and different casts. All of the ensemble members were particularly strong acting wise. I don't think there was one weak link. It was a very cohesive ensemble.

---

Huh, that's interesting. The SF Barfee looks like a clone of Dan Fogler.

---

Fantastic! I saw this production last night, and it was hysterical and nearly perfect. It was a full house for this preview performance.

I had seen both the Second Stage and Broadway versions before. The Chicago production is staged more like the Second Stage version, due to the proscenium stage, and everyone in the show is perfectly cast and mirror images of the performances on Broadway. I especially liked the amazing Lucia Spina as Piretti, comic genius Bill Larkin as Panch, quirky Derrick Trumbly as Leaf and cutie Brad Weinstock as Chip. Any of the actors could easily move into the NY production and match the talents of the originals.

Not much is changed regarding the set, costumes, staging or dialogue, other than a few Chicago references - taking the Red Line to the competition (I'll overlook the fact that there is no Putnam County stop on the Red Line route) and Logainne's rant about the Dan Ryan construction (she suggests that the $350 million cost of this highway construction project would be better spent buying everyone in Chicago a copy of the Brokeback Mountain DVD).

The audience was roaring with laughter, and I can't imagine this show not building word of mouth and doing very well here. T25thAPCSB, we're thrilled to have you here in Chicago!!

Updated On: 4/6/06 at 10:08 PM

I will also see it soon! Yay!!

My Dad and I are taking my Mom to see it Sunday for Mother's Day. Looking forward to it.

---

Looks like I need to plan a trip up to see the Bee, Wicked, and Color Purple in the coming months. Whoo-hoo.

EDIT: Color Purple doesn't start until April '07 - but on the Broadway Across America site, it said that Spelling Bee is only playing Chicago until Sept. 10, 2006. I thought it was open-ended?

Updated On: 5/12/06 at 01:54 PM

2 friends of mine saw it in Chicago, at my suggestion (I saw it in New York last year) and they loved it and thanked me for suggesting they see it.

---

Just out of curiosity, who is your friend in the show? You don't have to say if you don't want. I'm just being curiou...nosy. lol