Chris's brief LITTLE WOMEN review

[ChrisLovesShows]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 9:54pm

Thursday, February 17, 2005 8:00 PM
Little Women
Virginia Theatre
We got to the theatre to discover that Sutton Foster was out and that Julie Foldesi would play Jo. I never get too upset about understudies going on because so many of them are terrific. Julie Foldesi was a bit of a disappointment, however. She has nowhere near the vocal prowess of Sutton Foster and struggled to hit some of the higher notes. This diminished the emotional impact of Jo’s songs, especially Astonishing. I did enjoy both Jenny Powers as Meg and Megan McGinnis as Beth, and Maureen McGovern deserves the many accolades she has received for her portrayal of Marmee. She brings a wonderful quality to all of her songs—mature yet vulnerable. The book, as others have noted, has some problems (Does Jo begin writing her novel in New York during the "prologue" or after she has returned home to help care for Beth?), and at times I felt like I was watching a boring Civil War movie—something other than Gone With The Wind—on Saturday afternoon TV. The music is pleasant enough but not at all memorable for the most part. "Pleasant" might be a good word for the entire production—it’s a nice enough experience, but it would be hard to describe it more enthusiastically than that.

There were many empty seats in the orchestra. I am not sure that Little Women will be able to stay open until Tony time.

Updated On: 2/22/05 at 09:54 PM

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 9:59pm

I'm surprised Sutton was out again. Her attendance has really left something to be desired.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 10:03pm

Too bad Sutton was out. When I saw it on Feb. 19 (evening) she was in and in fine form. Also, the theatre seemed to be packed. As for Sutton's attendance, she was sick for a while during previews, but that isn't her fault. I haven't heard of her being out too much since then.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 10:06pm

She was there when I saw it and sounding good, but I've heard from some very angry friends that she was absent for their performances and that Julie was not very good.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 10:11pm

Yeah, the general consensus on this board is that Julie isn't very good. Its a shame. I have been lucky, all five times I have seen the show, Sutton has been there.

Updated On: 2/22/05 at 10:11 PM

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 10:13pm

She was in when I saw this and for "Millie". I have one friend who tried to see "Millie" 3 times, and she was out every time.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 10:15pm

That stinks! but, live theatre you know...

[apdarcey]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 10:20pm

she was amazing when i saw her live.

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 10:28pm

She was out when I saw Little Women, and I was disappointed by Julie as well. I'm not sure how long this show will last.

[apdarcey]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 10:29pm

i don't know why they are paying an understudy who can't handle the show. it's not a difficult score to sing and there are many women who would be able to shine in the role.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 2/22/05 at 11:10pm

I really hope the show lasts a LONG time. I personally love it. I think it is great. Although, I am not sure if I would like it as much without Sutton...