Cry Baby 5/22

[Ole Chum]

Posted: 5/23/08 at 12:04am

So I saw CryBaby tonight and I just want to say that while I do NOT think this was the worst musical I have ever seen- and think some people have been way too harsh- i am appalled that it was nominated for Best Musical. Its just sooooo uninspired and poorly written!

All the choreography was phenomenal- it will likely win this Tony, if any. "Girl Can I Kiss You With Tongue" is a neat little song but...not enough to hold my attention for 2+ hours.

I think Alli Mauzey was quite fantastic- her song Screw Loose was actually a moment of brilliance. Harriet Harris has excellent delivery and horrible singing. I really didnt like her big number at the end- at all- but she did it fairly well. Carly Jibson looked so bored I wanted to cry but she has a killer voice. What a wasted role.

I actually liked Hanke alot- he made the most of what he was given, cant complain. Chester Gregorys voice is impressive. the dancers were insanely talented and nice to look at. I also was surprised how loud and powerful Elizabeth Stanleys voice was- she really belted a few times, getting spontaneous audience applause/recognition. But overall, unmemorable.

And then theres the lead who is so miscast! It was so painfully obvious how awful he was for the role when the curtain call climaxes with him, and the audience was kinda like "eh" He has a nice voice, but nothing great. He has OK stage presence at best. Hes just not a lead, and it kills the show.

Oh, and the unmemorable music. Oh, and the corny jokes.

I will say this: papered or not, the theater was at least 85% full tonight, the orchestra packed, and the audience seemed to really enjoy themselves, though not particularly enthusiastically.

I can not see this winning the Tony, touring successfully, or ever coming close to recouping- but it has its bright moments and does seem perfect for a totally uninspired mindless night at the theater. Ie tourists will keep it goin thru the summer.

[pli1018]

Posted: 5/23/08 at 12:07am

I was totally surprised at her voice as well! Her talent is fantastic, but I still think she's miscast.

[noodles2]

Posted: 5/23/08 at 12:22am

i could not agree more

[theatre2]

Posted: 5/23/08 at 12:27am

any news of a cast cd

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/23/08 at 12:49am

OBCR is coming... Stay tuned!

[FrontRowCenter2]

Posted: 5/23/08 at 6:22am

Perfect review - exactly how I felt.
Thanks for sharing.

[SpellingBeeFan4Ever]

Posted: 5/23/08 at 8:32am

Bryan, the CD is coming out the day after the Glory Days revival opens.

[SirNotAppearing]

Posted: 5/23/08 at 9:29am

Alli Mauzey is the best thing in that cast.
I just want the OBCR for "Screw Loose". That's it. That's all I'm asking for.