Curtis Holbrook's last performance in Xanadu!

[SillySara]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:16pm

I've been a lurker on here for a very long time. I figured, if I'm gonna finally post something, I am gonna do it right. And honestly, I have got to rave about Curtis Holbrook's last performance in Xanadu at today's matinee.

First off, I must say that the cast was on fire this afternoon. Patti Murin was on for Kerry Butler and was her usual fantastic self. She really belts out those songs (her "Suspended in Time" is a tear jerker) and honestly, gives Kerry a run for her money. Cheyenne Jackson was also amazing, as always. But Curtis was the true star of the show today.

From the moment Curtis came out, he was receiving the loudest applause from the audience. He really started hamming it up when he did the Ace Ventura talking out of your behind move when he introduced himself as the Muse of Comedy. His playing with the streamer at the end of "I'm Alive" was beyond funny. He also got such a great responce when doing his tap. The crowd didn't even let him finish before they errupted in applause. Curtis was also especially funny during "All Over The World," giving people in the stage seats some very special extra attention. You could tell he was pretty bummed about it being his last show. With such a great family he has got there, it must be tough for him to leave. But he is moving on to really great things. So congratulations to Curtis for a really great last show and good luck to him in the future!

Also, have to make special mention of Jackie Hoffman's adlib today. There was a group of teenage girls sitting on stage, to which she walked to over to them and started singing "oh my god, oh my god you guys" a la Legally Blonde. Cheyenne eventually broke character and started laughing, which made everyone in the audience just laugh harder (my sides hurt). Then Jackie went over to them and did it again, to which Cheyenne literally flicked Jackie off (clearly, for being so funny and getting him to break character). It was really really great.

The show was spectacular. As someone who has seen the show multiple times, this is definitely one of the best Xanadu performances I have ever been to.

Everyone was at the stage door to see Curtis off. Which I think he really appreciated.

What a great time at the theatre! :)
Updated On: 9/14/08 at 08:16 PM

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:18pm

I feel like Kerry Butler is never in.
Every time I read a review its of Patti Murin.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:23pm

I know. Ever since the Tonys, it seems like Kerry calls out all the time.

[Drunk Chita Rivera]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:24pm

I actually really laughed out loud (very loud) when I read the Legally BLonde thing. I wish i was there. Ya think someone got it on video?

[chinkie azn jai]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:26pm

who is taking over for Curtis?

[BenKaye]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:29pm

I was there today as well, and it was AMAZING!

Curtis was fantastic, as was Patti Murin, and of course, Jackie Hoffman's adlib was hilarious!

Good job, Xanadu!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:34pm

Yes, it was AMAZING !!! Best of luck to Curtis !!!!

You are extremely talented, and one of the nicest guys anyone could ever meet !!!!

As far as Kerry.. she is not "calling out"- She was on vacation a few weeks ago, but has not done Sunday's in months.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:38pm

I saw Kerry on a Sunday and it was less than a month ago.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:48pm

<< I saw Kerry on a Sunday and it was less than a month ago. >>

It is possible that she went on that Sunday--- maybe Patti was out that day.

Generally, however, Patti does all of the Sunday's, and Kenita Miller went on as Kira/Clio a few weeks ago as well.

[jezi]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 8:53pm

It was me that Jackie was singing/screaming the song too- like RIGHT in my face! It was hilarious.. but I was soo embarrassed! I must have turned so red! I'm definitely not a teenager, but I'll take that as a compliment
I still can't believe that happened. I've sat in that area plenty of times and have never been the target before... I guess it was bound to happen. I've actually never seen Cheyenne break that much! Priceless!

The show was fantastic... and its so sad to see Curtis go (again!) but I was glad to be there to see it. He just brings so much to it and his tap was even more extraordinary than usual- not sure how that's possible. I can't even think of all the funny little things he did.

Patti is fantastic as Kira, I saw her a bunch over the summer since I tend to go on Sundays a lot. I totally love her voice!





Updated On: 9/14/08 at 08:53 PM

[Parks]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:14pm

I'll have to go see the show on a Sunday soon! I'd love to see Patti's take on the role. I'd ESPECIALLY love to see Kenita! I bet she's awesome.

but of course, I love Kerry too :). Curtis will be missed. Didn't he leave once before too and came back?

[little_sally]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:26pm

Any idea what Curtis is doing next?

[BNN]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:27pm

Curtis left to be in Saved if I'm not mistaken, I know he did leave for some time. I can't wait to see him in West Side Story (if it is confirmed). But seriously people, he deserves his own show!

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:28pm

Parks, he left once before to do the limited run of SAVED at Playwrights Horizons.

little_sally, next up for Curtis is the revival of WEST SIDE STORY.

[SillySara]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:30pm

<< I'm definitely not a teenager, but I'll take that as a compliment >>

Definitely a compliment. :)

<>

He lef to do "Saved" but ended up coming back to play Sonny while Cheyenne was doing "Damn Yankees" and thankfully, stuck around for awhile.

<>

Action in "West Side Story."

[SillySara]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:32pm

Wanna Be a Foster beat me to everything.

Sorry if my posts are a little sloppy, I am still figuring this whole actually posting thing out.

As for Kerry being out a lot, everything that I have heard (like Testing said) is that her contract now says she does not have to do Sunday performances. Luckily, she was at Broadway on Broadway today. Though Patti singing that part would have been just as good.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 9:41pm

As I said on the 'Du Crew board, I wasn't able to get there to see Curtis off, either yesterday or today because of a family matter, but I wish I'd been there. And, to sing an old song, Curtis should be in Pal Joey -- he'd be perfect and the show, for once (excepting Gene Kelly and Harold Lang), would have a real dancer in the part. But Good Luck Curtis -- we all adore you and wish you the very best!!!!!!

[dshnookie]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 10:07pm

According to Patti's website http://www.pattimurin.com/news.html

Patti will be going on vacation from September 15th until the 23rd, and will return to Xanadu on the 24th!

Patti will be going on as "Clio/Kira" in Xanadu on Broadway from Saturday, September 27th through the matinee on
Wednesday, October 1st ! Click here for the official Xanadu website.

It couldnt be another vacation for Kerry could it?

[Testing1232]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 10:19pm

And Marty Thomas MIGHT be going on for Patti during her vacation for a few days !!!

[jezi]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 10:22pm

that's awesome! I'd love to see Marty in that track :)

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 10:27pm

Does anyone know why Kerry always has so many planned absences?

[DRSisLove]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 10:38pm

Will Marty sing in a red dress during "Dancin'"? Haha.

[SillySara]

Posted: 9/14/08 at 10:50pm

DRSisLove, one can only hope.

Would love to see Marty in the Mt. Olympus scene!

[sbflyfan]

Posted: 9/15/08 at 12:26am

Awww I'm so sad to see Curtis leave Xanadu again. I caught a performance of his in July when he was on as Sonny and he's really talented and a generally nice guy.

Best wishes to him!!

[BobRandomGuyMan]

Posted: 9/15/08 at 12:58am

Curtis' tap dancing is seriously so fierce, I saw the u/s and he couldn't hold a candle to Curtis. I will miss him!