In our cast album thread for this show, I admitted that I wasn't exactly enamored by the music upon my first listen, but I still felt inclined to give Wine and Roses a shot given the bang-up reviews from a few weeks ago.
I'm so glad I did.
Yes, it's not a perfect show and certainly not a hummable score, but the storytelling is first-rate and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Brian and Kelli are on their way to some well-earned Tony nods, they sounded absolutely GLORIOUS. At one point, Kelli does a drunken dance with a vacuum cleaner in "Are You Blue" that is hilarious in the moment as it is heartbreaking, knowing what eventually happens to her character.
The precocious little girl that plays Lila is adorable and I can't wait to see where her career goes.
Steven Booth was on for the Mr. Shaw track, but I couldn't spot him at all — the ensemble felt pretty much wasted in this piece.
The show clocked in at 1:50 last night (began 7:05, curtain call at 8:55), so slightly overlong for those who are wondering.
Orchestra sounded wonderful and was conducted by the always-reliable Kimberly Grigsby.
Ben Stanton's lighting design deserves a Tony nod as well. Loved the "wave" effect following Joe and Kirsten around.
Go, go, go.
“I am furious, but I am sailing.”