Dame goes to "Little Women"

[DAME]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 12:55am

Well; I got out of seeing the Billy Crystal thing and sold the ticket. I ended up at "Little Women" tonight and I was totally delighted. Sutton Foster is the musical theater star of our time. I truly believe that in years to come she will be considered a broadway legend. She was good in Millie ( though I hated the show). But in this; she is amazing. I predict a Tony.

The show is very heartwarming. It is a very good conventional book musical. The cast ( with one minor exception) is very strong. The music is beautiful but unfortunately forgetable. Maureen Mcgovern was out tonight. But her understudy Anne kanengeiser was wonderful. My only quible with the cast was Danny Gurwin who plays Laurie. His voice was just not there. He had no power behind it. And unfortunately for him; it is most obvious in his duets with Sutton.
Some minor problems; The first act needs something. Particularly in the scene at the dance. The show needs to be tweaked by about 15 minutes. Especially after Beths exit. I also wish the numbers in wich Jo is reading her stories were a bit livelier ( especially the top of act 2).

This show is worth seeing. I hope it does well. And considering they have a few weeks left of previews; I predict a hit.

Updated On: 12/22/04 at 12:55 AM

[leomaxfrank]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 2:03am

It's great to hear that you enjoyed it Dame - i was worried it wouldn't be good. It gives me some hope that people can go see a real musical of original material early this season (before the brilliance of Adam Guettel graces the Mitzi Newhouse)- even though the novel is legendary.
How was Megan McGinnis? I adore her.

[DAME]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 7:45am

She was very good.

[Glebb]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 8:01am

Glad to hear your good reports DAME. Seeing Little Women and Le Cage soon myself.

[IsadoraLee]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 8:46am

Nice review. I was there too and had a good time as well. One thing, though... at Tuesday night's performance... the person who played Laurie was not Danny Gurwin but his understudy...

[DAME]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 8:55am

Really? I saw no sign annoucing this and there was no insert in my program. Are you sure?

[DAME]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 8:58am

Oh my gosh; you are right. I just compared pics in the program. Now I have to see it again. By the wa Isadora, did you have a Aida bag?

[Plum]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 9:01am

Wow, reviews that actually say something other than "This totaly roxz!"

Much appreciated, DAME. But did you have to be so positive? *counts pennies* Too many shows, too many shows.

[IsadoraLee]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 9:13am

"By the way Isadora, did you have a Aida bag?"

Ah would that I did, Dame, but I don't :)

[DAME]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 9:16am

Plum,
One thing about the Virginia theater. It is very small. The cheapest seat in the rear mezzanie is just as good if not better than the orchestra ( because the orchestra has a minimal incline). Also.. if you are tall.. GET A AISLE SEAT!

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 9:39am

Glad you had a good time!

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 9:57am

DAME- What did you think of Amy McAlexander (Amy)? Just wondering, because there seem to be a few differing opinions about her performance on this board. I think she is a good actress, but her voice is waaaaaay too annoying and nasal, even though she is trying to act younger than she is. I heard that's really the way she talks, she just emphasized it more.

I personally thought the Act 2 opener was very lively and extrememly entertaining.

Glad you enjoyed the show!

[DAME]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 11:06am

I thought she was fine. Her transition to a "woman" needs a little polishing and a little less shtick. but she dd a good job.

[junglered]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 12:27pm

Thanks for your review, Dame. "Little Women" is on my list of shows to see the next time I am in NYC. I agree that Sutton Foster has a lot of potential to be a Superstar. I loved her performance in TMM.

[DAME]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 12:34pm

Jungle,
With this show she defintely fulfills that potential.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 12:37pm

This is one of my top choices when I go to NYC in March. Just me and my dad seeing Little Women, awww. I want to see La Cage, also.

[Icbanannie]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 1:51pm

Well I have to disagree with many of you and say that I really disliked this play. I had been looking forward to it for a very long time but I found it to be boring, bland, and have no energy. Sutton was the ONLY good part and she was amazing. Amy McAlexander (Amy MArch) really did bug me when she was playing a child and I would have LOVED to see an actual child in that role for her younger scenes. The 1st act dragged, the 2nd was definitly better. The trasitions from scenes were shaky and not represented well in the dialouge.
I hope to see it again after it actually opens, because I love the book and I see a lot of potential for the show. But I think there need to be some changes made. A large group of people around me were also disapointed and a few did leave after the first act. I also felt that th audience on a whole was not that pleased due to what I overheard during intermission and at the end.
I would not write this show of your list if you are seeing it after Jan. 23rd when it opens becasue I think they will make some changes...well i HOPE they do!

[DAME]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 2:43pm

Icbannie,
Sorry you didn't like it. I am curious as to when you saw it since it is possible changes have already taken place throughout the preview process. Audience reaction last night was very positive. And I am one of those people that tries to listen to others during intermission.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 2:46pm

Dame, did you enjoy Maureen?

[PJ]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 3:04pm

Dame said Maureen was out that night.

Anyways...

I thoroughly enjoyed the show as well. Amen to your Sutton comments!

[Icbanannie]

Posted: 12/22/04 at 3:35pm

DAME
I saw it last night 12/21 same as you. I did like Anne Kinsenger as Marmee but Chris Gunn as Laurie was AWEFUL! I did not even finsh his "Take on Chance on Me" song and had to skip over some lyrics right at the end. I really hope the regualr Laurie is better.

[DAME]

Posted: 12/23/04 at 12:20pm

I agree. he was dreadful. I hate to sound really negative and mean. But if he were a actor in my show; I would fire him.

[Iris Chacon]

Posted: 12/23/04 at 4:47pm

Anee Kisinger has a beautiful voice. Glad to know she is working and glad to hear she went on.