I just got back. I love this show. I think it's held up very well for its age since it was written, and has a solid score.
The orchestra was great. There were chairs set up in a row, with an occasional locker room bench center stage.
The ensemble did well and the supporting members were very good. Halston and Golden were a hoot at times.
Burstein and Clark were great. Clark really fleshed out the character, I thought, especially with such little rehearsal time for a one night gig.I thought she brought a sexiness to the role that I hadn't seen before. Sexy without trying to being sexy. Loved her book scenes with Morrison.
Morrison was everything I had hoped for; sexy and boyishly charming with great pipes. He's a perfect match for the role and plays off well with everyone onstage.
Gyllenhaal is not someone that I have seen on stage before and I know I have enjoyed her in films, though I couldn't tell you which ones. Oddly enough. I thought she was divine. The book scenes aren't much for her role, but her numbers are classics, and she really sold them. She's not over the top nor is she understated.
I think she is the only performer I know who could be still while singing A Little Brains, A Little Talent and completely sell the number. Such charm and panache. Her singing voice is just as attractive as the rest of her. Gwen Verdon would have been proud.
If only Marshall had given her actual dance steps and/or more movement, she really would have pulled that off too.
Golderg: Terrible. I love the idea of a woman in the role. I love the idea of Whoopi in the role. I love a reading of any work, musical or not. That said, Whoopi read her lines like it was her first acting class. That distinct persona and humor that we all love about her was not there. I can't even tell you that I feel she was miscast, or disagree with her choices. There were no evident choices or cohesive thought to what she was saying. Her timing was ok in certain moments, but even for a one night gig --- it was bad. BAD. I hope to see her again, in something else.
There was mention, as per Todd Haines, that he wishes to bring this production for a complete run on Broadway in the next year or so. I hope they do. With another Applegate.
