Did Anyone Go to Bryant Park Today 7/17/08?

Just curious...I'll be there! Looking forward to Q because I haven't seen them perform live yet. Also POTO because of John Cudia. I have seen Mamma Mia one too many times at Bryant Park, plus I saw the show twice. I don't know if I can stay for In the Heights - I have a feeling they will go last, because a Playbill article yesterday listed them in a different order than what Bryant Park's site did, so who knows.

EDIT: Updated thread title...did anyone actually go today?

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Updated On: 7/17/08 at 11:09 AM

I remember reading something about Lauren Kennedy for Pure Country.

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I just got back. I could not stay for In the Heights, unfortunately, as I had to get back to work.

Avenue Q performed first. I missed the first song, but they performed There's a Fine Line and Schaudenfreude (sp? haha). The cast of Mamma Mia sat in the front row watching Carey Anderson, whose voice I like.

Pure Country went second...didn't really care for the performances that much, except Laura Kennedy. Maybe if I become more familiar with the show, I'll grow to appreciate it.

Mamma Mia went third. But they perform the SAME SONGS EVERY YEAR. It's probably good to keep the medley of Dancin' Queen and Mamma Mia in at the end, but it'd be nice to hear something other than Lay All Your Love on Me and the Winner Takes All (as much as I like those songs). I know they want to showcase the entire cast along with Skye, Sophie, and Donna, but still...

Phantom of the Opera went fourth and only performed two songs, All I Ask of You and Music of the Night. I forgot the names of the leads - the guy singing for Raoul was good...the girl singing for Christine could have been a bit better, but she is very pretty, and I wouldn't mind seeing her in full costume perform in the show. It was VERY hot out, which probably accounted for any flaws in the performances. John Cudia - what a voice! He was out when I saw Phantom when he was playing Raoul. I saw him in Bryant Park a few years ago and thought he was amazing. I wish I got to see him as Valjean in Les Mis in Chicago, and I hope that maybe I can see him in Phantom - does anyone know when he is staying until?

Then I had to leave at In the Heights, but maybe someone can pickup from there.

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Millie thanks for the report. How did you like Carrie Manolakos, Sophie in Mamma Mia? I really liked Carey Anderson in the part.

So I was there to. Man it was hot.
I couldn't here much of avenue q, but I did enjoy Theres a fine, fine line.

Pure Country was pretty painful. No comment on the cast, but there was a microphone issue which cut out everything that Lauren Kennedy(is that right)was singing until halfway through her last song. I just can't stand country personally so I can tell from that little clip that I will not be seeing that show.

Mamma Mia is another show I personally don't like though I thought the cast was actually pretty decent. I just can't stand the music. (hate me)

Phantom Really impressed me. John Cudia's voice is amazing. He almost made me want to see the show again.

In the heights, a show I love was fun, though I wanted to see Mandy Gonzalez. Janet Dacal was fine, but Mandy and Christopher just work so well together. Benny's Dispatch was fun, and again, I love Christopher Jackson's voice. Pacencia y Fe was alot of fun especially since every time Olga Merediz would say "It's hot!" the audience would go wild. Her voice seemed a little tired, but she was still fantastic. When you're home is one of my favorite songs from the show, and I really enjoyed it, again though i missed Mandy. Janet Dacal's take was interesting though! I also loved when Lin-Manuel jumped in stage. Very fun.

Overall its great and i will be making my one hour lunch break into two so i can go next week!

We just got back- man, it was hot !!!!

It was fun, as usual--- If you love "Mamma Mia", it was certainly the place to be !!! LOL

The basically did a mini-concert- !!

"Pure Country" peaked my curiousity- I am not a big fan of country music, but the ballads were beautiful. Agree about Cudia ! WOW !!!!

Went basically for "ITH", and left happy ! LOVE Janet !!!
She did "Benny's Dispatch" and "When You're Home" with Chris
(Lin jumped on stage during the "Usnavi would bring his radio"
line-) It was cute.

Olga Merediz sang "Paciencia Y Fe" - Perfect for the day !!!

Yeah, believe he said... "wait, there's more"-- :))

What a voice !!!

millie, John Cudia is with Phantom til the 26th.

Lauren Kennedy's a lead in Vanities, so I doubt she's going to be in Pure Country. If that was her performing that's kind of strange.

Are you sure you aren't getting Pure Country and Lone Star Love (which Kennedy was set to star in) confused?

Lauren Kennedy performed with PURE COUNTRY.

Lauren Kennedy's a lead in Vanities, so I doubt she's going to be in Pure Country. If that was her performing that's kind of strange.

Are you sure you aren't getting Pure Country and Lone Star Love (which Kennedy was set to star in) confused?

Lauren is involved with both shows.

http://www.laurenkennedy.com/whatsnew.php

Yes, I was there. Interviewing the cast of Avenue Q and the puppets. It was like getting a Monster school. It was a blast!

Red shirt, black and white shorts. You should have said hi I am friendly.

John Cudia's Final Phantom performance is tomorrow, 7/30.....2pm