Did Anyone See the First Performance of Sweet Charity?- Page 2

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 4:28pm

Thank you Matt.

The reviwer whose report I linked to was very enthusiastic. Yes, he noted some problems here and there, and problems with Christina (she has to learn a thing or two here and there) but he was refreshingly supportive of her and the show. I know that it might dissapoint some to read that he was not describing a train-wreck.

I do know that this company is working its collective asses off on this show. Nobody is taking any days off. From what I hear, everybody sounds deeply comitted to its sucess, and I think there will be quite a few things tried out over the next few weeks.

ddj, Many thanks for your report! I share your dissapointment over your noting that Ernie is not given enough to do, and trust that he won't be wasted as the previews get rolling. In every show I've seen him in, he is a real audience favorite. I don't think it's impossible that he'll be given back "Weddings" at some point.

Updated On: 2/9/05 at 04:28 PM

[TBone]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 6:30pm

I am so excited to hear good things about Natascia! She's such a sweetheart and I can't wait to see SC!

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 6:48pm

I think Natascia has a chance to be nominated for Best Featured Actress at this years Tonys.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 6:58pm

djjd07 - "I must say that her voice is not the powerhouse belter that the role was written for."

Actually, it was not written for a powerhouse voice at all. I was written for Gwen Verdon, who did not have a powerful or even steady singing voice. The role requires a strong comedic actress and dancer with loads of charm and charisma. The role never required strong vocals.

[LouieLovesTheater]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 7:28pm

Okay...I'm the fella that wrote that review that was linked here from All That Chat and I figured I would weigh in with a few more opinions.

First off...thank you Mr. Matt for pointing out that this role was NEVER written for someone with incredble belting power. Has it really ever been big-time professionally performed by an actress with a huge voice? I can't recall.

That being said, the voice fit with Christina's portrayl of the role. Not overpowering but not flat or sharp in the least. The breathing issues will get better as she learns to pace herself as the shows progress. It's not something I was even worried about.

Were Natascia and Solange in The Frug, Rhythm of Life, and I'm a Brass Band? I didn't think I saw them but everyone looked a little disguised.

Hey, does anyone know who the lead frug dancer is? She wasn't listed in the program but she was pretty swell.

Ernie Sabella looked WIPED after the show last night. It's too bad he doesn't have more to do because he is such a swell presence and made the most of his stage time. I did quite enjoy that new number that replaced "Weddings..."

Yes, Natasica does have a good shot at a Tony nom...took a pretty stock role and made it more interesting. Ditto for Solange alhtough hers is the less showy of Charity's two friends.

Can we also have a moment for Marielys Molina and Anika Ellis...two of the foxiest ensemble players ever. Anika wears this great Foxy-Brown-esque wig and Marielys is this little fireball of energy. It's too bad that none of the ensemble men really stood out much. It's primarily a lead driven show though.

Lastly, of the problems I noted...none of them seemed like problems that weren't a) in the process of being fixed or b) problems that wouldn't work themselves out after getting few more shows under their belts. I've never been in a show or seen a show that didn't have some wriggling around in in previews. The tech issues, voice issues, etc are all quite fixable and with this team and cast...they will be.

And to djjd007...wasn't The Frug just awesome? I still have that low funky beat that's played with it in my head. I'm seeing it again Saturday and Tuesday so I'll get to enjoy it all over again!

[TBone]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 7:29pm

ljay - I'd be so happy for her if that were to happen!

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 7:30pm

Louie. Was Charlotte D'amboise in the cast?? Was she in the ensemble? I think she should be the Charity standby.

[LouieLovesTheater]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 7:50pm

Hey ljay...

Yeah, I thought I had mentioned it. Charlotte D'Amboise is the Charity standby. Although she was on the cast board in the lobby she wasn't listed in the program nor was her bio there. I saw her there last night though in the audience and after the show (along with Barry Weissler, Wayne C, Walter B, and some guy who was on that show The Restaurant...the guy who sued Rocco)

[ljay889]

Posted: 2/10/05 at 5:00pm

I'm excited. Charlotte is the perfect standby for this role.