Dirty Rotten Wednesday Matinee

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 9:20pm

Got tickets off TKTS....Norbert was out, I wasn't really surprised. The show is in tip-top shape. It's better than ever. The audience was wild, even though the tourist crowd didn't get many of the understated jokes. Muriel of Omaha got only a mild chuckle.

Jonathan Pryce was good, not great. His style, a mix of Harold Hill and Henry Higgins speak-singing was alright, nothing special or outstanding. He seemed to have a hard time following the music, it was either going too fast or too slow for him. However, he made up for it in his physical comedy. He's doing things that I couldn't even imagine John Lithgow doing. It seems that while Lithgow let the show be about Freddy Benson, Pryce is playing it all for Lawrence Jamison.

Jason Gillman as Freddy (the first understudy I've seen in any show in about 2 years) was possibly better than Norbert. They sound exactly alike, which is a plus. He was excellent in the role. I don't know why they won't give it to him after Norb leaves.

While Rachel York doesn't have the same vocal power as Sherie Rene Scott, she made the role her own and was excellent.

Lucie Arnaz makes the most of Muriel of Omaha. She's a great singer and dancer, and has perfect chemistry with Greg Jbara, who, like always, is on top of his game.

It truly was an excellent diversion and really cheered me up today.

[mijofly19]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 9:26pm

Glad you had a good time. I agree with about everything you said. I was expecting Pryce to be a little better, but I still liked him. I had Jason go on as Freddy in April, and I agree that he is just as good, if not better, than Norbert. I haven't seen Lucie yet, but am definitley planning as soon as the new cast comes in.

Have you really not seen an understudy in two years? I wish I was that lucky.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 9:53pm

Thank you! GREAT review and good to know things are in "tip-top" shape with one of my all time favorire shows

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 9:55pm

Maybe I was exaggerating a little. The last time I saw an understudy for a lead was Laura Marie Duncan in Dirty Rotten last year.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 9:56pm

I'm hoping to see this on June 30th.

[dabruzzofan]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 10:18pm

I'm going tomorrow..does anyone know if it was full cast tonight?

[starletta8]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 10:55pm

Nope, not a full cast tonight either.

I wandered by to see if everyone was in (I was going to lotto the evening performance if it was full cast or close) and I know that at least Norbert was out. I saw a second name on the board (but it may have been matinee), and when I asked if the boards were current the box office guy only told me Norbert was out.

Glad to see that you enjoyed the show!

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 11:03pm

I think someone posted that Norbert was going to be out for tonight's show as well.

I do see what you mean in terms of Pryce, but I think he really makes it about Lawrence and Freddy, not all himself. He's great though. And I really like the idea of Harold Hill meets Henry Higgins...with Freddy as his little "deliciously low" Eliza

I've seen Jason go on quite a few times since Joe left, and though I thought he was good the first time I saw him, he really is improving. He's grown comfortable enough in the role to truly make it his own, and adds his own funny bits that are distinct from Norbert. Also, he and Jonathan have developed a great chemistry.

Well...power or not...Rachel's "Nothing is Too Wonderful to Be True" sounds gorgeous and I'm really gonna miss hearing it (Of course I love Sherie and am excited for her to come back, but everyone has their own great contributions)

ETA: Starletta, the second substitution probably referred to a credited part played by an ensemble member--like Lenore or the Conductor.

Updated On: 6/14/06 at 11:03 PM

[jillian1234]

Posted: 6/14/06 at 11:13pm

I saw the show this past December, December 31st in fact, and Jason Gillman was in. I have to admit, I was really disappointed when I saw Norbert was out, but I was able to get rid of my pout by telling myself the rest of the OBC was there. Jason was WONDERFUL though. I also am surprised that they did not offer him the role permanently with Norbert leaving.

[carnimiriel]

Posted: 6/15/06 at 1:14am

The ensemble role of Sophia was the other one subbed tonight. And although I didn't get an insert in the playbill, I noticed that Rachelle Rak was on tonight either. I missed her big smile and fantastic dancing.