I'm suprised there is no news yet on this aside from a playbill.com article. anyone? bueller? will there be photo coverage from la based broadwayworld photographes? or anyoen for that matter?
"Beating AIDS and extreme, stupid poverty, this is our moon shot. This is our civil rights struggle, our anti-apartheid movement. This is what the history books will remember our generation for--or blame us for, if we fail."-Bono
I don't know how Opening Night went but I saw the final preview on Thursday and the show is in fabulous shape. The audience never stopped laughing. Sutton, her wrist in a cast, did one-handed cartwheels!! and sang up a storm. Beth Leavell was hysterical as the dipsomaniacal chaperone and Eddie Korbich stole every scene he was in. But the entire cast was pitch-perfect. Bob Martin, the Man in Chair, got a well-deserved standing O when he took his bow. A great night at the theater.
YAY thanks! im excited! is her cast big or what? it seems like it would be a kodak moment-her w/the one handed cartwheel
"Beating AIDS and extreme, stupid poverty, this is our moon shot. This is our civil rights struggle, our anti-apartheid movement. This is what the history books will remember our generation for--or blame us for, if we fail."-Bono
YAY thanks! im excited! is her cast big or what? it seems like it would be a kodak moment-her w/the one handed cartwheel
"Beating AIDS and extreme, stupid poverty, this is our moon shot. This is our civil rights struggle, our anti-apartheid movement. This is what the history books will remember our generation for--or blame us for, if we fail."-Bono
In fact she does about four one-handed cartwheels in the course of the number, appropriately called "Showoff". The wrist cast is small but clearly noticable through her many costume changes.
As great as Sutton is, it's more of an ensemble piece than we're used to seeing her in. The show is NOT built around her character so, in fact, everyone gets a chance to shine. If a Tony emerges from this show - assuming it's Broadway bound - it will be for a featured player or for Bob Martin, the Man in Chair.
And, yes, Danny Burstein is hilarious as the Latin Lover.
I just saw the November 19 matinee of Drowsy Chaperone.
WOW! Wonderful show -- great cast, music. Funny funny stuff. Should do very well on Broadway. Sutton Foster's big number is amazing. The cast on her arm didn't seem to stop her at all.
Huey's Pop---I was there today at the matinee as well. One of the most brilliant and imaginative shows I've seen in years. All the advance "raves" you've heard are true.
WARNING: Don't let anyone tell you much about it. This show is for everyone who ever loved a Broadway musical... so basically that's all of you reading this. To say more would be to ruin an extraordinary and deeply personal theatrical experience.
Details? Sure I can give them to you, but I would be doing you a great disservice. Everyone in the cast is fantastic, and there will be critical praise, many Tony nominations, and a shelf-full of awards. To tell you more would be to spoil some of the many innovations and surprises.
Run, don't walk to this one. And if you can't see it in L.A., try your best not to read too much about it in advance.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
little_sally---This entire production could be lifted in tact and placed on a Broadway stage right now "as is" and start a major stampede.
I looked all through my program to see if there was any mention of it being "pre-Broadway" and I couldn't find it.
All I know is that if I had a few extra million in my pocket, I would invest in a sure-fire, guaranteed hit. If they need any financial boosts or momentum to get to New York, I guarantee you they will find it with this production in L.A.
The word-of-mouth on this is going to be HUGE.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
It definitely does... it manages to be an old-fashioned toe-tapper and extremely innovative at the same time. God, I wish I could give you more details...
...but I wouldn't respect myself in the morning.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
I notice that no one comments on the score. It's fun and servicable and keeps the laughs coming but the score isn't what makes this show work. This is one you're going to have to see to appreciate - the OBC album, if there is one, is not going to do this show justice.
mallardo---it's more than just fun and serviceable. But you're absolutely right that the music & lyrics are completely overshadowed by the show's innovative concept. As it should be (again, once you see this musical, you'll know why I say that).
Taken on its own merits, it sounds like a melodious, tuneful hit show from 1928. But if you think it's a snap to write one of those believably, I disagree.
That said... AFTER seeing the show, this OBCR will have a significant meaning all its own for you. (Again, you'll get that after you see the show. Okay, I'm repeating myself a lot.)
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
best12bars, I didn't mean to denigrate the score. I agree with you on almost everything you've said. AFTER you've seen the show, it'll be a great CD - if you haven't seen it... let's say it will not have its proper impact because for THIS show, context is everything.