Emcee's belated DESSA ROSE review

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 10:52pm

I saw the show on March 27th, and I jotted down some notes when I got home, but I had a really difficult time forumating a review. I have to review it for a class, and I want to post my thoughts, so I'm going to type a belated, probably not very good stab at it now. I'm not sure why I had so much trouble with it, but probably because I found a lot of contradictions in my opinions of the show. I really wanted to love it because of its intensity, but I didn't, and I can't figure out why, which is always bothersome. I felt similarly with Caroline, or Change, for what it's worth, but I liked Caroline a lot better. This, as well as with Caroline was a very "I liked it, but..." type of experience, where it's hard to put a marker on just what the "but" is.

In any event, the show as a whole is intense, powerful, breathtaking, and somehow empowering, in a way, too. The empowerment probably lies within the concept of two female leads, playing two strong-willed women from totally different worlds who connect through such an unfortunate event from a terrible time in history. But even though the show can be described with all of these wonderful adjectives, something about it doesn't work in the transition from concept to musical. I think it was Priest, who in his review said that it's almost corny. It's not at all about an issue to take lightly, but something about the treatment of it does very slightly brush up against corniness, and I found that to be really unfortunate for such a shocking, gripping story.

The score is great, and obviously very reminiscent of Ragtime. It captures the atmosphere and the time period well. There's a stunning moment when the field workers all start using objects of their work, and it forms a wonderful mix of various percussion rhythms.

The changes in character displayed by Rachel York and LaChanze, and their ability to go from one incarnation to another so quickly and seamlessly was remarkable, though the use of the older "version" of the characters to narrate was a bit extranneous, confusing and clumsy. It seemed more like a filler than something that usefully added to the execution of the story's telling. Both of their voices are strong and stunning. I'd never heard Rachel sing before, but I'd seen lots of raves about her vocals, and was adequately impressed, especially by her number "At the Glen." LaChanze is dignified and fierce, giving a wholly commendable performance.

Norm Lewis plays an endearing, sly, clever and lovable Nathan. His performance is well acted and beautifully sung, as he portrays a character who is both an emotional and physical tie between the two otherwise completely separated woman.

Kecia Lewis as Dorcas was also a bit of a highlight, in terms of some small comic relief, especially with her song about petticoats. That got some very necessary, relieving laughs.

Lastly, the production does a very good job with lighting, and the use of a small, unusually shaped space. Having such a compelling story in a theatre that's so small, where seating is all around helped to convey the intensity, because the action really is almost everywhere.

Updated On: 4/2/05 at 10:52 PM

[ShuQ]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 10:55pm

Thanks...you sound like you really know what you're talking about. And I can't disagree about Norm :)

[Yorkie1276]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 10:55pm

I saw the show Wednesday and found it to be a real let-down. Rachel York was brilliant, but the show itself was missing something. It needs a better book.

[Johnnytoc]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 10:56pm

Nice to read that you enjoyed it.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/2/05 at 11:53pm

aw, thanks ShuQ and Johnny! And yes, I agree with you on the book, Yorkie. It wasn't awful, but could be MUCH better.

Updated On: 4/3/05 at 11:53 PM

[apdarcey]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 3:36am

but the score.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 3:44am

What about it?

[apdarcey]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 3:45am

some of it is the best thing ever.

[apdarcey]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 3:45am

and i'm kind of drunk right now. so forgive me.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 3:49am

With all the fantastic audience reviews I've read on this site, I'm surprised the show got slammed by the critics. Anyone know why?

[hannahshule]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 5:56am

You've never seen Rachel York sing before? *gasp* get yourself a copy of Kiss Me Kate (DVD) quick!!!

Great review by the way

[QueenMuppet]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 5:56am

I saw the show last week and wasn't impressed at all. Can't exactly put my finger on it but I thought the book was very weak and the characters just not very 'likeable'. I know that some of them are not really meant to be but I just felt a total lack of interest in what was going to happen to Dessa Rose (and feeling bad about it).

QM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 11:15am

You've never seen Rachel York sing before? *gasp* get yourself a copy of Kiss Me Kate (DVD) quick!!!

That was a lie, then. I saw the DVD, but yeaaaaars ago. Didn't know that was her!

I agree, QM. I'm having trouble figuring it out, too, but that makes sense.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 11:16am

My review will be up shortly.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/3/05 at 12:23pm

yay!