Encores! 2023: LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA with Ruthie Ann Miles, DEAR WORLD with Donna Murphy, and OLIVER! — Page 7

Went to see the show tonight because of Donna Murphy, and my love of for the film version of "The Madwoman of Chaillot. "Kiss Her Now", has been one of my favorite songs since I heard the cast album, as well.

Donna was brilliant, and she made me cry. Harada Burns, Fitzgerald, and Ashmanskas all showed why they are stars in their on right, and Williams was a nice surprise. I saw her in Caroline or Change and didn't really like her character. I think it was just the book and music she was given in that show.

KODY JAURON NEEDS TO BE ON MORE MUSICAL STAGES. He moved so effortlessly and everything he did had intention. If he can sing on key, I see him becoming a huge star.

The book is mediocre, and unlike the film, it couldn't be dressed up by set and costume in an encores performance. Act 2 was much better. At that point the book really leans into musical comedy and doesn't spend as much time being precious.

Tonight, after years of listening to the OBC recording and reading that the "book doesn't work," I finally got to see Dear World for myself, and I found it to be a near perfect show.

I went in knowing I would enjoy the songs I knew, but the songs that never got recorded in 1969 are just as wonderful.

Hearing the trio in the second act live, I felt it the equal of anything from Mozart.

I loved every moment of this.

About 15 years ago, I saw an English translation of the source play, and it dragged & was more nonsensical. Even with adding so many songs, I found this simplified & streamlined the plot. After a week seeing things like Camelot & Sweeney Todd which go on for 3+ hours, this felt quite economical.

Loves it! Loved it! Loved it!

Is there a good discount code for this? Or non student rush?

I have the Access code for under age 35 but the seats are only the rear balcony which is super far away up there. I've sat in the mezz with the access program in the past, no idea why it isn't included especially since there's still so much mezz availability.

I’m so glad I went back for the final show tonight. This one absolutely gets a spot on my “Best Encores Productions I’ve Ever Seen” list.

Updated On: 3/19/23 at 11:09 PM

Jordan Catalano said: "I’m so glad I went back for the final show tonight. This one absolutely makes gets a spot on my “Best Encores Productions I’ve Ever Seen” list."



Yep. Me too. Just a solid, well done production of a Jerry Herman miss (but a hit with me anyway...). What's not to like?

I feel like not enough has been said about how hilarious Brooks Ashmanskas was as the corporate president in his rolling office. Just his tone when he responds to concerns that people will die (the line is something like "Do you know them? Are they your friends?" was like the funniest possible choice. Ann Harada, Andrea Burns, and Christopher Fitzgerald all also hysterical. You could say they make the book "work" but I actually loved seeing them do THIS book and this level of (strangely heartfelt) caricature.

Scarywarhol said: "I feel like not enough has been said about how hilarious Brooks Ashmanskas was as the corporate president in his rolling office. Just his tone when he responds to concerns that people will die (the line is something like "Do you know them? Are they your friends?" was like the funniest possible choice. Ann Harada, Andrea Burns, and Christopher Fitzgerald all also hysterical. You could say they make the book "work" but I actually loved seeing them do THIS book and this level of (strangely heartfelt) caricature."

“Strangely heartfelt caricature” sums them up beautifully. I treasured everyone’s work here not only for successfully carrying out Encores!’ mission, but for the case they made for Dear World. I was misty eyed, too.

Updated On: 3/20/23 at 06:43 AM

Donna Murphy as Norma Desmond when? No idea why I'd never thought of it before, but last night it clicked, specifically at the top of act two. She'd be spectacular.

Updated On: 3/20/23 at 11:14 AM

Donna as Norma would be great, but I left wondering Andrea Burns as Rose, when?

Broadway Flash said: "I wanna hear a recording of that new opening number. Through the bottom of the glass. So melodic and lovely."

I didn't realize that was a new Opening. When was it written and added?

About ten years ago, The Roundabout did a private reading of SUNSET BOULEVARD and Donna was Norma. My recollection was they were considering bringing over the Watermill production (which was an actor/musician concept for the show) that starred a wonderful Kathryn Evans in the UK. A friend who saw the reading said Donna was wonderful, albeit that she seemed, at the time, a little young and fit for Norma, especially compared to the actor cast as Joe.

She would perhaps be even more suitable now.

The original song list is really strange indeed- Aurelia’s first song is “Each Tomorrow Morning,” placed roughly where it is now, which is lovely but late and not really a great introduction to the character in the way that, say, Dolly and Mame get in their respective shows. The song list as presented at Encores make substantially more sense.