#1
Posted: 8/1/09 at 2:13pm
I saw The First Wives Club last night on opening night. A friend of mine got tickets early so we had great seats. I've seen a lot of negative stuff on here and I have to say this was NOT my experience AT ALL. Rupert Holmes book is smart and funny. The score is catchy and, at times, thrilling. Sure a few songs need to be worked and maybe replaced, but there are several songs you go out singing. I woke up with a couple in my head this morning. The cast is splendid. All the leads are seasoned veteran and Tony nom'd/winning actors and that experience shows. Barbara Walsh is incredible both vocally and as an actress. Karen Ziemba is hysterical and neurotic and rich in her characterization. Brad Oscar is so funny and loveable- even if you hate him for deserting his wife. Sam Harris and Sara Chase are comic standouts. The fact that Harris can sing like he does and also be hysterically funny when he assumes his alter ego is a wonder. Sara Chase, who plays all the girlfriends is a real discovery. Her timing is impeccable and she is stunning in all the parts. Some people didn't even know it was one girl. The sets are beautiful and the transitions very cinematic. My only serious criticism is that the choreography and staging need some work at times and a few songs need to be reworked and reconsidered. The most clever staging is the Auction and even it is repeated in movement so it could be more.
High points: Barbara Walsh's Act I closer is soaring and stunning. So heartfelt and full of emotion and her voice is perfection. Harris' first act song is a genuine boost of energy and the audience went nuts. The husbands act II song with Chase playing ALL the girlfriends was brilliant (but again, the choreography was lackluster). Oscar's Act II TV commercial is comic gold. Harris' Act II scene and song is hysterical farce. Ziemba made me laugh one minute and cry the next. John Dossett is such a clown that you forgive his character's idiocy. Ralph's timing and tone is a scream. The girl who plays cynthia (the dead one) has an amazing voice. Wow.
Does the show need work - yes. Is it in better shape than many Broadway shows when they actually open? Yes, indeed. Because I had been a little tainted by some of the hateful remarks here, I was especially interested in other people's opinions at intermission and after the show. The word was a big "yes." Of course people had comments here and there about what should be changed, but I would say 90% thought it was a hit. It moves at comedy breakneck speed with laughs as often as a Seinfeld episode and still remains moving. I heard many women talking about relating to it deeply. And with a little work and a little settling in and some music fixes and some better staging, this could be a show that lasts a long time on Broadway and on tour.
I went in prepared to dislike it. I saw those terrible clips on youtube, which I believe have been fixed in the show by the way. There are so many moments that are incredible that I am not sure why they chose those dreadful clips. But live and in person, I was won over by its energy, comedy, heart and fantastic performances. I look forward to seeing it in its next incarnation.
High points: Barbara Walsh's Act I closer is soaring and stunning. So heartfelt and full of emotion and her voice is perfection. Harris' first act song is a genuine boost of energy and the audience went nuts. The husbands act II song with Chase playing ALL the girlfriends was brilliant (but again, the choreography was lackluster). Oscar's Act II TV commercial is comic gold. Harris' Act II scene and song is hysterical farce. Ziemba made me laugh one minute and cry the next. John Dossett is such a clown that you forgive his character's idiocy. Ralph's timing and tone is a scream. The girl who plays cynthia (the dead one) has an amazing voice. Wow.
Does the show need work - yes. Is it in better shape than many Broadway shows when they actually open? Yes, indeed. Because I had been a little tainted by some of the hateful remarks here, I was especially interested in other people's opinions at intermission and after the show. The word was a big "yes." Of course people had comments here and there about what should be changed, but I would say 90% thought it was a hit. It moves at comedy breakneck speed with laughs as often as a Seinfeld episode and still remains moving. I heard many women talking about relating to it deeply. And with a little work and a little settling in and some music fixes and some better staging, this could be a show that lasts a long time on Broadway and on tour.
I went in prepared to dislike it. I saw those terrible clips on youtube, which I believe have been fixed in the show by the way. There are so many moments that are incredible that I am not sure why they chose those dreadful clips. But live and in person, I was won over by its energy, comedy, heart and fantastic performances. I look forward to seeing it in its next incarnation.
Updated On: 8/1/09 at 02:13 PM
