Hi/ Phantom/ Mamma Mia/ Sweet Charity

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 8/4/05 at 10:45am

Hi. I recently joined this sight. I have made some posts before, but this is the first thread I've started. I recently saw Phantom, Mamma Mia, and Sweet Charity. Here are my reviews.

Phantom
This is one of my favorite shows. I love the music and the story and am a sucker for big sets and spectacular special effects. In the role of Christine, alternate Rebecca Pitcher was phantastic. Though her voice was at times rough around the edges, her high notes were splendid and she portrayed her character really well. In the role of the Phantom, understudy James Romick was phabulous. He sang and acted in beautiful voice with great emotion. I actually prefer him to Howard McGillin. Tim Martin Gleason was probably the worst Raoul I have ever seen. His voice was rough, shaky, and not smooth as it is supposed to be. He had such bad chemistry with Christine that the audience actually clapped when Christine kissed the Phantom. The performance of the night (afternoon) was definitely Anne Runolfsson as Carlotta. The second she stepped on stage, she WAS Carlotta. Her singing was amazing enough to believe that she was a huge opera diva. All of the other roles were played very well, and the chorus sang well, but should have been louder by a few decibels in Masquerade.

Mamma Mia
I went into this show thinking that it would be hokey and amateurish, but it was not. I found the plot to be rather intriguing and clever, and definitely not a string on which to hang the songs. The music was great, and the physical production was very nice. The best part of the show was the cast. Everyone in the cast was fantastic, and a million times better than the Original (London?) Cast Recording. The dancing was energetic, and the singing was wonderful. The performance of the evening was by Carolee Carmello, whose splendid vocals and excellent acting stole the show.

Sweet Charity
I also went into this show with low expectations. Boy was I wrong! I usually despise minimalist productions, but this one worked. I am not a huge fan of Fosse, and I loved Wayne Cilento's choreography. Christina Applegate was wonderful in the title role. Her dancing and acting were both fantastic, and her singing, though weak, was much better than I expected. Denis O'Hare was hilarious as Oscar, and Janine LaManna and Kyra DaCosta were great as Charity's sidekicks. Paul Schoeffler was excellent as Vittorio, and sang very well. Though the plot was nothing special, it was very funny, and the score was in my opinion one of the best ever written.

Please respond with your opinions on these shows. Since I am a diehard fan of Broadway, I am still kicking myself for not finding this website a long time ago.

[Herbert_Von_Krolock]

Posted: 8/4/05 at 10:46am

Hi and welcome to the boards Hope you have fun here

[idinarocksmysocks!510]

Posted: 8/4/05 at 11:08am

Welcome!

[mominator]

Posted: 8/4/05 at 11:39am

Hello, hi, and welcome!!! Glad you enjoyed the shows. Have fun posting, and don't forget to stop by the off topic board as well.

[Born2cthelightsofbway]

Posted: 8/4/05 at 11:40am

bwaylvsong- Hey welcome. You and I have a lot in common. Phantom IS my favorite show. :)

[lamentingenvelope]

Posted: 8/4/05 at 11:44am

Welcome!! Ahhh, I'm seeing Charity next week and I am SO EXCITED!

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 8/4/05 at 11:55am

Glad you loved Carolee. She is Broadway's greatest!