History Boys, Drowsy, Wicked, and Spamalot Reviews 7/11-7/13

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 12:07am

I saw 4 shows in 2.5 days, and I think I made the right choices as far as shows go- thanks to your help! Here are some semi-reviews…Beware of spoilers.

Spamalot 7/11/06 – Well, I had doubt after purchasing tickets to this show. After several attempts of trying to see the show in previews in Chicago and other New York trips, I’d about given up hope. I almost tried to hold off for the tour, but there is no guarantee that the tour will visit my area, and I love Monty Python in general. First of all, it was an enthusiastic audience which always makes a musical comedy more enjoyable. I didn’t really see much of the original cast on television. To be honest, when I saw Sara Ramirez perform on the Tonys, she got on my nerves! While I am sure she was wonderful live on stage, it just didn’t transfer well on television in my opinion. I thoroughly enjoyed Lauren Kennedy, and the Lady of the Lake role in context and on stage, so I think that was a pleasant surprise. In general, the show exceeded my expectations. I found the book witty and amusing. While the songs funny, the way they were executed was so amazingly clever. The song lyrics weren’t the only funny part of the play; the book was thoroughly engaging and the actors played their part well. I smiled throughout the whole show. The costumes and sets were gorgeous. Michael McGrath was hilarious as was the actor who played Arthur (I don’t have my programs handy). It’s a strong cast with a lot of energy.

Drowsy Chaperone (matinee) 7/12/06- Full cast minus Kecia Lewis-Evans (Trix).
I have mixed feelings about this show. I’m very glad I saw the original cast. Bob Martin is spectacular. I saw him on television before the Tonys, and honestly, his performance on Regis and Kelly, the Tonys, etc. is really what drew me to the show. He didn’t disappoint. What a performance. I loved the details of the character; I loved his movement; I loved the depth of the role within a fluffy show. I loved the heart he put into the role. I’d never seen Sutton Foster, and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. All I can say is that she is perfection! Her voice is beautiful. I’m not particularly drawn to that type of singer, but her voice is clear and controlled. Very enjoyable. I thought the musical within a musical was horrible. I know it was supposed to have a lot of musical theatre stereotypes, but I just really didn’t enjoy that part of the show. The singing and dancing was very good which made it bearable. What I enjoyed about the show was the musical theatre commentary. As an avid musical theatre fan, I related to that passion for a favorite show and the theatrical experience in general. I was really moved with the story behind his love for the musical. To me, it made the horrible musical worth watching because it was a vision of The Man in the Chair. I found the show quite sad at the end, but very touching.

Wicked 7/12/06 - Well, after battling torrential downpours (I was determined to enjoy my afternoon in the city), I made it to Wicked. I was almost dry when I found out that Eden wasn’t there. I enjoy Eden immensely. I was looking forward to seeing her again before she left. I don’t know why these Broadway performers don’t schedule their life around my travel plans! Anyway, I was thrilled to see that Saycon Sengbloh was standby. I was interested to see what she would do with the role. So, instead of settling in for a familiar performance, I prepared myself for a new take one of my personal favorite female roles in musical theatre. Overall, I enjoyed the show less than the last time I saw it. I found the energy lacking. This was the first time I sat farther away from the stage, so I enjoyed a different point of view. Derrick Williams who I saw on tour about a year ago was spectacular. I love his voice and his take on Fiyero. Katie Reinders was a bit of a disappointment in my opinion. She was by far my least favorite Galinda. I don’t know when screaming (literally) became a comic device for the role of Galinda. Her voice was beautiful, but I just didn’t enjoy her Galinda very much. Saycon was perhaps the most interesting part of the whole show. I really, really enjoyed her character development. She played Elphaba quite different from any other actress I’ve seen (which have only been 2!). Very timid, vulnerable, and unsure at the beginning, gradually gaining strength and confidence, and finally, becoming the “Wicked Witch of the West”. Her voice was gorgeous and grew in strength as her character grew. She was quite timid and quiet on “I’m Not that Girl,” but by the time she got to “No Good Deed” we are talking a strong beautiful belt. I enjoy a good belt throughout the show, but I appreciated the change in voice for the different numbers. I sat next to a young girl who just adored the show. Her mom had to explain parts of the show. It was so cute when she was looking for Nessa when Glinda was paying her respects. I forgot how literal those little ones take the theatre!

The History Boys 7/13/06- Full Cast.
Well, I have mixed emotions about this show. My seat was far from great. And apparently when you win a Tony award for best play; you also win the most obnoxious audience. I have never had a less enjoyable night in a New York theatre, but it had nothing to do with the show. There was a proliferation of older people in the audience who apparently didn’t understand that you can not talk loudly during the show. I understand people who use the hearing devices may not realize how loudly they were talking, but there were others that were neither elderly nor hearing impaired that talked throughout the entire show. To add to that, there were people who really weren’t into the show who basically tore it apart during intermission. My favorite comment: “This reminds of… a play.” Smart a**.
I was in row P to the side with the tallest woman possible in front of me, and the lady next to me chomped gum through the WHOLE show. People could not get to their seats on time for the beginning of the show and after intermission. There were several people who got up out of their seats, returned, and climbed over everyone to get back to their seat in the middle of the show. Beyond that I still really enjoyed what I could hear of the show. I’d like to get a copy of the play and re-read it because I know I missed a nice slice the dialogue.

I was surprised at the direction the plot took. I wasn’t really expecting such an intense and morally…ambivalent take on such a situation. I’m not quite sure that I understood the motives of Richard Griffith’s character throughout the show, and I’m not quite sure that I agree with the way they portrayed the abuse. It was as if it wasn’t that big of a deal, and somehow, even with the difference in British culture, I found it a real issue for my acceptance of the play. I found all of the boys to play characters that were complex, yet playful. Youthful and innocent in some aspects; innocence slipping away in other aspect of their life. I found the commentary on education interesting, engaging, and thoroughly truthful. The staging was awesome; the actor placement on the stage impeccable; the videos an exciting addition to the show. Throughout all the commotion in the theatre, I sensed an energy and beauty to the words. I know there has been talk about The History Boys being homophobic. While I haven’t read that particular thread; I would assume that it is about Posner’s lack of life success and coming out. I believe that Posner’s story is the most touching and thought provoking. He never makes it through his “phase” and his success in life stops when he refuses to admit, accept, and deal with his sexuality. Instead, he remains attached to a place where he felt somewhat comfortable even if he was thrown to the side and told to ignore his feelings. The rest of the boys move on and (mostly) upward. Posner’s personal dilemma limits and truly prohibits moving on in life. Unfortunately, there are many people in the world that are still dealing with such issues, and I'm glad it is addressed within the play. Overall all, I'm glad I saw it, but I wish the audience would have been more polite.

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 12:18am

Kecia Lewis-Evans wasn't in Bryant Park on 7/13. Is she sick or on vacation?

[Just_John]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 1:27am

She wasn't there tonight either.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 3:31am

Glad you liked Saycon, she delivers my favorite "Defying Gravity." She's got some power to her voice. I love it.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 3:36am

If I were you I would have killed myself. I think your show selection was very poor. You saw probably my least favorite shows in town. I got a ticket for Spamalot on the same day i saw it, it was SRO though, only $ 21.25, still too much!

[FrontRowFirst]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 11:58am

Wow, I agree with a lot of your opinions, hermionejuliet.

Loved the outer story of Drowsy but not the musical within.

Also, have to say that Kate Reinders, as beautiful as she is, was the most annoying Glinda! Seeing her was the first time I really disliked the character and wanted her to go away.

History Boys also caught me by surprise they way they handled the abuse situation. Perhaps it's a cultural issue - I'm not really sure. It still left me feeling incomplete after the show, and a little bewildered.

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 12:43pm

Muscle,

Out of curiousity, what shows would you have chosen?

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 1:35pm

Thank you for the reviews of SPAMALOT and WICKED

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 3:01pm

Great reviews. Thank you for sharing. My experience at History Boys was a bit like yours but we were able to shush the people who were talking and the elderly lady next to me apologized for having her headset up too loud and she and her friend both turned them down for act II. As far as the comment on your selection of shows, I say that one sees what one is interested in seeing and should not be told that their selection is poor. JMO

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 3:17pm

Im sorry if i sounded bitchy, but i just didn't enjoy any of the shows, actually i liked Wicked, but why seeing it again? I think the shows you saw have good marketing, though. I'd have seen Rent and The Wedding Singer, maybe Spelling Bee. Just saying that i'd have been depressed if i went to NYC and seen those 4 shows, just not my cup of tea. One time i went to NYC and saw about 4 shows and i didn't enjoy any of them. It made me sad.

Updated On: 7/15/06 at 03:17 PM

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 3:51pm

Well, I've seen Rent 8 times including the 10 yr. benefit concert. So I completely agree with you there.

I've seen Spelling Bee, and L-O-V-E-D Jesse Tyler Ferguson who wasn't there this week. So that killed that option for me. I don't anything could live up to Jesse's Leaf.

As for Wedding Singer - let's just say that I have strong aversion to 80's style music and wedding themed musicals (their number on the Tonys reminded me of Mamma Mia which I strongly disliked)!

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 3:55pm

Oh ok, well, the # you saw of The Wedding Singer is just the opening number. You can't judge an entire musical by 1 number either. I mean, I loved "Show Off" at the Tonys, from Drowsy, and the show was not my cup of tea.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 3:57pm

The opening number of Wedding Singer is really as good as that show gets. If she didn't like that, she'd probably hate the rest of the show.

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 4:02pm

It's all good. There is only so much you can use to judge a show that you haven't seen. Musical numbers on tv shows/Tonys, reviews (personal and from other sources), and listening to the music. If The Wedding Singer tours,I'll probably see it, but I tried to pick shows and/or shows with specific actors that I thought I would enjoy. It is not fun to choose shows that you end up disliking. I went to NY in the spring and saw Avenue Q which was a big disappointment in my book. Even disliking one show is disappointing.

Updated On: 7/15/06 at 04:02 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 4:18pm

hermione, that's the only reason I saw Dirty Rotten Scoundrel. For Joanna Gleason. I just wanted to see her live. Not my favorite show and the only way I will ever see it again is if the tour hits Denver and I go with friends who want to see it.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 4:30pm

I only enjoyed Gleason's performance.

Updated On: 7/15/06 at 04:30 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/15/06 at 5:40pm

The show wasn't totally forgettable, but I just found it to be fun for the time I was in the theatre. I went while they were doing the Dirty Rotten Giveaway and got the CD, which was defective, and I actually listened to most of it for awhile. But it is not a show I will run back to see again. Too much else to see! Oh, and I do like John Lithgow and enjoyed him also in the show. I am glad I got to see Leo's Tony winning performance also.

[whatyouown223]

Posted: 7/16/06 at 12:27am

I loved the music to DRS and was so looking forward to seeing it, but was just left flat. I was actually angry because I thought I would love it!

[vjRichie]

Posted: 7/16/06 at 12:52am

why would anyone want to see RENT on B'way now. Listen to the OBC and watch the movie... you'll have a much better time and have saved some $$$.

...hermione - thanks for the reviews and btw, to answer your q: muscle23 would have seen every performance of Bombay Dreams that played during those 2.5 days...if it was still running!