I Love Dame Edna. HOWEVER...

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/24/10 at 11:23pm

Whoever thought that this show would work should be fired. I love Dame Edna. I've been a fan going back many many years now so I obviously couldn't wait for this show. And while she was onstage, I laughed my a** off. However, when little Matthew Finkelstein (as she calls him) came out to croon, myself and pretty much everyone else in that audience tonight completely zoned out. It was like going to see Kathy Griffin and laughing hysterically for 20 minutes and than your old Uncle comes out with his slides from his vacation to the Grand Canyon and insists on showing them to you. You indulge him politely for a little while, counting the tiles on the floor and thinking about what you need to get at the store when you leave, until finally Kathy walks back in to pick up where she left off. Feinstein had absolutely no business being in this show (or her being in his show, however you want to look at it). But any way you do look at it, this show makes no sense whatsoever.



Updated On: 2/24/10 at 11:23 PM

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 2/24/10 at 11:51pm

They both say it was the late Gerald Schoenfeld's idea. VERY smart to pin it on the dead guy.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/24/10 at 11:53pm

Well unless it was his dying wish this be done, there's no excuse. lol

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 2/24/10 at 11:56pm

You couldn't pay me to sit through Feinstein anywhere in any capacity. The mean age of his audience is 85. He teamed up with Cheyenne to get gay guys under 75 to show up to Feinsteins for his show. He's the Madonna of cabaret. He puts me to sleep and is clearly looking to latch onto more dynamic or relevant performers.

Thanks for the warning Jordan.

[Corine2]

Posted: 2/24/10 at 11:59pm

Were there gladiolas? I love Dame Edna and I hope it improves with some more time. I have not seen it yet. Is there a lotto?
I know it is on TDF was it worth 37 dollars? I have been waiting for DAME to come back is her half of the show worth it?
I mean she cracks me up.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 12:02am

The only Feinstein album I own is his Jule Styne album and that's only because Styne sings on it (and is hilarious btw). Oh and the CD he did with Cheyenne Jackson (but I usually skip Feinsten's tracks).

His is the kind of music you play at a cocktail party. He's very pleasant to listen to but I can't imagine paying to see him alone.

Is the audience responsive to him? Did it seem like the majority of the patrons were there for Dame Edna. I was thinking of going just for her but seems like a waste of time. Hopefully she'll tour again or go solo on Broadway sometime soon.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 12:02am

Were there gladiolas?
-Yes.

I love Dame Edna and I hope it improves with some more time.
-Unless they kick him out of the show there's no possible way of that happening.

I have not seen it yet. Is there a lotto?
-No. General Rush when the box office opens.

I know it is on TDF was it worth 37 dollars?
-If you MUST see the Dame, than I would say yes.

I have been waiting for DAME to come back is her half of the show worth it?
-Absolutely.

[Corine2]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 12:05am

How much are the rush seats? I adore that possum! I was looking forward to seeing Feinstein as I never can afford to attend his club and I adore cabaret.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 12:05am

Maybe they should have at-your-seat cocktail service during Feinstein's bit.

[Corine2]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 12:58am

Well, this is really funny.
I love Dame Edna:
http://corinescorner.com/blogvideo/2010/02/all-of-me-dame-edna-and-michael.html

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 10:24am

Corine, if you know them so well why didn't they invite you to the show? You're not getting house seats for Opening Night?

[Corine2]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 10:53am

I don't get house seats but I should get press seats after it opens. I however want to see it now. I am a Dame Edna fan for many years.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 10:59am

Do they do any duets? I could see Edna and "Matt" as a sort of septuagenarian Sonny & Cher doing "I Remember it Well" or "Baby It's Cold Outside."

It seems like the problem here is that Feinstein is cast as the straight man with little experience in that area.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 11:19am

Joe- They don't do a duet, but a full 5 minute (felt like 10 minute) medley.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 11:49am

CoCo, why are they waiting to give you press seats until after it opens? There were plenty of open seats last night. I think since you're an accredited member of the theatrical press they should let you in the same night as The Times, Wall St Journal, Trenton Daily News etc.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 12:05pm

Corine, your satire in this thread is right on the money! Hilarious.

[Corine2]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 12:21pm

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 2/25/10 at 1:56pm

I'm torn about seeing this one. I adore the Great Dame and would go anywhere to see her. I loathe that Feinstein twerp and avoid him like the plague. I'm of the old school that loves the music that Feinstein sings, just hate the way he does it and also his persona, period.

Now, if Cheyenne were playing it opposite madame, what a night that would be! First of all, his singing would be a fine contrast and he's pretty good at playing "straight" man to the ladies (Jackson versus Jackie Hoffmann/Mary Testa). It sounds like what the show needs is some kind of contrast between two seemingly opposite personae -- Cheyenne is by no stretch a square (far from it) and could handle the comedy too. Any thoughts out there?

This is all fantasy on my part, so please don't anyone jump down my throat saying that's not going to happen, etc., etc.

[AAO26]

Posted: 2/26/10 at 3:02am

as talended a m. feinstein is, this pairing was not good idea..

dame edna's character is bigger than life, and she needs the whole stage and focus to be on her..that self-centered personality is part of the appeal and humor.. she is more than capable the carry the show alone..her ad lib and improv abilities are genius.

michael f. adds nothing to the show. mind you. he also worthy of his own show on a different venue (cabaret). this idea was not a good one. probably too late, but can only hope they realize this and break them apart...

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 2/26/10 at 1:28pm

"I think since you're an accredited member of the theatrical press"

That made me laugh harder than any Dame Edna joke.

[RyToast1]

Posted: 2/26/10 at 1:30pm

TheatreDiva...that's not saying a whole lot!!!!