I saw it Tuesday night for the first time since May and this show is just so special.
I sat in Orchestra B13, the obstructed view seat blocked by the narrator's podium. I HEARTILY recommend this seat to ANYONE wishing to see this show. SOOOO much of this show is played so far downstage and out onto the apron that the part of the stage I couldn't see didn't matter at all and the podium was not so bad either. I could either see around or through it 99% of the time. Frankly, I couldn't believe that my seat cost a third of what the seats just a few over from me cost.
Last time I was way up in the balcony at City Center and it was so much better to be so close. There were so many little details I missed the first time around! I could see the actors so much better! I could also hear the complexities and details of the music and orchestrations much better. I appreciated it so much more this time around.
All the returning cast members from City Center were wonderful. Sara B is still my favorite though. She's just so incredible in this role. I can't wait to be able to listen to her songs on repeat when the album comes out.
Jason Forbach was on for Cinderella's Prince and he was delectable. Super impressed by him!
BDJ was a wonderful Baker and while he definitely skews a bit older than I'd usually want to see for this part, I think he made up for it by being great in the role!
Phillipa Soo is an AMAZING Cinderella! She's just perfect for this part.
Patina Miller is a bit complicated for me. I think she failed to capture the intensity that made Heather's Witch so earth-shattering, but she was still really good and has a great voice. Maybe it's just that I noticed it more sitting closer, but I think she played up the comedy aspects of The Witch more, for better or to worse. Her Stay With Me and Last Midnight were less effective than Heather to me, but she seemed to unlock something in the Lament. It was just more intense and emotional than her other songs and it had me leaning in for sure. Her Children Will Listen was also FANTASTIC. She has such a unique and beautiful voice that worked so well for this song. It left me on a high note with her and I can't wait to listen to it on repeat as well!
Final note is just to say that Milky White remains the best part of this production. Kennedy Kanagawa does such a good job bringing her to life. She gets the biggest laughs and some of the most emotional moments in the show. It's a very impressive display from Kennedy, as well as James Ortiz, the puppet designer, and Lear.
Final final note is that Joanna Gleeson was there, which is wonderful to see! I saw a lone woman sitting in the house right box and thought it kinda looked like her, but wasn't sure. Broadway World just posted a wonderful picture of her and Sara together!
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