Well I have to admit, it wasn’t nearly as bad as the first time. However I still contend that who ever wrote the book and score for this should be banned from New York. The first 10 minutes I actually found myself questioning my judgment when I proclaimed this as the worst show I had even seen. Then entered the dancing execs, mad scientist and head of Sam Walton and I suddenly remembered why I had spoken so harshly of it. The concept of this show is so ridiculous that it hurts your mind to try and figure it out.
At the beginning Cheryl Freeman seemed like she was just walking through the role but she quickly fed off the nearly full audience and gave a good performance. Nikki M. James still gives a stand out performance. Tonight however Stephen DeRosa and Sarah Bolt stole the show, for some reason the audience ate up their decent at best performances in pointless character rolls. There was however a very noticeable energy through the cast following the preshow announcement that it was the 100th performance and it would be followed with free cake and CDs.
Going in I was not aware of the cast turn over. Andrew Polk left the show at some point and was replaced by Charl Brown who did not stand up to Polk’s performance. And on a much sadder note I was deeply saddened to learn that Brennen Leath who’s “These Bullets are Freedom” (The only memorable song from my 1st viewing) had passed away in September at the age of 25. Perhaps his passing helped bond the cast closer together and give a stronger overall performance. Leath was replaced by DeMond Nason who I didn’t care for.
In the end, I have reversed my position somewhat. While I would
never recommend Walmartopia to anyone, its hold on the title of worst show ever was lessened.
As for the CD, standard packaging. A 26 page booklet with many full color pictures and the complete lyrics. The 20 track CD seems to be a very good representation of the show with most of the libretto recorded. The recording features the entire cast including understudies, Polk, Brown and Nason (missing only Leath) CDs were given out upon exiting along with slices of cake. The entire cast all 14 of them signed CDs, booklets and playbills following the show. Band members and director Daniel Goldstein joined the cast on stage during the curtain call for the cake cutting.
"Have they come yet?"
