Jaystarr's 10/10 Report on PASSING STRANGE (revisited, remixed and reposted for the SCARYOTYPES) with stage door photos now!!

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:38am

Dedicated to my fellow Scaryotypes- one of the nicest people that I met here.... to everyone..thank you for making me understand and appreciate this piece of ART even more thru the power of discussion!

to joe5- for starting the love thread.

to thetinymagic- for keeping it alive and for your gift.. Thank you!


E28 (remix version)

Passing Strange
New Musical
Belasco Theater
2/10 3 pm matinee (original thread)
5/31 (revisited)
2 hours and 30 mins (with 1 intermssion)
Tix Price : $37.00 (thru TDF)

INTRO :

I saw PASSING STRANGE during the first week of previews. By then. I liked the show, I actually posted a 10/10 Report with the Applause bec. I saw it the same weekend, but somehow I felt like there was something missing on my report, that I can't point my finger at:

My 10/10 Report on Applause & Passing Strange (posted 2/11 )
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardid=1&boardname=bway&thread=957018#3458491


Also...Some of the Scaryotypes here have mentioned to me, if I ever did a "full jaystyle treatment" to Passing Strange~actually my favorite musical of this season.. I told them..yeah! I did..its just not stage door photos, bec. when I saw the show..it was on a Sunday and its winter. We are about to drive home to Boston (from our long weekend stay in NYC for Applause & PS and were tired and just wanted to go home) plus its was very cold and windy that day. And definitely this is NOT the one missing in my Report. A few weeks ago...Yankeefan saw PASSING STRANGE again for the second time and he reviewed it again... after reading his review...it hit me... I knew then what did I missed from my first viewing of the show!

Due to the requests of the fellow Scaryotypes and that feeling of closure. I revisited PASSING STRANGE again this weekend. I retained some of the things that I like that was mentioned in my original report, but I added few new things that had made some impressions on me...hence the term.."remix' and reposted my report again!


Things I LIKE about the Musical

1. The Music- Almost all the songs from ACT 1 are a jam-session. I enjoyed every one of it. The gospel songs (Bapstist Fashion Show, Blues Revelation, Sole Brother) ae very energetic. I wish they'd remove the chairs so people can clap their hands and dance the beat. The Amsterdam songs are very funky... The Keys (which is avalaible for a free download on their website) sounded soo good live... specially the last part where it goes..."and its alright!".. Stew pointed his microphone to the audience and everyone was responding to him back..."its alright!" I think after that number I yelled...Wooo! (lol!)

ADDED NOTES: Since the OBCR was released..I became more familiar to the music, than my first viewing. I really enjoyed the music and its not like watching a concert, the story moves and there's depthness to it.

2. The Main Actors :

Stew was fantastic...very energetic.. you know from the time whe went out and held his guitar.. this is gonna be a mutha f***** show!

ADDED NOTES: I have noticed that Stew did the show differently this time. I came down to the audience and sing to them. I was also told that he does "improvization" of some of his song...example.. he will add a tune or a verse from a popular pop song..one gal told me that she saw the show once and Stew add a verse of the song. "Play that Funky Music" to the Keys song.

-and let me add one more thing.. Stew can act! I really feel the conncetion to him thru the entire show as the Narrator/ Main Character.

- (stage door) one fan asked him what will they sing at the TONYS.. he responded..
part of Amsterdam & Keys. 1/2 and 1/2.

Daniel Breaker- beautiful voice, great actor - great potrayal of The Youth. I thought he was excellent. btw- he plays a younger Stew in the musical.

Added notes :

- I wont be suprised if he wins the Featured Actor at the TONYS. he truly deserves it. He may not play multiple characters, but definitely his transformation from a confused kid from LA to adventurous kid in Amsterdam to Berlin then finding his true self was really great. Worth the price of admission by itself!

(added) 3. The Whole Ensembles:

a. Colman Domingo specially in Act 1 as Franklin- very flamboyant..I assume "closeted gay" ..he is hilarious... though I can see that people might see that its enforcing certain type of streotypes..bec. he is kinda over-the top with the role.

added notes: I met him at the stage door. he loved my shirt so much! when were taking photos, he told.. oh sorry! i'm sweaty! he such a nice guy and very accomodating. I think he is so hilarious even in person.

b. Chad Goodridge- great dancer, nice voice.. I thought he is very handsome and has a nice body.. he lifted his shirt in the Amsterdam scene as Christophe...who can see his nice abs..

added notes: I realized how good he was in the role this time, that multiple accents-he is very convincing in all the roles he did.

-(stage door) he told me that he reads BWW and he love reading the 'love thread'- he also wanted me to tell you guys... that he is very thankful for all the support and all the wonderful things we post about PASSING STRANGE. He said that YOU GUYS ROCK!

c. de Adre Azisa- so talented and so beautiful.. I think I am in love with her!
I thought she looks like Aaliyah! (and I love that singer, too bad she's gone! )

- she is really good in her multiple roles. she truly deserves to be nominated for the featured actress category, probably the youngest of the bunch..definitely talented, I cant wait to see her more on upcoming broadway shows.

e. Rebecca Naomi Jones- I actually love her voice. Actually one of my favorite song from the OBCR is "Come Down Now" and her voice truly shines in that song.

f. Eisa Davis- as the Youth Mother. I never really noticed her till I saw the show the second time. I did not realized how talented she is. I love her especially in ACT 1- Los Angeles. She was very funny in Act 2 and almost you feel regret/ sorrow when you see her "leave" in ACT 2 and that beautiful velvet gown at the end-love it!

Added Notes: All women in PASSING STRANGE are very beautiful onstage and in person.

4. Staging- I love the staging...suprsingly specially after he arrived to Amsterdam.. they moved the whitee curtains to reveal this funky lights of wall... with different colors, flourescent lights... half sunk bands on each sides, the black almost like
Kia- chairs.

5. Lighting- I thought the lighting was one of the strongest part of the whole musical. The way they reflected on the white curtain at the Los Angeles scene was very colorful...evoking that feeling of being in downtown Los Angeles..I really like when they lifted the curtains..while singing ."Welcome to Amsterdam" and they reveal the funky wall of lights...Its nothing I have ever seen... I was ecstatic with joy..I felt like there were some creativity that was put into their to re-imagination his arrival in Amsterdam. I think this is probably one of my favorite part of the entire musical.. I never seen a show that uses too much lights to express different moods and their transitions.

6. The Light Wall designed by Kevin Adams and David Korins- one word-imagination.

7. The Band was something else...finally you felt like the band is an integral part of the whole play.. I mean...almost like a character itself.

8. The Book.. I like it.. I thought it was very original and innovative. Its basically a story of an African-American guy played by Daniel Breaker, just named "Youth". who grew up in Los Angeles and he really wanted to find his true identity..in that quest he left his beloved mother in Los Angles.. traveled to Amsterdam and Berlin only to find out.... I am not going to give the ending, okay?

The dialogues are very funny! though I can see as to why some people will probably be offended by it.. bec. it kinda reinforce "certain" stereotypes.. I looked past it bec. I knew they are on to something else at the end, so It really did not bother me..

Stew's character as the Narrator was brilliantly infused to the book, making side comments and basically telling the story.

I can relate to the main character as a minority who grew up in America. I can see as to why he went to all this different "confused" phases in his life. When I was a teenager...I was "kinda" like him not a 100 percent though...I was searching for a destiny that's mine... I was thinking then... that there's another place and time ...
(for me)

I know why he went to Europe... He wanted to be appreciated for who he is.. not what people want to see him, but I guess a 20 yr old youth sometimes really does not know what he is looking for.

(added) 9. The Lyrics - This is an example of a show, that when you 1st see it during previews. you heard the songs..you like it...but then when the OBCR was released..you tend to listen to it more and more to the lyrics..and you just discover...
that is soo poetic! I love the lyrics, sometimes when I listen to it..I really feel an intense feeling of self discovery.

Keys...

Youth : And after so long.. feeling so alone.. I feel like picking up the phone and calling up that place called home to say that I have found a brand new family where I can be that thing called.."me!"

Come Down Now:

Desi: and you can stop your posing...I have been listening to you talking in your sleep...and its a strange poetry...and all this running from some thing- its seems?...let me chase away..whatever hurting you....my love is more real........than all your dreaming.....so come down now... remove your mask! you see... all you have to do is ask me?

10. The Direction of Annie Dorsen: to think that this show started as a gig at Joe's at Public Theater then an off-broadway play then to the Best reviewed musical of the season..it was a fully realized and strong musical when I first saw it during previews and got more stronger on my second time. The direction was flawless...everything fell perfectly to its right place.


Things I DID NOT about the Musical

N O N E

Added: This is the thing that's missing that I need to go back.. I was on the fence with 1st few songs on ACT 2 (the Berlin)..after seeing it again..I realized that it was VITAL to the entire musical.. its the phase where he overloads and truly realized what he was missing. I listened to the song ( that I did not like on my 1st visit) Identity that now the OBCR is available..and I just realized how beautiful is it.. it may be harsh to some people's ear but that's the point....

per lyrics...

America is cold...slowly exiting my vein....I am getting cold...and the song will break my chain...the chains of.... I... I.... I.... I...I... Identity.....(voice of mom: why dont you wanna be around with your own people! )

Actually this became my favorite part now... I realized that it was the thing that I dont like that was missing... I failed to comprehend it, the 1st time saw it...

like in the lyrics....

What's become of you?? What's become you??
my vein and my ego are destroyed by your expectatons!..now I will let my pain f*** my ego!

PAIN....EGO.....ART!

^^^^ Brilliant! Now I feel a sense of closure~bec. I truly understand now...the journey of the Youth!


In Summary :

First time I saw it... I have one reservation....Now ..not anymore... I let my fear and dislike from the show to show me what I need to learn and understand. Its a truly a REMARKABLE piece of theater..bec. it does not give it to you right away.. it made you think and understand how we find our TRUE IDENTITY... its not what other people see in us...or hate it bec. we dont want to be stereotypes, that we want to go search for that thing that's called ... myself-- that thing that we want people to see us..its not ALL THAT... it also includes our fear~ facing that thing called "self hatred" and only then it could liberate us!

Its truly the BEST MUSICAL of this season... DO YOURSELF A FAVOR... Go See Passing Strange at the Belasco Theater....Go thru the Journey!!!!! so to discover......

THE REAL WAS TO BE REVEALED....RIGHT HERE....IN THIS VERY VENUE!



Thank-you!

J*

SCORE : 10/0- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

(note : my date stamp on my camera is wrong.. it got stucked on 6/1/07)





Belasco Theater












NEW PHOTOS (includes new banners)
(not in the original report)












The New Doors:







Production Photos
(from Playbill)
https://www.playbill.com/multimedia/search/13711.html














The Playbill











Stage Door Photos
(new photos added, not in the original report)

de'Adre Azisa & Daniel Breaker


with Tony-nominated actress -de'Adre Azisa


with Tony-nominated actor- Daniel Breaker




Colman Domingo & Chad Goodridge


with Chad Goodridge


with Colman & Chad and were the Scaryotypes!

(fyi: Scaryotypes is the name of Stew's band in Act 1 while in L.A and the name of the BWW's Fan Group of the show~now being adapted too as the official name of fan group of the Musical!)

with Rebecca Naomi Jones


The Beautiful Miss Eisa Davis


with Eisa Davis


Christian Cassan (Drums)


The "Man" - Stew


with Tony-Nominated composer & actor-Stew.


My Autographed Playbill signed by the entire cast!
(not in the original report)

[joe5]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 10:56am

J*, Another wonderful 10/10 report. And I just pre-ordered the CD, YEAH!!!!! And I agree J*, Scaryotypes are the nicest kids in town. ROCK ON!!!!!

[Rentfan931]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 11:21am

Awesome job. I definitely want to check this one out.

[BenKaye]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 11:55am

Awesome report J!!

[aliciag]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 1:17pm

It's always so great to read your reports J and I am so glad you went back to get a new perspective on the show. It is really one that becomes that much more amazing with repeated viewings. And now to relive it every time I listen to the cast recording is just a gift.

And can I just say that Eisa Davis's "Why don't you wanna be around your own people" kills me every time. I have got so much respect for her and what she does with that part after seeing it again.

[TulitaPepsi]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 1:18pm

FABULOUS pix, Jay!! Thanks so much for posting!!!

Anybody here going to the talkback after the 8 pm show?

And Seth has Daniel and D'Adre TOMORROW at CHATTERBOX!!!!!!

[NYCboy2]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 1:49pm

You're best report ever! I can truly understand what you're trying to say. I, myself is a minority too. I'm originally from Brazil. Indeed Passing Strange is a musical about self-discovery and identity. Jay, you're reports are truly original like nobody else! Like me, you're english may not be perfect but your reports possessed a voice that's truly unique and honest, and that's the best thing! You are truly a gifted person. You can transport everyone in the theater thru your experience. Please don't stop posting. You are such a role model for minorities like me! and by the way, you look good in that black scaryotype t-shirt! definitely black is your color! I want one too...ha ha ha...thanks again, bro.


Updated On: 6/4/08 at 01:49 PM

[little_sally]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 2:13pm

I just have so much respect for Stew. I hope he wins at least one Tony this season. He deserves something.

[karen24]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 2:16pm

Thanks again, Jay, for another great review.
I'm going to be in NYC for the weekend of June 28th and will only have time to see one show--now I'm thinking it really had better be "Passing Strange"!

[Kalimba]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 2:16pm

Jay, A well thought out report, but unfortunately I really did NOT like this show.

[blaxx]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 2:19pm

Best show EVER! I'm so sad I couldn't join

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 2:57pm

LOVE the review, Jay, as usual.

This picture, however, might be my favorite picture from the show. Rebecca is GLORIOUS.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 5:19pm

Best damn show on Broadway.

And I saw someone walking down 5th Ave. today wearing a SCARYOTYPE shirt. I want one!

[scaryclowns223]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 5:28pm

GREAT report Jay!

It is such a wonderful show, truly something special. I hope it holds on for a long time.

Great to see so many people at the stage door. I know when I was there no one went to the stage door and there were no barricades. How was the audience? Full?

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/4/08 at 6:00pm

Yes. It was full! finally the show is picking up! There was even a bus from Maryland, mostly African-Americans in a group tour to see the show. I think its some sort of day trip~like something they offer in day trips/dinner/ticket show to NYC like THE COLOR PURPLE & A CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF package deal. I was very happy to see that!

[luvcaroline]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 12:23am

Great post as usual Jay, and great timing too, as we just saw Passing Strange for the first time last Saturday night (I was planning to write a longer review later, as well as reviews of the other shows we saw on our trip). No doubt about it, out of the 5 shows we saw over the weekend, this was BY FAR the best. Possibly the best we've seen on Broadway in several years. Anyone who has not seen it MUST GO!!!

The music was amazing, the cast incredible, the message/story moving, just a great evening in the theater. I just can't say enough about this show. Totally thrilling, from start to finish. Daniel Breaker's performance was one of the best I've seen in years. If he doesn't win the Tony, then I don't know what's wrong with the Tony's. Actually, all of the performances were great, and true.

Every single cast member was warm and appreciative at the stage door. We loved being able to tell each one of them how crazy we were about their show. One of my favorite Tony moments ever will be when this show wins best musical. Can't wait for that to happen!!

Incidentally, Spike Lee was at our performance and there was buzz that he was considering filming this. Has anyone heard this? Can't think of anyone else I would want to do it....

[thetinymagic2]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 12:33am

Well, he's been to the show at least a half dozen times with different people and alone, so who knows what's up?

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 9:39am

luvcaroline- I am glad that you enjoyed the show!

and to everyone- Thank you for all your kind words, response and inputs!

GO SEE PASSING STRANGE and EXPERIENCE "THE BEST" in THEATER as an ART FORM!

J*

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 10:14am

Can someone please explain the name, "Scaryotype". Is it in reference to something in the show? Thanks.

[joe5]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 10:18am

The name of the Punk Rock Band. That Youth/Stew began with fellow church members in LA. Just before is journey was to began.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 10:23am

Dottie: (fyi: Scaryotypes is the name of Stew's band in Act 1 while in L.A and the name of the BWW's Fan Group of the show~now being adapted too as the official name of fan group of the Musical!)



I honestly have had zero interest in this show whatsoever, but Jay's review has made me slightly curious about it.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 10:23am

Dottie: (fyi: Scaryotypes is the name of Stew's band in Act 1 while in L.A and the name of the BWW's Fan Group of the show~now being adapted too as the official name of fan group of the Musical!)



I honestly have had zero interest in this show whatsoever, but Jay's review has made me slightly curious about it.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 10:47am

Thank you.

[aliciag]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 11:08am

Dancingthrulife04: You really should give it a chance. It really is a wonderful piece of theater and J was really able to put into words all the wonderful things about this show. Plus they have general rush tickets for just $25 so I think that alone makes it worthy of a chance. You may be surprised, I certainly was!

[auggie]

Posted: 6/5/08 at 11:29am

Saw the show last night and loved it. Jay nailed the review and the only thing I would add is that there are some jabs at classic musical theater in the show that some of the more traditional fans may take offense to if they take it to literally. I also like the way Stew used his glasses for emphasis during certain key scenes; who would ever think eyewear could be a key prop?
Updated On: 6/5/08 at 11:29 AM