Mr. Groban was back in tonight, after his reported illness. He was in excellent voice and was even better, than the first time I saw him. His acting seems to have deepened and only become better. Denee Benton impressed me more, as well. But, this time and last, we left, talking most about Brittain Ashford, who is making her Bway debut. Her 'Sonya Alone' is my favorite song in the show and her delivery is perfection. Tonight, it was soul crushing (in a good way).
The audience did not seem as receptive as when I saw it back in November. There was a reluctant and only partial standing ovation. We were in the stage banquets and we all seemed to stand before anyone else in the theater. I love this show more than I care to admit, although having sat on stage twice, I would like to see it from the "other s/ide."
I hope the show keeps an audience after Mr Groban leaves. I was thinking a younger Paolo Szot could have replaced him or Chris Mann (the opera singer from The Voice), but not sure if he's an actor. I love the Michael Cerveris idea, but not sure he would sell tix. (I guess there's always Hugh Jackman :)
