Posted: 7/6/17 at 11:19pm
Just now getting around to posting my brief ( ? ) thoughts on my June trip to NYC and Broadway:
Stayed [as always] at Pod 39 in Murray Hill area. The tiny room is just perfect for me and I love the neighborhood. Tons of nice eateries and pretty easy jaunt to Broadway.
Five shows in five days. I'm slowing down, as I usually take in seven in five days.
Wednesday night: Hello, Dolly! Wonderful recreation of one of the Golden Age of Broadway's best musicals. Bette and company were divine.
Thursday night: The Government Inspector. Absolutely hysterical. An ace cast led by Michael Urie. I spoke to him briefly prior to the show and he was charming. Having seen him in the Buyer And Celler tour in San Francisco I knew he was very good, but this performance showed what a great physical actor he is as well.
Friday night: Groundhog Day. Absolutely great evening in the theatre. Everything about the production is A+ IMHO. Andy Karl was out with a cold, but Andrew Call was very, very good. My nephew's husband is AK's dresser on the show - as he was for Rocky - so my plus-one and I went backstage, met AC and also spoke to Barrett Doss as she was going out to the stage door. Both were very gracious.
Saturday matinee: War Paint. The only clunker among my choices. A shabby "star vehicle" that tarnished the divas images in my eyes. As others have said before me, why this ping-pong match of scenes on stage? If the book had been reimagined as a camp fantasy I for one would have been happy. Let the [real] fur fly, I say. I could go on about at least several other aspect of this show [the "songs"!], but my ulcer is acting up.
Sunday matinee: Sunset Blvd. Now, THAT'S how star power should be focused. Saw the original production in LA with Glenn Close, London w/ Elaine Paige and San Francisco [tour] w/ Petula Clark. This revival was stunning and it was so special to attend the final NYC performance. Yes, I missed the elaborate original set, but this staging certainly was very, very acceptable.
Finally - and completely off-topic - if you want to see a theatrical spectacle disguised as a rock concert you absolutely must see the Queen+Adam Lambert tour if it comes to your burg. Adam's theatrical background serves him well in the role of rock god and Roger Taylor and Brian May show the youngsters how it's done.
