Posted: 3/20/19 at 2:22am
I've gotten myself into this so deep that I'm not sure if I can get out and remain consistent.
My input is that I saw the first and last previews of the Roundabout production. After I saw the first preview I also watched the Great Performances 2002 broadcast of the 1999 revival, transferred to the West End and, after Marin Mazzie left, featuring Rachel York and Brent Barrett in the principal roles. I guess I should admit right off that I preferred York and Barrett to O'Hara and Chase. The West End stars had been in the role for a considerable time and they had every nuance down. Every reaction to every blow. Kate, seething from discovery of the note that named the intended recipient to be Bianca, rips off "I Hate Men" with great conviction, then stalks Petruchio around the chamber as he plays out his wooing scene, in which he expected to succeed. Besides administering slaps and kicks, Ward gives Bartlett a sock in the solar plexus and an elbow to the groin.
This appears to set up the infamous spanking, which can be seen to balance out the abuse taken by Petruchio and pave the way for the final reunion. I think that the spanking should have been shorter.
Meanwhile, what are Kelli and Will up to stateside? Kelli does not appear to be taking this nearly as hard as Rachel. Relatively subdued "I Hate Men." No punch to the stomach or elbow to the groin. But aggressive, attacking kicks and hearty slaps. My argument with PhillyGuy is that Kelli could have played the role as over the top and more as Ward and Mazzie, but did not agree with that interpretation of her role. My source is the Newsday interview.
"Kiss Me, Kate” is the next musical to get a cultural update. What’s that process been like?
We don’t want to fix what’s not broken. Like my song “I Hate Men” — we’re not changing anything about that except I’m not flailing about, like a crazy woman, so you discount me. I’m just singing the words.
She had seen and admired Marin in the role in 1999. Marin took the number way over the top, but Brantley said over the top, but not out of control. On principle Kelli does not sock Will in the stomach or in that other place, despite the fact that it gives Petruchio good laugh opportunities in his reaction. The spanking is removed from Petruchio's sufferings in compensation. And the production is the worse off. Perhaps. A lot of people here just seem to like it the way it is.
But, to return, my object was to defend Kelli O'Hara from accusations that she can't do bawdy. She showed bawdy in The Merry Widow. Drunk, wandering onto the stage with the Grisettes, getting on their kick line, patting their rumps when they bend over. (also on YouTube) Let me also point out that Kelli does the split legs gag just as her father returns to the room to see how things are going. (Not done in first preview) This is not only the bawdiest gag, but at least one I heard stated that being put in that position every night could be dangerous to her neck and spine. So she will go out on a limb for the good of the musical.
Is not Kelli allowed to re-interpret her role the same way that Laura Benanti took such great liberties with Eliza. I've watched the Wendy Hiller film of Pygmalion, screenplay by Shaw, not long ago, and Shaw's Eliza is not Benanti's Eliza. Hiller is down on the street in the rain bawling and mourning her ruined flowers and afraid of the "police officer" taking down what she was saying. Not full of self confidence.
The only remaining problem is that the two of us seem to think that the production would be better with more physical, slapstick humor.
There is no theatricality, flamboyance or over the topness about her.
But others disagree and the reviews were better than expected. But why is the show already on discount?
