#1
Posted: 8/18/05 at 12:50am
Lennon Review
I must say upfront that, aside from a few songs, I do not know much about Lennon, the person. In fact, I went to the show mainly for Julia Murney. The show is, let’s say, better than I expected. The orchestrations weren’t pumped up in any way. The performances were all first-rate, save for Chad Kimbell, who seems talented – but not right for this show. Two stand outs were Will Chase and Chuck Cooper. Marcy Harriell’s “Woman is the n* of the World” is very energy-packed. Poor Terrance Mann and Julia Murney need to rocket it out of there. They are DRASTICALLY underused.
Unfortunately, as with most historical recounts, the truth was slightly slanted due to Yoko Ono’s involvement – hence the coined term “The Yoko Show.” In the end, Lennon (well, all the Lennon’s) come out looking like that bad guy, with Yoko as the victim.
The stage was set up as a rock concert with three huge television screens behind. Each member of the cast plays Lennon. Certain cast members have certain roles they reprise (Julia as Cynthia, Julie as Yoko, Chuck as a police officer, etc).
I will conclude this by saying, it was fun. Would I recommend it? If you are a Lennon fan – yes. If you are a Beatles fan – NO!
I’ll let you draw your own conclusions from that. Feel free to ask questions.
3/10
Wicked
Not so much a review. This was my 6th time seeing the show – FINALLY won the lotto – sort of.
They changed a few lines, as well as some different blocking (there’s no a martini glass AND olive for Mme. Morrible during “Dancing Through Life.” Definitely for Miss McClanahan to get a little buzz mid-way through the show. Unfortunately, or fortunately, she was out. Adinah Alexander was in. Let me say, GREAT. Not as fiery as Carole Shelley, but still very strong. And very skinny compared to Shelley.
Megan Sikora – finally after 5 times, Michelle is out. As much as I love Michelle in the role, it was nice to see someone else. She is also Glinda’s understudy. And it is quite obvious why, by her voice. She lacked something that Michelle had – but all around, a great performance and a GREAT person.
And the regular Chistery was out.
Ben Vereen is funny as the Wizard. Sean McCourt remains my favorite. He (Sean) is, however, not very good as Dr. Dillamond. He lacks the sophistication of Bill Youmans.
He still plays the Witch’s Father and all as well.
Lastly, I’m not in the mood to bash anyone so I will not really review Shoshana. She has some good moments. Nothing powerful. She lacks stage presence.
OK, I lied. This was my second time seeing David Ayers. He seemed really out of it tonight but he also really irked me during his performance. It seemed very lackadaisical, which is sad because I thought he made a great Fyedka.
I will just say, THANK G-D for MEGAN. She is the best part of the show.
And I must put in a shout out to Kathy Deitch – I miss her!
Anyway, in all – the cast is so-so.
I must say upfront that, aside from a few songs, I do not know much about Lennon, the person. In fact, I went to the show mainly for Julia Murney. The show is, let’s say, better than I expected. The orchestrations weren’t pumped up in any way. The performances were all first-rate, save for Chad Kimbell, who seems talented – but not right for this show. Two stand outs were Will Chase and Chuck Cooper. Marcy Harriell’s “Woman is the n* of the World” is very energy-packed. Poor Terrance Mann and Julia Murney need to rocket it out of there. They are DRASTICALLY underused.
Unfortunately, as with most historical recounts, the truth was slightly slanted due to Yoko Ono’s involvement – hence the coined term “The Yoko Show.” In the end, Lennon (well, all the Lennon’s) come out looking like that bad guy, with Yoko as the victim.
The stage was set up as a rock concert with three huge television screens behind. Each member of the cast plays Lennon. Certain cast members have certain roles they reprise (Julia as Cynthia, Julie as Yoko, Chuck as a police officer, etc).
I will conclude this by saying, it was fun. Would I recommend it? If you are a Lennon fan – yes. If you are a Beatles fan – NO!
I’ll let you draw your own conclusions from that. Feel free to ask questions.
3/10
Wicked
Not so much a review. This was my 6th time seeing the show – FINALLY won the lotto – sort of.
They changed a few lines, as well as some different blocking (there’s no a martini glass AND olive for Mme. Morrible during “Dancing Through Life.” Definitely for Miss McClanahan to get a little buzz mid-way through the show. Unfortunately, or fortunately, she was out. Adinah Alexander was in. Let me say, GREAT. Not as fiery as Carole Shelley, but still very strong. And very skinny compared to Shelley.
Megan Sikora – finally after 5 times, Michelle is out. As much as I love Michelle in the role, it was nice to see someone else. She is also Glinda’s understudy. And it is quite obvious why, by her voice. She lacked something that Michelle had – but all around, a great performance and a GREAT person.
And the regular Chistery was out.
Ben Vereen is funny as the Wizard. Sean McCourt remains my favorite. He (Sean) is, however, not very good as Dr. Dillamond. He lacks the sophistication of Bill Youmans.
He still plays the Witch’s Father and all as well.
Lastly, I’m not in the mood to bash anyone so I will not really review Shoshana. She has some good moments. Nothing powerful. She lacks stage presence.
OK, I lied. This was my second time seeing David Ayers. He seemed really out of it tonight but he also really irked me during his performance. It seemed very lackadaisical, which is sad because I thought he made a great Fyedka.
I will just say, THANK G-D for MEGAN. She is the best part of the show.
And I must put in a shout out to Kathy Deitch – I miss her!
Anyway, in all – the cast is so-so.
