Leap of Faith Review 10/9 Mat

[RemlapLBC]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 12:46pm

I had purposely waited until after opening night to see Leap of Faith and went to the Saturday Matinee yesterday.

Over all, its a good show. Not a great show. But I've seen a lot worse. And for the price I paid, it was a very very good show. (I love CTG Hot Tix)

Brook, after reading Reidel was expecting the worst, was fine in the part. She isn't Ethel Merman, but the role isn't Mamma Rose and doesn't require it She sang well and wasn't overpowered by the orchestra or Raul. If the show does make it to Broadway, she will sell more seats to tourist that Mr. Esparza will. Don't knock her till you see her. She does fine.

The townfolk and their random ballet. WTF? Makes no sense. The director is no Matthew Bourne and doesn't add to the plot. The show runs a long 2:45. Cutting the random dance and making the show 10 minutes shorter would help this show a lot.

Random note, the actress that plays Jonas' sister was played by the understudy who was great in the role.

In summary, if it makes it to Broadway. Go See It! You'll have a good time. Just, find a discount code before buying tickets. What's good theatre at $50 and what's good theatre at $150 are two different things.

I continue to like Michael Ritchie as CTG's artistic director much better than "Saint Gordon" who seemed to feel it was his job to put on only important shows, not necessarily good shows. The booking pre Broadway runs at the Ahmanson, (Leap of Faith, Curtains, The Drowsy Chaperon) and making the Taper actually enjoyable, (Parade, The Lieutenant of Inishmore) are making me think I might actually resubscribe.

[roseaddams]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 2:20pm

Kendra also missed the Friday 10/8 show. Her understudy is pretty fantastic, though.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 2:24pm

Which of Kassebaum's understudies has been going on for her?

[Hest882]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 3:02pm

I heard it was Michelle Duffy.

[roseaddams]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 3:12pm

It was Michelle Duffy on the eighth.

[bk]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 3:24pm

It's Michelle the entire weekend.

[WSStory]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 3:29pm

I wish I would have seen the understudy for Jonas' sister. I thought Kendra's part and voice were really annoying! She was OK in her big number in the second act but I wish they would rewrite her part or recast.

[Huey's Pop]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 7:56pm

Just attended the 10/10 matinee. The show was just OK for me. Raul was excellent but I felt no emotional connection for the material and was nodding off in the second act.

The audience seemed to love it and many of them were on their feet with the "Obligatory Los Angeles Standing Ovation" that most every show here seems to get.

Glad I got the seats for half price. Not worth full price.

[nealb1]

Posted: 10/10/10 at 10:05pm

Just got back from seeing the matinee today. I thought that the 2nd Act was much better than Act 1, and Brooke and Raul were very good. I'm thinking with more direction, they could really own the roles. Michelle Duffy was covering for the sister, and she was very good.

I agree with the ballet sequences - didn't fit the show and really wasn't necessary. Was totally surprised when the son got out his walkers from the porch. Didn't see that one coming as when you first see him, he's sitting in the diner, and carried off stage by his friends. He was very good.

Never saw the film, but it was very similar to "110 In The Shade."