From what I've heard, Sutton's performance seems to be the highlight of an otherwise problematic show. You say that if it's a good show, it will last...I don't think it's a good show. The impression I get is that Sutton is holding it together. I don't know if anyone else will be able to do that after she leaves. If they get a big-name star, then sure, but I doubt they'll get a big name star because of the problems the show has.
*possible spoilers* I'll try not to give too much away.
Honestly, I had no real expectations going in. I just wanted to see the show. I liked the set design overall, especially the attic. There were some beautiful backgrounds. However, certain furniture pieces felt out of place in the bareness and there was a wooden walkway that was underused. A whirligig of set changes which was nice. Not thrilled with Ken Posner's lighting. It had its moments, but mostly I found it to be bland and sometimes out of sync with the scene. I think I'm far too picky though. The sound design was standard.
I enjoyed myself. I think it's light though. I suppose the way to describe it is "comfortable." It gives you a warm feeling. Don't go in expecting "amazing" or to be blown away. There's a decent amount of humor. It has no real climax and much of the action takes place off stage and is then explained. The pace plods along nicely for the most part. The score is not particularly memorable. Some of the songs capture moments or feeling, others seem thrown in because they needed another song. The two scenes where Jo's blood and guts story is acted out are fun, especially the second one. In act two, the transition from scene four to scene five needs to be smoothed out so you don't think the show is ending.
The cast. Sutton Foster is delightfully gawkish. Strong singing and just a wonderful presence. She's a joy to watch. Somewhere in the beginning it felt like she was trying too hard, but she settled into it nicely. Perfectly cast as Jo. The producers should be content because she was definitely worth the wait. She coughed a couple times and that's the only real way you could tell she was sick at all. The end of Astonishing has been arranged differently than it was on the sampler on the website, but they may have just taken it down a notch so as not to cause unnecessary strain. She sounded a little rough on the last "astonishing" but nothing major otherwise. She got through it fine and had no problem with any other notes in the show. One of the few characters that grows. Unfortunately, she is virtually forced to carry the show. Jo is the glue that holds it all together. They should've spread the weight around a little more. I don't think Sutton is quite the show stealer people think she is, but she's got appeal and gives a strong performance.
Maureen McGovern was a wonderful Marmee. I enjoyed her more than I thought I would. Her two solos allow her to display a strong voice and reveal some emotion which is really lacking in the show. She impressed with Here Alone and Days of Plenty. Her character is barely developed though. She has an innate strength and a subtle warmth which I think really capture the character. I wish she had more to do, but she has some nice moments in the show. A couple of flat line deliveries though. John Hickok gives a very nice turn as Professor Bhaer. Unfortunately, he gets nearly drowned out by the orchestra during his solo. He's a strong singer too, but the orchestrations got far too loud during How I Am. Janet Carroll is a fine Aunt March, Robert Stattel is a solid Mr. Laurence, and Jim Weitzer does well as Mr. Brooke in the relatively little they have to do. Danny Gurwin portrays an almost frantic, slightly neurotic Laurie. His voice feels out of place in this cast as it is more about tone and power than the other more sumptuous voices. Take A Chance on Me is a fine scene and his passion works against Jo in that scene. The rest of the time I feel his character is out of place. A bit too much of a showman. Too slick.
The sisters' parts are cut down a little too much. Jenny Powers is a graceful Meg but has basically nothing to do except twist her ankle and then get married. Her singing was strong though. Megan McGinnis is a sweetly voiced Beth. Some Things Are Meant To Be is pretty, but a lot of the sisterly love seems forced or awkward. It's partly the way the song is written and partly the way they interact. In the second act, she does not physically carry herself the way she should considering the situation. Amy McAlexander is annoying in her childish portrayal of Amy. She is supposed to grow from child to woman, but does not accomplish it. Her pairing with Laurie also feels awkward. I feel she is miscast. I feel the show should be centered on the sisters, but the focus is shifted to Jo's journey.
The show doesn't have a place where it really hooks you. It avoids major drama like the plague and glosses over some things that are quite important. However, it draws the focus inwards into the little things. It's an intimate show. Gives you a feeling of "home." Some of the scenes/songs are trite and some things still needed fleshing out. The score is only okay. The lyrics tend to be general and the music is uninspired. Most of the performers are first rate though. It definitely needs a strong, committed cast. The story is cut down too much so you don't really get to experience their lives as much as you should. It's been robbed of much emotion. The show is feather light, short on depth and there's very little forward action. It floats along and may or may not strike your fancy. It needs more personality. I had a good time though. It's pleasant if you're not looking to be seriously moved or challenged. They simply treated Little Women too delicately and what they got is a frail but moderately charming show. I think it was worth the visit, but decide for yourself.
