MAME in DC June 10, 2006...2 Weeks Later!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 6/10/06 at 11:53pm

Saw today's matinee--the second time since May 30 when it was still in previews (which at the Kennedy Center last only for about 5 days!) I thought it was pretty great then, but now it's 100 times better.

Baranski is sensational, but so is the rest of the cast. It really is a shame that at the Kennedy Center they are given so little time to hone their performances and bring the whole thing together before the critics descend. (This unavoidable aspect of such limited runs makes this production even more remarkable, really.)

I talked to a couple of cast members after the performance about the Broadway transfer rumor, and they said it was unconfirmed and just "buzz" right now. They are eagerly awaiting the decision.

If you really are a big fan of this show, I recommend you get yourself to DC fast. It closes in 3 weeks, and tickets are scarce.

And, once again, I must reiterate what everyone else has said about the audience. They were eating out of the cast's hands by intermission. The last time I saw an audience respond like this at the Kennedy Center was during the Sondheim festival, which was several years ago.

I admit that this is my favorite Jerry Herman musical, so one might say I am biased, but loving this show also means I'd be really pissed-off if it didn't "astonish" me.

[bwayaddict]

Posted: 6/10/06 at 11:57pm

Glad to hear this Miss Penny. Can't wait to see it in DC!

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 6/11/06 at 12:05am

I think the contracts are "wet' with ink.
it's just a matter of numbers and which Actors can commit to the move.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 6/11/06 at 12:19am

CPD, Really? That's excellent news!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 6/11/06 at 11:31am

I hope that philcrosby tells us what he thought of last night's performance!

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 6/11/06 at 11:46am

Hope that is true. This was an excellent production.

[MCfan2]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 9:26am

I was there last night (taped the Tonys ) and really enjoyed it. But something was the matter with Christine Baranski's voice. I don't know what it was -- it sounded full and rich and everything, but not very loud. In fact, at times she was barely audible. The odd thing is, it seemed like she was putting all the oomph and feeling into it that she could, but the volume just wasn't there. I know she's got a good strong voice, so I'm guessing either she was sick or something was wrong with the sound system! This did improve slightly in the second act.

[philcrosby]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 9:42am

I saw the Saturday evening performance and everything Miss P says iss true. The audience was "bravo"ing beginning with the overture and it stayed that way throughout the evening. Standing ovation started with Emily Skinner, escalated with Harriet Harris and everyone was on their feet for Christine Baranski.

The production is absolutely first-rate in every aspect. Its sad how used we are to seeing productions with small or synthesized orchestras ... hearing the 24 pieces in the pit rip into this big Broadway score was amazing. The first time in my 30 years of theater-going where the overture sounded BETTER than on the OBC.

Baranski was a very different MAME than Lansbury, but wonderful in all respects. The only "problem" seemed to be that her singing voice was tired during the second act, particularly during "If He Walked Into My Life." Surprising since it was very strong in the first, even throwing in some coluratura notes during "Man in the Moon." But MAME is a grueling role, she is rarely offstage, and there probably hasn't been a MAME since Ann Miller who has danced this much.

Both Baranski and Harriet Harris (as Vera) put their own marks on roles that have been performed "definitively" and totally make them their own. For that, they both deserve awards!

Anyone who doesn't catch this MAME while they can is missing the chance to see what Broadway looked like before the down-sizing began. Huge production, huge chorus, and a big score with a big heart.

BRAVO to all!!

[BrianWilsonFan]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 10:07am

To see this, the words soul, devil and sell come to mind...

I am overjoyed for Baranski: - )

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 10:46am

I'll be there over the weekend!

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 10:48am

me too

[NYadgal]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 10:49am

Next weekend for me...

[philcrosby]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 1:18pm

You are all in for a major treat. I wish I were able to see it again before it closes.

I have rarely gone to a production where time flew so quickly. It's a full three-hour show and seems like it's over far too quickly.

Please share after you go! Miss Pennywise and I are counting on you!

[sondwisenheimer]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 1:32pm

I'll see it next week as well.

[MCfan2]

Posted: 6/12/06 at 2:02pm

Audience reaction was fantastic. Everyone was getting laughs and applause. There were scenes where almost every line was getting huge laughs. The entire cast was excellent -- and as an old "Remember WENN" fan, I have to give a special shout-out to Mary Stout as Mother Burnside. She absolutely brought the house down.