#1
Posted: 8/19/05 at 10:57am
Shakespeare in the Park has bored me to tears more than once before, but Kathleen Marshall's lifelessly staged production of the John Guare-Galt McDermot-Mel Shapiro musical adaptation of Two Gentlemen of Verona may just take the cake. In the overlong production (clocking in at nearly three hours, and feeling longer), the flaws in the score are fully amplified.
Ms. Marshall is forging a reputation as the dullest director/choreographer on Broadway. She's way too safe and predictable for this show; a director more comfortable taking risks (David Leveaux immediately comes into my mind) should be at the helm. Her sheer lack of talent and failure to present ANYTHING innovative brings down the caliber of the already-low production.
The production's most high-profile aspect is the casting of rising film star Rosario Dawson-soon to be seen as Mimi in the Rent movie-as Julia. In person, she is thrillingly attractive, but painful to listen to. Her singing voice is non-existant and you could fit all of her acting ability on a piece of confetti and still have room left over.
Ms. Dawson is outclassed constantly by the wonderful Megan Lawrence, who is a scene-stealing Lucetta, and one of the productions best assets. Norm Lewis, who could make the phone book sound like a Sondheim score, makes a wonderful Valentine, as well. John Cariani's Speed was also a pleasure to watch. Thank God he's finally found a part that fits him, after his painful performance as Motel the Tailor last year.
There really is no need to run out and see this production. I'm happy that my wonderful friend Jay was kind enough to wait on line in the Park for about five hours and invite me as his guest. If I had waited for this, I'd still be kicking myself.
Ms. Marshall is forging a reputation as the dullest director/choreographer on Broadway. She's way too safe and predictable for this show; a director more comfortable taking risks (David Leveaux immediately comes into my mind) should be at the helm. Her sheer lack of talent and failure to present ANYTHING innovative brings down the caliber of the already-low production.
The production's most high-profile aspect is the casting of rising film star Rosario Dawson-soon to be seen as Mimi in the Rent movie-as Julia. In person, she is thrillingly attractive, but painful to listen to. Her singing voice is non-existant and you could fit all of her acting ability on a piece of confetti and still have room left over.
Ms. Dawson is outclassed constantly by the wonderful Megan Lawrence, who is a scene-stealing Lucetta, and one of the productions best assets. Norm Lewis, who could make the phone book sound like a Sondheim score, makes a wonderful Valentine, as well. John Cariani's Speed was also a pleasure to watch. Thank God he's finally found a part that fits him, after his painful performance as Motel the Tailor last year.
There really is no need to run out and see this production. I'm happy that my wonderful friend Jay was kind enough to wait on line in the Park for about five hours and invite me as his guest. If I had waited for this, I'd still be kicking myself.
