MEF's Review of "The Apple Tree"
MEF's Review of "The Apple Tree"
#0MEF's Review of "The Apple Tree"
Posted: 5/16/05 at 8:27am
With one exception, I have seen every show that Encores has produced. Well, I can now list their brilliant production of Bock and Harnick's "The Apple Tree" as one of their best (up there with "Pal Joey", "Pardon My English", and "St. Louis Woman").
From the moment she walks onstage, the divine Kristen Chenoweth owns the audience. They are completely captive, and she holds them in the palm of her hand. In the first and strongest act, "The Diary of Adam and Eve", she hits every note just right, and conveys every song beautifully. She perfectly plays on the bright-eyed optimism of "Here in Eden"; the comic brilliance of "Feelings"; and-most importantly-the glorious "What Makes Me Love Him". This is, in my humble opinion, the performance of her career.
Her two male counterparts, Malcolm Gets and Michael Cerveris, are very good, but cannot match her. Gets was a bit fey as Adam et al, but that worked fine with his characterization. Cerveris was menacing enough as The Snake, a very underwritten role.
The other two acts, "The Lady and the Tiger" and "Passionella", are all right, but do not match the gorgeous first act. Still, thanks to the talented cast, you never seem to notice.
There is only one performance left (tonight at 7). If you can get tickets, I suggest you do. This is an absolutely phenomenal evening of theatre.
Updated On: 5/16/05 at 08:27 AM
Corine2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/14/03
#1re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 8:35am
Darling,
I loved it. I think Chenoweth should be in every Encores!
Got to love her PASSION.
She's so POP-U-LAR. 
#2re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 8:37amYes, her PASSIONELLA was wonderful. Almost made me forget about Barbara Harris.
Corine2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/14/03
#3re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 8:43am
Last year she had me in stiches two times:
1. First at Sardi's at our Drama Desk luncheon.
I was standing next to her and wanted to tell her how funny she was but before I could she looked at me and said:
"I like you, you are short like me"
2. Backstage at last years Drama Desks she was surrounded by press and I said "Chenoweth's so POP-U-LAR and she said "oh it's my short friend let's do lunch."
She is funny.
#4re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 8:47am
Oh, that is so cute! She is such a sweetie. 
Corine2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/14/03
#5re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 8:49am
She really is sweet. About the friendliest star I have ever met.
She just comes over and talks to you.
She cracks me up. Same with the cast of Q, just very sweet people.
#7re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 2:54pm
MEF, I am going to say this next bit to protect you. It's Kristin (two I's)...
There, consider yourself "Saved."
Corine2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/14/03
#8re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 2:56pm
Don't defy Chenoweth!
You watch! Short people will rule the world someday.
Take that Newman! LOL!
Updated On: 5/16/05 at 02:56 PM
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#9re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 3:01pm
"Well, I can now list their brilliant production of Bock and Harnick's "The Apple Tree" as one of their best (up there with "Pal Joey", "Pardon My English", and "St. Louis Woman")."
What about:
Chicago
Wonderful Town
Do Re Mi
Babes in Arms
Lil Abner
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#10re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 3:06pm
I liked all of those (except "Li'l Abner"). The only one that I have missed in the past 10 years in "Purlie", because I wasn't feeling well the night I have tickets. If I had to rate my favorites, though, they would be:
1. Pal Joey
2. Pardon My English
3. St. Louis Woman
4. Wonderful Town
5. The Apple Tree
Gothampc
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
#11re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 3:09pm
"The only one that I have missed in the past 10 years in "Purlie"
You didn't miss anything. The director completely misunderstood the point of the show. Obviously he didn't know the meaning of "satire".
If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
#12re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 3:13pmI'm glad that was the one I had to miss then (although I love the show, and it would've been great to see Anika).
#13re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 3:22pmMEF- Couldn't agree more with your review! Kristin Chenoweth gave the performance of a lifetime. It will be difficult to experience a performance quite like hers again.
"Sing the words, Patti!!!!" Stephen Sondheim to Patti LuPone.
#14re: MEF's Review of 'The Apple Tree'
Posted: 5/16/05 at 3:24pmI would really love for them to record this production, just to hear Ms. Chenoweth's "What Makes Me Love Him?" again. If I weren't ill, I would probably go again tonight.
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