Marin Mazzie/Spamalot review

Hi gang,
WARNING: SPOILER
I was going to post a "Spamalot" review but had nothing negative to say about the new cast except for Marin Mazzie who was the weakest link. Her "Find your grail" was just perfect and I thought her big 11:00 number would be just as good, but boy was I wrong! She was just horrible in the song. She was not funny, barely sung it; just spoke/shouted it, and didn't show the attitude of someone who was upset about her lack of part. The only good thing she did was hold the note at the end of the song like a true perfect performer. Other than that I am sorry to say she brought down the second act for me.

While it is true I am comparing her to Sara, and the one I saw from the touring cast, I could tell the audience was pretty cold to it also. After the song, they just applauded very shortly and it seemed out of kindness. (Kind of like after Daphne sang "I dreamed a dream")

The rest of the cast was perfect, and I am glad to say with the exception of Marin, the show has held up terrifically. It just goes to show a show can still be fun and enjoyable after the big names are gone.

Does anybody share my views on her or have a different opinion. I would be interested on hearing your thoughts on her, the new cast, and the show as a whole. And please do not misconstrue this as a personal attack on her. I thought she was perfect in the show otherwise. And of course her performance in "Ragtime" was just amazing!

Thanks.

i saw her yesterday in the role and absolutley loved her in every other moment other than "diva's lament". after "find your grail", i was expecting her to beat the hell out of that song, and she just didn't.

but, love her regardless AND she looked AMAZING. i was so glad to see her on stage again!

I saw it in November and somewhat agree. She looked great, but she was trying too hard to be funny and it just wasn't working for me. She's one of my favorites, but I don't think this is the right role for her.

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Ok yeah, loved her in the part. her Lament was dull. But I also like Lauren. She was different.

I saw Lauren's standby, I think her name was Rosema Hill (or something close to that), and she was good in the role - but overall the role just isn't that exciting.

I still don't see how that role wins of Clara Johnson in a featured category.

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The role is a tough sing for anyone. The girl currently in the London production was audibly straining the other night when I saw it. She barely got through Diva's Lament. Marin Mazzie has one of the great voices on Broadway and she's a hell of an actress to boot. Cut her some slack - she has off nights like anyone does.

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mallardo,

I looked at your response, and agree with you that it may have been an off night. However, she just wasn’t funny. But, I plan to go back tomorrow night to see if it's her or like you said. I will report back. I do agree with cutting some slack. I don't know how they do that 8 times a week, 4 to 5 times over the weekend.

mallardo,

I can't agree more with what you just said. It was extremely well put. Funny is very subjective. A second viewing will help me to better determine if the role is not right for her or if she was having an off night. I like the humor in the show, and my mother does not. And when you try to be funny, that does not work aither. Now Sara, as you said was just naturally funny. The show did not impress my mother the first time we saw it, but Sara did. My mother stll remarks to this day, how terrific Sara was. A second viewing will help me to better determine if the role is not right for her or if she was having an off night.

By the way I sincerely hope Marin will reprise her role as Mother in the new "Ragtime". Her "Back to before" was just amazing!