McNally, Kander & Ebb Masterpiece- THE VISIT is Stunning

Saw last night's performance of the Visit. I expected great performances by Mrs. Rivera and Mr Hearn but was uncertain what to expect from the material after hearing about the Chicago production. BRILLIANT. I have been a fan of the Durrenmatt play for years, and they have created a wonderful adaptation. The music is haunting. If it weren't for those wonderful Kander vamps you might not be able to tell the score was written by John Kander. Fred Ebb's lyrics make you laugh and then leave you in tears seconds later. Forget about all this discussion about Patti LuPone and Kelli O'Hara. If this production were on Broadway there would be no discussion as to who would and should win the Tony. Chita Rivera is giving the performance of a lifetime in what can only be described as one of the great leading lady roles. Why do another revival of Gypsy when the one of greatest roles for a woman has yet to be seen on a NY stage. And she is matched by a thrilling George Hearn. His first act song "I Must Have Been Something" had the audience begging for more as did Mrs. Rivera's dance with her boys in the beginning of Act II. I dare to say that this is up there with Cabaret as one of Kander & Ebb's greatest works ever. A dark and haunting love story that kept me up much of last night. Signature Theatre continues to prove that they are doing the most exciting new work in the musical theatre.

Going in June. Can't wait!

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Looking forward to seeing this June 13!

That was very well-written...thanks for posting it, Smaxie!

I really need to stop reading these reviews...I am not going to make it until June 7th without trying to see it beforehand!

Wow! I hope this transfers. As much as I loved Curtains, I'd love to see some darker Kander and Ebb again. The Minstrel Show sounds exciting too. It must be quite offensive as the very brash Ebb refused to write a certain lyric for it before his death citing it as too offensive. So Kander was the dirty one!
My one wish, though, is for John Kander to write at least one show by himself. I'd be very interested to see how a score completely by him would turn out.

B3TA, I agree, but at least if they do, this has a pedigree to back it up.

Glory Days and Signature...sorry to answer for you B3TA!

It's OK, but yes I meant Glory Days' transfer haha

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Wow! Sounds like my cup of tea. Excellent. Can't wait.

ljay...it shouldn't. And hopefully not...for the reasons I stated above.

I also hope Signatures productions of Ace and Giant are destined for wonderful things next season!

FYI: Tickets are still readily available. I checked out the DC 1/2 price ticket booth today (online at www.ticketplace.org) and there were discount tix available for tonight and through the weekend.

Signature also has a rush program. Available seats (if any) go up for sale 30 min before curtain, for $20 (I think).

I'm hoping to get some of the discoutn tickets for this weekend. Will post a review if I do!

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circusliz - Thanks for the heads-up on the availability at TicketPlace. I may try it for this weekend too if I can find someone to drive up to DC with me...I refuse to drive on 95 (long story).

"Considering recent events, if the DC critics are even mildly bemused by this show I foresee an immediate NYC transfer."

I'd think that if the DC critics are "mildly bemused" by it, that would reduce its likelihood of transferring.

And if they're mildly amused by it, that might make a transfer even less likely.