Millie at Guys and Dolls 3/11/09 Matinee

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 3/13/09 at 3:56pm

Okay, I am going to keep this review brief because I am at work and do not have my Playbill with me.

About a month ago, I scored a front row center seat to this production. Although it is a thrill to be close to the stage (I thought one of the dancers was going to kick me in the face by accident with her heel), I'd recommend sitting a bit further back in order to enjoy the sets and scenery more.

My primary reason for seeing this show is because I am a huge Gilmore Girls/Lauren Graham fan. I don't know if it was her or the fact that I religiously watch Gilmore Girls, but sometimes I felt like I was watching Lorelai as Miss Adelaide. Perhaps it is because at times Lorelai and Miss Adelaide are quirky/interesting characters. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed her performance (I am a bit biased).

No complaints about the rest of the cast. It was my first time ever seeing the show, so I don't really have anything to compare it against. Kate Jennings Grant has a lovely voice. Mary Testa shines in the 30-second bit she has during "Sit Down, Your Rockin' the Boat" (which was one of my favorite songs of the show).

My one issue, because the stage was high, was the guys standing in front of the stage for the Hot Box Club scenes partially blocked my view of what was actually going on. It wasn't too bad at all, but I would recommend, as I mentioned about, to sit a bit further back (maybe fifth to eighth row orchestra, at least).

I stage-doored after the show. Kate Jennings Grant, Oliver Platt and Lauren Graham came out (I had to leave after Lauren came out). Everyone was friendly and signed autographs. Kate took some pictures, but Lauren was unable too because she had to get back inside to prepare for that night's show.

Updated On: 3/13/09 at 03:56 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/13/09 at 4:11pm

Did they use the "stage door" or the lobby?

Have they finished renovating the building?

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 3/13/09 at 4:19pm

The actors came out the stage door, not the lobby.

In terms of renovations, I did not see any construction, but I kind of got in and out of the theatre quickly to notice anything major. The theater seems so cramped inside. This might have been nicer in a slighty less cramped house.

[Hahabimbi]

Posted: 3/13/09 at 4:48pm

you can see some of the stagedoor here for example. It´s outside with barricades on both sides.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLR6utXvH6E

there´s ton of it on youtube.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/13/09 at 5:16pm

Saw the show yesterday. Sat on Mezz front row center, why is there absolutely no leg space on those seats? It was ridiculous. There was an old gentleman there with a cane, and he told his son that he couldn't stand his legs during intermission. I mean, some of us took off our shoes because we couldn't put our feet straight, and I'm very short, can't imagine what a told person must feel like in those seats.

[singingshowgirl]

Posted: 3/14/09 at 12:07am

yeah, i'm 5'2" and petite and was miserably cramped. and also the seats are lop-sized. i always felt tilted to the left. just added to the not-so-delightful guys and dolls and experience

[IAMWHATIAM]

Posted: 3/16/09 at 3:17pm

The cramped seats were just about the best part of my experience at this revival of Guys and Dolls. It's one of my favorite shows, and I used to think I'd love even a bad production, but this one proved that theory wrong.