I was there for the final performance and I am soo unbelievably sad! Not only because it is my favorite show and now it's closed but because of how quietly and uneventfully it died. It was my 5th time seeing it and my first time seeing it with Susan Egan...I restrained myself I promise!
First of all I was very impressed with of course Harriet Harris and also Jessica Grove and Kevin Early. I had actually never seen any of them in it before. Harriet was phenomenal and while I have always been very amused by the character, she brought so much more to the character than the others. She had her own little quirky things that made it her own while the others seemed to do it exactly the same. There were a few lines that were different and I have to say I just cracked up when she sings "imagine moi midair" and she does this really funny pose that I haven't seen from the others. Her mannerisms are truly incredible and are what won her the Tony. Jessica Grove was very good as well, and really cute. And although she didn't bring anything very new to the role it was still impressive and I really enjoyed her performance. Also, I don't think anyone could replace Kudish but Kevin Early was probably the funniest Graydon since him. I loved some of the comical things he did. He added new things, and brought some of the other lines to a new level. He's really cute as well and just kind of reminds me of like a puppy with lots of energy lol! I just wanted to hug him or something.
Ok so Susan Egan...I would like to say first that I don't hate her lol! (LuvtheEmcee-don't take that as too much) I did enjoy some of her performance. I know I have been very bitter about her in the past because I just looovee Sutton but I really did go in trying to enjoy myself and get past her. I also worked very hard to not even look angry at her since I was in the front row and she could see me if I did lol! What I found myself enjoying most was when she delivered lines in a totally new way, it didn't happen a lot but I enjoyed it when it did! I really didn't like when she would try to mimic some of Sutton's own personal style when she delivered lines. It was just never worked. She also seemed like she was having a few problems with comedic timing and things like that. She seemed at times though she was delivering her lines too forced and it was acted too much I think. Also I don't know if that's just what her speaking voice is like but at times I swear she was channeling Sally Bowles lol! I could totally hear the Cabaret-ness in some of her lines and it was really weird. She has a good singing voice, with the exception of her really nasaly sounding moments. There was also parts where the dancing wasn't as impressive either but she could handle it. I really do think with more time in the role than she would have been more comfortable and she would have improved. She will never be Sutton and could never come close to filling her shoes in that role but I don't think anyone really could.
Christian was of course adorable. I always enjoy his performance. Oh another thing though, him and Susan had no chemistry! I know it's hard to compare this with him performing with his actual girlfriend but there are plenty of actors who pull it off. Sutton and Gavin had plenty of chemistry and they weren't together. It was really sad because it's one of my favorite things about the show. Because of personal preference I blame Susan Egan for this.
I was very upset when I made my way out of the Marquis on Monday because I was devastated of course but expecting so much more. This was a show that just two years ago took home 6 Tony Awards and now at the end of the run no one even said anything at the beginning or end of the performance. There were no flowers or tears...well not from on stage, I can't say the same for myself! They made a bigger deal about Sutton's last performance(yes i was there too). And while that was important this was the ending to the show. I also thought there would be other former cast members in attendance at the show. I saw a lot of people on the creative team and the producer as well but I think more people should have come out to support it. And another thing...I swear I'm almost done...but I don't think the performance was even sold out. I could see many open seats in the mezzanine and it just broke my heart.
I will end this by thanking you and both pitying you as well if you actually took the time to read all this! I would also like to say that I love Millie and while it does not have the obvious depth of some other shows, it has been a truly enjoyable experience and a wonderful run! I

Millie!
"Take a breath. Take a step. Take a chance. Take your time." -L5Y
Updated On: 7/11/04 at 04:52 PM