Mini-reviews from my recent trip to New York!

[minicko88]

Posted: 6/6/11 at 12:28am

The Book of Mormon- Great show... My girlfriend and I were very worried about this show. We didn't know what to expect, but we were not disappointed. I recently saw Rannells in Give It Up, now Lysistrata Jones, in Dallas. He was really good in this show as well as Gad. I also loved Nikki James. She really pulled this show together. This show was one of the best all around shows I have ever seen. There was not a dull moment in the theater. I loved every minute of it, and my girlfriend did as well. Stone and Parker are geniuses, and this is going to continue selling out for a long time. My only issue with this show was the hype of O'Malley. His performance wasn't bad or anything, but I didn't think it was tony worthy. Just my opinion though. One lady sitting next to my girlfriend was furious! She looked miserable throughout it, but I love that about the theater. Some shows just aren't for some people. Mormon is fresh and new, and I loved it.

Sister Act- Uhhh... I love the movie, but this show didn't work for me. I thought their best numbers were scattered throughout with some mediocre numbers thrown in the middle. It was like they decided to have each character sing a number than all sing together. You sing then I'll sing. I just wasn't moved by this show like the movie. Patina Miller did a fine job as did Victoria Clark, but their material wasn't strong. The book was awful. Mindelle was fantastic though. I thought her song was the only one with substance in the show. Raise your voice was also a great number, but the last number was weak. I really wanted to leave this show happy, but I felt unsatisfied. I would be surprised if this show wins a tony. I was also disappointed with the role of Mary Patrick. I believe Sarah Bolt played that role, and she did a good job. However, her material was weak. Cathy Najimy had wonderful material in the movie, but I felt that her role in the play was just overlooked. Just not a good show in my opinion. It wasn't as bad as another show we saw...

Avenue Q- Love, love, love this show! I can't get enough of it. Why not see two of the most offensive shows ever to hit broadway? It is just as good at the new world stages as it was on broadway. Not as good as Mormon, but it is real close. Love it! Nothing more to say about it...

Phantom- 7th time to see this show, and it never disappoints. Hugh Panaro is phenomenal. Just breathtaking. Best Phantom I have ever seen. I loved Howard's Phantom, but Hugh was just fantastic. I can't say enough good things about this show. It was amazing. Guilty pleasure of mine...

Bengel Tiger- This may shock some of you, but this was my favorite show of the trip. How this did not get nominated for more tonys? Robin Williams is fantastic as was the entire cast. Every element in this show was spot on. I loved the depth in the script. It truly makes you think which I find to be lacking in theater today. I found myself constantly questioning what was going on which I love. This show deserves a tony nod, but oh well. You can't always get what you want. The language was pretty rough, but the message was great. Loved this show, and it will be sadly missed when it leaves.

Addam's family- What a wreck. I am sorry, but this is one of the worst shows I have ever seen. With the exception of Wednesday, the entire cast just didn't have it. Rachel P. actually had some good material, and her songs were some what catchy. Roger Rees just doesn't have it. This show was written for Nathan Lane, and without him, this show falls short. Bebe was ok, but I didn't like her material or her dress. This show was just a mess... However, the set was phenomenal. One of the best sets... But not enough laughter and the songs were just weird. I did think the Moon song with Fester was funny though. But all in all, this was the worst show of the trip.

It was a successful trip. Book of Mormon and Bengel Tiger were great. Avenue Q and Phantom served their purpose. Wish I could have traded my tickets from Sister Act and Addam's, but what else can you do! See you in another 3 years New York! =)

[Dollypop]

Posted: 6/6/11 at 5:27pm

All of this is posted by someone who has seen PHANTOM OF THE OUTHOUSE seven times. That says it all.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 6/6/11 at 5:35pm

I totally agree with you about Bengal Tiger -- a much under-estimated show, IMO. Too bad you didn't take in Mother F*CKer and Normal Heart -- they were both magnificent.

[minicko88]

Posted: 6/7/11 at 12:10am

If I could go back, I would definitely go see Normal Heart. I was very disappointed that we didn't try and swing that. I didn't know about Mother F*CKer... I am not a huge fan of Chris Rock, but I would rather try that show than sit through Addam's again.