Movin' Out Tour - Washington, DC

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/16/06 at 10:49pm

I just got back from seeing the tour of "Movin' Out" and I must say, I can't believe I hadn't seen this show until now!! There's absolutely no excuse, but for some reason I didn't see it when it was on Broadway or the first time it played DC.

The show is double-cast and I was disappointed at first that I wouldn't see the cast which featured Holly Cruikshank and David Gomez. Well my initial disappointment was cast aside as soon as the dancing began. Dylis Croman (Brenda), Keith Roberts (Tony), Laura Feig (Judy), and the absolutely AMAZING, Rasta Thomas (Eddie) were splendid. Principals and ensemble alike were in fine form, and their energy was quite infectious. To me the standout was Rasta Thomas. The joy and energy that exuded from him gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes throughout the evening. That usually only happens when I see certain ballets which feature my favorites (Alessandra Ferri, Julie Kent, Angel Corella and Jose Carreno all of ABT). I can not believe he had not performed this role on Broadway. He is a force to be reckoned with.

I can't forget the excellent vocals of Darren Holden. I loved the choreography and how the story unfolded through the songs and music of Billy Joel. The show just made me wish I was more of a dancer. I can not imagine the energy it takes to perform this piece.

The theatre was more or less sold out and if I had the time, I would definitely see this show again before they leave DC.

Updated On: 12/19/06 at 10:49 PM

[timote316]

Posted: 12/16/06 at 11:07pm

I'm glad you liked it! The show (and that cast in particular) are fantastic!

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 12/16/06 at 11:20pm

I heard the tour is closing soon can anyone confirm this?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/16/06 at 11:22pm

I believe it's closing in January (Birmingham, AL 1/21/07).

Updated On: 12/16/06 at 11:22 PM

[kikki327]

Posted: 12/17/06 at 1:02am

The final performance is January 7, 2007

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/17/06 at 1:52am

Like Dottie, I had never seen it in NYC or during its former tour through DC. But I went after reading the tour was ending. I saw it last Saturday with my husband, one of the most particular, critical and well-versed dance aficianados I know. He has hated Twyla Tharp's work FOREVER. But he LOVED The Times They Are A-Changin' !!! So we went to see Movin Out. It was splendid.

Mattew Bibble played Eddie, and I couldn't keep my eyes off of him. When he wasn't on stage, I was waiting for him to come back. Shylo Smith, an understudy, was superb as Judy. I, too, saw Dylis Croman (Brenda) and Keith Roberts (Tony). They were wonderful, especially Ms. Croman. Well, my husband said two things on the way home that show just how much he has matured. He says he needs to write a letter to Tharp, first to apologize for hating her all these years and then to console her about "The Times They Are A-Changin," which he feels was way over everybody's heads (except his, of course...it's true though, he does have an enormous head.)

Anyway, the other thing he wants to do is see Movin' Out again before it leaves the National, so i snagged him a couple for his birthday (good wife that I am). I am hoping we get to see a different set of dancers, but I wouldn't mind seeing the same cast either. The upshot is we're going to see it again on Monday night, and I am so looking forward to it. (And I don't even really like Billy Joel! Somehow they just sound better when he's not singing them.

Dottie, go on Monday night! We can meet up! You know you want to see it again, so why not give in?

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/17/06 at 1:59am

DP

Updated On: 12/19/06 at 01:59 AM

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/17/06 at 1:59am

DP

Updated On: 12/19/06 at 01:59 AM

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/17/06 at 7:45am

Miss Pennywise,

I have a feeling the Monday evening performance will be a set of understudies as it's an added show. I would go, but I'm getting ready for a business trip to NYC on Tuesday, so something tells me, I'll be at work Monday night.

I just might go to this evenings performance, as it's the other cast.

It's just all so tempting. I really hope you get to see Rasta Thomas though. I have never seen dancing like his!!

Thanks to the person who posted the correct closing date. I initially thought it was the stop after DC, but I checked their website which is how I got the Birmingham date.

Updated On: 12/17/06 at 07:45 AM

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 12/18/06 at 5:17pm

Wow... I loved this show when I first saw it, so it's good to hear that it's still going strong.

Now I'm totally sad the tour is ending and not coming to Seattle like it was supposed to, especially because Rasta used to take class at the dance studio I went to in DC. At the time he was a child - not even a teen yet - and he took class with the grown-ups. Even then we knew he'd go places.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 2:32am

Saw Rasta Thomas tonight. He is the best male dancer I have seen, maybe, EVER! His interpretation of Eddie is completely different from Matthew Dibble's. Even though EVERYONE was luminous tonight, it was very apparent to the audience that Rasta was the "star." The man is perfect. PERFECT.

Now we want to go see it again when he's in it, which will only be Wednesday and Friday nights and Saturday afternoon. (We need a babysitter...and fast!)

I might just go by myself one of those nights. It was truly THAT good.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 3:39pm

Dottie and I PMed about last night's show, and he suggested I post my message to him, so here goes:

Good god...RASTA THOMAS is OTHERWORLDLY! I told you I saw Matthew Dibble as Eddie, and I couldn't even imagine anyone would be as good as he was. Well, Rasta makes him look like an amateur! And aside from his athleticism, grace and aura, may I mention that he is the most perfect-looking man EVER? Every man and woman's dream come true, am I right???? It's almost UNFAIR that he should be so gifted!!!

Anyway, back to the show.

It was spectacular! It was better than the first time, even. Everyone was so much more on their game. Honestly though, I still prefer the Shylo Smith as Judy and Jason DePinto as James. And the guy who sang last week had a better voice than the guy we saw last night. But it was still overall better.

I want to see it again before it leaves DC! Rasta is dancing it Wednesday night, Friday night and Saturday afternoon (according to his website.) So I am trying to maneuver another visit. I am still so sad it is departing for musical heaven in January.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 3:44pm

Oh Miss Pennywise, I didn't see your original review from the early hours of the morning (probably because I was already in bed).

I'm so glad I'm not the only person who appreciates the extremely talented Rasta Thomas. I have never seen anyone dance like that before. If it turns out that I'm still in town tomorrow, I'm going to head on over to the National Theatre one more time to see his extraordinary performance and wonderful show (not to take away anything from the other talented leads and ensemble). I was really blown away by this show.

Updated On: 12/19/06 at 03:44 PM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 3:56pm

I can't wait to see it in Birmingham.

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 4:20pm

One of my favorite shows of all time. I'm glad to hear it's doing well on tour, but sad that said tour will close

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 4:21pm

Rentboy86, I don't think it's going to Birminham anymore as I think the tour is scheduled to close on January 7th in Raleigh.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 5:28pm

In honor of his wonderfulness, I have changed my avatar.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 5:33pm

Miss Pennywise, you beat me to it!!

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 5:35pm

There are only about 6,000 GORGEOUS photos of him from which to choose!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 5:45pm

I know!! It's so hard to decide. This is just so not like me to fawn over someone like this!!

[sanda]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 9:33pm

Add me in the Rasta Thomas Love thread.

If there is a theatre God, please, please let him featured in Movin Out Great Performance video!

[kikki327]

Posted: 12/19/06 at 10:42pm

are they still doing the Great Performances thing?

I think they should just use a video of the original Broadway cast.....

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 12/20/06 at 12:49am

The thing about Rasta is that he is really beautiful, but he is also a magnificent dancer. He would not be quite so captivating--to me--without his extraordinary talent. But, likewise, Dottie, I do not usually "fawn" over anyone!

I have not read anything to the contrary about Great Performances. Below is the link to the BWW article of November 1 that announced it.
Movin' Out to be Featured on 'Great Performances' in '07

[clarion86]

Posted: 12/20/06 at 1:51am

I emailed the official Movin Out email address ([e-mail]) and she told me that the tour would close January 21st in Birmingham....

So for eveyone who wants to see in in AL I totally suggest you do so!!!

:)

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 12/20/06 at 3:04am

And Ms P, he's a total sweetheart. Very sweet man.

I guess he's my "I knew him when..." story.