#1
Posted: 3/5/05 at 6:43pm
I wasn't too excited to see this show (as you can see I've waited quite some time,) because I heard some pretty terrible things about it. However, I was relieved to find that I was actually really enjoying myself.
The book is pretty shaky, and the overall execution of all the events are questionable. The score is soaring at times (Days of Plenty,) and quite amateur and obnoxious at others (The Most Amazing Thing.) Generally, the overall score lies somewhere in between the two. Very gentle on the ears, always pleasant, but sometimes the lyrics just don't quite do it.
Sutton Foster is absolutely fantastic, with a perfect mix of comedy and sincerity - never going overboard with each. She's just extraordinary, and I'm certain that she would shine in any show, no matter how mediocre the material.
Amy McAlexander (as Amy) is definitely the single most irritating person I have ever seen on stage, and she can't act to save her life. Once she grows up, her voice is quite good and her acting tolerable even, but for all of act one I wanted to put a bullet through her head.
Jenny Powers and Megan McGinnis (as Meg and Beth) are both great - neither really shine, but their material just doesn't allow for it. They're charming, for sure.
Maureen McGovern is great, as well. Her acting borders on extreme, fake, and exaggerated, but her maternal sweetness and soothing voice make up for it. She's not phenomenal, but she's pretty damn good.
The rest of the supporting cast is quite good as well, with no weak links. The only weak link in the cast is Amy - but I think every review prior to mine already stated that.
Overall, this really is a gorgeous, heartfelt show. The sets are beautiful all around, and the lighting is also fantastic, as are the lavish costumes. The orchestrations are generally fine, but at times a little underwhelming and "tinny." The choreography (where there is any,) is pedestrian at best, but does it's purpose. And finally, I feel that this show was very well directed - it has much of the same sweet feel and honest heart that two of her other Broadway shows (THE SOUND OF MUSIC and THE SECRET GARDEN) had. I don't know what's in store for this show - it doesn't seem to be selling all that well, but hopefully the running costs are low enough to atleast make it through the summer. As far as Tony awards, Sutton and Maureen for sure, with some possible nominations for set design, lighting design, and costume design. So although this show isn't the best (it's problems are evident,) it certainly has more heart than any other show on Broadway right now and truly has only the best intentions. So for that, I can only wish LITTLE WOMEN the best.
The book is pretty shaky, and the overall execution of all the events are questionable. The score is soaring at times (Days of Plenty,) and quite amateur and obnoxious at others (The Most Amazing Thing.) Generally, the overall score lies somewhere in between the two. Very gentle on the ears, always pleasant, but sometimes the lyrics just don't quite do it.
Sutton Foster is absolutely fantastic, with a perfect mix of comedy and sincerity - never going overboard with each. She's just extraordinary, and I'm certain that she would shine in any show, no matter how mediocre the material.
Amy McAlexander (as Amy) is definitely the single most irritating person I have ever seen on stage, and she can't act to save her life. Once she grows up, her voice is quite good and her acting tolerable even, but for all of act one I wanted to put a bullet through her head.
Jenny Powers and Megan McGinnis (as Meg and Beth) are both great - neither really shine, but their material just doesn't allow for it. They're charming, for sure.
Maureen McGovern is great, as well. Her acting borders on extreme, fake, and exaggerated, but her maternal sweetness and soothing voice make up for it. She's not phenomenal, but she's pretty damn good.
The rest of the supporting cast is quite good as well, with no weak links. The only weak link in the cast is Amy - but I think every review prior to mine already stated that.
Overall, this really is a gorgeous, heartfelt show. The sets are beautiful all around, and the lighting is also fantastic, as are the lavish costumes. The orchestrations are generally fine, but at times a little underwhelming and "tinny." The choreography (where there is any,) is pedestrian at best, but does it's purpose. And finally, I feel that this show was very well directed - it has much of the same sweet feel and honest heart that two of her other Broadway shows (THE SOUND OF MUSIC and THE SECRET GARDEN) had. I don't know what's in store for this show - it doesn't seem to be selling all that well, but hopefully the running costs are low enough to atleast make it through the summer. As far as Tony awards, Sutton and Maureen for sure, with some possible nominations for set design, lighting design, and costume design. So although this show isn't the best (it's problems are evident,) it certainly has more heart than any other show on Broadway right now and truly has only the best intentions. So for that, I can only wish LITTLE WOMEN the best.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson
