My ACL Opening Night Review

[jess20882]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:20am

All I can say is, amazing!

I'm going to do my best to post this brief review and remember, it only contains my opinions - I'm sure some will agree with me and some will disagree. I just wanted to share my thoughts on what was one of the most exciting nights of my life in a long time...
First of all, Cristin, it was great meeting you there - it was nice to see a friendly face among all of the flashbulbs and Broadway stars of days gone by...

So - the energy was incredible. As soon as the lights went down, people were on their feet, clapping and cheering before the dancers even came out! Then when the lights came up on the 'step kick kick leap kick touch' routine, the audience went nuts. I can only imagine how it must have felt to be a member of the original cast, doing the dance steps in your head as this new cast tackled all of the leaps and kicks and jazz hands

I won't go through every number, just comment on my favorites and least favorites, I guess. First of all - the stand-outs of the night for me, at least, were Jason Tam (Paul), Chryssie Whitehead (Krissy), Tony Yazbeck (Al), Yuka Takara (Connie), and Deidre Goodwin (Sheila).

Chryssie and Tony nailed their dialogue and song as Krissy and Al - they were adorable, vocally-strong, and I almost believed they were really a newlywed couple. Yuka Takara was so adorable as Connie. She had just the right amount of spunk without being overbearing or annoying. Jason Tam was heartbreaking as Paul. I knew the injury scene was coming up, yet I still winced for him when he fell. And that monologue - wow. He is a phenomenal actor and an extremely talented dancer, I only wish I got to hear him sing more (and don't get me wrong, his version of 'Who am I anyway...' was beautiful. Deidre Goodwin's acting and singing were amazing, although I was not impressed with her vocals at all...it almost sounded like she was singing on a nervous stomach! But her attitude and body language more than made up for it - she made me laugh on so many occasions

The performance of 'At The Ballet' was beautiful. Deidre, Alisan, and Mara definitely did it justice. Their harmonies were amazing and set the stage for the rest of the numbers...

I know there have been a lot of comments on people loving Charlotte vs people really disliking her performance. I am kinda in the middle on her. Her dancing was one of the highlights of the night during 'Music and the Mirror' - she got a standing ovation and about 3 straight minutes of applause after that performance. Yes, her vocals were good - she is, after all, on Broadway. But I thought her vocal ability and dancing ability were mismatched.

And the finale - as cheesy as it sounds, it really was one singular sensation. The cast NAILED the awesome choreography and it was a wonderful end to a truly breathtaking show.

Overall I was so incredibly impressed by this new cast. The OBC of A Chorus Line is such a tough act to live up to and I think this new group did an extremely wonderful job of doing just that. It made me want to take voice lessons again and get back into acting and musical theatre! And I think that's saying something for their energy and abilities.

Unfortunately, after the show, not many of them stopped to talk or take pictures - they were all whisked away onto a huge bus to go to their opening night party. But it was just such a thrill to be there, and I know I'll be back...



If you have any specific questions for me, feel free to ask! I'm sure I didn't include everything I wanted to say in this review...
(I have pictures of some celeb departures - send me a PM if you'd like to see them...)

[EponineAmneris]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:55am

Thank you for this review! I know oyu know this, but you were extremely lucky to be there I get to see this for myself on the 26th

[NJgirl]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 12:07pm

It was very nice meeting you too, Jess! It was fun "star spotting" with you...lol.

The cast was ON last night and the audience was enthusiastic. I can't say enough about this production. Going to an opening night like that for a show you love is a must do at least once for a theater fan. It was a fun experience last night.

[jess20882]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 12:17pm

Oooh and I forgot to mention I sat RIGHT behind Kathleen Marshall! I wanted to take a picture with her but it was inside the theatre and she sat down RIGHT before the lights went down...

But still - Kathleen Marshall

Posted: 10/6/06 at 1:26pm

Besides the overuse of the word "Nailed".....Sound like a fun night, glad u enjoyed it!

[jess20882]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 3:39pm

ooooh...i used the word 'nailed' twice...sue me.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 7:47pm

Is there anything that you didn't like about it?
Updated On: 10/6/06 at 07:47 PM

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 8:12pm

She had some quibbles about Deidre and Charlotte.

[jess20882]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 9:50pm

There was nothing about the show itself that I didn't like, I just had a few issues with some of the performances, that's all...

I know Deidre is a powerhouse performer, but it seemed like, vocally, she was holding back at last night's show. Although her acting and body language were spot-on. As for Charlotte, her dancing was phenomenal! Her vocals weren't bad but I felt like her dancing totally overshadowed them.

The choreography was incredible, especially the One sequence at the end. The energy of the performers was wonderful too.

So no, there wasn't really anything I didn't like. I can't wait to see it again!

[NJgirl]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 9:55pm

Jess, I don't know if Deirdre was holding back last night, bc that's how she sounded at the preview I saw. I just think she doesn't have as strong a voice as Mara Davi (who vocally is a standout) or Alisan Porter who's tone I love. You've got 2 powerful voices and Deidre's on "At the Ballet" and I think she sounds weaker than the other 2 people she's singing with. She seems to struggle at times.
I love the show and really can't gripe about much..but I think vocally on that number, Goodwin may be a weak link.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 10:31pm

Did Michael Berresse shave his mustache? When I saw it in SF he had a mustache.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 10:53pm

neddy: I've been wondering about that too. Zach has been clean-shaven at least since the dress rehearsal here in NY, but most of the earlier publicity photos have him with a mustache. In the souvenir program he has a full-on goatee, so I'd be curious to hear from anyone who saw it in SF.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:00pm

I did see it in Sf and actually it was a goatee now that I think about it.

BTW- Is the windowcard in yet?

Edit: I found a picture of him at the stagedoor and it was a goatee Updated On: 10/6/06 at 11:00 PM

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:03pm

nice picture, thanks! and yes, the merchandise stand is open for business as of tonight's performance. they have window cards, mugs, shirts, hats, souvenir programs, several books pertaining to the show, and a few other items.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:04pm

Does anybody know when he shaved it or why he even had it in the first place?

[NJgirl]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:05pm

Michael has no facial hair now...which I think is better.

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:11pm

Maybe the facial hair was supposed to make him look more 70's or more authoritarian. It's such a hard role to get right, and it seems that the most common roadblock is in making the character a strong intimidating presence. Just ask Barry Bostwick. As for the facial hair, I'm only speculating. Anyone have an official reason?

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:12pm

BroadwayMatt- Did you see the show tonight?

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:41pm

I was on early shift tonight, so I only saw the first 15 minutes. I'll be staying through the whole show tomorrow night. I will say that tonight's audience was astoundingly enthusiastic, in some ways better than last night's opening crowd. They were applauding every chance they had. Rod Stewart was in attendance, he showed up a few minutes before curtain. Apparently I seated him, but was in such a rush that it didn't register until a minute later when the folks in the mezzanine started applauding wildly for the musician. Good times.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:43pm

Wait...but you don't see the musicians, how did they applaud?

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:50pm

I was referring to Rod Stewart. A minute or so before curtain there was a sudden small ovation as people spotted him taking his seat down front. Unfortunately the show's musicians are well-concealed and don't get the applause they deserve for their great good work. But such is the spirit of the show!

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:52pm

Where is the orchestra during the show?

Also, when they are told to take a break in the alley, is it true that they go to the alley?

[Phantom2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:53pm

"Where is the orchestra during the show?"

Under the stage.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 11:57pm

Is that also where they were in SF?

[Broadway Matt]

Posted: 10/7/06 at 12:01am

Yep, there's a nice little setup downstairs for the musicians. This is the 1st I've heard about the cast going out to the alley. The alley isn't mentioned specifically in the script, they are just told that they can go sit down. Unless I'm missing something, I imagine that they would use this rare offstage time to relax a bit- drink some water, have a seat, stretch. The alley doesn't have much to offer except a place to smoke and maybe a glance into the Broadhurst where the Les Mis set is being put together.