Posted: 1/5/23 at 10:09pm
If you can time it on a future trip, Wicked sometimes does Behind the Emerald Curtain on select Saturday mornings and they have the mannequins out with the costumes and some props too. They also show some behind the scenes videos and do a q and a with cast members. There might actually be one this Saturday if I'm not mistaken. The tickets are sold on Ticketmaster.
Posted: 1/6/23 at 10:09am
Saw Into The Woods last night. It was after midnight when we made it back to our hotel (after post-theater meal) and needed the night to get my thoughts in somewhat coherent form this morning.
While I love Sondheim, I admit I’m no expert. But I consider this and Sunday in the Park… probably his two loveliest scores. And this is the score (along with Sweeney) that I’m probably the most familiar with. I also listened to this new cast recording quite a bit since it was released (and have the red vinyl on pre-order).
So that plus the strong reviews had me going in with very high expectations. This was my most anticipated show of my trip. Were my expectations met? Mostly.
Overall, superb cast. My personal highlights in the cast were: Joaquina Kalukango (Witch), Stephanie J. Block (Baker’s Wife), Gavin Creel (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Joshua Henry (Rapunzel’s Prince), Cole Thompson (Jack), Katy Geraghty (Little Red), Diane Phelan (Cinderella), Annie Golden (Cinderella’s mother/Granny/Giant), and Kennedy Kanagawa (Milky White/Puppeteer).
Typing that list made me realize just how many performances I loved (and that’s not to slight the rest of the cast). I also rather liked the minimalist yet effective stage design.
I should have known from reports and reviews, but I wasn’t expecting to laugh THIS MUCH. I suppose that the trade off is Act 2 didn’t quite feel like the AIDS allegory it has felt like before (I’ve seen a local production back home before). The moment that had tears steaming down my face was “No More”, the Baker’s duet with the “Mysterious Man”. I couldn’t help but relate it to my relationship with my dad who will be dead 10 years next week as well as how so many of us feel as we crawl out of these last three years of the pandemic.
I admit I walked out only slightly disappointed in that Act 2 wasn’t as cathartic as I’ve found it before, but writing this makes me ridiculously sentimental for last night. The glorious score, the witty book, the spectacular performances, the unexpected discoveries & delights and poignant moments. Wishing I could go back into the woods and see it again. But with only three slots remaining this trip and no room for repeats, that is not to be.
I wish…
Updated On: 1/6/23 at 10:09 AM
Posted: 1/6/23 at 11:17am
I was there last night too just to see Joaquina as the Witch (I had seen this production a few times already) and Joaquina delivered!!! Patina and Heather were great too but my personal favorite is Joaquina. I'm so glad she performed as the Witch even if it's only for 3 weeks.
I also noticed there were 2 professional cameras filming the production in rear center orchestra so last night's performance was recorded for posterity.
Posted: 1/6/23 at 7:25pm
Perhaps you can see ITW on one of the tour dates? Late June through July it will be in Ssn Francisco & then LA. It plays SF during Pride.
Posted: 1/7/23 at 2:12am
Saw Death of a Salesman tonight. Still processing it, but very glad I saw it. My first time seeing this play in any format. I think centering the Lowmans as an African American family in 1949 added an extra level of complexity and depth to the dynamic script by Arthur Miller. Excellent cast lead by rock solid superb performances by Wendell Pierce and Sharon D Clarke. Liked the added music elements. Moved to tears by the ending even though it’s telegraphed from the beginning by the title of the play. I’d say Pierce and Clarke are locks for Tony nominations as is the play for a best revival nomination. Sat third row front center orchestra.
If TKTS gods are with me, tomorrow I hope to see The Piano Lesson (matinee) and Kimberly Akimbo (evening). My last two shows of this trip.
Updated On: 1/8/23 at 02:12 AM
Posted: 1/7/23 at 6:41am
Probably cheaper to do rush at the box office for Akimbo.
Posted: 1/8/23 at 12:32am
Well, I’m writing this late at night as I procrastinate packing up my luggage in my tiny hotel room as my trip is over and I leave in the morning.
I’ll save you the details of a somewhat stressful day and keep this focused on the two shows I saw.
The Piano Lesson (Matinee) - sad to say this is my most disappointing show of the 9 I saw. That’s not to say there isn’t a lot to like or even love. I didn’t hate it, but compared to the other shows I saw, it just came up a little short. It also didn’t help that I was really tired
For me the three weaknesses were the overemphasis on comedy which reduced the dramatic tension, the sound and light cues used to emphasize a spectral presence, and most surprisingly and disappointing, Samuel L. Jackson’s performance. He seemed to alternate between just playing himself to giving flat line readings.
But I did feel the rest of the cast really delivered. That includes John David Washington (I know others have found his performance one dimensional, but I felt like he performed it dynamically and in line with how the character was envisioned by Wilson - he’s supposed to be annoying), Danielle Brooks, Michael Potts, Ray Fisher, and Trai Byers. They each delivered even if I didn’t always like or understand the directorial directions they were given to follow.
Kinda wish I’d seen Topdog/Underdog instead.
Kimberly Akimbo (evening show) - Wow. What a pleasant surprise when a new musical really delivers and lives up to the hype. It’s a smaller musical with a mixture of heart and edginess. A uniformly strong cast but beyond the obvious, I’d like to highlight the young ensemble, some of whom are making their Broadway debuts, including Justin Cooley (Seth) who is spectacular. I believe I heard the bartender say he is only 18. Still processing some parts of it, but I left feeling uplifted. Quite a feat given the subject manner. And the perfect show to end my trip.
Updated On: 1/21/23 at 12:32 AM
Posted: 1/8/23 at 2:59pm
Safe travels!
Posted: 1/21/23 at 3:37am
I’m thinking of heading to New York City for a March trip and am struck by the fact that, of all the shows you saw just a few days ago, none but Chicago and Kimberly Akimbo will be around in March. Into the Woods might be coming to me, of course.
It’s seasonal, because a lot of shows close in January, but it’s just striking.
Posted: 1/21/23 at 7:13am
bear88 said: "I’m thinking of heading to New York City for a March trip and am struck by the fact that, of all the shows you saw just a few days ago, none butChicagoandKimberly Akimbowill be around in March.Into the Woodsmight be coming to me, of course.
It’s seasonal, because a lot of shows close in January, but it’s just striking."
It is striking, but I will point out that Phantom doesn’t close until April 16th. Of course, I hear tix are now sparse and crazy expensive. Glad we got our tix when we did and so glad that after putting it off for so many years, I finally saw it on Broadway. I whole another level!
Posted: 1/21/23 at 7:21am
"But I did feel the rest of the cast really delivered. That includes John David Washington (I know others have found his performance one dimensional, but I felt like he performed it dynamically and in line with how the character was envisioned by Miller - he’s supposed to be annoying), Danielle Brooks, Michael Potts, Ray Fisher, and Trai Byers. They each delivered even if I didn’t always like or understand the directorial directions they were given to follow. "
You must have still had Death of a Salesman on your mind when you wrote this, because you write of how the character was envisioned by Miller and not Wilson. 
I agree that this is how Wilson wanted Boy Willy depicted.
I'm glad you had such a rewarding theatrical trip!
Posted: 1/21/23 at 7:40am
Oops, you’re right! One of the disadvantages of packing so much into a trip is I’m often tired when writing these recaps and it’s easy to mix-up details of shows. Going back to edit my mistake. Thanks!
Posted: 1/21/23 at 9:54am
bear88 said: "I’m thinking of heading to New York City for a March trip and am struck by the fact that, of all the shows you saw just a few days ago, none butChicagoandKimberly Akimbowill be around in March.Into the Woodsmight be coming to me, of course.
It’s seasonal, because a lot of shows close in January, but it’s just striking."
The more things change, the more they stay the same. From On the Town:
HILDY:
Give me a chance, kid;
I may not have 5,000 seats but the one I have is a honey!
Come up to my place.
CHIP:
Oh no, lady; the Forrest The-a-tre.
When I was home I saw the plays
The Ladies Drama Circle showed.
Now I am here, I want to get
Some tickets for "Tobacco Road."
HILDY:
"Tobacco Road?"
CHIP:
"Tobacco Road?"
HILDY:
Did I dig that?
Did you say "Tobacco Road"?
CHIP:
Yes, you dug that,
Yes, I said "Tobac-"
(Hildy brakes again.)
Hey what for did you stop?
HILDY:
That show has closed up shop.
The actors washed their feet
And called it "Angel Street."
Posted: 1/21/23 at 10:00am
Miles2Go2 said: "I’ll keep this short. It’s late & I’m tired. Saw Phantom of the Opera tonight for first time on Broadway. Wow, I finally loved it. Greg Mills did a great job as the Phantom, but what really sold me was Emilie Kouatchou as Christine, our great seats (Left Orchestra, Row D, right off center aisle), and the great Broadway stage design."
What a small world - I was there that night in same section, but Row B seat 13. I agree Emilie was excellent! I saw the show again this week with Ben Crawford as the Phantom and I missed Greg in the role. Greg acting choices are much more solid.
Posted: 1/22/23 at 5:48pm
Miles2Go2 said: "bear88 said: "I’m thinking of heading to New York City for a March trip and am struck by the fact that, of all the shows you saw just a few days ago, none butChicagoandKimberly Akimbowill be around in March.Into the Woodsmight be coming to me, of course.
It’s seasonal, because a lot of shows close in January, but it’s just striking."
It is striking, but I will point out that Phantom doesn’t close until April 16th. Of course, I hear tix are now sparse and crazy expensive. Glad we got our tix when we did and so glad that after putting it off for so many years, I finally saw it on Broadway. I whole another level!"
I didn’t realize Phantom had extended. That’s mildly tempting but I have seen it twice, most recently in 2017. I am trying to piece together a tentative list. Kimberly Akimbo is on it, as is Sweeney Todd and Leopolstadt. Not sure how long our trip will be, so we may only see 3 shows. There are some new plays and musicals opening that month, so we may keep our options open except for shows where we need to buy tickets early.
