My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18
My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18
My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#1
Posted: 10/19/08 at 8:11pm
I just returned from an amazing trip to New York. Here's my reviews from the shows that I saw. Enjoy!
GYPSY
10/16/08- 8:00pm
Understudies: Louise- Jessica Rush; Roles usually played by Jessica Rush played by Lisa Rohinsky
After reading such praise for the show and performances in the show, I decided to go outside of my musical "comfort zone" a little bit. I've never see a revival of a classic show (except Chicago, but who hasn't seen that), but I had listened to the recording for Gypsy several, and adored the music. So when I arrived at TKTS on Thursday, I was not hesitant to pick up tickets for the performance that evening - thanks Target/TKTS for the free tickets! When I arrived at the theatre, I was a bit disappointed to see that Laura Benanti was out, since I really was looking forward to seeing three Tony winning performers onstage, but I remember reading rave reviews for Jessica Rush, so I was not too bummed.
Overall, I thought the production was wonderful. Patti Lupone deserves every bit of praise she has gotten for this role. No words can describe what she does up on that stage every night. Boyd Gaines was lovable as Herbie when he needed to be, and stern at other times. Another incredible performance. Leigh Ann Larkin was amazingly annoying as Dainty June, as was Sami Gayle as Baby June. The strobe light effect was awesome. The performance of the night, for me, was Jessica Rush, as Louise. I haven't seen Laura, so I have nothing to compare her to, but Jessica blew me away. She had a very pretty voice, but what really astounded me was her acting. Her transformation from nervous Louise at the beginning of the strip, to Gypsy at the end was amazing. The scene after the strip was one of the best acted scenes I have ever seen. All of a sudden you have this stern, demanding woman in front of you, and you have never guessed that it was the same actress who 10 minutes earlier was playing such an insecure character.
My own problem with this show, as stated in another review I read as well, is that at times it tends to be too comical. I don't know who that's the fault of, the actors or the direction (I don't want to blame either), but at times, the mood on stage would be very serious, and all of a sudden, something was said that sent the audience into histerics at things I never found funny. It could just be a stupid audience, but it annoyed me, and happened several times throughout the evening. Overall still an outstanding produciton, 4.5 out of 5 stars.
BILLY ELLIOT
10/17/08 8:00pm
At this performance: Billy- Kiril Kulish, Michael- Frank Dolce, Small Boy- Mitchell Michalisyn
INCREDIBLE. One word that describes this show. The singing, the dancing, the acting, everything was unbelievable. I have never found myself crying/tearing up as many times in a show as I did during this show. It is simply beautiful. I really don't know what else to say, so I'll review it in the way that I filled out the survey at the end. There were so many favorite moments for me, that I can't just pinpoint one. I think my absolute favorite was "Solidarity". I loved the choreography, and how the Ballet Girls and Miners were incorporated into dancing together. Other favorites included "Expressing Yourself", the "Angry Dance", the "Little Billy/Big Billy" Duet, and of course, "Electricity". If there's one scene that needs a little work before opening, it would be "We'd Go Dancing". I found the male ensemble dancing a little odd, and it seemed as though the song were just an excuse for Grandma to sing. Still a very minimal problem though. I can see why Haydn Gwynne received such critical praise for this role in the West End and why she was brought over the NY, because she was amazing. She reminds me of so many dance teachers I've worked with before...very stern, yet also has a heart. It took me a while to warm up to Greg Jbara as Dad, but I think the character was a little underwritten in the first act, but during the second act definately picked up speed.
The real prize for outstanding performances goes to the children.
The Ballet Girls- Juliette Allen Angelo, Heather Ann Burns, Eboni Edwards, Meg Guzulescu, Izzy Hanson-Johnston, Caroline London, Marina Micalizzi, Tessa Netting, Corrieanne Stein, Casey Whyland, Erin Whyland. Yes, I did just name every single one of them. They all deserve praise. These are 7-13 year olds who are giving 150% up on that stage and doing a damn good job. Every single one of them brings something unique and special to the Imperial Theatre stage. They all look like they are having the time of their lives up there. A truly amazing ensemble performance is put on by these little girls.
Frank Dolce as Michael stole the show with "Expressing Yourself". Any young boy who has enough confidence to tap dance and sing while wearing a dress on a Broadway stage gets mad props in my book. He commands the stage, and like the ballet girls, looks like he is having a blast.
And last but not least, Kiril Kulish as Billy. OH. MY. GOD. Every young boy should strive to be like him. He sings, dances, and acts the hell out of the role of Billy. The emotion he put into the performance was unreal. After the "Little Billy/Big Billy" duet (sorry, I can't think of another name to call it), there were tears in his eyes, as was the case with most of the audience members. I cannot imagine any 13 year-old having to perform such a demanding role, and not only does he do it, but he does an incredible job at it. I was seriously mind-blown and at a loss of words after "Electricity". Overall, this is an amazing show that deserves every bit of praise it is getting. It lived up to all the hype I had heard it about it, and exceeded my expectations. 5/5 stars
IN THE HEIGHTS
10/18/08 2:00 pm
Understudies: Benny- Rogelio Douglas Jr, Priagua Guy- Tony Chiroldes, Roles usually played by Tony Chirdoles- Michael Balderama, Roles usually played by Afra Hines- Noemi Del Rio, Roles usually played by Krysta Rodriguez- Stephanie Klemons.
Ever since seeing this show perform on the Tony Awards, I have been hooked. Knowing that this show wouldn't be on TKTS, and scared that I would have bad luck at the lottery, I bulged, and bought full price tickets, and ended up with incredible seats.
The first act of this show is amazing. All the ensemble numbers bring down the house and the dancing is insane. As great as the first act is, that's where my main problem with this show lied. The first act is so great and wildly entertaining, that the beginning of the second act seemed so slow. During intermission you have this insane energy raging through your body from the Club/Blackout dance, that once the second act started, it was hard to pay attention to the slower songs. Carnival del Barrio, although not a slower song, seemed like it went on for an hour, and just was not as good as the ensemble numbers during the first act. It wasn't until **POSSIBLE SPOILER** Abuela Claudia's death that I really got back into the show. "Alabanza" and "Everything I Know" were absolutely beautiful, as was the rest of the show from then on. The vocals in the Finale were out of this world. I could listen to the last "home" all day.
The cast is extremely talented. Karen Olivo could sing the phonebook to be and I would be interested. There's few people who can make singing seem as effortless as she does. Mandy Gonzalez has a beautiful voice and was probably the best acting wise in the show, but that could be because I found the character of Nina to be the most developed. Lin-Manuel Miranda does a great job and you can tell he loves what he does. The ensemble is amazing, led by the crazy-talented Nina Lafarga. Ok, she techically she may not be the "lead" of the emsemble, but if your eyes aren't drawn to her everytime she's on stage, then you need to get your vision checked. She is an incredible dancer and was giving it her all in everything she did. This is a wonderful show, that could be amazing, with about 20 minutes trimmed from the beginning of Act Two. Still extremely entertaining. 4/5 stars.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
10/18/08 8:00pm
Full cast
I was expecting the worst from this show. I expected the show to be bad and I expected the audience to be out of control. I am EXTREMELY pleased, to report that this was not the case. While it was far from a great show, it was also far from bad. There were few children in the audience, which I guess is an advantage of seeing a Disney show on Saturday night (if I had gone to a matinee, it may be another story). If I were to describe this show in one word, it would be Pleasant. The colors used in the sets, lighting, and costumes is very visually pleasing, and the singing, for the most part, was very beautiful. The practically nonexistant book helps the show move at a fast pace, and I never once found myself bored (as was the case with the marathon Mary Poppins).
The show does have its flaws. Some of the new songs, such as "Her Voice" and "One Step Closer" are painfully bad to listen to. Since Prince Eric sang both of these songs, I was not too fond of the character. It had nothing ot do with Sean Palmer, who had quite a good voice, but the character was just so underwritten and given such bad material that anytime he was onstage, I couldn't wait for him to get off. Sherie Rene Scott looked bored out of her mind. Her lines were rushed, and because the audience was not laughing because they were so rushed, caused her to rush them even more. She has one of my favorite voices ever, but I never had time to appreciate it because she spoke so fast and looked like she couldn't wait to get off the stage. Alan Mingo, Jr. had a great voice and was very lovable, but the character of Sebastian got on my last nerve for some reason.
There are some positives though. Whoever found Sierra Boggess should be rewarded, as she IS Ariel. There's really nothing else that can be said, except for she plays the part extremely well. Brian D'Addario as Flounder was definately a highlight of the show, and "She's In Love" was my favorite song, in large part to him belting the hell out of it. He was definately a crowd favorite, as appearant during bows when he received the loudest applause aside from Sierra. The ensemble seemed to be enjoying themselves, and some of the group numbers sounded great. Although the show is at times a mess, magic still happens on that stage and you can't help but smile during the finale. 3/5 stars
Definately a successful trip and I cannot wait to go back again. Thanks for reading!
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#2
Posted: 10/19/08 at 8:22pm
Great Reviews!
"Leigh Ann Larkin was amazingly annoying as Dainty June, as was Sami Gayle as Baby June."
They are supposed to be, if you are talking about their daintiness then yes, that is the character. If you are talking about voices then that is them. Leigh Ann has an amazing voice in my opinion. Sami Gayle has a weird voice.
"The ensemble is amazing, led by the crazy-talented Nina Lafarga. Ok, she techically she may not be the "lead" of the emsemble, but if your eyes aren't drawn to her everytime she's on stage, then you need to get your vision checked. She is an incredible dancer and was giving it her all in everything she did."
Of course, it's Nina Lafarga! She could stand there and everyone would pay attention to her. She is amazingly hot (that may be disrespectful to some people but she is) and an incredible dancer and has THE best abs I have ever seen. But all of the other ensemble is incredible as well!
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#2
Posted: 10/19/08 at 8:23pm
It sounds like you had a GREAT time on your trip! Thanks for posting such wonderful reviews. 
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#3
Posted: 10/19/08 at 8:27pm
Sami Gayle has a weird voice.
are you referring to the pseudo-British accent she has? I think I said it before, but I seem to think this is a character choice. she doesn't have that on "Small World/Momma's Talkin Soft," so it seems that it's something that Rose would've had her pick up to make her sound more...cultured, I suppose. like it was Rose's idea of what would make her sound better and more professional.
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#4
Posted: 10/19/08 at 8:34pmDrunk Chita Rivera, when I said "amazingly annoying" I meant that in the best way. They are both very talented performers and portray the character of June the way it should.
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#5
Posted: 10/19/08 at 8:35pm
"are you referring to the pseudo-British accent she has? I think I said it before, but I seem to think this is a character choice."
She kind of pronounces words weird. Not sure if it is the accent or not. I have not seen her live. Both times I went her understudy was on (don't know her name, she is normally the balloon girl) and I don't recall her doing the weird thing with her voice.
"Drunk Chita Rivera, when I said "amazingly annoying" I meant that in the best way. They are both very talented performers and portray the character of June the way it should."
Okay, good. That is what I thought as well, that is why they are so brilliant.
Updated On: 10/19/08 at 08:35 PM
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#6
Posted: 10/19/08 at 10:00pmThanks for your reviews! Glad you had a nice time!
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#7
Posted: 10/20/08 at 10:18amSounds like you had a great time! Great reviews - although I would have given Gypsy 5 stars but everyone's open to their opinions.
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#8
Posted: 10/20/08 at 10:47amI agree with you about Karen Olivo. I saw her twice here in Denver when "Brooklyn" premiered here and was blown away by her voice.
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#9
Posted: 10/20/08 at 11:39am
GREAT reviews!!! Thank you for sharing
Glad you got to see GYPSY, BILLY ELLIOT and IN THE HEIGHTS.
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#10
Posted: 10/20/08 at 12:06pm
Great reviews on everything.
Re: Gypsy...
"My own problem with this show, as stated in another review I read as well, is that at times it tends to be too comical."
Can you think of any specific parts you are referring to? I agree that there are lot of comical parts, but I don't think it takes away from the "seriousness" of the scenes and true core of the story. The only part I can think of is after Rose's turn, with the things Rose says and her trying on the mink. I laugh during that scene, but I still have tears in my eyes from everything that just happened.
Updated On: 10/20/08 at 12:06 PM
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#11
Posted: 10/20/08 at 3:22pm
legally_popular, I don't remember all the scenes, but one that particularly annoyed me was when June was complaining about not wanting to perform under her mother's guidance anymore. I don't remember exactly what her lines were, but something along the lines of "I hate the dances" (audience laughs), "I hate the music" (audience laughs harder), "and most of all, I hate the stupid costumes" (audience laughs even harder and is now in hysterics). Maybe it's just the way I took it, but this showed a real turning point in June, but it seemed as though nobody around me understood that. They all just thought it was very funny. Several of the scenes with Rose and Herbie that I thought were intended to be serious also got mass amounts of laughter. I understand that some of the lines were intended to be funny, and I laughed at them, but when everybody around was laughing at everything, I don't know if that's the fault of the show, or just stupidity of the audience members.
I can't think of any other specific scenes right off the top of my head, but when I do I'll post them.
re: My NYC trip: 10/16-10/18#12
Posted: 10/20/08 at 9:06pm
^Thanks for discussing further :).
Probably just the stupidity of the audience 
only kidding…
I’ve never been with an audience that laughed THAT much. I feel the same way as you do about that scene with June. Perhaps it’s the way she’s says it that makes everyone laugh. I don’t know if the monotone-voiced, sarcastic approach to the character was Leigh Ann’s choice or Arthur’s direction, and I love it, but I don’t laugh at that part either.
Patti and Boyd are very playful and flirty with each other, and I enjoy those parts. However, I think that the more serious scenes between them should not be laughed at.
Hm.. perhaps it was just the audience then?
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