My Reviews 7/8-7/12

[kelleymd]

Posted: 7/14/10 at 5:31pm

Just returned from a wonderful trip to NYC. Here are my reviews for the shows I saw:
7/8 RACE Hmmm. Kind of mixed opinions. I liked the subject matter and the usual Mamet-esque wordplay at times, but the new cast was clearly still working out their chemistry and timing. Several dropped or stuttered lines interrupted the pace and there were several awkward pauses. I was disappointed in the ending and left feeling a little cheated. Also, it was difficult to hear at many times even though I was at the very front. Overall, however, it was worth seeing once and I think as the new cast gels it will only get stronger.
7/9 LA CAGE. Went into it expecting not to like it, but left loving it. It was light and fun and very entertaining. The Cagelles were great and I actually liked Douglas Hodge. I had heard that his portrayal of Albin was too "stereotypical" but I found him endearing with impeccable timing. Kelsey Grammer was also enjoyable and his voice was much stronger than I had anticipated. The supporting cast was overall quite strong. A fun time, definitely worth seeing. Note: if sitting in the front row or two, a tall person at one of the front tables can be very obstructive of the view. Much of the action is stage right.
7/10 matinee: FENCES. This is the best piece of work I have ever seen. I figured it was all hype due to Denzel Washington and Viola Davis and boy was I totally wrong. The set was exquisite and the costuming very authentic. August Wilson's piece is stunning and witty and moving. The pace and timing was totally natural and I completely forgot I was watching a play. Denzel Washington was Denzel for about the first 10 seconds as I adjusted to seeing him in person, but then he was Troy Maxson. He was riveting and intense and clearly gave 110% to his performance. If he was a 10, Viola Davis was an 11. She was breathtaking...literally...I found myself holding my breath during her monologue as it was so intense I could not move. It made me cry not so much because of the content (which alone was heartbreaking) but because I didn't know what else to do about seeing a work of art so beautiful. I will never forget that show. I left feeling like I was given a special gift by the entire cast and team.
7/10 PM: EVERYDAY RAPTURE. Not for me. I found the show narcissistic and self-indulgent. There was very little about it I enjoyed except for the curtain call because it meant I got to leave.
7/11 matinee: LION KING. No need to go into detail. This is old news. Just hadn't seen it yet. Thought the singing was subpar at times but the imagery and creativity was wonderful if you are into that big production-y thing (which I am not).
7/12 PM: CHICAGO. I always enjoy this show. Mark Cusamano was out and he is my favorite ensemble member, so that was a bummer. Terra MacLeod was a great Velma. I enjoyed Ruthie Henshall's performance but was annoyed by her all-over-the-map American accent which ranged from Midwestern to New York to Deep South. Just can't ever go wrong with this show in my opinion.
7/13 PM: NEXT TO NORMAL. I have seen the show numerous times and wanted to see it with Brian D'Arcy James. As always, it totally delivered and was a powerful show. I truly do not know how Alice Ripley and Jennifer Damiano continue to make that show fresh every night. Jennifer's voice sounded better than last time I saw it which was good to hear (she sounded very vocally strained last time). Kyle Dean Massey did a nice job although I am a big Aaron Tveit fan for the role of Gabe. Brian D'Arcy James was awesome and totally changed the dynamic of the cast. As much as I loved J. Robert Spencer in the role, I felt James was more believable as the husband/dad and added more facets to the character. Overall a great performance which I enjoyed yet again.
A wonderful time in NYC except for the cancelled flight home and 15 hours at the airport...