My reviews 1/7-1/10

[kelleymd]

Posted: 1/14/09 at 3:15am

What a wonderful trip to New York! Here are my brief amateur evaluations of what I saw:
1/7 8 pm Jersey Boys. Just not for me. Wonderfully acted and sung with classic, catchy songs, but seemed more of a cruise ship rendition of Frankie Valli songs than a musical. I just couldn't get into it but I admire the talent on the stage.
1/8 8 pm Spring Awakening The closure of this show is what prompted my visit to NYC. I loved the show. It was not my favorite time I have seen SA, but it was enough to give me that last hurrah. Alexandra Socha just nails the innocence but lust of the role. I appreciated Hunter Parrish's interpretation of the role (especially the beating scene) although he didn't have the piercing high tenor/low alto notes one would expect. I'm going to go easy on it as I love the show and the cast worked their heart out.
1/9 PM Wicked. I took my 7yo niece, who loved it. It was fine. Seen it many times. That's about all I got.
1/10 2 pm Avenue Q Never saw it before! Cute! Refreshing! Loved Carey Anderson and the rest of the cast. Good concept done just right
1/10 PM Billy Elliott The greatest theater experience I have ever had in over 50 Broadways shows (many repeats). I saw Kiril Kulish as Billy and he was fabulous. I was in tears at the sheer realization that someone with that much talent exists at such a young age. He was so committed to the role, so vulnerable, so talented that it overwhelmed me. I cannot imagine what it would feel like to possess such prodigal talent. I greatly enjoyed Mrs. Wilkinson (Haydn Gwynne)as well as Dad (Gregory Jbara, unrecognizable since DRS). Michael was also delightful and such a ham. My vote for the Tony goes solidly to Billy Elliott.
To anyone out there, production team, cast or crew of all of the shows, THANK YOU for the hard work and sacrifices you make every day so people like me can come reset their soul. You make a difference.