My short review/observations

[BroadwayBama]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 2:24pm

Well, finally my annual trip to NY arrived and though it was a quick one, it was a wonderful one. Normally I try to come up for at least a week, but this was a quick trip to see Jai in Rent, Paige in Chicago and Avenue Q. Before I begin, these are just my humble Alabama opinions, so be nice to me.

First on the agenda was Rent. This was my third time to see the show, and this one was the best. I was a bit anxious about Melanie (Mimi), but she did a nice job. A little weak on the higher notes in Out Tonight and bit raspier than I like it on Without You, but overall did a nice job. Jai was magnificent as Angel. He probably has his stage rust shook off by now, for he was in fine form! I was very pleasantly surprised by his voice. When he sings, his voice does not sound like his speaking voice and he was strong through the entire night. The cast seemed to be having a great time performing at this show as they added a lot of nice character enhancing gestures/movements/interactions that I had not seen before. We hung around at the stagedoor and met Jai, Melanie and Jeremy K. They were all very nice and accomadating. Wonderful start to the weekend.

Next was a matinee of Avenue Q. What a cool show!!! Seeing these people perform the way they did made it a very memorable experience. How can they not have fun with that show??!! John T and Stephanie was great, but the stars of the show to me were Ann Harada and Rick Lyon, especially Rick. I haven't seen Wicked, so I will not comment on the Tony should/shouldn't have won issue, I just wanted to be entertained and I was in a serious way. My wife and I were laughing hysterically throughout the show and it will be a definite repeater in my book.

Lastly for this quick trip was Chicago and Paige Davis. Disclaimer: I am a huge Paige fan and have been since I laid eyes on her and was very anxious to see her perform onstage. Overall, she did a very solid job. She had fun on stage, entertained the audience and that's what counts. The rest of the cast was freakin' spectacular. What a sexy, sexy show!! We waited by the stagedoor so I could get a picture with Paige and when she did come out, she couldn't have been sweeter. Also got pics with Christopher and Brenda. There was one female dancer, a redhead, who had one of the best damn bodies I have ever seen....hubba hubba....but I didnt' see her come out. Oh well, I got my picture with my Paige!!

Thanks for letting me share my experience with you!

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 2:26pm

That sounds like too much fun! Glad you enjoyed yourself.

[redmustang]

Posted: 7/12/04 at 3:01pm

BroadwayBama,
I saw Chicago back in June, and I remember the redhead you singled out. She was really stunning, wasn't she? And I'm not straight!