Here's a review from someone with no history with the show, no fond memories of the 70's original, no expectations going in to the theater...nothing.
I saw it last night at the Curran with a sold out and extremely appreciative audience. 6 rows from stage, right. Absolutely perfect behaviour, for once. No phones, no talking.
WOW.
What a fantastic piece of theater. The emotions from the actors, from Paul to Cassie to Bebe to Sheila were spot on. You felt their tension and pain throughout the audition process. The stories were heartbreaking and hilarious, and the solo numbers for At the Ballet and Tits and Ass were two fast favorites.
Which brings me to the highlight of the show, Music and the Mirrors with d'Amboise. My god, that woman can dance. From 6 rows back, you could see every step, turn and move ripple through her body, and I was impressed. The audience gave her end of number and exit applause for that one, as well we should have. Her begging preceding this number was heartbreaking as well. No complaints in any category for this actress.
Having never seen any incarnation of this show, I am glad I stayed away from review threads on this board before seeing it. The ending was great, and worked so well for the audience. The silence in the theater during those final tense seconds was deafening. As it should be. No one shouting out "keep them all" as reported on opening night here.
I am trying to remember things that stick out as more memorable than others, and it's hard. The entire show was a highlight for me. At the end of the evening, I had no complaints, which is unusual. All voices seemed right for each part, and everyone was great.
One question though...when the "kids" come back to the stage to sing the number with the hats, why doesn't Cassie have one? Is it to pull focus onto her as she struggles to fit in with the chorus (which was my guess)?
"My dreams, watching me said, one to the other...this life has let us down."
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