NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ- Page 2

[bundy5000]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#25

Posted: 2/18/10 at 5:31am

With CZJ out, does Angela stage door now?

Herbie: "Honey, Don't you know there's a depression?"
Rose: "Of Course I know, I Watch Fox News"
-(modified)Gypsy
Broadway Schedule
December 5th- Hamilton, On Your Feet
December 19th- Noises Off, Edith Piaf Concert at Town Hall

[beaemma]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#26

Posted: 2/19/10 at 11:15pm

Because of a near six hour flight delay, I missed the first half of Act I on Tuesday. I chose to watch from the back until intermission and had a good view of the house. I saw only three or four empty seats (one of them mine). During intermission, I moved to my second row seat and saw that there were only a few empty spots upstairs. I suppose many people were there on discounts, but that means a broader audience was getting to see this fine work. I saw two preview performances and thought Catherine Zeta-Jones was good, but didn't measure up to my memories of Glynis Johns. Nobody is Glynis in that role, but Jayne Paterson was wonderful and better than CZJ. Jayne's emotional interactions with the other characters, especially Fredrik and her daughter, seemed much stronger and more complex to me. She projected greater sophistication, warmth, and sexuality. She seemed incredibly secure in her first performance. Her singing was excellent, especially in "Clowns" which I found less overdone and more emotionally compelling than Catherine's interpretation. I enjoyed the show and performances in previews and liked it more this time. I wouldn't have thought Angela Lansbury could get better in her role, but she has. Erin Davie has improved. Everyone else that I thought excellent the first time was just as good. Even seeing two-thirds of this show was a lovely experience, so I caught another performance before flying back home. It was still lovely. A few people around me seemed surprised and disappointed when they saw that CZJ was out; but at intermission and after the show I heard nothing but high, and highly deserved, praise for Jayne Paterson. If I see the show on my next trip, I'm sure I'll like Caterine's performance, but I'll miss Jayne's.

[miss pennywise]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#27

Posted: 2/19/10 at 11:29pm

When is the next time Jayne goes on for CZJ?

"Be on your guard! Jerks on the loose!"

http://www.roches.com/television/ss83kod.html

**********

"If any relationship involves a flow chart, get out of it...FAST!"

~ Best12Bars

[rorygilmo52]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#28

Posted: 2/19/10 at 11:47pm

March 29th - April 4th

[Cat2]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#29

Posted: 2/19/10 at 11:53pm

I saw Jayne Paterson in the show a few days ago, and I thought she did an amazing job. I totally enjoyed her performance.

[rorygilmo52]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#30

Posted: 2/20/10 at 12:02am

I'm very happy to see that many people liked Jayne. I'm seeing her in April and I can't wait.

[Upland]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#31

Posted: 2/20/10 at 2:11pm

Interesting to see the response to the standby. I, for one, don't see this particular production as strong enough the expense of a ticket (for those who have already seen another production of A Little Night Music) without Catherine Zeta Jones. If you've never seen the show, the score itself is gorgeous. But I'd still rather wait to see the show with CZJ. She may not be perfect in the show, but she is so gorgeous!

[ljay889]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#32

Posted: 2/21/10 at 11:26pm

I finally saw Jayne today. I enjoyed her performance a lot. I personally don't feel she gave a better performance than Zeta-Jones, but I still enjoyed her. It was obvious Jayne was never going to be able to evoke the same type of glamour, beauty, and sex appeal as Zeta Jones. But her Desiree was still sexy. Her take on the role still fits Nunn's earthy interpretation of the character. I do feel Jayne was a bit warmer than Zeta-Jones. I must disagree with whoever said her Clowns is less sung than Catherine's. It was actually MUCH more sung. But it was still effective. She had a more somber take on the song.
Angela was SPOT-on today. She is still finding new things to do with the role. Her act 2 is extremely touching.
The show is in REALLY great shape right now. I cannot believe how much better it is than when it started. Everyone is so comfortable in their roles. The audience was still enthusiastic without CZJ. Some people gave an instant standing ovation at the start of curtain call.
Great performance!
Updated On: 2/22/10 at 11:26 PM

[adamgreer]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#33

Posted: 2/21/10 at 11:47pm

I also saw the matinee today.

I found a lot to love about Jayne Paterson's Desiree. There were moments I really loved about her performance. She's not quite as glamorous as Zeta-Jones is, and you don't ever feel like this character is a star of the stage, but her earthy interpretation has its moments. She is most effective in her scenes with Frederika and Madame Armfeldt. Her Clowns is less restrained than Jones', and she visibly breaks down the during the number, whereas Jones sings it more detached, with much more irony. The problem I have with it is that she way over-sings it, almost to the point where it's as if she's trying to say, "I am a Broadway actress and I can belt!" I would definitely see her again, but overall, I still prefer Catherine's portrayal.

The rest of the show is in absolutely fantastic shape and I would encourage all of those who saw an early preview to think about a return visit. This is my third visit to the show, and the performance was VERY strong today. All of the qualms I had about it after the first preview have been addressed. The pacing is much zippier, and the show has never been funnier. Lansbury is absolutely brilliant. Her Liaisons today was fabulous and the wooden ring scene is sheer perfection. Lazar is hilarious. Hanson remains a delight. Leigh Ann Larkin and Hunter Ryan Herdlicka, both a bit too over the top early on, have toned it down and are quite good now. I still go back and forth on Ramona Mallory- sometimes she overdoes it, other times I find myself enjoying her. And I'm slowly warming up to Erin Davie, though I still wish she was more sarcastic.

Overall though, excellent performance today!
Updated On: 2/21/10 at 11:47 PM

[ljay889]

NIGHT MUSIC, sans CZJ#34

Posted: 2/22/10 at 2:09am

^ I agree with you on the featured cast.
Aaron Lazar BETTER be nominated for a Tony for this. His performance has grown so much from the first preview. I have seen the revival 4 times now, and he gets stronger each time. I will be very disappointed if his fabulous performance is not recognized.

Hanson was as solid as ever. I will be shocked if he isn't nominated for a Tony.

Herdlicka and Larkin have indeed toned down their performances. Both are more effective now.

I think Mallory is the only performer I actually enjoyed MORE at the first preview. She seems to be the only one who has tuned up the histrionics. I do enjoy several aspects of her performance though.

I enjoy Davie's performance. She was particularly good today. Her act 2 remains stronger than her first act. She NAILS each and every laugh in act 2. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if she gets nominated for a Tony. We know Patricia Elliott won for her Charlotte. And Nunn's London Charlotte was just nominated for an Olivier award.

I have seen all 3 Fredrikas now. And all 3 were great. These young girls deserve a lot of credit. It is SO much more effective having actresses who are actually 13-years-old play the role.
Updated On: 2/22/10 at 02:09 AM