NYC Trip Show Reviews (Billy Elliot, next to normal, 9 to 5)

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 6:12pm

I just got back from my trip to NYC. It was a wonderful trip filled with three shows I loved for their own reasons. Here are some reviews of all of them. I sat in the first row mezzanine for all three shows (N2N for $60, 9 to 5 for $67, and Billy Elliot for over $100- our one big purchase, as it was for a gift)

Billy Elliot- Friday, June 12th, 8pm- I went into this show thinking it was going to be a good show, but that there were some major flaws. After reading the comments about it on this board and especially the comparisons to N2N, I was skeptical. But I was blown away. I absolutely loved the final product, though I could see the flaws in a way. My biggest problem with it, strangely enough, was the book. I felt that most of the characters were thinly drawn, and that it relied either on familiar things from the movie or overplayed gags. I strongly felt that N2N should've won book. The score, which I'd heard so many bad things about, was, in my opinion, mostly strong. There were a few clunkers, mostly in the second act, but overall, the show shone (no pun intended) mostly during the musical numbers. The set and choreography were obviously wonderful. David Alvarez was Billy. His dancing was absoultely spectacular, but his voice was really showing the effects of puberty, so he likely will not be in the show much longer. Frank Dolce, who was COMPLETLEY deserving of a Tony Nomination, was wonderful, and stayed at the stagedoor from beginning (the first one out) to end (the last to leave). There was an understudy on for Dead Mum, and she had a beautiful voice, athough I can't remember her name. The audience was completely full and very enthusiastic, especially after Solidarity, when the applause went on and on and had to be stopped by Greg Jbara eventually. I saw all of the leads and got pictures with Greg and Hadyn, who were both espeically nice. I didn't think anything could top this experience. But then...

next to normal- Saturday, June 13th, 2pm- There are hardly words for how amazing this show was. I don't think I've ever been so riveted in a theatre in my entire life. From start to finish, the show was incredible. Everything about this show was flawless to me. Ripley was on her game this show, and she was never "flat" to the best of my knowledge. I don't think I've ever seen a performance that was so worthy of a Tony, including LuPone in Gypsy. She just let loose, bringing such emotion and what I consider to be a better voice live than on the recording to this fresh and vibrant show. The rest of the company was also great, including Jennifer Damiano, who appeared to be fighting an illness of some kind, though still in top form. I was especially surprised by J. Robert Spencer's great performance, which I had heard was improving but had no idea to THIS level, and Kyle Dean Massey's Gabe, which, at least based on singing, was 99% on par with Tveit, with a slight bit of difference with Massey's squeaky element, but otherwise, he was a great replacement. I found the set to be very cool. This is a show that I noticed worked on the little moments and details, which is something I greatly admire. Also, I loved the moment at the beginning of the second act at the start of Wish I Were Here, which I won't spoil but people who've seen it know what I'm talking about. It was a just generally stunning moment amongst many. Everyone but Alice came to the stagedoor, as she was resting but sent some old playbills with Aaron's bio still in it signed with her unique signiature. I've never seen actors with such a personal connection to their audience. They looked everyone in the eye and thanked them for coming, sincerely, and elevated the best experience I've ever had on Broadway even higher. Though it was wonderful, I was feeling a bit dazed from seeing such a poigniant and powerful show, and a bit down from the subject matter, which is why it was a perfect time for...

9 to 5- Saturday, June 13th, 8pm- What fun! That's all I can really say to summarize this show. It's not next to normal by any stretch, or Billy Elliot, but it was a pretty good show overall. What was most surprising about it was the quality of Dolly's music. I'd heard snippets here and there, but, in actually seeing the show, I was taken by her ability to craft a Broadway showstopper as well as a country song. The songs were unique, yet didn't scream "DOLLY PARTON" all the time. The book, though a bit stale and frazzled, especially at the end, was mostly crisp and satisfying. The choreography, likely my favorite part, was absoultey engrossing, and Blankenbuehler (sp?) is fast becoming one of my favorite choreographers. At the stagedoor, Janney didn't come out to sign, but the rest of the leads did, and were all incredibly nice. Kudisch took me by surprise when I was looking away and greeted me with a casual "Whatsup?", and Hilty and Block were both very sweet, all singing everything people had for them and talking to people. Overall, I think this show got a bad rap for no reason. It is a fun time, though not up to the quality of other shows this season, and is likely equal to or better than Rock of Ages and Shrek. I loved the show for what it was, and had a great time.

All in all, this was the best round of shows I've seen out of all the times I've gone, as it provided a great variety and all shows were extremely enjoyable. On a side note, it was fun seeing Chandra Wilson walking down 44th on her way to the Chicago matinee, presumably.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 6:23pm

I was at 9 to 5 last night too! Did you hear the hilarious bodyguard tell Megan "this girl's been giving me nothing but trouble" when she signed for that little girl? Hilarious!

My own review will be forthcoming, once these goddamn finals are over.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 6:29pm

Yeah, I heard the bodyguard say that! I also liked when the guard said that Janney wasn't coming out, and Hilty said "But I know her signiature really well!"

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 6:30pm

"And if your friends didn't come here with you, they'll never know!"

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 6:36pm

Yeah, Block and Hilty were both really patient and nice. And Kudisch seemed to be making everyone laugh.

[steven22]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 7:32pm

I love what you said about N2N..and I agree..the cast is so nice and gracious to their fans

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 7:39pm

You picked three wonderful shows!

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 6/14/09 at 10:13pm

Thanks, Talkinloud! It took a really long time to choose these shows. My family made it a MUST to see Billy, 9 to 5 was a good match for my family, who loves upbeat shows, and then my third show was a tossup between N2N and Hair. It was an incredibly tough decision, but I don't know what I would've done if I hadn't seen N2N. I am still thinking about the show, and I can't get it out of my mind.