Yesterday (June 21st) was a busy day. I started off with "Pirates: The Penzance Musical". It was a very enjoyable show. Jinx Monsoon has a tremendous voice. The entire cast and crew were amazing. I enjoyed the first act a little bit better than the second one. The audience clearly loved David Hyde Pierce and Ramin Karimloo. At 5:00 p.m., I saw "Oh Mary!" It was funny, bawdy and very intense. Cole Escola was wickedly funny as the First Lady wannabe chanteuse. I wasn't aware of the storyline involving Lincol and his male assistant. Bianca Leigh as Mary's chaperone was impressive. It was interesting that the theatre darkens completely for set changes. The entire theatre was laughing out loud at all the hijinks onstage. I'd like to think that Cole is taking a break from the show, rather than leaving it completely. Finally, at 8:00 p.m., it was time for "Boop". I had the most wonderful time. The show's use of shades of black and gray was put to good effect. Their visual graphics and special effects were out of this world! Before the show began, an announcement was made that the role usually played by Jasmine Amy Rogers would be played by Victoria Byrd. There was obviously an audible "awwww" from the crowd. The understudy was phenomenal. She played her part with such gusto and energy! The scenes contrasted with the use of black and white and color. I swear that one of Betty's costume was the shiniest and sparkly costume I have ever seen in all the years I've seen theatre. It was remarkable. (Spoiler alert) At one point, there was an energetic number where all of the characters wore clothes with color on one side and black and white on the other side. Surpisingly, there were some well deserved feminist references. I had a blast. I took video of the curtain call. I'll post it later. I enjoyed myself very very much with Boop. I do hope it can manage to hang on for a while longer. It is such a charming and visually stunning show! P.S. I'll head out to see Smash in about an hour. The entrance to the Imperial Theatre is on 45th St., while the stage door is north of the theatre on 46th St. This happens to be located across the street from my hotel (the Paramount) on W. 46th. Once the curtain calls finish, I'll have to make a quick dash to get to 46th st. and the Smash stage door. I can't wait!
"Noel [Coward] and I were in Paris once. Adjoining rooms, of course. One night, I felt mischievous, so I knocked on Noel's door, and he asked, 'Who is it?' I lowered my voice and said 'Hotel detective. Have you got a gentleman in your room?' He answered, 'Just a minute, I'll ask him.'" (Beatrice Lillie)
