I saw it tonight and was underwhelmed. I wasn't overly impressed with Radcliffe early in the run, but thought he grew into the role nicely, and the last time I saw it in November he and Larroquette had wonderful chemistry. They were easily the two best things about this rather lackluster revival.
I haven't seen an episode of Glee past the pilot, so I really didn't know Criss from Adam. I don't know how he fares on the show, but he was merely passable this evening. (I've seen a high school production with a better singing voice and more charismatic Finch.) He did seem nervous and stiff for the first act, and even when he loosened up a bit he lacked any sort of confidence- a trait vital for the role of Finch. It doesn't matter if you've had three previews or 500 performances; we must believe Finch believes in himself from the start or the piece doesn't work. His voice was thin and he hit a couple sour notes.
Bridges was a painful mess. He didn't know his lines (Tammy helped him out a bit) and his singing made Larroquette sound like Pavarotti.
Without Radcliffe there to charm us, numbers like "Grand Old Ivy" and "Brotherhood of Man" couldn't even excite. Ashford's crazy choreography seemed extra over the top tonight; perhaps the ensemble was trying to overcompensate for the lack of star power they're accustomed to?
I thought most of the rest of the cast was going to be replaced as well, but I guess they are switching over when Jonas joins.
I will say the audience, made up of mostly 14 year old girls, went absolutely crazy for anything Criss did. Granted I think they would have applauded had he stood up there farting and burping all night. After "Grand Old Ivy" one of my friend leaned over and said, "I haven't seen this many vaginal erections in a long time!"
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
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