Hi newintown- I just saw this last night, actually. When they canceled the first preview my schedule got all out of sorts. My thoughts are a little scattered; there's plenty to like (love even), but there things holding this production back too.
Sadly the night starts out with a disappointment, and one this production will never be able to overcome. The overture begins and the orchestra of 13 is just too thin for this score. I have to hand it to Larry Hochman for maximizing what he has to work with, but even the greatest magician can't turn a string quartet into a symphony. Plus, it's not even the full overture! The Our Private World section has been cut.
My ear adjusted to the smaller sound, but especially during the big ensemble numbers/reprises of the title song the bigger sound was sorely missed. It really makes you appreciate when we treated to full orchestras in other revivals or Encores.
Luckily the leading lady is more than up to the task of anchoring the show. Chenoweth is smashing, both vocally and in her acting choices. The difference between her performance here and in Promises, Promises is quite stark. She is totally at ease, relishing every trill and bit of physical comedy. Veronique, Never, I've Got It All, her portion of the Sextet and Babette were all A+ in my book.
Peter Gallagher doesn't quite match Chenoweth's perfection, but he acquits himself well enough. I enjoyed his characterization, but vocally he sounded a little tired. This was most evident in Our Private World. He has also been robbed of the 11 O'Clock number he deserves- The Legacy. The new song is fine, but The Legacy is so hysterical and has the potential to be a showstopper. Now it's just another song.
Mary Louise Wilson is a gem. Loved Repent and her antics during She's a Nut.
Andy Karl was fine, but sadly I can't say he made much of an impression. Maybe he'll be able to find more the comedy during previews.
I enjoyed McGrath and Linn-Baker.
The biggest thing for them to work on during previews is honing in on the style of the piece. The score is a spoof of operetta, and sometimes this production lacking that quality. Our Private World should have an element of being a spoof of something like Strange Music from Song of Norway. Right now it's missing.
The set is nice and the costumes are lovely.
Overall it made for an enjoyable evening (my favorite musical revival so far this season). Hopefully they work on capturing the style during previews, but it's definitely worth the price of admission for Chenoweth's performance.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
