#1
Posted: 10/16/11 at 9:14am
This production is by far one of best things I've ever witnessed on the stage. It was my first exposure to the musical, but there's something about this particular production that makes it a spectacular experience that must not be missed!
The confederate issues, themes and the overall debate of prejudice being performed just feet away from the very booth where President Lincoln was shot creates an eerie ode to the vision the President stood for. The aestheticism presented right there is worth the price of admission.
The musical fits the space space. It's an intimate show in terms of the characters and the audience's experience with them, and the theatre allows your to feel as if you're right there peering through the prison cell bars to watch the Franks meet. You feel as if you're there with the reporters accusing Leo of the murder.
The orchestra is fantastic and the musicality of the performers surpass those of performers you'd find on Broadway. This production is one of the reason regional theatres across the country contain some of the best performances around.
Euan Morton's portrayal of Leo Frank is humble, heartbreaking and perfect. There's not a single thing off about his singing, his accent, his look and his acting. Jenny Fellner compliments Morton's performance with a soaring voice that conquers Jason Robert Brown's score. Kevin McAllister brings the big-Broadway voice that most performers share nightly on the Great White Way, except his performance is sophisticated and brilliant that you can't help but wonder where he'll end up next.
The only problem with the production is that the actress playing Mary Phagen is too old to portray a 13 year old girl, however, she does the best she can and the audience forgives rather than settles.
If you are lucky enough to catch this production before it closes at the end of the month then do so. You will not regret it, especially if it's your first exposure to the musical.
The confederate issues, themes and the overall debate of prejudice being performed just feet away from the very booth where President Lincoln was shot creates an eerie ode to the vision the President stood for. The aestheticism presented right there is worth the price of admission.
The musical fits the space space. It's an intimate show in terms of the characters and the audience's experience with them, and the theatre allows your to feel as if you're right there peering through the prison cell bars to watch the Franks meet. You feel as if you're there with the reporters accusing Leo of the murder.
The orchestra is fantastic and the musicality of the performers surpass those of performers you'd find on Broadway. This production is one of the reason regional theatres across the country contain some of the best performances around.
Euan Morton's portrayal of Leo Frank is humble, heartbreaking and perfect. There's not a single thing off about his singing, his accent, his look and his acting. Jenny Fellner compliments Morton's performance with a soaring voice that conquers Jason Robert Brown's score. Kevin McAllister brings the big-Broadway voice that most performers share nightly on the Great White Way, except his performance is sophisticated and brilliant that you can't help but wonder where he'll end up next.
The only problem with the production is that the actress playing Mary Phagen is too old to portray a 13 year old girl, however, she does the best she can and the audience forgives rather than settles.
If you are lucky enough to catch this production before it closes at the end of the month then do so. You will not regret it, especially if it's your first exposure to the musical.
