I'm kinda bad at writing reviews (I'm sure Margo will do a much better job), so I'll give it by actors. But first, I've never seen the Ravinia stage so decorated on the porcenium. They were pretty creative in using a big trunk and door frames as most of the set. The costumes were alright, nothing too special.
Patti LuPone: Rose- Wow, what a performance! Almost everything about it was spot on. With this being her first performance, she looked very comfortable in the role. Her acting in the book scenes were flawless. She exuded sexiness, anger, jealousy, and vulnerability. During the scene where she gets Louise ready for her first strip was perfection. The ny times (or whatever paper) is right in saying that she was born to play this role. All of her songs were pretty much amazing. Her "Everyting's Coming Up Roses" was just astounding. And then there was her "Rose's Turn." There are no words. The only thing that let me down was that she didn't hold out the last note as long as the orchestra did. But it didn't matter that much. She stopped the show for a good 2 mins. That was the first time in my theatre-going career that I was almost moved to tears. One really little blooper was that she couldn't say toothpaste and toothbrush.
Jack Willis: Herbie- Not much of a singer (which isn't required in this role), as his voice didn't blend well with LuPone's, however his acting was quite strong. *SPOILER* He was brilliant in the scene where he leaves Rose.
Jessica Boevers: Louise- I thought she was just alright in the first act, but she really came alive in the second one. Her voice was in fine shape. During the scene where Rose is getting her ready for her first strip was amazing - and she has no lines in the scene. But her body language made the scene all the more powerful. Her strip was very enjoyable. The transformation from timid girl to big celebrity was smooth.
Overall, it was an amazing night of theatre, and one I will never forget. Patti was just breathtaking. She NEEDS to record these songs (be it Broadway [if she gets to] or London). I feel honored to have gone to her first show as Rose.
Curtain call pictures to come once I get them on photobucket.
"Chicago is it's own incredible theater town right there smack down in the middle of the heartland. What a great city! I can see why Oprah likes to live there!" - Dee Hoty :-D