I posted this elsewhere and am too lazy too change anything so deal with it, kids....
Well, a little tipsy so if I ramble then deal with it. As someone who was reared on the OBC recording of Pippin, I was a little bit more than excited to see the concert. I now realize why the show has not been revived since the original run. A) The book stinks. It really felt like one of those shows where you just keep waiting for the next song to start. 2) You gotta have a Bob Fosse director/choreographer at the helm. Unless someone rewrites the book (which probably won't happen) there's gotta be an amazing person who can make the book scenes hold interest. Anyways, on with the show....
"Magic to Do"- when I found out that Rosie was gonna be the first LP, I was intrigued and yet in fear that she would butcher the opening "ooohs" (which I hoped to hear from Billy Porter, but that's another matter). My fears were put to rest when the chorus sang them before O'Donnell made her grand entrance. I could have done without the Mardi Gras masks used in the opening part of the song.
"Corner of the Sky"- Well, I am now a fan of a one Mr. Michael Arden. He has such an adorably innocent face and a voice from the heavens. He made this song believable which is a tough thing to do after hearing faaaarrr too many boys warble their way through it.
"War is a Science"- First off, when did Terry Mann age? Maybe I just hae placed him forever as Rum Tum in my head but I just couldn't believe how he looked. Ah well, he's still fabulous. And he brought a senile coot quality to Charles. Also, his booming baritone was quite nice to hear. Perhaps my favorite part was when after "bring to pass occur." He ad libbed (perhaps asking Schwartz in the audience) "What the hell does that mean?" Brilliant.
"Glory"- Oh, Billy Porter. He did his usual take the song up (which I am a sucker for) and tear the house down. He also kicked up his heels with the dancers which was nice. My only problem with the song was that the "Manson Trio" was replaced with this odd ballet of (I'm assuming this is what it was... I was sorta scratching my head, thinking W.T.F???) boy loves girl-boy and girl have a child-boy goes to war and dies-son grows up and goes to war and dies-girl mourns and dies. It just wasn't that good.
"Simple Joys" - I absolutely adore this song and was not let down by Darius De Haas. He skatted and did all the jazzy things I hoped for. He also wore a lovely tight and open shirt which wasn't to bad to look at.
"No Time at All"- Ahh, Charles Busche. I love this man. To pieces. He was fabulous. The ad libs and what not were great ("I'll sing this part... but God you're cute"). He was great. His boys were great. Everything was great. I will agree that whomever sings this can't do wrong but, God, La Busche was just fantastic.
"With You"- Ehh, I could do without this song but damn those chorus boys and girls are hot. Nice "Rich Man's Frug" lighting effect.
"Spread a Little Sunshine"- Why oh why won't Julia Murney do a Broadway show? Her dress, her delivery, her belt were all in fine form this evening. I was a little worried in having a singer do what I consider a song which is only good if the Fastrada can high kick but Murney proved that all you need is an amazing voice. And the gal does have some great gams to boot. The incestual relationship with Lewis (an amazingly hot, and the only one off-book... I guess all that soaps training paid off... Cameron Mathison) was really played up.
"Morning Glow" - Ah. Mazing. Arden showed such honesty in his singing and hearing that chorus of what felt like hundreds singing the chorus. Chills and goosebumps did occur, my friends.
"On the Right Track"- Ok, A) Kate Shindle is hot. 2) Kate Shindle is one talented bitch. She riffed and just rocked out. Now, if only she and Michael had had some actual choreography on this song. A step-touch or two just don't cut it to this song. Nice having the other Leading Players sing the final "On the riiiiiiight (that is how I type a run) track."
"Kind of Woman"- I really do like Laura Benanti's voice and I love this song but she just seems so chilly to me that I can't help but be rubbed the wrong way a little by her. I loved her as Claudia in Nine but then that character has that sort of bitch goddess thing about her. Needless to say, her rendition of whe song was quite nice and had a folksy quality to it (not the full-on soprano I was expecting). I just wish my temperature didn't drop 5 degrees when she came on stage.
"Extraordinary"- The pacing or something seemed off at the beginning of this one (a tad slower than what I'm used to hearing) but all in all it was a nice rendition. I probably wouldn't have noticed Arden going up at the end if he hadn't grimaced. He was so cute after the song saying, "I am extraordinary... I don't lyrics for **** but I'm extraordinary. Sorry, Stephen). Sigh. What a sweetheart.
"Prayer for a Duck"- Cute. Especially with a Pippin who can convey that A) who prays for a duck and 2) WHO PRAYS FOR A DUCK???
"Love Song"- Such a sweet, overly- saccharine song that was great even when Michael flubbed a lyric and Benanti goes, "I'll sing your part"
"I Guess I'll Miss the Man"- "There's no song in this spot." "There is now." That alone makes me like this song ten times more. Benanti actually warmed up a bit and once again showed off what an amazing voice she does have.
"Finale"- And enter Ben Vereen. He came on and just electrified the stage. I am not even that big a fan of his but when someone with his charisma walks onstage, you just can not take your eyes off of him. He was amazing and joked afterwards that he hadn't looked at this stuff in 20 (... or 10) years. Also, having that chorus raising the roof with the "Rivers belong..." section. Truly amazing. Also, Arden did a great job with Pippin's breakdown. Great perfromances by all. Also, they used the new ending (with Theo singing a bit of "Corner of the Sky" and then the Leading Player(s) re-entering and "oooh"-ing the opening to "Magic to Do") which sent a chill down me ol' spine.
Anyways, there's my run down of the concert. All in all, pretty freaking great. It was definately money well spent and I will def go next year to whatever Jamie decided to put on.
Zach... off to bed.... but one more toddy before I go
"You're not a kid anymore, Robby. I don't think you'll ever be a kid again, kiddo." - Joanne, Company
I didn't even have time to go to the stage door. I HAVE to meet him at the "Easter Rising" reading. As much as he is adorable, I just want to compliment him on his AMAZING work. From BARE to Easter Rising...this boy is just...*swoons*
