PRETTY WOMAN in Chicago — Page 5

I caught the matinee today and found it perfectly enjoyable. A big part of this show’s legacy will be that it introduced Samantha Barks to Broadway. She is absolutely transcendent. Vocally marvelous, star stage presence. She reminds me of an edgier Sutton Foster. Truly a star turn. She’s gonna get all the nominations.

Steve Kazee is very good. I think the two have good chemistry. It’s great to have him back (almost) on Broadway. He sings beautifully.

Eric Anderson is a star, and it’s great to see him with more to do onstage. He could nab a featured actor Tony nom.

Jason Danieley is good in his book scenes, but I wish he had a song.

Orfeh is vocally excellent, of course, and I wish she had more to do.

The score is enjoyable if sometimes forgettable. There are some very good numbers (most of Vivian’s). Having said that, the worst songs are Vivian’s “This is My Life” and the Dream song that Eric and Orfeh do. The first one is just lyrically abysmal. It could be rewritten into a very beautiful moment. The second one is the only time of the show I felt bored. It’s a big fun ensemble number but falls flat. It’s an attempt to create a B story for Kit to give her a reason to leave the profession at the end, but it comes too late and seems gratuitous. It could be reworked and given more payoff.

All in all a very enjoyable show. It might not get the critical love that Kinky Boots did (Barks’s and Anderson’s performances excepting), but it could be a similarly successful Jerry Mitchell hit. Jason Danieley said at the stage door that they start rehearsals for broadway in June, so it’s gonna be tight, but they could retool. There were plenty of folks with clipboards in the back of the house, and I saw Jerry Mitchell as I was leaving, so it’s good to know they are still working.

For those wondering, after the matinee all the principals except for Orfeh stage doored. I’m a huge Sam Barks fan so it was great to meet her!

I saw the show on Thursday night. My friend in the show was nice enough to secure the rush tickets for me, so it worked out perfectly. The show is fun. That's all it's trying to be. It won't win critical acclaim or Tonys, but I think this show will have a healthy Broadway run. The audience was eating it up. People love the movie and it's something that will attract many demographics in NYC.

Lets make one thing absolutely clear, Samantha Barks is a star and THIS is her star vehicle. From the second she steps onstage she radiates charisma. Her voice is unbelievable, belting out song after song flawlessly. She will get major acclaim for her performance even if the show gets lukewarm reviews. Steve Kazee was fine. He's not my favorite performer, but he turns in a solid performance. I couldn't help but wish someone more interesting were playing Edward. I got into theatre and Broadway in 2010, just after Legally Blonde finished up in NYC and on tour. I've seen he MTV video and worn out the album, so I can't stress how much of a thrill it was to see Orfeh perform live in a musical. She's funny even if her role is an edgier Paulette, and her voice is absolutely insane. As others have said, Eric Anderson is a treat. He's wonderful in both of his roles and will surely be a contender come next Tony season for featured actor. Jason Danieley is a great talent, and I'm sad to say he's criminally underused in this show since his song was cut. It's a real shame that you cast that voice and he never really gets to sing. The ensemble was very strong and Allison Blackwell is a star on the rise.

Talking to my friend after the show, things are indeed in flux. I was told "Freedom" was rewritten and would be put into the show the following night (Friday, 4/6). Along with this the Act 1 finale is always being tinkered with. I was told the set would be beefed up for NYC, and that "Rodeo Drive" was in the process of being re-staged to include the male ensemble. This team is truly hard at work to make this show the best it can be, and I'm honestly looking forward to seeing what the show is when it opens on Broadway this summer.