Photo Flash: O'Hara, Chase, Kaye and Pittu In BELLS ARE RINGING- Page 2

[OlBlueEyes]

Posted: 11/20/10 at 9:36pm

Saw the matinee today and I'm pretty much in agreement with Ben Brantley that even Kelli O'Hara with a very good performance could not carry this slight musical on her back. The audience (performance appeared sold out although I could not see the rear mezzanine) enjoyed the show but there was no standing ovation at the curtain call. But it is worth seeing.

When Mr. Brantley doesn't think much of a show he is often kind enough to say little about the show and spend much time complementing the performers. Here he praises Ms. O'Hara greatly and writes that "[t]he opportunity to be seduced, anytime and anywhere by Ms. O'Hara's artful air of guilelessness is not to be dismissed. Otherwise, there doesn't seem to be much reason for resurrecting 'Bells are Ringing' ... as part of the Encores! series...."

I saw the film version with Judy Holliday a few months back. I wanted to see Ms. Holliday in her prime before she was snatched away by breast cancer a few years later. The film was just good also, even with Ms. Holliday giving a very appealing performance. It has never made it into the ranks of the best movie musicals.

In the film, Dean Martin played the Jeffrey Moss part. Oddly, when Will Chase sang "Just in Time" he seemed to me to be doing a Dean Martin imitation with the slurred lines. I wish that this song had been extended and treated with more respect, for it is a wonderful song.
Updated On: 11/20/10 at 09:36 PM

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 11/21/10 at 5:19am

"I think she and Audra McDonald, are the greatest singing actresses we have, and I've loved watching her for well over a decade now"

I think Kelli's voice and acting skills are much better than Audra's. Just my opinion.

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 12:20am

I went back and saw it again tonight. Front row of the front gallery way on the left side for Act 1 and spotted an empty seat in the front row center mezz for Act 2, which couldn't have been better. I loved the show again and thought it had even improved since Thursday. I'm sampling different cast recordings at the moment and it's going to be hard to buy anything without Kelli on it. She was truly incredible. I would not mind at all of this transferred, but I suppose that's just extremely wishful thinking!

ETA: Is "Better Than a Dream" only from the movie soundtrack? Loved it but can't seem to find it on the OBCR.

Also, if anyone happened to record audio or video from the show, please do not PM me. I am not interested. Updated On: 11/22/10 at 12:20 AM

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 12:33am

^ I never thought Finian's Rainbow would transfer (and I enjoyed that more as both a show and a production) and it did. It's certainly not impossible!

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 12:35am

I'll keep hoping then! And I was fortunate enough to see Finian's on Broadway, too.

I half-heard an usher at intermission tell someone who asked if it was the last night that "well, it got really good reviews, so we'll see." I'll use that as my cause for hope. Any theaters not yet occupied for the spring?

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 11/22/10 at 1:00am

I saw it tonight and I absolutely loved it! Kelli O'Hara is magical to watch...there's just such an ease about her onstage, I love her more every time I see her in something, she's wonderful. Will Chase was also great, very charming and he sounded incredible. David Pittu and Judy Kaye were also highlights, David Pittu never ceases to be hilarious. Really though there wasn't a weak link in the cast, and the ensemble was fantastic.

I'm crossing my fingers and toes for a transfer as this production was really lovely, but considering how the last revival fared I'm not holding out too much hope.