Okay, so I just got back from seeing the final dress rehearsal at the Bowl. Overall it was a really enjoyable experience.
Some quick notes: There is about 10-15 percent of material that is cut. No "we're okay," missing verses in I'll Cover You, the song leading to angel's entrance is cut (much like the film). "Seasons Reprise" is moved to the very end of the show and done with a twist and a bit of a remix, and "Life Support: cuts all of Mark's material out completely. I think that covers it all musically for cuts. The staging is drastically scaled down (obviously) but I think overall the show could have benefited from larging staging portions, especially when it comes to Tango Maureen or even the opening of the show. La Vie Boheme is still highlight, and wonderfully choreographed. The band is very good as well, although today they were ALL over the place, I mean ALL over. I do wonder however why they talk about how "different" the music sounds. It's pretty much the same exact sound with a few exceptions here or there, really not much to discuss about it. Set is good and works well, its just SO big that even sitting very close a lot of the movement and energy gets lost. I'm sure the cast was giving it their all, but sometimes it seemed flat. Costuming is very good as well, mostly staying very true to the original. Except for Angel's wig which is now completely white (a wise choice actually because you can see it from very far away.)
THE BAD:
* Like I stated above, it needed to be staged more with much higher amounts of franticness as times.
* The new cuts in the music can make for some really weird vocal entrances, and sometimes it just sounds weird. The band does weird things (I'm sure a lot of this had to do with the fact they were still rehearsing)
* Collins Pennie as BENNY. I don't even think tonight will make much of a difference. He's the weakest member of the entire cast, period. Speak singing, rhythms off, lines wrong. No one around me was happy with him. The theater queens were having a fit.
* Mic issues were all over the place, not something I'd even be worried about however.
* The staging of Mimi's death. When she comes back to life it's awfully staged. I've yet to see any director really get this scene correct.
THE GOOD:
* Nicole as MAUREEN. This woman is the standout of the entire show and brings the house DOWN with Over The Moon and Take Me. She never waivers for a second in her performance and it shows. What a powerhouse, and her acting is also wonderful. I'm THRILLED for her.
* Aaron Tveit is effortless as Roger. It's almost too easy for him...he is great. The male standout.
* Wayne Brady...but does he ever dissapoint? He really shines in I.C.Y Reprise, it makes me wish he would've have so much more to sing.
*Tango Maureen. I won't tell you what the surprise is, but if you think of the movie you will have a small incling of what to expect. It worked really nicely, I just think they could have made it even BIGGER. (you'l find out more soon enough)
Neil does a great job putting the show together, which is obviously no easy feat. It was fun seeing him freakout whenever everything didn't go perfect. At one point the band was screwing up and he took his hat off and threw it in a fit. SO good.
And now to VHudge...I know all of you are dying to know. Here's what it comes down to, she is good but not amazing. Her vocals are nice, but need more support. However when she lets loose it is very lovely to watch. It's a daring role. I've seen better Mimi's, but I've also seen much worse. She faired well, I think people will be kind. Her family was also there in the entire audience, sister included- with all her friends. It was sweet to see them all so excited.
Overall I'd say the rehearsal was about a 6/7 out of 10. And sure to be much better tonight. I really enjoyed myself. People are going to love it. The talent is incredible. Nicole runs away with the show...amazing.
Now all I see are cute boys with short haircuts in a maze of their own...
Updated On: 8/6/10 at 05:04 PM
