Rachel Bay Jones to Lead NEXT TO NORMAL at the Kennedy Center — Page 4

Owen22 said: "The David Cromer Chicago Writers Theater production was exquisite and an improvement on the Michael Greif Broadway production."

Having seen both, I 100% agree. If any production gets a subsequent life it should be that one. Especially since this one sounds like it’s been taken out of the freezer and microwaved — some hot spots, and a few stale ones.

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Saw this today, and thought it was a very strong production. Rachel Bay Jones is very very good,and I really loved Brandon Victor Dixon's Dan. He had a beautiful voice and I thought he gave a moving performance. Khamary Rose has incredible pipes as well. I liked Ben Levi Ross's Henry a lot also - wish I'd seen his take on Evan Hansen. This production could easily transfer to the West End. I was impressed with the performances, esp given the super short rehearsal period. This is a fully realized show, nothing scaled down that I could see. See it if you can!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C7cQ6Oz6qM

It really was a "tear-drenched treat," as another poster promised.

I have a vicarious review from daughter who was at Sunday's matinee. She saw Alice Ripley in Los Angeles ten years ago - and the passage of time kind of freaked her out. Anyways....

She said RBJ had some early vocal issues - and coughing - but her acting quickly overcame those issues and RBJ sounded great after the start. She said RBJ really nailed "I Miss The Mountains" and "Didn't I See This Movie". She said the people behind her were sobbing at the end of Act I. Also, the line about the Senate being a disaster got applause - again. She thought Brandon Dixon was incredible. She liked Maia, but thought the actor playing The Doctor was just okay - but that it's not easy to make that role stand out too much. She thought the actors playing Gabe and Henry were good - but not special. She said the lighting was more than excellent. There were lots of tears at the end of the show. As she was leaving, she heard a woman say "Good - Very Good for an Afternoon Cry". It was complete happenstance that my daughter was in DC - but she's very glad she got the opportunity to see this production

Saw the show on its last night and I was impressed by the overall production. This was my first Broadway Center Stage show and am glad I went given I was hesitant paying full price for "half a production". That was a misperception because we got what felt close to an actual production with full three tier set, multiple costume changes, live band, props etc. It seems like quite the investment for a 6 day run. I agreed with posters Rachel stole the show. Her voice did get hoarse during her belts and at times it was even a little distracting since it sounded like it hurt (but maybe not)? I wasn't sure what to expect from Khamari (Gabe) and Maia (Natalie) since they were less experienced but I thought they did pretty well being up next to Broadway veterans. I think this is one of those formats that it pays to see it later or last day of the run. When I stage doored Maia mentioned that even she could feel herself improve a lot between the first show and the last. It's impressive knowing they only had a few weeks of rehearsals. Full cast also came out to stage door. Everyone was sweet and didn't rush even though there was 30-40 people waiting, with the line extending well byond past the sanctions. I spotted Taylor Trench at stage door who stopped for a few photos with Ben Levi Ross.

Updated On: 2/4/20 at 01:15 PM

Well I don’t know what you watched but I loved the video clips I saw