Raul Esparza Joins Encores! ANYONE CAN WHISTLE with Donna Murphy & Sutton Foster- Page 2

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 3/17/10 at 8:21pm

Em, there's still tickets left, so you definitely haven't waited too long.

[TonyVincent]

Posted: 3/17/10 at 8:37pm

UGH! Why did I schedule my vacation that week?

[catstagestud]

Posted: 3/17/10 at 10:16pm

So a quick question. I don't know the show at all, but am a big fan of Murphy, Foster, and Esparza. My Mom is coming to NYC for her first time and since we can get great priced seats I was just curious what the story line of the show is. Any info would be appreciated. Hope everyone is having a great St. Patty's Day!

Cheers,

Christopher

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/17/10 at 11:48pm

An absurdist fantasy by Arthur Laurents and Stephen Sondheim (two of the authors of "West Side Story" and "Gypsy") "Anyone Can Whistle" tells the story of a corrupt mayoress who fakes a miracle to revitalize her bankrupt town (through the resulting pilgrim trade) and the ill-fated romance between the rational nurse out to expose the fraud and the easy-going doctor determined to enjoy the chaos it brings. In the end, the show delivers a poignant message about the importance of the individual in a conformist society-but not before aiming its still-relevant barbs at government, religion, science and anything else that stands in its way!

With its circus-like atmosphere, "Anyone Can Whistle" features plenty of memorable, lovably cartoonish roles of all sizes. The dazzling, melodic Broadway-style score overflows with the youthful energy of experimentation, consisting of one showstopper after another, including two extensive ballets which provide opportunities for some inspired choreography.

[broadwaybabe1234]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 12:29am

i can not wait to see this. im literally flying all the way from Seattle just to see this...i wanted to see ever since Sutton signed on.

Is Tom Wopat offically out of the show?

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 12:30am

Tom Wopat is in Roundabout's Sondheim on Sondheim.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 1:05am

I will be CRUSHED if they don't include "There's Always a Woman". Absolutely devistated.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 1:10am

The 1995 Carnegie Hall concert and the Ravinia production both included the song. I sure hope Encores! will too. I believe it takes the place of the Cookie Chase ballet.

[mallardo]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 5:15am

Is anyone else puzzled by the casting of Edward Hibbert as Schub? He will be Donna Murphy's "love interest". I put that in quotes because the relationship is more than slightly absurd but Cora and Schub are certainly paired off. In a production I just saw in London there was strong sexual connection between the two characters.

I love Hibbert but he seems highly implausible in this part.

[ken8631]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 8:18am

How are rear mezz tickets there? That what is best available right now......

[nicole neumann2]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 8:21am

what a great cast. it sad i live in florida and i love Raul. i wish i went. but i cant get off from work. ):

welcome back to broadway Raul!!!!!!

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 11:15am

I personally hate the rear mezz seats, ken. I prefer front gallery, and I know a few other posters on here agree.

[jacobtsf]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 11:31am

The rear mezz is BAD BAD BAD!!!!!!

Go with the Balcony. Higher up, but better views.

[humbugfoto]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 11:36am

There's a suprisingly good, detailed plot synopsis of Anyone Can Whistle on Wikipedia. Spoilers are included, so be warned.
Wikipedia

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 2:30pm

Two questions:

1) Original Broadway cast recording or Carnegie concert recording?

2) Which project will Esparza follow once "Anyone Can Whistle" get's picked up for a transfer: ACW or "Leap of Faith"?

(Let the conjecture begin!)

[Yero my Hero]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 4:04pm

LEAP OF FAITH. He'd get to originate a new role, which he hasn't done in a while. Plus, the role is basically being developed around him and he's been involved with the project for years.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 8:05pm

This would be a good time for him to stop smoking.
I would have rathered Brian D'Arcy James but
this is a decent role for Raul.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 11:37pm

Well, I'd say both recordings. But if I had to choose, although I prefer "There Won't Be Trumpets" from the OBC recording, I'd say go with the Carnegie Hall concert because it has "There's Always a Woman" which is a true gem of a song.

And I agree with Yero. Raul would def sign with Leap of Faith.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 11:54pm

I would say get both as well. I think I slightly prefer the OBCR. The vocals of Madeline Kahn and Bernadette are not exactly the most listenable at times. But it's quite complete compared to the OBCR. You just cannot beat Lansbury. As talented as Kahn was, she comes off as a total bore on the disc (in my opinion).
Updated On: 3/18/10 at 11:54 PM

[binau]

Posted: 3/18/10 at 11:57pm

I agree with the Lansbury vs Kahn assessment. Lansbury seems almost fierce in comparison.

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 3/19/10 at 12:14am

The score sat too low in Madeline Kahn's voice for her to be nearly as good as she could've been, I think.

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/19/10 at 12:15am

^ I completely agree. Kahn is not a belter. Cora IS a belter.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/19/10 at 3:38am

I love Lansbury as Cora, Kahn can't really compare. However I do love Bernadette Peters as Nurse Apple. I'd get both and then make my own cd with Lansbury's tracks and Peters' tracks combined, that's what I did on my iPod anyways

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/19/10 at 1:54pm

I would assume with relative certainty that he'll stay with Leap of Faith. He's very committed to it.

Can someone please supply me with a fast-forward button to April 8?

Updated On: 3/20/10 at 01:54 PM

[AJ19852]

Posted: 3/20/10 at 4:38am

I envy you guys in New York being able to just buy tickets and go to this. Enjoy it for me! :)