Report on my personal Broadway Tour - long so be forewarned!

[broadwaytourist]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 6:08pm

I am one spoiled person, and I am thankful for all that's good in my life. One of these things is being able to take trips to NYC for shows. I had a wonderful five days, Oct 8-12. So here goes the report in order of viewing:

Gypsy- I was ambivalent abut seeing this as I saw Tyne and believed she was my Rose for all time. However, my theater curiosity and my nearing fangirl obsession with Boyd Gaines got me there. Ms. Lupone acted and sang her heart out even at a 3:00 Wednesday matinee. She made Rose more lovable, more sexy, more funny, and more tragic than I remembered Rose to be. Boyd Gaines, in response, was less sad sack and more in love with Rose than I remembered Herbie being. Laura Benanti was stunning as a wall flower blooming into her own Rose. She made sexy seem powerful, and she made Gypsy's inner conlict between her pride/shame palpable. Because of these performances (I should not have been surprised since Tonys all around), I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon.

Billy Elliot - First, the director Stephen Daldry introduced the show and indicated it was Trent's first performance on Broadway, so we knew it was a special night. There were moments of absolute brilliance in this musical. Michael's "Expressing Yourself" was funny, touching, thought provoking, and brilliantly performed and choreographed. The boys I saw - Trent Kowalik as Billy and David Bologna as Michael - were so talented. David stole the show in this number, though. He made you want to just wrap your arms every little boy who finds themselves different from the norm, and every Michael really needs a Billy in his life. I was glad to see this relationship given proper prominence in the musical. I also loved Grandma's "We'd Go Dancing." What a poignant explanation of a life gone off track. Of course, "Electricity" is the heart of the play and the heart of every gifted performer. Trent's performance was remarkable, and the juxtaposition of young Billy and older Billy was startlingly beautiful! I believed Greg Jbara's transformation from hard Dad into loving and supportive father was believable and extradordinary. (P.S. I had the privelege of meeting Mr. Jbara the next night in an unexpected place, and he was a very nice. I tried to be polite and just thank him for his performance, but he engaged me in a nice conversation. Thanks, Greg!) Now, if I were staging this show, I'd have to ditch the snow effect. I think it's dangerous for the dancers, and I could not see that it added that much.

Equus - I have never seen the play, but I had read much criticism of the play itself as being outdated and irrelevant, but I still enjoyed it immensely. I am no student of psychology nor have I had enough therapy to recognize the dangerous methods in this piece, but I don't think it was ever intended to be a revelation about psychological treatment or management. Rather, it was about the influence parents can have on children, and it leaves the following question unanswered: what triggers someone's reaction to situations and influences in his life? To that extent, the play is still very topical. Anyway - Radcliffe, who was in the play despite the death of a loved grandmother, and Griffiths were everything I thought they'd be. Radcliffe may have been a littel one note, but it makes me wonder if the character wasn't one note. Nevertheless, he was very effective, and I was left believing someone could have a spiritual connection with horses. Griffith's portrayal of a conflicted professional was right on point, and his wondering if he were the insane one rather than Strang rang very true to me. Isn't that what acting's about? Good ngiht at the theater.

South Pacific - one word - beautiful. Everything was lovely - the theatre, the sets, the actors, the music, the orchestra, and the mood. It was a relaxing and breathtaking night, and it was thoroughly enjoyable. What can one say about Paulo Szot other than I am so proud that I got to see that performance. Again, just beautiful. Danny Burnstein- perfect. My initial disappointment that Matthew Morrision was out for his TV shot was quickly overcome by Andrew Samonsky's performance. I had read of his misgivings about singing "Younger Than Springtime", but he did it admirably. All in all, a traditional night of theatre that is timeless and a treasure.

Spring Awakening - I had seen the original cast, and this was the time slot I had left open for a TKTS choice. But I went back with Spring Awakening because of two words - Hunter Parish. Since I have cougar tendancies and Hunter has paid homage to us, I thought I'd return the favor with purchasing a ticket to the show. I will not compare old and new casts. I think that's unfair to to both, but I will say that I enjoyed Hunter's performance very much. His voice was in fine form and sounded very mature. His actiong was also on spot. Gerard Canonico sang well, but he conveyed Moritz's anger and despair so effectively. He was not frenetic, but more harsh and mad. Good choices. Alexandra Socha looked so young!!! That appearance really underscored the character's vulnerability. Her voice got stronger during the performance, and I thought she was good. I'm glad I saw this again. I love it so.

August: Osage - I was more surprised by this play than by any other thing I saw. I was not forewarned of how funny it is. It was both funny in the "ha ha" moments and in the characterizaitons of the Westin family. When I told my husband this play was about a dysfunctional family, he wanted to know whether I wrote it since I have one of those. I thought it told the story of many conflicted families in a human and touching manner. Though there was no happy ending, there often is not in real life either. Estelle Parsons and Amy Morton showed what acting really is. I believed their characters, and I recognized people I have known in them. I also appreciated the conflict with the sisters both from the writing of the play and the performances. I, too, conflict with my sister, and sometimes, you just have to back off liek the Westin sisters did.

A Tale of Two Cities - While I agree that this is not the greatest thing since Les Mis, I did find it beautifully and intrically staged. The costurmes, sets, and lighting were all first rate, and the ensemble here had the strongest voices and roles of any ensemble I've ever seen. I think what I'd like to say about this is that I hope tourists continue to see it because it gives all of these artisans good work. It would be a shame to lose any of them to the closing of this show. One of the recurrent themes I ran into during my stay was the worry the lack of work and the effect the economy would have on Broadway. This show needs to stay open for this reason. As for specific performances, Natalie Toro was frighteningly good. I recognized her and read in her bio that she was in Jesus Christ Superstar tour that I saw in Memphis. I then remembered her "I don't know whow to love him," and that same passion was in her performance here. I am now officially i love with Aaron Lazar a little bit. Beautiful voice. Then what can you say about James Barbour - I have no words. As I was leaving the theater after the show, I heard so many folks say Barbour was so ____, and no one could find a word to explain it. I feel so priveleged to have seen Paulo Szot and Barbour in the same weekend. The role in this was perfect for his baritone and he really let go. Inf act, if it hangs around, this show may become known for giving two more, strong male career roles to aspiring singers.

Finally - [title of show] - last performance. During my visit, I spoke to all my waitstaff plus some others on the street, and all recommended this show. They were all struggling actors as well. Well, now I know why they loved it. The musical spoke to me, and I can't sing a note. Nor have I ever struggled in NYC to make it to Broadway, but I understand how wonderful it must be to have the moment Jeff and Hunter had Sunday night. That moved me, and I also grieved that I have never had such a moment. So, my hat's off to Hunter, Jeff, Susan, and Heidi and all of you trying to make it in a cutthroat world. I wish you luck, and I remain as ever, envious. Good Luck to [title of show]. Here's looking at you - kids!

For specific questions, p.m. me. There's so much more I could have said. I had a wonderful time.

[rula bean2]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 6:25pm

What a great report--thanks!

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 7:00pm

What wonderful reviews. I think we attended the same performance of "Billy Elliot" (10/8?). I saw "Equus" on Tuesday 10/7 and agree with your assessment.
Updated On: 10/13/08 at 07:00 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 7:18pm

Thank you for taking the time to write this up. I imagine you write the way you talk...and your enthusiasm was making me smile!

I so agree with you about South Pacific and August (I hadnt' realized how funny it would be either.) My two personal favorites of the last year. I would imagine the closing night of [tos] would have been quite emotional...such an ironic way to have to end.

I'm seeing Equus in only a few weeks and cannot wait. I'm hoping to see BE around Christmas!

Thanks again!

[BroadwayBelle2]

Posted: 10/13/08 at 7:51pm

Couldn't agree more - great reviews.
I also feel thankful for having N.Y. and Broadway in my life!
Updated On: 10/13/08 at 07:51 PM