Reviews - Sweet Charity, Hairspray, Wicked, Light in the Piazza, DRS, Q and Spamalot

[Practically Perfect]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 4:06pm

I just got back from a crazy week on broadway, seeing 7 shows and shopping far too much... Anyway, for those who are interested, here are my reviews:

Sweet Charity - I've always loved the music to this show, but have never been a fan of Gwen Verdon's interpretation; Christina Applegate won me over the moment she walked on stage. I thought she was mesmerizing - her comic-timing was flawless, her dancing was fantastic and her singing was more than acceptable. She got through each song easily, staying in pitch for the most-part, and giving real depth and meaning to her character - I loved her. Denis was hysterical, and Janine and Kyra worked so well together. Wayne Cilento's choreography has been criticised 'big time' on this site, but I thought it was interesting, and he certainly made it his own; no one can beat Bob Fosse, but Cilento handled this project well, in my opinion. Overall, I thought it was a really enjoyable evening of theatre - it's not a major piece of drama, but I'd definitely rush back to see it, even if just for Christina's performance.

Hairspray - I've seen the show before, and I must say it's still great. The show is such good fun, the music just makes you want to get up and dance. Shannon Durig in the lead role is fantastic - that girl looks like she's having the time of her life on that stage, and her voice is great. Richard Blake gave a great performance as Link, and he sings the hell out of his two songs. Bruce Vilanch was hilarious, as ever, and Tracey Miller as Penny was hysterical, she had me crying with laughter. Darlene Love was sensational - she knows how to bring the house down. The only person I wasn't convinced with was Todd Sussman (spelling???) as Wilbur - he just seemed lifeless, and I thought that Bruce really had to work to get any reaction from him. That's my only jibe at this show - I loved it!

Wicked - I saw this last year with Kristin and Idina and was blown away, but seeing it a year later has changed my opinion slightly. I think that Shoshana is a fantasatic singer, and I believe that she gives Elphaba a rougher edge than Idina, and I thought that Megan was great as Glinda - her performance wasn't a carbon-copy of Kristin's, and she had the audience in stitches; she's got a great voice as well. However, viewing the show for a second time made me see the faults in the book - I'm just not sure how well it all works, and there are some very tedious scenes, such as the class room scenes, and anything with the Wizard (played by Ben Vereen to the best it possibly could be - I think it's a terrible role). David Ayers was fine as Fiyero, but he too has a very weak role to play. Michelle Federer looked bored in some of her scenes, though she nailed The Wicked Witch of the East (I'd be bored if I'd been playing that pathetic role for almost 2 years). Anyhow, I think the show looks amazing, and the two leading ladies are great, but it's just not as amazing as I once thought - maybe if the book was revisited, with some other characters being given a chance and the removal of a couple of songs (Something Bad and Wonderful...) it would work a lot better. I did enjoy it, though.

The Light in the Piazza - Wow! I laughed and cried at the story and book, and oohed and aahed at the set, lighting and costumes. The performances were quite extraordinary - Victoria Clark was outstanding, giving quite possible the best performance by a leading actress I have ever seen. She was endearing, funny, and gave a truly heart-felt performance; she truly deserved that Tony award. Kelli O'Hara has, quite possibly, the most beautiful voice ever! Her 'Light in the Piazza' had me in tears, and her character was intensely believable - she was vulnerable and naive, and I truly felt for her. She should have won the Tony award, in my opinion, but I shouldn't really judge as I didn't get to see Sara in Spamalot, but I thought the Lady of the Lake's role was not Tony worthy - Sara must be sensational. Matthew Morrison was also great, with a stunning voice, and the fact that he performed the whole show with an Italian accent was most impressive. All three of them were lovely at the stage door.
Adam Guettel's score is the best score in years, and in my opinion the best on broadway. I really do think that it would have been a great thing for broadway if this incredibly moving, and endearing show had won the Tony award for Best Musical. In recent years the award has gone to shows of great humour and razzle dazzle, with big sets and chorus numbers (The Producers, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hairspray and Spamalot). I really feel that if a show like Light in the Piazza won Best Musical, it would signal a new direction for Broadway, and make the more serious scores and stories more acceptable to a wider audience. I don't know, that might just be my wishful thinking.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - I thought this was ok. Norbert, Sherie and Joanna were great, I really enjoyed their performances, and Gregory was ok. But I found John Lithgow to be extremely annoying, and not really very funny. The set was extremely camp, and flashy, and Jerry Mitchell's choreography was excellent. I also really enjoyed David Yazbek's score, though I don't think it's his best to date (The Full Monty is my personal fav). However, the show somehow just didn't work for me - I came away asking what the point of it was - why should that material have been turned into a msuical? I just felt the score would have worked better with a different story and different lyrics.

Avenue Q - I was expecting to be laughing hysterically in this - it didn't happen. I thought that Barrett Foa was great, and I felt that his voice had more emotion than John Tartaglia's. Stephanie d'Arbruzzo was ok, but she looked a bit tired with it, as did the other original cast members, notably Ann Harada, who was funnier in the second half than the first, but didn't ever come across as enjoying herself, whereas you could tell that Barrett was loving everything minute of it. I think the show would have been a lot funnier if I hadn't known the songs - I laughed at the material I didn't know, but the songs went by for me without even a giggle. And seeing as I've mentioned Tony awards in two of the other reviews, I'm going to say it, and you may judge me for it - I honestly don't think it should have won the Tony awards for Best Score and Best Musical...

Spamalot - Oh dear! Spamalot wasn't for me. Yes, I was stupid to book tickets for a Monty Python musical when I don't like Monty Python humour, but I thought the spectacle and performances would be able to cover it up, but it didn't. I thought it lacked the spectacle, and I just found the actors annoying when working together. Individual performances were great, such as David Hyde Pierce's 'You Won't Succeed on Broadway' - it was the highlight of the show for me. Sara was off, and her understudy was ok, but as I've already said, I don't think it's the greatest role... My personal opinion is that Spamalot is not the best new musical of this season, but I can see that it would be great for Python fans.

I had an amazing time, and the shows are much better than those here in London (except for Mary Poppins, which would be fine in New York!) I can't wait to go back at Christmas.

Mary P x

[Princeton78]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 5:02pm

Nice reviews.
Charity: I love it too. I'm glad it's holding up well.
Hairspray: What's not to love?
Wicked: Well, we all knew it had its moments, but was weak overall.
Avenue Q: Ya love it when OBC members stick around, but when you look bored on stage, it's time to go.
DRS: Give it time, it grows on you. Did you love Sara?
Piazza: Well, everyone likes it. No surprises there.
Spamalot: I think you probably have to see Sara. As far as the show as a whole, it's amusing, and very funny in spots, but I think we all know it took the Tony for making more money than any other show this year.

[whimsical]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 5:20pm

Great reviews, thanks! It was a pleasure reading them.

[elphieisperky]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 5:21pm

Great review! I'm worried that I won't really like Spamalot. All my friends are literally obsessed with it, but I have a feeling it's just not going to be my kind of play. Anyway, glad you enjoyed Broadway!

[jeremykushnier1fan]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 5:24pm

are you rich?

[jeremykushnier1fan]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 5:28pm

jks, but i wish i ahd the money to see 7 shows, wheni get to NYC i'm only getting to 2 shows...meh,and i too am scared i won't like spamalot...but i love David!

[Theaterlover2]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 7:24pm

Good job with the Reviews. I'm going to see the Light in the Piazza the day or so before Mathew leaves and I'm soooo incredibly excited, so I was happy to see the good review.
This is slightly off-topic so, sorry. But where exactly is the stage door for Piazza. I looked it up, so just to make sure..is it on 65th in the parking garage? Is it pretty easy to find?
Thanks

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 8:33pm

Great reading your reviews, thanks for posting.

[iRuvPrinceton]

Posted: 8/12/05 at 8:48pm

Thanks for posting your reviews! They were great. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy Avenue Q, though.

Posted: 8/12/05 at 11:21pm

Sweet Charity - "staying in pitch for the most-part" Thanks for telling us the truth. A lot of Christina fans have a tendency to tell us that she is flawless in Sweet Charity.

Hairspray - I'm still debating whether or not to see this on Broadway. I loved the OBC and I don't know if it would be the same to see the old roles with other people in them.

Wicked - I definitely agree that the role of the Wizard is not the most exciting role to play. I honestly usually skip over anything sung by Madam Morrible and the Wizard in the cast recording.


The Light in the Piazza - "Wow! I laughed and cried at the story and book, and oohed and aahed at the set, lighting and costumes. The performances were quite extraordinary" I love waht you said about Piazza. I definitely agree with your comment about Kelli O'hara... I think that Kelli deserved the Tony over Sara, though Sara's performance is great in Spamalot. I also agree that Piazza should have won the Best Musical... but I'm sure I am also biased. I liked Spamalot, but it was more of the pizzaz show of the year, and I thought that Piazza had the elegance and emotion that deserved the Tony award.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - I wish I could have seen DRS when I had gone to NYC. I'm glad, though, I got to see Phantom of the Opera with Hugh Panaro.

Avenue Q - I think this show is too liberal for me... I can tell just by listening to the songs. Anyway, I'm sure I would be tired of doing a show after a while, but it's part of their job to be fresh every time they come onstage.

Spamalot - I'm not much of a Python fan either, but I thought some of the actor's expressions on their faces were just timeless. I have seen Monty Python before a couple times, so it was interesting to compare the two. I think my favorite is Chris Sieber in this musical... and definitely Sara Ramirez as the singing portion of the musical.

Anyway, there are my reviews to your reviews. Thanks for them and I'm glad [again] that you enjoyed Piazza...
--korenglish

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 8/13/05 at 4:10am

Practically, I am glad you had a great time ! And you got to see Piazza and Matt on stage and on the stage door, lucky you !!! I have to agree about the London - NYC comparison. I used to adore London's theater scene, until I went to NYC and saw what Broadway is all about !!! But there is another thing nowadays that Broadway doesn't have besides Mary Poppins ! BILLY ELLIOT !! Best show I've seen in ages !!!!

[AngusN]

Posted: 8/13/05 at 6:28am

Practically perfect, what wonderful and honest reviews. Unfortunately (for theatre reasons) I live in Manchester and don't get to travel that much, so only get to hear about these shows through reviews. I must confess, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your reviews and despite not seeing the shows - just hearing the recordings - felt like I agreed with you on each of the reviews. Keep us (me in particular) informed of any other shows you get to see in London. Once again, thank you. Nick

Updated On: 8/13/05 at 06:28 AM

[ashley0139]

Posted: 8/13/05 at 8:18am

Great reviews! Very interesting!

[Practically Perfect]

Posted: 8/13/05 at 1:15pm

Princetown78 - Sara in DRS was great, I'm sorry I forgot to mention her. 'Oklahoma' was priceless.

jeremykushnier1fan - I've been saving up for this trip for months, and have now got to start saving again for a trip at Christmas. Broadway/New York is not cheap...

Greekmusicalfan - I haven't seen Billy Elliot yet, but I think I'll give it a chance. I didn't really like the film, and I don't really like Elton John, but it's had amazing reviews, so I'm going to book tickets on Monday.

Mary P x

[little_sally]

Posted: 8/13/05 at 1:41pm

I agree, I thought the Lady of the Lake wasn't a Tony worthy role, but I didn't see Sara either, so maybe she just does something extraordinary with it. I felt Kelli deserved the Tony. I did love Spamalot though. And Piazza.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who wasn't blown away with Scoundrels. Great reviews though.

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 8/13/05 at 3:03pm

I found BILLY a magical experience ! The talent and the emotion on that stage have to be seen to be believed !! But I love the film and I like Elton ! I really hope you like it ! I will eagerly await your review !! And your beloved Mary Poppins was my other favorite show from my London trip in May !

Updated On: 8/13/05 at 03:03 PM

[Glinda's Candy]

Posted: 8/14/05 at 9:28am

Wow, Practically Perfect, it sounds like you had a really great time! Did you go alone...?

x

[uncageg]

Posted: 8/14/05 at 10:25am

Great reviews. I am seeing the touring company of "Wicked" in Denver next month. I am waiting to see my reaction to the show the second time around. I saw the original cast last year and enjoyed the show. Idina strained a bit during the end of Defying Gravity. Ms. Chenoweth was spot on though. Having heard clips of all of the Elphabas, I still like Idina the best. But I get to hear Stephanie Block live soon for an entire show, so my opinion may change. I had kind of the same thoughts about DRS. It was fun while I was watching it but didn't stay with me and I wasn't humming anything when I left. However, I do now find myself listening to the music. It just didn't thrill me. I agree with you on "Sweet Charity". Wonderful show! I actually had a big grin on my face for most of the show. It just had that old Broadway show feel to it that I loved. I have 5 shows planned for my fall trip to NYC and I think I am going to add on "Sweet Charity". "Hairspray" I saw on tour with Bruce and Carly. Just a fun fun show. Got to meet and get to know Bruce as a friend of mine here in Denver is Bruce's best friend. So I got to attend a private dinner party with Bruce. He says that he is loving this show. He is a wonderful man. And had some great stories to tell!! Based on th OBCRs, I will not see Spamalot or Avenue Q. Just didn't make me want to see the shows. But I see "Light in the Piazza" this fall also. Glad you had a good time. I hope to see some theatre in London. Have never been but it is something I am planning to do!

[Practically Perfect]

Posted: 8/14/05 at 10:48am

uncageg - it sounds like you'll have a good time in the fall- you'll love 'The Light in the Piazza - it's just breathtaking. I wouldn't waste your money with a trip to London - Mary Poppins will be over on broadway soon, I would think, and I'll let you know about Billy Elliot... stick with broadway, it's far superior. But London's a nice place, sort of.

Glinda's Candy - I went with two friends, but I'm not speaking to either of them anymore - 1 week of staying with them was just too much... only joking, we had a great time and I love 'em both.

Mary P x

[uncageg]

Posted: 8/14/05 at 11:32am

Pratically - My trip to London won't be for theatre only. I am a big tennis fan also! I have also just wanted to visit London. I actually could have seen "Piazza" this past May but I opted for "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" at TKTS in Times Square. The only reason I am not sorry for the choice is that I got to see Joanna Gleason onstage. I love her.