Posted: 5/22/17 at 4:21pm
So I know I'm not one of the most regular posters on this board, but those of you who know a bit about me know that I've had several almost-trips that have fallen through. I'm excited to report that I just got back from my first trip to NYC last week! I thought I'd share some thoughts on the shows I saw, in case anyone is interested to hear :)
Since I was in middle school, I swore my first Broadway show would be Wicked, and so I made that come true! I know there are better shows, I know some of you are probably rolling your eyes right now, but what can I say, I'm sentimental. I suppose what was most surprising for me, after seeing it many times on tour, was the difference in the set and staging. Just having those little details - actual trapdoors, the gears/vines out into the orchestra sides - really upped the atmosphere. The current cast really is quite good. Jennifer DiNoia has such a powerful voice, and a really fierce, wry take on Elphaba. I liked Kara Lindsay as Glinda well enough, but some part of her performance just seemed a little... forced, I guess? I know Glinda is a campy character, but some of her antics just felt unnatural (although her quieter scenes were really lovely). Michael Campayno's Fiyero seems to be on autopilot at first, but then really blossoms and wakes up, and he does an "up that I fell" riff that I've never heard before.
The next night I pulled off a doubleheader: Anastasia followed by the Actors' Fund performance of A Doll's House Part 2. It probably surprises no one that I really loved Anastasia. There are definitely some flaws in the book, and I didn't care for how generic they made "Paris Holds the Key to Your Heart," but the production was beautiful and the show overall was moving and a lot of fun. With all due respect to the ladies nominated, I really think the Tonys missed the boat by leaving out Christy Altomare. She's vulnerable and feisty, funny and hopeful, and I got chills when she sang "Journey to the Past." It's easy to see Dmitry as a weak role, but Derek Klena finds all the little edges on his journey from cynic to romantic - and his voice is just beautiful. They have clear chemistry, and the new staging of "In a Crowd of Thousands" and the finale really plays up the spark that Anya and Dmitry have in the movie. Mary Beth Peil was imperious and moving and everything I could have hoped, and I thought John Bolton and Caroline O'Connor really added a nice break from all the angst! Gleb is still underwritten, but Ramin Karimloo gives him enough quiet menace and inner turmoil to make you forget about that. The whole cast was also lovely at the stage door, took the time to chat and make everyone feel "special", rather than just signing automatically.
I was so lucky to get to go to the midnight show of ADHP2, thanks to a mentor and friend. It was an energy unlike anything I've ever seen - all the actors got entrance applause, and the reactions to every joke or gut-punch line were intense and vocal. Preshow was pretty much a game of people-watching and bumping into a ton of creatives, producers, and actors. The show itself is a masterclass in pure, simple playwriting (I may even try to find the script to use with teaching my undergrads!) which made it mildly predictable but paved the way for some stunning acting. Laurie Metcalf and Jayne Houdyshell were nothing short of spectacular!
I closed out my trip by rushing Great Comet. We ended up sitting in the orchestra, far house right, with one of the actor's stage-aisles right behind us. The view was partially obstructed by the stairs up to the mezz, but the couple next to us left at intermission (they "couldn't take another minute"
so we moved over and had a great view for Act 2. Count me in the camp that absolutely loved this show! It's definitely not for everyone, it's definitely a bit on the weird side, but the experience of it was beyond anything else. I got a pirogi and an egg shaker, too! Denee Benton is just glowing. She seemed to be vocally "on" for our performance; though I've heard others say she can be inconsistent, she really soared, and played Natasha's youthfulness and innocent, accidental corruption so well. I haven't seen Dolly so I can't fairly compare, but I can't imagine anyone deserving the Tony more than Lucas Steele. You can't tear your eyes away from Anatole - he's so charismatic and somehow, even though he's despicable, you actually sense there might be a shred of genuine emotion in there. Josh Groban was in the show less than you'd expect going off the promo materials, but he didn't come off as a star "playing" on Broadway, but as an actor giving it his all and succeeding. The whole cast was incredible across the board.
I know I'm late to the party with all of these, but if you have any questions let me know! I also did stage door for all the musicals, so I can answer questions about that if anyone here is interested!
P.S. I didn't realize I was staying at the same hotel as the Drama League awards until I came down the elevator one day and saw half of Broadway there! Spoke to and/or spotted several folks there as well, who were all extremely gracious and kind.
Updated On: 5/22/17 at 04:21 PM
