Reviews of "Lestat" and "The Drowsy Chaperone"

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 10:23am

"Lestat" Saturday, April 15th at 2 PM

I was expecting to see something quite horrific, and not in a good "Pillowman" way. When the show started, I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the show! I thought it was really entertaining, and that is one of the most important aspects of theatre.

For those of you that hate it because it's "campy" or corny, what on earth are you expecting, you're seeing a Broadway Musical about a Vampire.

The performers were phenomenal! Hugh Panero was really great, his soaring ballads were great. "Sail Away" was so powerful and so beautiful in the context of the show. I also really enjoyed his opening song, "From the Dead."

Just as Hugh set the mood, the wonderful Carolee Carmello graces the stage. Her song "Beautiful Boy" was irritating after four minutes but seeing her onstage was a treat, so the poor lyrics washed away. Her belt was like a hit or miss, either it was amazing or it was really shaky, though it may just be her style. My favorite moments of hers were "Make Me As You Are," which she sings to Lestat before he kills her, and "The Crimson Kiss," corny concept but their singing was awesome!

Drew Sarich as "Armand" was particularly fun. I also root for the "bad guy" characters and he was so juicy. His character was poorly developed, but he did what he could with the role. My favorite moment of his was "To Kill Your Kind," his belt filled the Palace Theatre so completely that I got the chills.

Jim Stanek as "Loius" was also a great performer. He conveyed the wants of Claudia and Louis very clearly, though his introduction was underwritten, all of a sudden he's sitting in Hugh's crotch and singing "Embrace It," a great song.

Roderick Hill was very saddening as the ill-fated Nicolas, a character that only exists to continue Lestat's journey. The romantic relationship between Nicolas and Lestat was very convaluted, as were all of Lestat's male companions.

The only bit of the story line that I didn't enjoy was everything involving "Marius," played by Michael Genet. The scenes just irritated me. Like in the beginning of Act Two, why in the world is the head vampire sitting on a dock fishing?!

Allison Fischer was a real treat as Claudia! In my opinion, she was one of the few performers that truly understood thier characters. Even though she is in only 3 scenes, I felt like I could sympathize with her fight against her eternal life, and how she wants to be a woman, and her two songs and her death were my favorite parts of the show, "I Want More" and "I'll Never Have That Chance."

The ensemble were particulary enjoyable and "Welcome to the New World" had a great tone to it. I really enjoyed the music, it was my favorite part of the show. The orchestrations were really powerful and as soon as the opening notes flew out of pit, I knew I would like it.

The lighting was awesome and really effective. Although I did a laugh out loud moment at a wrong part, after I believe Gabrielle's death, their is a doll face mask projected on a screen. The lighting during the deaths along with the music were really awesome. I hope they get a cast recording. The sets were also really impressive as well as the procenium arch used for the show.

Question: I know that the ending is constantly changing, like when Without a Trace saw it, Carolee wasn't even in the second act, but is the finale still a reprise of From the Dead? I have no memory of this song being performed.

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"The Drowsy Chaperone," Saturday, April 15th at * PM

I also adored this show. I thought it was fabulous! It was witty, it was hysterical, it was offensive, what can be better?!

As the lights dim and Bob Martin starts his opening monologue, the audience lost it. Such a funny and well spoken man, and he is so creative and wrote the book for the show as well.

The sets were GREAT, I loved how a run down apartment can turn into a beach, wedding room, and other great locations! Georgia Engel was extremely enjoyable! "This is pure vodka, you poop!"

Edward Hibbert was a great scene partner for Georgia. Troy Britton Johnson was also really fun as "Robert Martin" and his skating was really impressive. "George," Eddie Korbich, was also a great performer. Lenny Wolpe as "Feldzieg" was also enjoyable as the greedy producer.

"Kitty," played by Jennifer Smith, was the typical dumb blonde of the time period. THat's another reason I loved this show, it was dated and so old time that it became modern and downright fun!

The two Gangsters, played by Jason Kravits and Garth Kravits, also provided a lot of witty puns and the audience went wild for them!

Danny Bernstein as "Adolpho," was such a crowd pleaser! Everyone loved this man! He was really comical. WhhhhaaaAAAAtttTTT?!

Sutton Foster was such a standout as "Janet" and her songs were among my favorites. She has such star power and the audience loved her. She got the largest entrace applause I've seen in a while. This almost beat Eden Espinosa! (Sarcasm, don't freak out! lol)

Beth Leavel as "The Drowsy Chaperone" did such a great job portraying the Ethel Mermam-esque performers of the day! Kecia Lewis-Evans was also a treat as "Trix," the Aviatrix. Haha.

I loved the sets, the lighting, and the costumes were also awesome. And since C won lotto, we got to sit front row and it was awesome being up close, my last 3 experiences at the Marquis were from the last row, so it made a pleasant change!

If you have any questions on either show, I'd be glad to help.

Updated On: 4/16/06 at 10:23 AM

[To The Stage!]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 11:16am

Great reviews! I couldn't agree with you more on Drowsy. I thought it was hysterical!

Updated On: 4/16/06 at 11:16 AM

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 11:50am

Thanks. Yea, I loved the show!

Updated On: 4/16/06 at 11:50 AM

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 12:55pm

And I'm glad you liked Lestat. :) Nice review, it is campy good fun.

[jimnysf]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 12:58pm

OK, Eponine. If you are going to keep saying it's fun, then I am allowed counter that it is the worst show ever! :)

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 1:44pm

Oh yeah?! You wanna take this outside Jim?


Updated On: 4/16/06 at 01:44 PM

[Katurian2]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 1:48pm

Great reviews! I haven't seen either of these yet, but am looking forward to it!

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 9:20pm

I loved both but for totally different reasons, it was a great day in the theatre, I hope you enjoy them as well!

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 4/16/06 at 9:36pm

great reviews!

btw, did you stage door for DROWSY? if you did, did you talk to Sutton? (sorry, i love sutton stories! usually very funny)

:)

[C is for Company]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 12:54am

Great reviews, I couldn't have put it better myself, thus I won't be! lol

Bwayondabrain, we stagedoored and met all EXCEPT Sutton which was extremely peculiar cause she is usually wonderful with fans and being that it was a night show, I was expecting to see her. However, I'm sure she had her reasons, she was the hottest thing I've seen onstage since I can remember. She was glamorous, beautiful, and full of life in this show. She gave, what I believe, the best performance of her career so far that I have seen and was not bothered I missed seeing her after the show. It was enough just seeing her in it and to have a song that basically showcases just how perfect our Sutton is!

[OasisBroadway]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 9:05am

I also saw Lestat at the Saturday matinee. While I will say that the show was not anywhere near as bad as I was expecting, it really is not a good show. The music is ok, the book and lyrics are atrocious. Hugh and Carolee give nice performances, but they aren't given much to work with. I actually felt uncomfortable for them at points as people where laughing at parts that I didn't think were supposed to be funny. I agree with WickedGeek on the Marius scenes. I just don't understand why this character even exists. And the flying out over the stage for the Act I finale is just a little too Wicked for me. It is totally ridiculous and unnecessary. And the fishing scene with Marius and Lestat absolutely must go. Allison Fischer as Claudia is really the best part of the show. She plays her character perfectly.

There is no way this show is going to last. I know it is still in previews, but it was on tkts and the balcony was about 25% full, the mezzanine was about 50% full, not sure about the orchestra. I saw quite a few people leave during intermission. Once the reviews come out, it is doomed.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 9:39am

Wicked Geek:
Do you know who Ethel Merman is?
Beth's character was nothing like her.

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 10:02am

Yes, I was referring to "The Main in a Chair's" line about how the actress playing the Chaperone loved to have big belty numbers; I wasn't comparing her voice or acting or personality to Ethel Merman.

Sorry for the confusion.

[batboy4692]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 11:49am

Actually, Lestat has pretty good pre-sales to work with, and most days of the week is pretty much sold.

And let's not forget past shows that got bad reviews: Hairspray, Wicked, Aida..

Ben Brantley is a jerk who likes to prove his own intelligence and wit by destroying and mocking theatre. The only things he reviews well are traditional revivals or things with stars in them. He is SUCH a star-****er. And the only reason he gave that painfully polite review to The Color Purple is because of Oprah. I'm sorry but, if we should petition anything, it should be to get Ben Brantley fired.

Lestat is light years better than the other vampire shows. And honestly, I think it could go either way with this show. At the very least, I'd say it'll last through the end of the year. But I think it has the potential to gain momentum and a fan base. The actors are incredible, and I mean from Hugh to the very last ensemble actor..there isn't a weak link to be had on that stage. I'm personally routing for it.

[jimnysf]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 11:55am

I didn't hate "Lestat" because it was "campy or corny". I hated it because it was dull, boring, a waste of talent and a waste of my time. It is awful!

[tthomas76]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 12:05pm

Thanks for the reviews... We're really looking forward to seeing The Drowsy Chaperone.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 12:22pm

I saw Drowsy Chaperone on Saturday night. I liked it, but was hoping it would be a bit better than what it was. I thought the premise was good, but some things just fell flat. On that note though, I hope to see it a second time, as it was an enjoyable evening.

I also felt that the finale to Act I was just crying out to be a tap number, especially since the entire cast was involved.

I loved the "Opening" of Act II. I could not contain my laughter. Beth Leavel's facial expressions were priceless.

[ken8631]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 12:38pm

Loved The Drowsy Chaperone, didn't like Lestat. Actually liked Dracula better!!!!

[ACTOR jes]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 1:30pm

I'm glad you loved Drowsy. I saw it while it was at the Ahmanson here in LA and it was absolutely adorable.

I stayed after to meet sutton and even though she noted that she was late for a date (excuse the rhyme), she gave us the time of day to sign all of our stuff (which was quite a bit) and talked to us about acting and musicals in general. i just love her!

Beth Leavel, however, was quite rude. She walked around the stagedoor the entire time and kept going in and out of it. She told us that she would eventually sign our stuff but ran past while we were distracted by Sutton.

Everyone else was just fabulous about signing our things.

I can't wait to see it again in New York this Summer.

I loved the Cane Dropping Bit.

[dannyboy]

Posted: 4/17/06 at 4:33pm

Thanks for those reviews... I thought Lestat was awful at first preview... I dont think it can be saved. we shall see. Drowsy and Tarzan this week. Will write later.