Haven't seen the DC show, but enjoyed both the Chicago staging and the Doyle version at the Public. Doyle's version (which did NOT include actors playing instruments-- go figure) was far more static and Proscenium-geared. That stack of luggage boxes and trunks across the stage basically left a shallow sliver downstage in which to perform all the scenes. There was a dull-ly repetitive rhythm to the show, with scene after scene punctuated by a snort of cocaine or a cascade of dollar bills all over the stage. We were unmoved and bored by the end of the thing.
Gary Griffin's production was much more airy and elegant, staged on a roadway slicing diagonally through the intimate thrust stage of their upstairs space. The opportunity for actors to accompany others on piano, violin, cornet, etc, was beautifully realized and emotionally compelling. The orchestrations were intimate but still carried all the rich harmonies of the original. The performances were heartfelt and convincing, and some of the songs landed more effectively than at the Public. Did the show itself work any better? Not really for me. I'm sorry to say that ROAD SHOW seems stuck as a song cycle and morality tale that doesn't really thrive well as live theater so much as through headphones on a show album. Maybe this staging at the Signature will prove me wrong.
Updated On: 2/26/16 at 02:49 PM
