Rob Maitner's "Basket Case": my review- Page 4

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 9:24pm

Namo--you are so right about Ray Fellman. Not only is he bearlicious, he is very talented. I think the combination of his gifts fused with Rob's made for an even more stunning evening.

And the DREAMGIRLS moment was just epic. Shockingly successful. And after all of that tension was built by Robbie, the first chords of AIATY were other worldly. I literally felt as if I had been lifted out of my chair. And then, expecting Rob to give us a hilarious send up of JH, he gives us his singular, heartwrenching version. Ms. Holliday has to share that song with him now.

Updated On: 5/1/05 at 09:24 PM

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 10:23pm

The fact that robbiej can sing the hell out of the humdrum tune of "Happy Birthday" during a brief departure from his songspiel, should give you an inkling of what his talents are. It's enough to make a boy clutch his pearl necklace... :) But his ability to elicit a roller coaster of emotions from all of his songs (hilarity, heartbreaking, and happiness to name a few) and delightfully uproarious in-between-songs patter should show you the range of his talents.

Run, don't walk to catch that final performance next week (any chance of an extension, Mr. Maitner?)

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 10:35pm

Any chance of a non-Saturday evening extension?

[NYadgal]

Posted: 5/1/05 at 11:59pm

or ANY extension?!?

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 12:13am

Addy--if Robbie extends to a non-Saturday, will you come with me and see it a second time?

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 12:21am

and bring pearls

[NYadgal]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 12:41am

Absolutely!

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 8:26am

Robbie has always defined "INSPIRATION" for me, from the first moment I met him, he embraced our instant friendship, and the rewards have been endless!

Seeing him throw back his head, reach out his arms and become the music was a thrill that was made even more special by having the wonderful BWW family in attendance to cheer him on....

I was SO excited to read Namo's expert and emotional review, as Namo himself never ceases to bring me joy with his writing, how perfect to have him document his trip to BASKETCASE!

Speaking of, BASKETCASE should find a home, and RUN as long as CATS! If you haven't gone yet, rush and get a ticket to next weekend's performance!

BRAVO to Robbiej...and the Sweeney Todd producers missed out...HE would be the perfect Mrs. Lovett!

[Corine2]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 8:54am

If Eddie likes it I am there.
Eddie is the best. Sad we got a divorce.
We are still the best of pals. And we still have to raise our son Phanty.

[robbiej]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 10:24am

'and the Sweeney Todd producers missed out...HE would be the perfect Mrs. Lovett!'

Would that I played a brass instrument! I'm only proficient on the flute.

I've been hesitating posting in this thread, because, honestly, it's a little surreal seeing one's self spoken of in this way. And very overwhelming. What many people don't understand about the art of performing is that, when you actually move someone...even just one person, for a brief second...it's profoundly humbling. I feel very honored to have been able to perform for you all and I cannot express my gratitude at your kindness, love and support.

Honestly...I'm at a loss for the right words.

Just...from the bottom of my...thank you.

[KMF_NYC]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 10:36am

those two words are the perfect word Robbie -- and once again...
Thank YOU.....

[NYadgal]

Posted: 5/2/05 at 11:53pm

Did I stumble across a RobbieJ baby picture?

Pearls!

(just wasn't ready to have this thread buried on page 4...)

Updated On: 5/2/05 at 11:53 PM

[NYadgal]

Posted: 5/3/05 at 8:53am

bumping again to remind everyone that they can see RobbiJ again this Saturday!

RUN... go see this fabulous man in this wonderful show!

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 5/3/05 at 11:33am

So I was standing there in a Duane Reade, buying some Dayquil to medicate myself into a stupor from the combo allergies and cold I'm currently suffering, when the television there was showing a hip hop video, looping a sample of "And I'm Telling You" into the song. A chill went down my spine and I had to smile inspite of myself. I could have attributed the chill to a minor bout of chills and fever I was experiencing. I prefer to attribute it to fond memories of a mid spring robbiej songspiel....

CATCH THAT LAST SHOWING! (please)

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 5/3/05 at 11:37pm

BOUNCE

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 5/4/05 at 12:10pm

No page two for Mr. Maitner!

You've got three days left!

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 5/4/05 at 12:17pm

People. Go see his show. It will no doubt extend because that's what happens when you put together a show that so completely and utterly kicks-a$$.
I think it's a testament to Robbie's skills that he's actually created a show that, with a little creative and artistic license, could be performed by other people. It's personal and tells a story without being one of those hogwash "this is my life" things, but, just like you'll see community theatre mavens doing "At Liberty" all over Idaho soon, so, too, could Robbiej's "Basket Case" be performed by wannabes everywhere.
But they won't compare.

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 5/4/05 at 1:26pm

After seeing him in this and a few other plays, it is so clear HE should be playing "Albin" in La Cage! Somebody get Jerry Zaks to the Duplex this weekend!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 5/4/05 at 2:32pm

Did anybody read Musto on the MAC Awards?

"I also went to the MAC Awards (for cabaret) at Symphony Space and felt like I had been beamed into a completely alien community —a world of people who cry easily, whose lips are chapped from licking so many flyer-filled envelopes, who never got the memo that Judy Garland died, and who are completely adorable."

Since he used the word "adorable" to describe cabaret performers, methinks he must have been at one of the Basket Case shows!

His Chitty mention is hilarious. "Target audience: 3-year-olds with $101.25."
Musto

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 5/4/05 at 2:34pm

Or someone call Mike Nichols to catch this, should Christian Borle be unable to fulfill his duties in Spamalot...

[NYadgal]

Posted: 5/5/05 at 5:36pm

Kicking (as in high-kicking) this to the top of the page because EVERYONE should make plans to see this gem!

Wear your pearls...



(hilarious Chitty mention, Namo)

[robbiej]

Posted: 5/5/05 at 5:46pm

I adore you, my Addy!

You and Sueleen and Namo are like my pimps!!!

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 5/5/05 at 6:16pm

dang. three pimps...

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 5/5/05 at 7:16pm

Four. What am I, chopped liver?

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 5/5/05 at 11:26pm

And I, a chopped spleen!?