Scoundrels, Purple & Bee -- Reviews

[MusicAndPassion]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 10:09pm

I just got back about an hour ago from my trip to New York City. I saw Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Color Purple & The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. I think I pick three totally different shows to see, and I can not compare the three, nor do I have a favorite.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels [Thursday, 27th] -- Very hilarious show. Norbert deserved that Tony Award. His was hysterical, and his voice was up to par with his crazy acting. Jonathan Pryce played his part incredibly well, and I loved his dark overcast on the role and his comedic timing. His voice is nice and pure. Rachael York got better as the show went on. My best friend said she sounded tired during "Here I Am" and she was. Her high notes in "Love Is My Legs" were great. Her comedic timing was perfect and her and Norbert made a great pair. Joanna & Greg were amazing together. I didn't expect their roles to be that big or them to be that talented in the roles. There was an understudy for Jolene, her last name was O'Conner (I'm too tired to look) and she was excellent. She fit the part well. The entire show was hysertical, and I loved it all. The sets were fantastic and the dancing was too. I thought at times the costumes were over-the-top, however the jewlery was incredible! What a show!

The Color Purple [Friday, 28th] -- I got into the theatre and I found more than half of the theatre was black people. I AM NOT TRYING TO BE RACIST HERE! I'm a little white boy from New Hampshire and I've never experienced a show with "Sing it girl!" and "Oh no you don't!" and "OOOOOOH!" being yelled out. Nor have I seen a show were everything the audience did builded up the acting. Incredibly theater moments. LaChanze deserved a Tony Award for her role. She left my speechless and her voice is so powerful. And with all the power house voices it's amazing they have the voice and energy to sing like that eight times a week! Felicia Fields stole the audience. Elisabeth was perfect for Shug and I loved her so much with LaChanze. The problem I found with the musical is the score & parts of the book. Overall, the book is good, however it moves too fast at times. The score contains someforgetful songs & some beautifully written ones, and LaChanze doesn't belt out her emotions until the second to last song, and it ends on a soft note. The final song is powerful & makes me forget any flaw, however I wish there were some powerhouse songs. The songs were catchy, though. And the Broadway Theatre is huge and gorgeous. I still can't get over it.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee [Saturday 2:00, 29th] -- MY OH MY! What a show! This may be my favorite show we saw. My best friend was a guest speller and had so much fun with the cast and they had fun with him. We had front row stage left seats. It was perfect. Todd was Barfee & Maurice was Mitch. Todd was hilarious. Maurice was excellent. Was this his first time on? Celia was adorable and I loved her supporting performance over anyone elses the whole trip. Deborah was amazing. Sarah was perfect for the role. The show itself is strong with a fun & clever score. I loved the show and can't get over how good it was.

Do they rotate the audience player's words?

Anyone else at any of these shows?

Updated On: 4/29/06 at 10:09 PM

[WiiCKED x3]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:06pm

im glad you enjoyed DRS. i also saw the standby for Mylinda, she was great

[Unknown User]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:08pm

I 3> Greg in DRS.

He's awesome.

Great reviews.

[WiiCKED x3]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:14pm

Greg is soooooooooo nice. omg he's just amazing.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:16pm

glad you enjoyed ALL the shows! (even if you DIDN'T see History Boys. you're forgiven)

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 4/29/06 at 11:43pm

yay for the color purple! glad you had a great time at all the shows!

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 1:44am

I don't think "I'm Here" - Ceilie's last song in the show, needed to end with a powerhouse moment. I think it works because she's sorta confessing to herself "I'm beautiful...I'm here" - its just sort of an afterthought to herself. It's not one of those big,brassy "I'm here - come look at me!" sorta things. And I'm not sure the show needs more "powerhouse" numbers. Not ever show needs to be Wicked with every performer belting to the rafters. I think it works the way it is. Belting just seems sort of out of character and out of context in this show. But that's just me.

[Practically Perfect]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 8:42am

Really pleased you like The Color Purple, and LaChanze is a goddess! I agree with you about the book moving too quickly, though - I got a bit lost in some places.

Mary P x

[mint0621]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 10:14am

Some of my favorite shows! So glad you had a blast. I really need to see Pryce in DRS asap~

[jv92]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 12:17pm

Glad you found The Oprah's Book Club Ladies amusing.
They are very good shows, glad to find a possitive reaction.

[ILoveMyDictionary]

Posted: 4/30/06 at 3:05pm

I'm glad you liked all the shows the only I saw out of those three was spelling bee and in answer to your question ometimes they'll change words the audience participants get but usually their the same. Sometimes they'll just make one of the words plural also.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 5/3/06 at 11:38am

I saw DRS and Bee---loved them both. I have to add that I saw DRS last night for the second time. First time was in January--we were in the back of the mezz (last row)---I enjoyed it but last night I enjoyed it SO MUCH MORE!!! For one thing, we had second row center seats and so I was actually able to see things I missed before (like Norbert crossing his eyeballs!)
He is even more amazing up close!!! His energy, voice, choreography, etc., etc.---just incredible! And I feel bad saying this, but I really enjoyed Jonathan Pryce so much more than John Lithgow. JP was broader (in a good way!)---especially when he was Dr. S------his hair, his face----
It was a very nice surprise to enjoy this show so much more!