I'm tingling such delicious tingle
I'm trembling- what the hell does that mean?
I'm freezing, that's because it's cold out,
But still I'm incandescent and like some adolescent
I'd like to scrawl on every wall I see
(I love) She Loves Me
She Loves Me!!!
What a night! She Loves Me seems to be one of those rare shows that almost every musical theater lover I know adores. The fact that the score is brilliant and effortlessly develops plot and/or character at each turn is never in dispute and the book is cleverly crafted to boot. So I guess the real question can this 50+ year old musical that has been recorded and performed so often that most of us know it by heart still provide a thrill with this new production? The answer for me is a resounding yes.
Laura Benanti, extraordinary woman that she is, is giving a career re-defining performance as Amalia. I've never heard her produce a more beautiful tone than what I heard at Studio 54 tonight. I think Gypsy was a turning point in her career and then everything after has been on a crazy upward trajectory. I believed her Rosabella to be the peak of radiance, but she bested herself tonight. Will He Like Me? was sublime; Dear Friend thrilling; Where's My Other Shoe a comic delight; Vanilla Ice Cream a Tony-worthy triumph.
Zachary Levi was more self-assured here than in First Date, but given the wretched material he had to contend in his previous Broadway no wonder he felt more relaxed. You don't have to work twice as hard with half with payoff when you songs like these to sing! I think he will only get better as time goes on.
Roundabout has assembled a supporting cast to be reckoned with as well. Krakowski is very funny as Ilona and Trip to the Library, my favorite song in the show, was wonderful. Creel is really sinking his teeth into Kodaly and both his big numbers were met with hearty applause. McGarth and Jennings do well by Sipos and Maraczek.
The real discovery of the night is Nicholas Barasch as Arpad who slayed Try Me and stole every moment he was on stage. I hope he is remembered come Tony time for a featured actor nomination.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!