Spider's LITTLE WOMEN review (Finally!!)- Page 3

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/18/04 at 4:56pm

I believe Amy (the actress) is in her 20's or somewhere around there, but she is really short and looks like a kid. I thought she was a kid until the 2nd act when she is older. I was like, "wow." Her voice isn't really "Shrill" just like a kid in early MGM musicals like MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS. The way the younger sister talks in that movie is how Amy talks in the musical. I thought she was brilliant.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/18/04 at 8:19pm

Yeah. It is portrayed that way in the musical. In the first act, Jo does not want to go to the ball because she had to wear a dress, and dance with boys. Amy is jealous because that is what she wants to do so she gets revenge on Jo. Amy seems older than she really is, with the way she wants boys and stuff. In the second act, she is the proper lady that her aunt wanted Jo to be.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 10/18/04 at 8:32pm

Spider, did you think that Amy's body looked oddly out of proportion? I mean, she was short, but so is Kristin Chenoweth, and her body doesn't look disproportionate. Maybe it was the costume...

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/18/04 at 8:46pm

I think it was the costume, because when they were doing to story that Jo wrote, and Amy was wearing the troll costume, she looked ok.

[Millie42]

Posted: 10/18/04 at 9:12pm

I think the point is being missed... and perhaps there should be a bigger effort to spread the word on this.
The musical is not TRYING to follow the book. The writer, director, etc. will tell you that they took the ideas from the book but then modified the characters as they wanted. Some of the story lines have been changed. You cant go in expecting the book in song. Its a different work. Amy is exactly the way the production team wants her to be.

[ksp1994]

Posted: 10/21/04 at 4:30pm

I saw Little Women last weekend also. And, I agree with Spider and Elphie's reviews. It really was an excellent musical. The acting talent was amazing. The set, the songs, etc. were very good.

But, I agree about the problem with Amy. I did find her voice and character portrayal annoying. But, more importantly, it was not believable. It has been a long time since I read the "Little Women" novel. But, I remember the book taking place over several years. According to the show's program, the musical is condensed to only take place over 2 years (1864-1866). So, when Amy is introduced in the first scene, she appears to be about 12 years old (at least that's how she acts - and that seems right when you assume that she has 3 older sisters, the oldest of which is probably around 1. Then, two years later at the end of the show, the character looks and acts like she's about 14. I couldn't believe that a 14-year-old could have matured into a woman, fallen in love, and gotten engaged (even in the 1860's). It just didn't make sense. And, I think it's a flaw in the show. They should have had the second act of the show happen about 5 years later than the first act of the show - with a new actress playing a more mature, 17-year-old Amy.

Just my opinion...

[Roxie_Hart]

Posted: 10/22/04 at 11:47pm

Spider (or anyone who can answer this!), once I get to the university tomorrow, where is Bryan center and where do I park?

[maggiwun]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 10:41am

Spider, I am particularly interested in Danny Gurwin, since we worked together briefly here in the Detroit area some years ago. What did you think of his performance? I will be in New York in February and hope to secure tickets for "Little Women". I don't think they are available yet.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 10/23/04 at 11:34am

I thought Danny did a great job. He was really funny in parts and sad in others. I wasn't too much of a fan of his singing voice, but he held his own.

ROXIE, there is a sign that says "Visitor Parking" just follow that and you will reach a parking garade (you have to pay $5-10) and there are directions to the theatre at the elevator in the garage. It is very easy to find. Hope you have fun.