Stand warned - "Johnny Guitar" is sensational!

[GladysBumps]

Posted: 3/11/04 at 11:20pm

The audience went wild tonight. What a nice freakin' surprise!
The cast is flawless, and the score is gorgeous!
There is that find line in parody which, when crossed, it becomes arch and alienating--or at best tiresome, like a Carol Burnett sketch which has gone on too long. Somehow, and I don't know how, but I'd love to, Director Joel Higgins has avoided this pitfall. I think it's because the cast never once winks at us, they play it absolutely straight faced and real, and never comment on the material.
Go see, and learn,
Gladys Updated On: 3/12/04 at 11:20 PM

[Michelleruth]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 5:40pm

I can't wait! I'm going tomorrow!!!!

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 5:45pm

Good news! Camp is often tried by amateurs and it shouldn't be.

Anyone see (and love) the original movie?

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 6:55pm

Well Steve Blanchard is the most down to Earth, generous performer and person I've met in the "business" so all the best!

Gonna try to see it next week.

[GladysBumps]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 11:20pm

And, you might be intersted to know, at the end of one number he shows his tits!
Is that a "spoiler?"
Kisses,
Gladys

[billyweeds]

Posted: 3/12/04 at 11:24pm

Joel Higgins, of course, played Rick Schroeder's dad on television's "Silver Spoons." In case y'all didn't know.

[Michelleruth]

Posted: 3/13/04 at 9:08am

Oooooh, Gladys! That's not a spoiler! Sounds like a fun show!

By the way, Steve did the same in the HBO special "Rap Master Ronnie" show lots of years ago.

It will be great to see him without all the "Beast" makeup again and singing some different songs. He has an exceptional voice.

Updated On: 3/18/04 at 09:08 AM

[GladysBumps]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 7:14pm

Michelleruth,
You mean he makes a habit of exposing those lovely tee bone steak pecks! How delicious! God, the theatrical season is looking up!
Air kisses,
Gladys

[JoizeyActor]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 7:27pm

I got a promotional thing for this in the mail not too long ago. I was interested in it when I got it, but nothing ever came of it. But I'm interested again!

I've NEVER seen an off-broadway show, and I definitely want to get out to see some this year!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 11:18pm

I saw this show. It was OK. I wasnt laughing out loud too often. Some of the songs are really great and some just seem like filler. Its over done, which is of course intentional and the actors do a great job but I didnt think the material was that solid. I found it a little distracting that Johnny Guitar, played the guitar while the sound noticably came from the upper left where the visible guitar player sat. The set was cool, acting/singing was great, the show itself though was only decent.

[Michelleruth]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 7:57am

I saw the show on Saturday and found it quite enjoyable. I love the atmosphere/intimacy of a smaller theatre. The music was better than I expected and I thought the cast did a super job! Joel Higgins (director) was sitting in my row busy taking notes.

I thought the comic timing of the cast was right on. And their voices superb.

As a lot of you know on this board, I am a fan of Steve Blanchard, so my review may be a little biased. But I found it a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

[shermanslave]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 10:02am

Isn't Judy McClane in this too? She was in the B'way production of Chess and an understudy for the lead. What's her name? Florence? How is she in this? I think she's a great singer.

[Michelleruth]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 11:22am

Judy McLane is fabulous as "Vienna". Gorgous voice. She played the role just right.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 12:51pm

I saw Steve Blanchard as Freddy in Chess at Theatre Under the Stars in Houston in 1992. It was a wonderful production. Was Judy McClane Florence in that production? I can't find any info on the net about Florence at TUTS, but I do remember that she was in the original Broadway cast and she was terrific as Florence.

[Michelleruth]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 1:15pm

Mister Matt,

I have a Chess program and I will take a look and let you know (I am away on business right now -- ohh, the joys of traveling!)

[GladysBumps]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 4:28pm

Yes, Judy McLane was quite a revelation. It's always so heartening to see a gifted performer make the leap from a string of replacement roles to actually creating something from scratch. I must say her stoney faced opening number in that slinky dress set the tone for the evening to come just beautifully. What a hoot! And what a lovely velvet belt voice!
Mention must also be made of Ann Crumb's hilarious no holes barred rendering of "Who Do They Think They Are?". Who would have thought there was a bit of a Dorothy Louden in that lovely lady.
Air Kisses to the girls,
Gladys

[Michelleruth]

Posted: 3/18/04 at 8:14pm

Mister Matt,

I'm back in town and found my "Chess" program from 1992. You have a great memory! Judy McLane WAS in the Houston Production at the Theatre Under The Stars.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/19/04 at 2:47pm

I was SO annoyed when they cancelled the preview i was going to! Hope it conts till I'm back!

[Michelleruth]

Posted: 3/19/04 at 6:04pm

For those of you who are interested, Steve Blanchard's website at:

www.steveblanchard.net

has been updated with a promotional photo for "Johnny Guitar" and also provides a link to the "Johnny Guitar" website.

Check it out!

Updated On: 3/19/04 at 06:04 PM