We saw the preview last night; the show is obviously stripped down from the Broadway production, and Michael Bennett is correct; the costumes are fabulous, but they often clash with and overwhelm the sets ( the costumes are the originals, I believe). The show could use some pruning, but considering the cast had only 2 1/2 days in the theater, they have done a wonderful job. There are a few problems to be worked ou, mostly with the projections.
I had never heard Powers sing, and her voice was a revelation. She does well with her two big numbers, and her acting is spot-on: she avoids most of the campiness to get at the pathos of the character.
She stacks up well (yes, really) with Betty Buckley, whom I saw in the original NY production. All in all, a good production of a flawed but fascinating show, the only Lloyd Webber I have ever enjoyed.
BTW: Todd Gearhart (new to me) is quite sexy, sings well, and is quite good as Joe; ditto Sal Mistratta as Max...great voice.
Updated On: 7/29/10 at 04:30 PM