Posted: 2/5/17 at 9:28pm
I sawed the matinee today. The show was fabulous.
The orchestra was sublime and exactly what a Broadway musical should be. Rich and elegant.
The creative design of the show, from beginning to end, was delightful. Nothing of a huge spectacle, but just enough to give us a fresh, visually inviting show to look at. The choreography and placement of each performer on the stairs and platforms worked beautifully. As I said before, loved the other design elements of the show but I won't give them away.
The ensemble did great work.
Michael Xavier did a fine job. Yes, I thought his singing was not as "full" a sound as I would have expected for a musical theatre performer, but he was very good. It's obvious to see how two women could go for him, he's very attractive and I feel, gives off a warm and friendly presence. Someone you would take to easily. There were moments that I felt his intentions were not the clearest.
Fred Johanson, enjoyed him thoroughly. Great character actor. Thought he played the part well and his voice was perfect for the role. I questioned whether we would come across as age appropriate but he did.
Siobhan Dillon - I think this woman deserves a nomination of SOME sort. I thought she was perfection. Her vocals were lovely and her acting was just as sweet. I felt she gave the character a wonderful spark of energy. Every time she came onto the stage, I really felt she was indelible. She did great work.
All three UK transfers were a great pairing together and with Close.
Glenn Close. What can I say? Heartbreaking, strong willed and sad. I didn't see her original run but good for her, returning to a role 22 years later and from what I'm reading, giving a fresh and new performance. Close is up there with the best of them and she deserved the standing ovations she received. She is the consummate professional. Her performance is thorough, focused, and nuanced. In the moment and alert to everything around her. Genuine performance. Many wonderful moments that I will remember.
I didn't expect her vocals to be outstanding as I don't feel she is a singer with extensive range and sound quality. I will say, she was haunting and lovely with most of the material while certain sections and notes were rough. Very strained and raw. That is just my opinion. I found those notes to be extremely unpleasant... But who cares? Her acting and devotion made up for it and she made it work. Good for her. Not to mention she looks fantastic and is clearly in great physical shape.
The tweaks to her costumes were just the right touch. I've only seen pictures of the original production so I was able to spot the changes.
This production is worth seeing for the first time or if you are revisiting the material.
SPOLIER:
Young Norma:
She looked more like Molly Ringwald. I could have done without this element completely. I understand the "concept" of what they were going for behind her psyche/image of former self. That's not to say it didn't work at all .... I just think they overused it.
The first time she appeared, it worked. I got over it. The second time, during the dance.. I thought that was pushing it. The rest of the show, she wandered around like a zombie. A literal ghost of sorts? Ok. It was very distracting, however brief on a whole. The material is strong and haunting enough, it was uncalled for. Follies has an entirely different approach to this factor in the story line, wrong musical here. My opinion.
Please go see this production!
