Sutton Foster in Anything Goes. First Preview. — Page 4

and there it is! howd you get that to work qolbinau?

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AH great thanks! please bear with the technologically challenged. anyway, show curtain everybody!!

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I never post, but I was interested to see what everyone would have to say about Sutton in 'Anything Goes.' Just got in from the theatre (tonight was 2nd preview), and I was really impressed with the show. A lot of people have been criticizing ever since the rehearsal video of the title song was posted. Bottom line, to echo what was said before, the show itself is musical comedy heaven. Kathleen has tried to put her stamp on a lot of iconic material, and has been successful with a lot of the choreography and musical staging. However, there are definite moments where the show falls flat (did anyone else think "Friendship" and/or "Gypsy in Me" were weird?), and one can sense that the actors are a little unsure of themselves at points. This of course is to be expected for a second preview.

Sutton is fabulous. Reno is a very different role for her, and she's a lot more sexy and mature than in her previous work. I think it might take audiences a little while to warm up to her in this new role. Everyone is so used to her naive, goofball Thoroughly Modern Millie image that to see her play such a womanly role as Reno definitely took a second to get used to. She's KILLING IT in the production numbers and blatantly showing up the four chorus girls that back her up as the Angels (for those familiar with dance terminology, she does a 180 degree penche in Blow Gabriel !!). As someone who has seen her live in all of her Broadway credits since 'Annie' in 1997, this is one of the most athletic roles she's played on Broadway, on par with Millie. Her vocals are spot on and she's never looked more glamorous. Sutton does not disappoint!

Also, kudos to Laura Osnes as Hope. Her performance is one of the more compelling of the evening, despite the stereotype of Hope being a thankless role. She looks and sounds gorgeous. Either Kathleen has fleshed out the oft neglected relationship between Billy and Hope, or else Osnes and Colin Donnell (who was also super as Billy) just have terrific chemistry. I totally bought it.

Joel Grey is cute as Moonface, but it looked as though Sutton was holding him by hand for the duration of "Friendship," feeding him lyrics and helping him through the song, and it made me a little nervous for them. I'm sure this is mostly due to the show having just started previews. On the whole, while there are a few kinks that need to be ironed out, I thought the show was in terrific shape for it only being 2nd preview.

Updated On: 3/12/11 at 12:15 AM

I'm seeing it on Wednesday, what is the running time now, 2 and a half hours? Also, who has stagedoored the last 2 shows (I don't expect Sutton to, as we know her track record haha)?

Actually, Sutton came out on Thursday night and stayed for a long time. A lot of her students were there. The only one I don't recall coming out was John McMartin. Joel was the last to come out - about 45 minutes after curtain call, but to me, he was worth waiting for.

The cast was marvelous. During the bows, Joel started to get a standing ovation, then Sutton received a standing ovation from the entire audience. She deserves it. She commands attention whenever she is onstage and is a joy to behold. Colin Donnell holds his own against her and is the leading man in the show, though Joel gets star billing. Laura Osnes is very likable in her role and sings beautifully. Jessica Stone is a definite scene stealer and should be commended for her portrayal.

I cannot say enough about the costumes. The colors will blow you away.

This thread has really whetted my appetite to see the show - the Lincoln Center production in 1989 was my first-ever Broadway show and I had reservations about seeing it again based on the fact that I've found Sutton Foster a bit anaemic in the 3 shows I've seen her in (plus the rehearsal footage was slighly underwhelming). But AG has such a fantastic score and I'm a sucker for big, crowd-pleasing song-and-dance numbers, so I think I'd kick myself if I missed it.

Does anyone know what the situation is with lottery / general rush / SRO / discounts etc? Any first-hand advice would be much appreciated.

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Updated On: 3/12/11 at 05:21 PM

No lottery. Rear mezz (last row?) for I believe $30ish. Or you can do student rush for half-price. I got Row C center orch on the first preview that way.

I wasn't planning on seeing this show, but that show curtain is so amazing I have now put ANYTHING GOES on my must-see list!

Thanks for posting!

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Honestly, there are some issues with this production in addition to the show's weak book but I walked on of the theatre in a fantastic mood on Thursday night.

Sutton is a more vulnerable, kookier Reno then I am used to seeing but there is nothing in her performance that is clashing with the script, only my preconceived notions. And she is tough and sexy...very, very sexy.

I too found myself caring about the Billy/Hope plot for the first time in seeing this show. I think that this is mostly due to Laura's terrific performance. Hope often comes across as shrewish because she is constantly scolding Billy, but Laura played her as fondly amused by Billy antics until he truly went to far. So it actually seemed like they shared a sense of humor and were right for each other.

Updated On: 3/13/11 at 03:46 AM

Thanks for the rush info. Don't fancy Rear Mezz and wouldn't qualify for student rush / hiptix so I guess I'll have to hope other discount codes throw up decent seats.

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i am so excited to see the show in two weeks! has anyone sat in the mezzanine, Row FF, all the way on the left? (or the right, i guess.) if so, how was the view? thanks!