Well, I saw the first preview of The Drowsy Chaperone last night.
I am not sure if I am going to attempt a full review a later date but here are a few random thoughts as I am already running late this morning.
In short, I liked it.
It had that same element of the LA audience finding it a bit funnier than it really was, but there were some very funny aspects of it. There were also some non-PC moments in this musical, but since the point is to poke fun at the old musicals of the 1920s, it works.
Sutton was fantastic as always, but she is almost wasted in this show. It is very much an ensemble piece and isn't Sutton-centric at all. For all of the people that were concerned about her playing another 1920s woman, don't be. It's all very tongue in cheek and this is NOT another Millie.
The cast on her wrist is noticeable even from the back of the orchestra - but it doesn't limit her at all. I was very impressed with the one armed cartwheels she did in succession during her big number, "Show Off".
The true highlight of the show for me was actually Bob Martin's performance as the Man in Chair. He essentially narrates the entire thing and is quite funny.
There were a couple of slow spots in the show that on the surface seem unnecessary, (most of which was when Georgia Engel was on stage) but then they are recognized as such by our narrator. I assume there will be some changes since the show is still in previews and I am going back on Closing Night so it will be exciting to see how the show has evolved since that time.
I'll may sit down and write a more in depth review sometime this weekend if I can. Although, I do have "Romance" tonight and I now fully expect to kill myself half way through based on the reviews.
Updated On: 11/11/05 at 10:05 AM
