THE MOST HAPPY FELA! at Encores!

Anybody else going? I'm pretty excited! Of course, it's not Balzac, but how about that Shuler Hensley?

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Sahr Ngaujah I love your work

One of my very favorite shows ever. Looking forward to hearing about this production!

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All you aficionados of TMHF probably know this bit of trivia, but for those who don't, listen for the mailman at the beginning of the title number in Act I. The names he calls out in the mail call were actual members of the original company:

"Farnsworth, your husband's all right" (Ralph Farnsworth, played the bus driver)
"Johnson, you better pay the gas and light" (the immortal Susan Johnson, who played Cleo)
"Sullivan! You're here thank the Lord, Sullivan you're breakin' my back with Montgomery Ward" (Jo Sullivan, who played Rosabella, and went on to marry composer-lyricist Frank Loesser)
"Van Pelt, your sister had a baby girl" (Lois Van Pelt, one of the neighbors)
"Greene, Herbie Greene, say who's Pearl? (Two-time Tony Award winner, Herbert Greene was the orchestra and choral director, and had a prolific 20-year career in musical theatre.)

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I'm considering going, but not sure I can afford it. I couldn't find any discounts online - does anyone know of any?

Going tomorrow night! One of my favorite scores of all time!

Stupid question...but does anyone know the name of the restaurant/bar across the street from City Center? I'm blanking and wanna grab a bite there beforehand with my friend.

Abboccato is excellent: really good fresh pasta and seafood. And I wouldn't even say it's that pricey. I always like to eat there when I'm seeing something at City Center.

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The production is pure musical theatre euphoria. The actors, the voices, the direction, the choreography, all first rate. Don't miss this one. Casey Nicholaw did a fine job.

Artistic Director Jack Virtell came out last night just before the show started and announced Laura Benanti was ill. Take a listen to the promo vid shot last night though-shes never sounded better! What a trooper.

Revival, please?

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hushpuppy, I did know that about the names in the song, but I'm glad you mentioned it in this thread just the same.



It's a very nice touch.

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Updated On: 4/2/14 at 07:09 PM

Eric---You do realize that the OBCR is a complete recording, right? It's a triple-record set (or 2 CDs).

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The most happy fella, the most happy man is ME!

The Most Happy Fella is my favorite musical of all-time, but I have never seen a production that wasn't at least a slight let down from the OBCR, which I believe to be the most perfectly recorded show. Ever.

Tonight broke the curse of disappointment, and because of how close this show is to my heart it must rank my top ten theatrical experiences.

Laura Benanti was BRILLIANT. I mean scary, terrifying brilliance. After tonight bring on Esclarmonde! If I didn't worship the woman enough already this sent me over the edge. Transfer it and give her the Tony.

Heidi B was doing some MAJOR channeling of Susan Johnson tonight. It was eerie and wonderful. She was very, very funny without pushing too hard, which seems to be a common problem for Cleos.

Shuler Hensley acted the role beautifully. A few of his top notes were a little thin, but the emotion in his performance more than compensated. He didn't get tripped up on the accent and syntax of his lines.

Cheyenne Jackson gave the best performance of his career IMO. "Joey, Joey, Joey" was a stunner. Jay Armstrong Johnson was a lot of fun as Herman, and of course "Big D" was a showstopper.

The ensemble was HUGE, even by Encores standards. (There must have been a casting call at Hunks R Us too.)

The orchestra was heavenly.

I was in heaven.

I still am in heaven.

My heart is so full.

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