This show had a great pedigree: A book by Nobel laureate Derek Wolcott, staging by Mark Morris (who's work was tweaked by an uncredited Jerry Zaks during previews) and of course, a score by Paul Simon. When I saw it about a month into previews (it previewed almost two months before opening 59 previews - 68 perfs!) it was just a mess. The first act was bad enough but then the second act was just about enough to numb the senses. While many blame the subject matter (which certainly didn't help) I also felt Simon's music to be extremely monotonous. Everything was on one level. There were no emotional highs or lows - it was the musical equivalent of a Xanex cocktail with an Ativan chaser. The cast was game (I remember an effective solo for Agron's mother) and Bob Crowley's designs were fantastic (I remember a great fire-escape scene with perspective similar to the Hairspray "Tracy in bed" opening). All in all it was an admirable attempt that just didn't prove gripping enough on stage.
My most vivid memory though came at intermission when I loudly announced to my date "If we are staying for the second act, I need a drink. I think we are witnessing this season's "Carrie"." As I turned around who is sitting behind us (in the last orchestra row) but Mr. Simon and Mr. Zaks. Ouch.
"When you're a gay man, you have to feel good about yourself when a urologist says, "Yeah. I pick you". - Happy Endings
