Just got onto the train after the first preview! I'm sorry to say that I was underwhelmed by this production of one of my favorite shows. It was poorly cast and the staging was not fitting for the Delacorte. The actors spent way too much time on the staircases and raised platforms, where they would always be obstructed by the set to some portion of the audience. I hope they fix this before previews are finished - they really need to bring the actors and the action forward and closer to the audience. When they're up on the set, which is the case for much of the show, they feel very far away.
There were a few pacing and tempo issues that I had, but I won't get into specifics as those are easily remedied. The casting, though, is not. The saving grace is, surprisingly, Sarah Stiles. She got the biggest laughs from the audience. Chip Zien and Amy Adams were okay. Amy has a great voice and did well with the comedy.. I'm sure she'll be great by opening night.
Donna Murphy was good.. not as wonderful as I hoped, but I think she may also be a little sick, so I'll reserve judgement. The COOLEST part of the show was one of her exits. I won't ruin the surprise, but it was awesome.
Dennis O'Hare is terribly miscast. I can't imagine he will get much better. He cannot sing and he didn't land a single one of his jokes. His serious moments were ruined by his slurred speech and poor diction. It really took the entire show down a whole notch for me.
Everyone else was pretty mediocre. The princes seemed to be copying the original cast's performances as seen on the DVD. Jack was actually pretty good, but his mother was trying way too hard and falling flat most of the time.
Overall, I thought the show was pretty mediocre. Maybe if they rework the staging and replace O'Hare with someone who can do the part justice, I'd go see it again.
ETA: Donna's keys did seem to be lowered, but as I said, she may have been under the weather. I wouldn't assume they'll be lowered for the whole run.
Updated On: 7/25/12 at 12:12 AM
