Posted: 4/12/16 at 9:32am
So I happened to win lotto last night (it's possible!) and I was thrilled it was for Rory's first show. He was hysterical and fits the role perfectly. He seems very comfortable. I can only imagine he will get even better with time. He reminds me more of BDJ in the role than Groff or Rannells, which I appreciate. A lovely addition to the cast. I can't wait to hear what others think.
Austin Smith was on for Burr, and Andrew Chappelle for Mulligan/Madison. I was left underwhelmed with both understudies and felt very fortunate that this was not my first viewing. Austin grew on me towards the end but I much preferred Leslie Odom Jr. and Sydney James Harcourt in the role. His voice is very deep, so his power notes resonate nicely but the softer, more tender moments suffer. I think that's why he improved after Room Where It Happens - he's better as the more aggressive type. It actually made me curious about his Washington. I think he'd be wonderful in that role.
As for Andrew Chappelle, I hate to say this but I didn't like him at all. I think he's extraordinary for being able to cover so many principle roles and ensemble tracks but his Madison/Mulligan didn't do it for me. He didn't seem to differentiate his characters at all; both men were overly sassy in a way that doesn't fit the material at all. He felt out of place compared to the rest of the cast, like he was just himself on stage while everyone else was acting. Maybe he was having an off night? Someone said this earlier - many pages ago - but I never realized how much I appreciate Oak in the role until now. That man is incredible.
Every swing was on except for one of the new males (Ricardo Z.). I hope everyone is okay and there isn't some illness going around. It was strange to see 70% new faces in the ensemble. They're going strong and carrying a big show on their shoulders, making it look easy. I did miss some faces for sure though (like Betsy Struxness and Ariana Debose). Special shout-out to Gregory Haney as Phillip Schuyler. He made a small roll stand out, and he was adorable!
Some details for lotto:
First, your seats are already predetermined so there is no advantage in getting in line early to pick them up. When you get to the theater, you line up by the steps and they let you pick up your tickets and immediately enter the theater 30 minutes before curtain. You can only pick up your ticket once your whole party is there, and once you do they shuffle you straight into the theater. You may not exit once you're in. Looks like they're taking measures to prevent scalping or reselling of lotto seats. However, that means if you won and can't see the show you couldn't pass them off to friends (unless perhaps both friends were present when you picked up the tickets and the BO saw you just hand them off? Unsure).