Just got back from my weekend in New York to see "ThreePenny." (I made the trip because I'm a huge Cyndi fan and a major Broadway fan. I had to be there to watch these two worlds collide!). I was ready for brilliance.
But all I can say is I really disliked this show and this production. (Granted this was only the third performance.) The first 5 minutes were really good and I thought I was about to see something amazing. The neon set thrilled, the actor’s entrance was exciting. The first song seemed to set up what would be a great night. Then things went downhill from there (and fast). There didn't seem to be any clear direction from "Mac the knife" on.
Cyndi literally has NO direction during her act 2 song. She lifted one arm up and put it down, lifted other arm up and put it down. It was extremely frustrating.
In general all that really happens throughout the show are actors come on and off stage on moving panels. Although I did enjoy the use of neon, I felt it grew old.
The worst part of the night for me was without a doubt Nellie McKay. During the first act all I could think was who is this woman (since I didn't really know anything about her before). Watching her performance... I got no insight into the character of Polly. Plus it looked like she was always about to laugh during her scenes. Her chemistry with Jim Dale and Ana Gasteyer(both the best part of the production imo) was non existent. I felt Nellie was not really in the moment or apart of the "Threepenny" world (it pains me to say, But Cyndi really wasn't quit there either). Hopefully they will both get better.
It just seemed like a general mess up there on stage. What started out as promising evening quickly turned into a very disappointing theatrical experience for me.
PS - It was fun to see Madonna's baby's daddy up there on stage! :)
Updated On: 3/27/06 at 03:11 PM
