Thoughts on Adding Machine, Gypsy and More!

[Eos]

Posted: 4/28/08 at 10:14am

So I'm halfway through my trip, and I thought I would give some quick impressions.

Adding Machine
Quirky, odd little piece that I loved! Snatches of some of the songs keep running through my head, so the fact that they're coming out with a recording makes me very happy. Seeing this makes me want to read the original it was adapted from.
Poor Mr. Zero can't catch a break, except for a moment in the afterlife, but only for a moment. It's painted with a pretty abstract brush, but one of the more interesting things I've seen.

Gypsy
First time seeing it, so naturally I was transfixed from that first tympani. I can see why it's a classic.
Everyone sounded good although there was some coughing during a couple of scenes.
I know the set has gotten a lot of attention for looking "cheap". I thought given the time and situation, it looked just the way it was supposed to. Not trying to challenge anyone - just sayin'.
I'd always heard "Everything's Coming Up Roses" completely out of context, so seeing Rose's breakdown was trippy. Trippy and fabulous! Put me in the "I love Patti" camp.
I stage doored and a dedicated few of us waited until around 12 something for Ms. LuPone, but Laura Benanti never came out - they said she wasn't feeling well. She did blow her nose a few times during the show.

Sunday in the Park with George
I've never seen this one either, and although I do tend to be enthralled with just about everything I see, I was sucked in from the get go. I zoned out a little in the second act, and I can see why many consider it the weaker of the two, but Jenna Russell's Marie helped me stay involved, and broke my heart. I hate it when I cry!
(Nice to meet you Maurice! And yes fellas, he's as cute as his pic.)

In the Heights
Loved it. Yeah, I know, I'm enthralled by everything, but I thought it had enough going for it to outweigh any weaknesses the book has. I think I had rather lowered expectations going in, and maybe that contributed to my reception of the show, but between the varied styles of music and choreography, along with the cast, it was hard for me not to like this uplifting, albeit maybe a bit too neatly packaged show. I could have sworn I saw Mary Testa in the crowd. (This was Sunday night)

That's it for now. Before I head back to St. Louis I've got The Country Girl, Liaisons Dangereuses, and I may try to see A Catered Affair.
Thanks for reading!

[Eos]

Posted: 4/28/08 at 5:14pm

*shameless bump*

[Zeitoujo]

Posted: 4/28/08 at 10:01pm

I'm glad you enjoyed Gypsy! It truly is singular!