Threepenny Opera 2nd Preview Review

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 7:46pm

Sweeney has a run for it's money, 'cause this show is absolutely spectacular. It is the definition of 'bare-bones' and it works very well. Scott Elliot has redeemed himself from the trainwreck called Barefoot in the Park.

Cast:
Alan Cumming - Excellent, like usual. He seemed to rush through his dialogue early on in the show, but slowed down towards the end. His accent, however, makes most of his dialogue incomprehensible. And that mohawk....nevermind. He will definately be nominated for a Tony and is the closest to beating M. Cerveris or J.L. Young.

Jim Dale - very good, but still needs work in the vocal department. You can barely hear him over the orchestra.

Ana Gasteyer - By far the highlight of the production. Her acting and singing is a revelation. I knew she had talent, after seeing her for years on SNL, but she is fantastic. She's the strongest singer in the show. The Featured Actress Tony is hers.

Cyndi Lauper - terribly underused. When she steps on stage, you can tell it's her from the second she opens her mouth. Her Brooklyn accent was reminicent of her Mad About You days. Solomon's Song was heartbreaking (and got no applause....odd)

Nellie McKay - her voice is great, but her acting needs work.

Two things I could have done without: the subtitles (although they were used very well in the showstopping Lucy's Aria) and the cast annoucing the scene changes. It wasn't necessary and took a lot away.

Noticed Scott Elliot and Wallace Shawn (whose voice is used as a narration at various points) in the audience, busily taking notes.

Great show!

Any questions, post 'em and I'll answer. Updated On: 3/25/06 at 07:46 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 8:55pm

Forgot to mention that there is NO curtain call. The actors exit through the audience, the houselights rise, and there's nothing more.

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 9:28pm

what?! thats crazy

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 10:11pm

"Two things I could have done without: the subtitles (although they were used very well in the showstopping Lucy's Aria) and the cast annoucing the scene changes. It wasn't necessary and took a lot away."

Actually they both are Brechtian devices (and announcing the scene changes is part of the original script) that are crucial to the production. These are examples of the "Alienation Effect" which is the basic theory which underlies Brecht's work, reminding you at all times that you are watching a play, preventing you from getting so emotionally involved with the story that you stop thinking critically about how the play reflects the reality of the world outside the theatre. Having actors step out of character and announce scenes and using signs to announce settings are EXACTLY how Brecht wanted his works performed.

Updated On: 3/25/06 at 10:11 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 10:15pm

I see. That's very interesting, Margo. Thank you for enlightening me about that. I understand why it's there now :).

It's just too bad how dry the audience was....

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 10:23pm

This will be another that I missed this year!

[FosseBoi]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 10:36pm

I want to see this so bad now! Thanks for another review!

Two questions:
1. Who do you think has a better chance of winning Best Revival at the Tonys?
2. Someone else said that Cindi had a great chance at getting the Tony, however, you said that Ana does, why?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 10:44pm

1. Prior to seeing this (and having seen Sweeney and Pajama Game), I would have said Sweeney. Now, unless it gets universally panned, I can no longer answer the question. It's gonna be very close.

2. As good as Cyndi was (and she was great), she was only on stage for maybe 1/4 of the show. Ana worked and sang her butt off and should be rewarded for her revelation-of-a-performance.

[FoscasBohemianDream]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 10:44pm

I also have some questions. What is the general opinion on McKay's "Pirate Jenny"? And if her version is disappointing, does anyone believe Cyndi Lauper would be given the chance to perform the song instead? I don't understand my obsession with this song but it's just Cyndi Lauper is such a fabulous performer I believe she'd provide the audience with a brilliant rendition of the song.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/25/06 at 10:49pm

I didn't think her version was disappointing, it just wasn't anything special. It was there. Nellie brought nothing to it, just arms flailing. I also could barely understand a word she was saying. Cyndi could do it better.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 12:53am

"He seemed to rush through his dialogue early on in the show, but slowed down towards the end. His accent, however, makes most of his dialogue incomprehensible. And that mohawk....nevermind."

How is this an "excellent" performance?

[DesperatelySeekingStranger]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 1:13am

Any word on how ensemble member Carlos Leon is? Up until now he is only known for being a sometime actor and father to Madonna's daughter. I'm extremely curious to hear what his singing voice sounds like.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 8:04am

Baritone - despite Cumming's problems, he delivers a great performance. He'll grow out of them as time goes on. You just have to see it.

Stranger - Carlos Leon aces his 10 minute scene at the beginning. His imitations of Jim Dale as the different kinds of beggars are hilarious.
Updated On: 3/26/06 at 08:04 AM

[bugsers]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 10:49am

Thanks for the great review! Hopefully, I will be able to see this show when I visit NYC in the spring.

I'm glad to hear that Ana Gasteyer is amazing. I saw her several times as Elphaba in Wicked Chicago-- I'm not a fangirl, I swear!-- because I enjoyed her performance so much. What a beautiful, powerful voice she has!

Anyway, I cannot wait to hopefully see the show!

[mentaltenant]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 1:38pm

I thought Cyndi's character normally sang "Pirate Jenny"? I'm obviously wrong but that's disappointing.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 2:03pm

"Pirate Jenny" was originally written to be sung by Polly Peachum, McKay's character, but various productions through the years have given the song to Jenny.