Threepenny Opera Final Dress -- SPOILERS

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 1:39am

Well, first let me say that theatre etiquette forbids reviewing a rehearsal -- even a final dress open to the public (some of whom paid) -- and posting those opinions in a public place so I will respect that tradition. Because I know so many are curious, however I will make a few very general comments, though. And I'll restrict those comments to positive observations -- I'll leave any negatives/suggestions/quibbles to those who will be seeing the show in the coming days once official previews begin.

SPOILERS

That said, I had an exceptional time. I found Scott Elliott's staging smart, clever, inventive and consistently engaging -- the best work I've seen from him to date. There is no ideal way to stage this show -- and I'm sure there will be those who find faults with some of the choices he makes here -- but, I found his choices thoroughly in the spirit with Brecht and Weill's intentions.

The stage is bare with red velvet curtains covering the upstage wall and the wings. Neon signs announce the settings and individual pallettes fly set pieces in and out to minimally establish each scene. The set and lighting designs are outstanding. The costumes (by Mizrahi) range from leather and lace with platform boots for Jenny and the ensemble (Carlos Leon as Filtch had a particularly fetching purple leather thigh high boot and hot pants outfit), to Ivana Trump-esque pink Channel couture for Mrs. Peachum, a 70's style blue leisure suit for Mr. Peachum, a white wedding dress for Polly, black goth wear for Lucy, and sort of neo-thrift-dandy-ish looks for MacHeath.

Wallace Shawn's translation is quite contemporary and loose-feeling, capturing a modern-day vulgar, coarse, profanity-laced sensibility that some may find a little shocking -- Brecht probably would have approved.

The performances were mostly terrific:

-- Ana Gasteyer (Mrs. Peachum) displays her flawless sense of comedic timing and a voice even more powerful, focused and richly colored than I realized. Give this woman a lead role on Broadway.

-- Jim Dale (Peachum) is a pro's pro, acting, singing and dancing with aplomb in a style perfect for the piece.

-- Cyndi Lauper (Jenny) is ..... just wow. What an amazing presence. Her Brooklyn persona adds some fun and fascinating twists and humor to the character and her singing ...... well, her "Solomon Song" nearly stopped the show. So moving and intense. She had the audience in the palm of her hand. I'd love to see her replace Lupone as Mrs. Lovett once Patti wants to leave the show.

-- Brian Charles Rooney (Lucy) was the surprise of the evening. There was much discussion and wringing of hands when it was announced that a man would be playing Lucy in this production. Well, what could have been a distracting gimmick -- and I'm sure some will still find it that -- turns out to be a bold casting stroke with Rooney giving one of the main standout performances in the show. It turns out that he is a first rate countertenor with a powerful upper range that allows him to sing Lucy's music in what I believe are the original keys -- and sing it beautifully I might add. He dominates the "Jealousy Duet" and got perhaps the biggest ovation of the night with "Lucy's Aria" (which is hilariously staged). He also has fine acting chops and impeccable timing. A superb performance.

-- Alan Cumming (MacHeath) does fine. He manages to break out of the Emcee mold by the Second Act and deliver some strong acting in the show's climactic scenes.

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this production (though I certainly have a few quibbles I may post later once it is up and running). Not sure how everyone else -- including the critics -- will react to it, but I found it a fresh, inventive and at times daring take on a landmark work that will please many, but is sure to annoy, anger, confuse and disappoint others. This isn't a show or a production that will be universally embraced. Personally, I thought it was terrific.

As a side note, I think that this production is going to really complicate the Tony race. I would love to see nominations go to Gasteyer, Dale, Lauper, and Rooney (and I'm sure Cumming will get a nod) along with the lighting, sets, costumes and orchestrations. And if I had a ballot, I very well might vote for Threepenny over Sweeney and Pajama Game for Best Revival.


And just a warning for those who care -- this show features a great deal of profanity, lude talk, sexual groping, simulated sex, same sex kissing, open drug usage and a brief flash of frontal nudity, so be forewarned.

Running time: 3 hours with one intermission (which is what the show typically runs -- they were in very good shape pace wise for a final dress).

Updated On: 3/24/06 at 01:39 AM

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 1:51am

who's frontal nudity is it?

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 1:56am

Wow I am Excited Margo!
What are Brian Charles Rooney's past credits?
Will Alan give Cervantes a run for best actor?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 2:01am

According to the Roundabout website (we didn't get Playbills as it was a dress rehearsal), Rooney was in "The Ballad of Bonnie & Clyde" and "Pure Heaven: The Music of Kay Thompson" -- I'm not familiar with either one.


SPOILER (Nudity)


As for the nudity, Rooney does a quick flip of the skirt (and he's wearing a black mesh brief you can see through). That's it.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 2:08am

Oh Margo
i am sure you are familiar with Kay Thompson
and maybe Bonnie and Clyde!
These sound like readings,
is he young?
is he the new Cumming?

Nudity: mesh what?

Did the "free' audience like it?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 2:12am

What about Nellie McKay?

I can't wait to see this - I'm going tomorrow night.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 2:17am

Oh sure, I know Thompson and Bonnie & Clyde . I just don't know those particular shows.

"Brief" as in underwear "briefs."

He looks 20-something. Not sure about the new Cumming -- they have a different style and energy and Rooney's more of a true singer -- but he's very talented. And a unique talent, so we'll see where his career goes from here. I wish him well.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 2:19am

She has moments, but I'll reserve my comments regarding McKay until after the show is up and running.

Updated On: 3/24/06 at 02:19 AM

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 2:29am

It sounds interesting. Given the "historical significance" of the show, I garner this will polarize critics between those who love it and those who find it it completely absurd. For that reason alone, I somehow doubt it will get the kind of universal reviews needed to trump SWEENEY in the revival catagory, but it definitely sounds like we'll be seeing some acting noms/maybe wins.

Nice to have another thought provoking show on Broadway this season.

P.S. Can you confirm Margo the much debated context of "Pirate Jenny" in this revival? I assume McKay sings it?


Updated On: 3/24/06 at 02:29 AM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 2:48am

Yes, McKay sings it at the wedding scene in response to the gang's Wedding Song, which -- I believe -- is where it was performed originally. MacHeath asks for merriment and song and so she jumps up on a table and tells the story of a bar maid she knew which then leads into "Pirate Jenny." On the second verse, she leaves the wedding party, goes downstage and performs the song directly to the audience.

Making no comment on how well McKay performed the song -- and it made sense within that context -- I can't help but wish that somehow Lauper's Jenny would have somehow been given the song, as has happened in other productions (Lauper isn't in the first act at all except for singing the first verse of "Mack the Knife" in the opening).

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 2:50am

When Jenny Diver sings it, what is the usual context? I think it will be very interesting to see how much change this production goes through in previews.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 2:53am

"Pirate Jenny" is my favorite song in the show - she better not disappoint me!

Although after Lotte Lenya and Bea Arthur, I can't imagine it getting any better.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 3:00am

In the 1990 Mack the Knife film with Raul Julia, Jenny sings it in the whorehouse scene when MacHeath is evading the law before he is captured. There, it seemed to come a bit out of nowhere as I recall, but then Julia Migenes sang it wonderfully. Then again, the song isn't terribly crucial to the overall narrative IMO (I may be wrong), so shifting it around doesn't hurt much of anything. It's just a great song that serves to enrich whichever character gets to sing it -- Jenny or Polly.

[Kringas]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 3:06am

I recently watched Mack the Knife and I agree that it comes out of nowhere but that Migenes gave a hell of a performance (she gave a hell of performance in the entire movie, in fact). It comes right before "Tango Ballad," which is where I think it's generally stuck when given to Jenny. In the 1931 film version Jenny sings it in the whorehouse, looking out the window.

I really hope I get a chance to see this. I love this show.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 3:28am

Thanks for your "comments" Margo. I wish I could get to NYC to see this show. So glad you liked Ana. I saw her as Elphaba in Chicago knew bigger and better things were in store for her.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 3:31am

I am SO looking forward to seeing this production!! Thank you SO much for these comments, Margo. I look forward to reading your full review once the show is up and running. And I agree about your assertion on Cindy Lauper as the new Mrs Lovett. I'd love to see what she brings to the role.

And ps, I'm relieved that there will be no Alan Cumming nudity. I'm sorry, but I had to say it.

[tomwing]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 6:02am

I'm soooooooooo jealous((((

[knows_too_much]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 6:13am

So glad to hear Lauper delivered. I was hoping she would.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 6:44am

Who sings "Barbara Song" in this production---Polly or Lucy?

Great comments, as always.

[tophertilson]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 7:22am

Given that the John Doyle production of SWEENEY TODD was supposed to open at Studio 54 as a Roundabout production, how ironic would it be if 3PENNY trumped it at the Tonys?!

TT

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 7:24am

Seeing it tomorrow, can't wait!

[JBSinger]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 8:36am

Thanks for the preview Margo - sounds awesome and I wish I could see it. guess I'll have to wait for the CD and the performance on the Tony's.

I performed alongside Brian Charles Rooney in a 3-mo tour of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. He sang the Phantom of the Opera material (POTO and Music of the Night). He was wonderful on the tour with Music of the Night (and the 2nd high Ab) being a particular highlight each evening. Thoughful actor too. I wish him all the best in 3Penny.

[Calvin]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 9:09am

Alright! I knew Cyndi would be dazzling. Sadly, I still have more than a month before I see this.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 10:20am

I also forgot to mention that while drag queens Flotilla Debarge and Edie were part of the ensemble, they were dressed as men throughout (!?!?!?!).

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 3/24/06 at 10:21am

God bless MargoChanning. As someone who won't get to see many of the productions you review, your indepth and intelligent posts are a real treat.

Who needs ibdb.com when you have Margo?