#1
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).
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).
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
[http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/]
"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
Updated On: 3/24/06 at 01:39 AM
. I just don't know those particular shows. 
((((
