To all 14 to 21 year old theatre fans- Page 2

[cabarethed]

Posted: 10/3/03 at 10:52pm

Well woohoo, I just snuck past that generation. I agree with much of Voiceanth's post. I also realized I never posted my thoughts on Little Shop- grew up on the movie, been a huge fan for years.
I am one who was sad when Alice Ripley wasn't rehired, but who had a lot of faith in Kerry Butler. I just love her. I only saw her as Penny, but she just kicked my ass, she was so good. Saw Little Shop on 9/13, pretty early in previews. Liked Hunter a lot and ended up leaving with a little crush on him. Then again, I'm such a sucker for sexy nerds. I couldn't really sympathize with his sinister evolution though...he had me till he killed his "father." Performed far too mechanically! I know the choreography was supposed to be simplistic, but I just thought it was too amateurish. I especially noted this during the opening # and Dentist. I kinda find it hard to believe that Douglas Sills never saw the movie...I got very strong Steve Martin vibes from him. I liked him, but moreso in his revolving door of characters. The plant's voice was cast well in terms of singing ability and style, but I didn't really like the way the dialogue was delivered...too flat. LOVED Rob Bartlett, and I'm not a fan of the Mushnick character. Thought the girls were great. Loved the plant finale (but NOT how everyone ended up...yeesh). There was a real surge through the audience that night...I never felt anything like it before, with the exception of Rocky Horror. Everyone knew the songs and plot and just reveled in the show.
Now, Kerry...I wanted to love her desperately. I wanted to come back and say What the hell are you all talking about?? Unfortunately I couldn't. Yes, I saw her early, but she was just kind of bland for most of her performance. I got Way too many Penny vibes. I like Ellen Greene fine, but she's all I really know...I'm all for a new interpretation, but Kerry just seems to be playing up the jiggly ditz stereotype. I really liked her outfits though, she looked and sounded great. Yes, sounded great...but her interpretation needed more depth by far. I'd love to go give the show another look, but not for awhile.
When I left and dawdled by the stage door, I realized that I was sitting behind Kerry's family- I'd given her little cousin or whoever a nasty look for nearly obstructing my view with a booster seat. Oooops. I was still in a pissy mood though b/c just trying to get in the door to pick up my ticket was the seventh circle of hell.

Posted: 10/3/03 at 10:59pm

*************SPOILER*********** (That was for you Namo)



The first time I saw Little Shop, I was oblivious to Audrey's death. I was coming from the movie. I remember crying when the plant ate her. IT WAS SO FRIGGIN SAD!!!!!

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 10/4/03 at 3:14pm

She dies? That sucks lol. How is that acted out?

[Bwaylove675]

Posted: 10/5/03 at 6:40pm

I AGREE! Loved Little Shop myself and you are totally right. Little shop will never have another ELLEN GREENE..It's impossible, but the show deserves to stay alive and by reviving it we are keeping it alive. I don't think there is a better way to revive it. They have done a super job and frankly, Alice Ripley is too OLD now to play Audrey..I mean my god, forty in December. If it was a hit she would be with it until she was probably 41 or so...I mean really people. She looks great and young but she is 40..not exaclty Broadway's Little Shop of Horrors LEADING Audrey.

[Hello Gorgeous]

Posted: 10/5/03 at 7:13pm

Veyr profound, Voiceanth. I completely agree with EVERYTHING that you said.

Posted: 10/6/03 at 12:53pm

I had the honor of seeing Alice Ripley in the role in the Florida tryout and must say that she was amazing. I think it 's unfair to say that she's too old. How old was Ellen Greene when she was still doing the role? And from the audience you would have never thought that Alice was "almost 40". Her Audrey had so much depth, soul, and, most importantly, heart. And also (IMHO) I felt that she successfully created her very own character while still retaining *some* of the basic mold created by Ellen.

Just my two cents!

Love,
Joshie

P.S . - Is it just me, or did anyone else think that Michael Leon Wooley's voice didn't really suit the puppets created by the Henson company? The very tapered and pursed snout (doncha' just love that word? snout snout snout snout snout! Sorry - I'll stop now...) perfectly fit the much higher voice of Billy Porter, but seems a little too "whimpy" for the deep, booming voice of Mr. Wooley.

L,
J Updated On: 10/6/03 at 12:53 PM