I was at the show last night...so many problems...OY! I have not tracked all of the changes, so I may not have much to add to that discussion, but I do have some thoughts about the show itself.
SPOILERS
The best things about the show are Lupone, Benanti and Scott and the score. The three ladies are perfect in their roles and I couldnt ask for more from them given what they have to do. All three had terrific timing. That can not be said about the rest of the cast, but I can forgive some of that due to the changes.
The two best numbers are Benanti's phone calls (the only number that actually moved the plot) and Patti's courtroom solo (which stopped the plot dead, but she was terrific and the song was lovely). My least favorite number, now the opening, was "Madrid" and Burstein seemed embarrassed to be delivering it.
I do think that the problem is basic and unfixable with the material. Farce is too difficult to keep pace as a musical. You need to get on the trainride and not get stuck in those deadly numbers that felt like quicksand. Poor Mitchell, in fine voice, delivers the next worst songs. I did feel sorry for him.
The worst part, and I feel kind of bad about this, was the actress playing Marisa, AND that bizarre dance she does during her dream. The dance should be cut (I was hoping Burstein was going to hit them with his cab) and she should be replaced by a decent actress...she was such a dishrag and there have to be some young actresses that could shine in the role. It wasnt that it was underwritten (tho it was), she was just terrible. The song list gave her the last number, but thankfully it must've been cut.
Unintentional laughter in parts, especially when Patti entered Pepa's apartment for the first act finale...in a negligee? That was just bad direction. Was she dropped from a helicopter on Pepa's balcony so she could mock the others? It made no sense. Since it's the title number, I get why she is in it, and I did like the women on the bungees at the end(sans lollipop), but it shouldnt have taken place in Pepa's apartment...it was just ridiculous.
I really wanted to like this more, but it's just a train wreck that I dont think can be saved.
If it runs a few months, I'll be very surprised, but would then expect Lupone and Benanti to be nom'd for Tonys...really great stuff from them.
Just my opinions, of course...
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