WW11 sees GYPSY and GREY GARDENS

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 3:04am

I saw both GYPSY (matinee) and GREY GARDENS (evening) today, and I loved both.

Patti was, of course, phenomenal in Gypsy. Her voice has never sounded better, and her acting was spot on. And, as expected, her Rose's Turn was a force of nature (and was the only time I've ever seen an audience give a Standing Ovation during a show.

Laura and Boyd were also wonderful. Laura's acting was great, and her transformation from Louise to Gypsy Rose Lee was stunning. Boyd played Herbie very well, and blew me away in the scene when he left Rose.

The rest of the cast was also top-notch, particulary Leigh Ann Larkin as Dainty June (And yes, the overture was as fabulous as ever.

Grey Gardens was also amazing. The first act did tend to drag a bit in the beginning, but it was better as the show went on. And, naturally, the second act was brilliant.

Christine gave a spellbinding performance. I was transfixed every time she was onstage. A brilliant performance.

Also turning in an equally brilliant performance was Mary Louise, who (IMO) was the best in the cast. She was utterly phenomenal, and had me near tears in her last scene.

Erin Davie was also fantastic as Little Edie (good lord, she has a great voice!). Matt Cavenaugh, John McMartin, Bob Stillman, Michael Potts, and the two girls (Abigail Ferenczy and Kelsey Fowler at this performance) all gave great performances as well.

I feeel very lucky to see both of these fantastic musicals before they sadly close, and anyone who has not seen them yet MUST see them now. In twenty - five years, when people are still talking about these performances, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't see them.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 3:07am

Wiz, you finally saw GREY GARDENS. We pretty much agree. As much as I love the show, I thought Act I could have used some trimming, I remember rolling my eyes when I saw Bob Stillman sitting at the piano for the 10th time and someone singing some recital song.
Erin Davie is indeed spectacular, isn't she?
I can't wait to see GYPSY on Tuesday though.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 3:14am

I actually thought it was the slowest during Going Places (and, is it just me, or does Matt Cavenaugh's voice sound different live?) and Marry Well.

And yes. Davie was spectacular.

And you'll love Gypsy. I was shaking after Rose's Turn, it hit me so hard.

[ahmelie]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 12:50pm

Bah. You're gettin' me all excited!

Fab reviews, so glad you loved the shows!

[Midnight Radio]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 2:54pm

Wow, that is quite the pair of shows to see on the same day. Were you drained by the time that was over?? I certainly would be!

[jv92]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 3:05pm

Glad you liked Gypsy. I'll agree it was absolutely the best vocal performance Ms. LuPone has ever given. It needs to be recorded. I never heard her voice sound so wonderful.

[Princeton78]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 3:36pm

Wait a minute..
You've gone after me for my opinions of Grey Gardens (which I had seen)and you hadn't seen it yet?

Wow.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 3:41pm

I can't recall "going after you" about Grey Gardens in the past, but whatever.

[AStack75]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 4:00pm

I agree with you WW11 on all accounts. I also saw the 7/21 matinee of Gypsy and I was blown away. I should add that Laura is pretty hot too!

[uhkthxbye2]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 8:18pm

Grey Gardens ... I watched the 2 pm matinee yesterday, and it was fantastic. I do agree, though, Act I wasn't my favorite, but I was NOT prepared for that emotion I was feelin' in the last few scenes of Act II. Kudos to the writers and performers, esp Christine Ebersole and MLW.

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 8:36pm

Fantastic review, but it just reminds me that I won't ever be able to see those two shows.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 8:38pm

I think ACT I of GREY GARDENS is great and pivotal to make the full journey at the end of ACT II. I thought it didn't move fast enough though; however, the final fight between Erin Davie and Christine Ebersole is just chilling, particularly when you know what is coming in ACT II (if you've seen the documentary).
Great show.

[Chrissy*J]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 8:57pm

I saw the 7/21 matinee of Grey Gardens, also.

I feel horrible, but I really don't Erin Davie's performance.

I saw Megan Lewis go on as Little Edie last week, and she, IMO,
was a better peformer than Erin. Plus, she looks and acts more like Christine's Little Edie.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 9:25pm

I really didn't expect the end to hit me as hard as it did. MLW was heartbreaking.

[glimpseofstocking]

Posted: 7/22/07 at 10:57pm

I'm so glad that you enjoyed them both. When I saw Grey Gardens I was expecting phenomenal performances from Christine and Mary Louise, and they exceeded my expectations. I was particularly wowed by Erin Davie, she was magnificent. And I also agree about Matt Cavenaugh sounding different live. Not necessarily bad, but different.

I was stunned by everyone and everything in Gypsy, but I was very impressed by Leigh Ann Larkin. The show was the closest thing to theatre heaven that I think I will ever experience.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 7/23/07 at 12:19am

I finally saw GG on Wednesday and LOVED it (I actually enjoyed the first act more). I will hopefully drag my cousin to Gypsy on Tuesday, as I haven't seen this production and he hasn't seen any.