revisited this show tonight. Shoshana Bean's performance remains the hallmark for me here, but the show is in good shape and I am happy to have been cajoled into seeing this again.
i dont know if the Barrymore is smaller than the Brooks Atkinson, but this show fits so much better here- it feels snugger and more intimate. The whole cast is on their game, but a shoutout to Ashley Blanchet who was phenomenal, and to understudy Olivia Lucy Phillip who I thought really nailed Becky. (Her "I Didnt Plan It" was different in the best ways).
The Main Event is Ciara Renee and Joshua Henry, of course, and of the three pairs I've seen this one is by far the most believably into each other. Henry in particular has turned a throwaway bit character into a real leading man, and of course he sounds incredible. Bad Idea was off the hook. Renee is doing a great job but (i) isn't as naturally funny as the role calls for at times, and (ii) belts her head off without doing anything all that interesting vocally. Those are minor gripes though and I really would recommend seeing her and Henry light.it.up.
Tonight was Eric Anderson's last performance, and Dakin Matthews gave the MOST perfect, beautiful speech about him and the backstage crew. Seemingly off the cuff but had the whole audience in the palm of his hand, and brought Anderson to tears. What a guy.
