Just got back from my trip to NY last night so didn't really get a chance to put all my thoughts about the first performance on the board yet. I was thoroughly pleased with the additions of Marin, Jason and Meghann.
Marin - I LOVED HER! I can't say I was too bothered by her head voice at all (as I believe someone mentioned it was used too often earlier in the thread) and I never really felt like she needed to be belting when she was using it. [side note - I had seen the matinee the day before (so I guess Alice, et al.'s 2nd to last show) and could not believe how horrible Alice's voice sounded compared to where it was a year ago when I last saw the show live. Kind of heartbreaking. I hope she gives herself some time to recover before jumping in to the role on tour.] In comparison with Alice, Marin's voice was a completely refreshing sound, clear and beautiful. It was great to hear the songs sung with a full voice. If anything, I think she might need to add a little grit (maybe brass it up a little?) at times so it doesn't sound so pretty. Her acting was wonderfully top-notch and she could not have looked better. "I Miss the Mountains" is one of those songs that never really does that much for me, but after hearing Marin sing it, I've grown much more fond of it. I don't know what it was, but she definitely brought something more to it for me. All in all, she blew me away. She definitely put her own spin on parts of the role, adding some comedic bits here and there and dramatic bits in other places. She is definitely a welcomed change for me.
Jason - He had a few rough patches during the first act but really pulled it together for act 2. While he is obviously talented and has a wonderful voice, it seemed a little bit too classical for me in act 1 but I became more comfortable with it as the show went on. He also had a bit of trouble with one or two lyrics I believe. In particular, I remember he sang "man for all ages" instead of "man for all seasons" during A Promise. I think there may have been a few other slips too but nothing that stood out as much to me. His acting was great though and he obviously has great chemistry with Marin. They look, sound, act great together. Biggest stand out scene for me was definitely the music box scene in act 2. Wow, just wow. Great performance. Any issues I had with him I think can probably just add up to first night nerves. I expect great reviews for him.
Meghann - I had heard great things about her and she lived up to expectation. I've only ever seen Jennifer in the role but Meghann gave it something a little extra I think. I loved Jennifer but I think Meghann just really got it a little more so for me. She played the role a little differently, though its kind of hard for me to put how so into words. Great job though and wonderfully sung. None of her scenes particularly stand out as I believe she was brilliant throughout the whole show.
All three were absolutely fantastic and I loved seeing the show again with them in it. The curtain call was particularly touching as Marin seemed to be either in tears or on the verge of tears the whole time. She blew kisses to each of the cast members and then shared a quick kiss with Jason as they walked off stage (which you can see in the playbill pictures). All three also came out to the stagedoor, signed playbills and took pictures. They were all very sweet and seemed so happy. I look forward to hearing how they progress in these roles! And I also encourage anyone considering seeing this cast in the show to see it. I can't imagine anyone being disappointed!
Updated On: 7/21/10 at 05:00 PM