I have seen pretty well every musical that has played on Broadway since the original Camelot and Gypsy.
I can't help it, I loved the show. It was big and fun and oh, so American.
There is nothing wrong with the "can do" attitude that America has given the world for the last century. This is the story of a Malibu girl who discovers she can be so much more. We should all embrace that.
And Orfeh found her way. I personally loved her performance. She has a wonderful voice, with all sorts of richness and depth. I mean, come on, she makes "Ireland" sound plaintive. Have you heard it in the hands of the understudy? If you can sell that song with its ridiculous (intentionally) lyrics, you deserve every award you're nominated for.
I was also recently impressed by the three cheese Youtube video of three different Emmetts with Laura Bell Bundy (BTW, did you notice how she subtle changes her performance with each one?)
I could go on and on. For some reason, I left the theater feeling better after this show than I have in a good, long time.
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=972787#3631451
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=963561#3533883
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955158#3440952
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954269#3427915
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955012#3441622
http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954344#3428699