Witches of Eastwick- Signature Theatre

I saw Witches of Eastwick last night at Signature. It is still in previews but in quite good shape. There was only one very apparent technical problem (Emily Skinner didn't fly- the flying ropes were twisted, from what I could see), but the casting is near perfection- especially Mark Kudisch, Emily Skinner, and Christianne Noll, and one of my DC favorites, Erin Driscoll. The new songs or rearranged ones worked pretty well.

I can only imagine it will get better and tighter. Audience was very responsive- partial standing ovation which is rare for DC.

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I heard that they had to cancel one performance because of technical problems....

It is a pretty technical show, especially for this theatre. I think the first preview was cancelled. But the non-flying from Emily was covered well by all involved when I saw it in the 2nd preview. Sukie said, "Alex never dreamt that," and Darryl and Alexandra kissed on stage and Emily sang from there.

I am sure they will work out the kinks. I will probably see it again later in the run.

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Updated On: 6/12/07 at 11:41 AM

I'm kind of sorry to hear "I love a Little Town" is gone but I too am curious about the new number.

I loved "Loose Ends" too but I never saw the show and even on the CD it made me feel like it was grinding everything to a halt, so I guess I understand why that is gone.

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I missed "I love the Little Town" too. That change, I don't think was for the best.

I liked the fact that Alex had her own song now. It showcased Emily's talents nicely.

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Got to see this in London years ago and really enjoyed it, im interested to see what changes have been made

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I would KILL to see this -- has been one of my favorite recordings for years. Any word/indication that it was live on past it's DC run?

wow...different strokes I guess. I LOVE her voice! Every time I see her in something different, she has brought a different color to her voice to match the character. In Witches, she is always on the top part of the vocals...so she has used a more soprano light mixing sound. I wish you had seen her in 110...her voice was all over the map. Have you ever seen her in anything else?
I was so excited to hear these 3 actresses sing together. Their blend is so much better than the three in London...saw it years ago. Anyway, I highly recommend it to all those reading...

I have seen Piro in Les Mis though I did not see her in 110 in the shade. She had the character of Sukie down though. Very good acting and choices appropriate to the character.

You are right that the three Witches in this production blend together than on the OLCR. The vocal strengths are better matched.

I will be anxious to see how it improves when I see it again later in the run. I usually don't do this, but I have a weakness for this show and the casting involves a few of my favorites.

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Updated On: 6/18/07 at 11:07 AM

I have a weakness for the show as well and was ECSTATIC to get the chance to see it last night. I think it is has serious potential and I hope to get a chance to attend it later in the run.

I felt that pretty much everyone was dead on. The three women really do have a marvelous blend. I have always been a huge fan of the voices belonging to Noll, Skinner, and especially Piro, that it was so exciting to hear them all together! Kudisch is fantastic (why shouldn't he be? He has made his career out of playing roles like this).

I did see the show in London, right after it transfered to Prince of Wales, I think. This production has a much clearer focus and the design does not look like a scaled down Non Union tour as it did in my memory.

I think the changes are mostly for the better...I do not quite understand why Alex is now being seduced last as she was usually Darryl's first conquest. I like it better when the audience sees how powerful the devil is, being that he could win over the "strongest" personality first.

I really miss "Loose Ends." I remember it being such a beautiful moment in the show that brought a lot of heart and demension to the characters involved. There is nothing else like it in the score or sript and I feel that the writers are cutting themselves short by getting rid of it. I also feel Jennifer, as well as Michael could use a little more development, as their plot line falls a little flat to me.

Overall, I think this is an extremely strong cast that I would love to see go futher with this production, if it is allowed the chance.

Yes, it is in previews until the 15th. The Washington Post will have a review and the Baltimore Sun probably will too, along with some smaller papers. I venture that Peter Marks won't be a fan though he will appreciate the vocals. He did write a piece about the planning/thought that went into the production, which can be found: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/08/AR2007060800712.html

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Updated On: 6/10/07 at 11:44 AM

Thanks for the review, I'm going in July and will be interested to see what changes have been made. It looks like they've also cut 'The Glory of Me' (which replaced 'Who's the Man' half way through the London run) which is a shame, but anything that steamlines and focuses the show (like cutting 'Loose Ends', a lovely song but it did stop the second act dead) can only be a good thing.

Slightly nerdy question, but how was the orchestra? A lot of the 'zip' in the show depends on the energy coming from the pit...

If the show does well enough, do you think it might trnsfer to Broadway????