Witches of Eastwick- Signature Theatre- Page 4

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 6/19/07 at 9:17pm

I don't think Piro's performance in 110 in the Shade has anything to do with the current discussion of her performance at Signature in this show. Two very different roles and scores. I didn't hate her, she just wasn't my favorite at the particular performance I saw.

[Sylar2]

Posted: 6/19/07 at 9:23pm

I don't care if she triples in size. I'll pay to hear Skinner sing anything. I was just shocked at how much weight she has gained. It's been awhile since I've seen her.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 6/19/07 at 9:36pm

They got rid of "Eastwick Knows", that was such a great opening song. Set the tone for the whole show.

[broadwaybaby221]

Posted: 6/19/07 at 10:25pm

The show has been extended until July 22nd.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117967265.html?categoryid=15&cs=1

[Minnely]

Posted: 6/19/07 at 11:03pm

KChenowethfan...I was NOT responding to your post. I was responding to DOODLENYC's following post "Piro was a shrill and nasally Fantine, imo, as well...and she couldnt act her way out of that, like Daphne did." ... so, if you are going to bring up a different show, I was bringing up "110".

[Jimmy_B]

Posted: 6/20/07 at 10:09am

OK so I went last night...and couldn't wait to post a review, but I've been swamped at work this morning so I can't go into much detail...

So ok LOVED the show, Laughed my ass off...there were some flaws, but I'm not even going to bring them up because I LOVED the show so much, and being a performer myself, I am overly critical so I'm sure the flaws that I saw, doesn't even matter

Marc Kudisch was perfect, he just had the attitude...it was all about the attitude, Emily Skinner was AMAZING! SHE FLEW OVER MY HEAD! Piro and Noll were also excellent.

I missed "Eastwick Knows" and "Eye of the Beholder"

The song "Daryl Van Horne" is a great addition!

I would love to see this show really go somewhere...however I would want to keep it in an intimate space...it needs that!

I WANT TO GO AGAIN!

If y'all want me to go into more specifics I will....

[LoringsGuy]

Posted: 6/20/07 at 10:50am

I'd love to hear those three ladies harmonizing on "Look At Me." Here's hoping for a cast recording....

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 6/20/07 at 11:26pm

Ooops sorry Minnely, I misread your message and thought you were talking to me.

The harmonizing in "Look at Me" is fabulous. So very much better than the OLCR.

I just got back from seeing the show again. Mark Kudisch was out so I had an understudy (a Signature regular). I appreciated his take on it once the show was well underway. Although he certainly did not have Kudisch's strong baritone or amazing chemistry with the witches, he did make some nice acting choices and had a very nice tone to his voice.

The show too has gotten much tighter since the 2nd preview. All three witches were in fine voice, most notably Emily (sorry, I fully admit I am a fangirl)who brought more color to her admittedly thinly written character tonight. I appreciated Donovan's acting choices much more this time and felt her singing was stronger from previews, though still not necessarily my cup of tea. Christianne does a great job with bringing the sass to her role (and had one minor mishap when her tennis racket flew into the first row). I still miss the cut songs and although the new ones work fine (and give the character of Alex more to do in terms of singing), they are not my favorite songs in the score. Darryl Van Horne (the number, not the character) still drags a bit with far too much repitition.

All in all in was a very fun show and the strong casting of the witches and the other leads still makes the show what it is.

I could have done without sitting next to an inane couple who looked at their playbills by holding them up to their faces throughout the show and remarking "who is Sondheim" when reading the listing of shows for next season, but what can you do?

Updated On: 6/20/07 at 11:26 PM

[itsahopi]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 10:20am

I saw the show a few weekends ago and have been meaning to post my thoughts!

I must say, I pretty much agree with the reviews. The cast is so strong its ridiculous. I do not think they could have found a stronger quartet to carry this show. I feel this could be Kudisch's Tony.

The girls could have a shot at a Tony nomination (should this show be so lucky to transfer), if they were given more demention. Its funny, most of the reviews pretty much say the book leaves something desired with these characters. They are just short of being rich...Which is why I think it is so funny that the writers/director would cut such a strong song like "Loose Ends" or even "Eastwick Knows," which sets the tone and introduces everyone so nicely....I think maybe sitting on the show for seven years has made them itchy to change certain things for absolutely no reason.

Its funny, someone earlier said they took "Loose Ends" out because it would allow one witch have more to do than the other two....This saddens me. That a group of intelligent writers could put together a song that is so beautiful and remove it only because they were "afraid" one of their actors would get envious. Maybe the show would have an even stronger book and score if the writers and director were worried about the STORY and not politics.

When I thnk about the London production, you had Alex with "Eye of the Beholder" and the whole of "Another Night at Darryl's" Sukie had "Words, Words, Words" and "Loose Ends" which left Jane with only "Waiting for the Music." But who got the Olivier Nomination??? Joanna Riding for Jane. Probably because the voters were not counting songs and lines.

What I am trying to say is, this show is so FANTASTIC that when compared to shows that are terrible, get aweful reviews, and STILL move to Broadway, there is no reason Witches should not find its way to New York....If only they could put some of the heart back in, that they have been so desperately trying to cut out.

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 11:21am

So if "Eastwick Knows" is gone what is the opening song now?

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 11:37am

"I can not understand your comment about Piro Donovan."

"I was NOT responding to your post. I was responding to DOODLENYC's following post "Piro was a shrill and nasally Fantine, imo, as well...and she couldnt act her way out of that, like Daphne did.""

What's so confusing?
I hated her as Fantine...the only time I've seen her perform, I found her shrill and a bad actress. For that reason, I was worried about her casting. I'm glad she's getting good reviews and seems suited for Sukie, imo, she was NOT suited for Fantine.

I felt that Rubin-Vega, while not a great vocal performance, acted the piece so well that it made up for the raspy vocals.

I didnt see her in 110, so I wouldn't comment on that.

Why the f did they drop Eastwick knows?! Now I'm really disappointed.

Updated On: 6/21/07 at 11:37 AM

[Minnely]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 11:52am

KChenowethfan...so glad you got the chance to go back...disappointing to see an understudy this early...but I think it is Tom Simpson?? He was in "110" as well...a really talented man. I am amazed he was all ready to go on! Maybe it was a schedule thing...

Doodlenyc...you are certainly entitled to your opinion. I too saw Piro as Fantine and could NOT disagree with you more. Anyway, your phrase "the only time she's performed" confuses me. You mean the only time YOU saw her? Because the girl has a laundry list of credits.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 12:00pm

I meant that I've seen her perform and made it clearer in the post.

I am entitled to my opinion, which is why it was odd that you took me to task for it in your first post.

Perhaps you are related.

Best of luck to her.

[Minnely]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 12:24pm

1. I am not related...I wish I was...I am just her biggest fan.
2. How screwed up...my email of this thread only had a part of your response in it...so I was responding to the email. I just read your full post...totally makes sense.
3. I wasn't trying to take you to task...I felt that the way you were saying "Can't act her way out of it" was mean spirited. I don't think these boards are a place for that.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 12:57pm

"3. I wasn't trying to take you to task...I felt that the way you were saying "Can't act her way out of it" was mean spirited. I don't think these boards are a place for that."

Arent a place for what? Criticisms? That's pretty much all we do here...I criticized the one performance of hers that I saw, and thought her acting was terrible and singing wasnt much better...sorry if that offends you, but her portrayal offended me...and I'm the one who bought a ticket.

I didnt say she was a bad person, or killed a kitten. I felt she didnt do a good job in Les Miz...sorry if you cant handle it. When someone says "imo" or "my opinion" no further commment is necessary. State your opposing view if you like, but arguing with me makes no sense.

By continuing this, you're requiring me to restate again and again my opinion of her performance...now I am wondering if you are a shill.

Whatever the case, I am finished discussing this. All the best to the cast of "Witches..." and I hope I get to see it at some point. All the best to Dempsey and Rowe...they deserve a hit.

...although dropping Eastwick Knows seems like a bonehead move.

[Minnely]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 2:07pm

" Arent a place for what? Criticisms?"
Criticism does not equal nastiness...which you are displaying. I am done with you.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 2:24pm

whew!

sorry if I hurt your feelings...Jackie.

[broadwaybaby221]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 3:38pm

They didn't drop all of Eastwick Knows, it's just not a four minute song anymore, more like a two minute song. And I never liked Eastwick Knows so I was really glad they cut some of it.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 4:15pm

Whew...thanks bb...I agree it was too long, but I liked how it set things up, and the chorals were very nice, especially the end.

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 6/21/07 at 11:16pm

The annoying little girl sings a snippet of Eastwick Knows as the opening and the townsfolk sing another snippet at the concert and also on another occassion.

Yes, it was Tom Simpson who had the Kudisch role. He was prepared. No flubs that I could pick out anyway.

I found two more "reviews" in some very minor papers though there are factual problems in both.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=1858

http://www.metroweekly.com/arts_entertainment/stage.php?ak=2818

Updated On: 6/22/07 at 11:16 PM

[Reed63297]

Posted: 6/22/07 at 12:08pm

I am entitled to my opinion, which is why it was odd that you took me to task for it in your first post.

Perhaps you are related.


Can you imagine if Broadway stars and their family members actually really cared about all the hurtful things said on message boards? I highly doubt any of them are reading.

Wouldn't it be funny if this technology existed in the Golden Age?

Would it be full of posts like:

"I think 'I've Grown Accustom to her Face" should be cut...It slows down Act II"

or

"Gross, Julie Andrews is playing the lead in ANOTHER Lerner & Lowe musical" Gag me, she's so overrated."

I wonder if these meaningless posts would have effected those people's performances...or made them care at all.

Did any of that make any sense? I am sort of out of it!

[Lucifer]

Posted: 6/22/07 at 3:27pm

I heard the actors in "Witches" say that 'Loose Ends' was cut because it kind of stopped the show (in a bad way) and didn't really add anything to it. Instead, Sukie sings a short reprise of "Words" which I believe works a lot better
Also, I heard the reason they cut most of "Eastwick Knows" was because it focused too much on the town and they wanted to bring the focus to the 3 witches... I dunno if I agree with that - I really liked "Eastwick Knows" in its original form
Also, I work backstage and watch "Darryl Van Horne" every night from backstage and don't find it repetitive at all (just responding to some post earlier)

Oh yeah, also - Marc had his understudy in because he had a screen test in L.A. for a new TV show for CBS! Don't know what it's called but it would be filming in South Africa!! Isn't that crazy?! so if he gets the job and "Witches" does move to Broadway, they'll have to find someone else to play Darryl

[Reed63297]

Posted: 6/22/07 at 5:51pm

That seems silly. At least give the actress a chance to sing it. Didn't they almost cut "Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" because they thought it slowed down the action? I wish they wouldn't sell their audiences short and assume the song would bore them.

From the looks of the reviews, and I agree, the show needs some more emotional levels and I think "Loose Ends" does just that. If not, for the good of the show, they should put SOMETHING in to give these women more layers to play.

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 6/22/07 at 11:34pm

I agree that more layers to each character is needed, but I don't think complexity is a major concern to the book writers.

That said, I do miss Loose Ends but realize the need to keep the action moving.

[Lucifer]

Posted: 6/23/07 at 1:43am

yeah, I think the main problem is the overall plot - like the scenes don't really flow together and aren't developed enough in the right places (thus making the characters rather one dimensional)
If they could just rewrite the book, I think this show has a great chance of going to Broadway.