#1
Posted: 11/13/05 at 11:38am
Saw the show Saturday night and it met my high expectations. I've read so many comments, positive and negative and, at the risk of being repetitive here are my thoughts.
The Story - I think you have to be willing to let yourself get drawn into the story to really enjoy the full flavor of the show. Is it melodramatic? Yes. Can it be "figured out" before the twists are finally revealed? Yes. But I sat next to a gentleman who did not know the story and he didn't figure it out and loved it beginning to end. With due respect to those who think every twist is telegraphed, I suspect that many of you knew the twists before you sat down. This story doesn't get better every time you hear it, but the first time is a pleasure.
The Performances - There are three or four "shiver" moments in this show that overwhelm you and make the show worth the price of admission. I won't spoil them here but when they come, the relevant performers exude such emotion, especially the gut-wrenching sadness that exists throughout the show, that they make you feel their emotions along with them.
Maria Friedman gives an outstanding performance as Marian and, contrary to some of the comments here, is powerful and on key the entire time. She is far funnier that I would have expected. Having not seen the show, I didn't expect those comic moments to be as important as they were to me. She breaks up the melodrama with her wit and timing, but not so much as to detract from the show. This is an incredibly talented actress who performs to her ability. The only reason she doesn't steal the show is because of ...
Michael Ball who is downright hysterical as Fosco. His sense of comic timing is impecable and his sensitivity to the unpredictablility of his animal kingdom co-stars was on display when the co-star of "You Can Get Away with Anything" was not as cooperative as he could have been. When he bellowed "old maid!" (if you know the show, you know what I am talking about here), one of the birds was geniuinely startled.
Adam Brazier was outstanding as Walter. "Evermore Without You" was powerful and he clearly understands the depth of emotion required for this role. He is excellent now and I suspect will improve as he evokes a maturity that portends improvement each time he plays the role.
Angela Christian should have her photo next to the word "ethereal" in the dictionary. I've seen how some have characterized her as annoying in her performance but she is playing a role that frightens the other characters who initially perceive as a deeply disturbed ghost; the role is disturbing and the audience should be disturbed by it. The range of her performance from the sweetness of "Somehow You Complete Me" to her rage in the Act I finale is all right on. Those who are critical of her performance seem not to understand her character and how true she is to it.
Jill Paice (Laura) also displays the range of emotion required to pull off the role in a convincing manner. Her voice is outstanding and her treatment of her relationship with Glyde makes the latter more sinister than he can make himself. Jill plays the supporting role as such and doesn't distract from the story by trying to overplay the role.
Ron Bohmer is a sinister figure as Glyde and shows his character's numerous flaws very well. He plays both his sense of entitlement and his heavy handedness to the hilt. At the wedding his momentary reaction to Laura's rebuff demonstrates his understanding of a character that is so self-absorbed that he cannot possibly comprehend how reviled he truly is.
The music is something short of vinatge Webber but still compelling at the right times. The conductor and orchestra are ready and polished for opening night. The lyrics are slightly different from the OLC and in some cases an improvement. There is still too much forcing done with the lyrics however and it definitely shows.
The scenery/projections have been the source of some controversey here and in other places. I liked it and was not at all distracted by the projections. They did have a somewhat IMAX feel to them at times and, using my wife who is sometimes has motion sickness issues as a barometer, I can see how they could have detracted from her enjoyment of the show.
Stage door afterwards - The cast couldn't have been nicer or more friendly. I was fortunate to be able to have a short conversation with Sonia Friedman (the producer and Maria's sister) and she reported that Maria is doing well and is upbeat about her chances of recovery. She will be in my thoughts and prayers and she battles her illness.
The Story - I think you have to be willing to let yourself get drawn into the story to really enjoy the full flavor of the show. Is it melodramatic? Yes. Can it be "figured out" before the twists are finally revealed? Yes. But I sat next to a gentleman who did not know the story and he didn't figure it out and loved it beginning to end. With due respect to those who think every twist is telegraphed, I suspect that many of you knew the twists before you sat down. This story doesn't get better every time you hear it, but the first time is a pleasure.
The Performances - There are three or four "shiver" moments in this show that overwhelm you and make the show worth the price of admission. I won't spoil them here but when they come, the relevant performers exude such emotion, especially the gut-wrenching sadness that exists throughout the show, that they make you feel their emotions along with them.
Maria Friedman gives an outstanding performance as Marian and, contrary to some of the comments here, is powerful and on key the entire time. She is far funnier that I would have expected. Having not seen the show, I didn't expect those comic moments to be as important as they were to me. She breaks up the melodrama with her wit and timing, but not so much as to detract from the show. This is an incredibly talented actress who performs to her ability. The only reason she doesn't steal the show is because of ...
Michael Ball who is downright hysterical as Fosco. His sense of comic timing is impecable and his sensitivity to the unpredictablility of his animal kingdom co-stars was on display when the co-star of "You Can Get Away with Anything" was not as cooperative as he could have been. When he bellowed "old maid!" (if you know the show, you know what I am talking about here), one of the birds was geniuinely startled.
Adam Brazier was outstanding as Walter. "Evermore Without You" was powerful and he clearly understands the depth of emotion required for this role. He is excellent now and I suspect will improve as he evokes a maturity that portends improvement each time he plays the role.
Angela Christian should have her photo next to the word "ethereal" in the dictionary. I've seen how some have characterized her as annoying in her performance but she is playing a role that frightens the other characters who initially perceive as a deeply disturbed ghost; the role is disturbing and the audience should be disturbed by it. The range of her performance from the sweetness of "Somehow You Complete Me" to her rage in the Act I finale is all right on. Those who are critical of her performance seem not to understand her character and how true she is to it.
Jill Paice (Laura) also displays the range of emotion required to pull off the role in a convincing manner. Her voice is outstanding and her treatment of her relationship with Glyde makes the latter more sinister than he can make himself. Jill plays the supporting role as such and doesn't distract from the story by trying to overplay the role.
Ron Bohmer is a sinister figure as Glyde and shows his character's numerous flaws very well. He plays both his sense of entitlement and his heavy handedness to the hilt. At the wedding his momentary reaction to Laura's rebuff demonstrates his understanding of a character that is so self-absorbed that he cannot possibly comprehend how reviled he truly is.
The music is something short of vinatge Webber but still compelling at the right times. The conductor and orchestra are ready and polished for opening night. The lyrics are slightly different from the OLC and in some cases an improvement. There is still too much forcing done with the lyrics however and it definitely shows.
The scenery/projections have been the source of some controversey here and in other places. I liked it and was not at all distracted by the projections. They did have a somewhat IMAX feel to them at times and, using my wife who is sometimes has motion sickness issues as a barometer, I can see how they could have detracted from her enjoyment of the show.
Stage door afterwards - The cast couldn't have been nicer or more friendly. I was fortunate to be able to have a short conversation with Sonia Friedman (the producer and Maria's sister) and she reported that Maria is doing well and is upbeat about her chances of recovery. She will be in my thoughts and prayers and she battles her illness.
