Wonderful Town Review!

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 5/19/04 at 6:47pm

Hey, everyone.

I was at Wonderful Town at today's matinee and had a marvelous time! The performances were great; Donna Murphy is the news here. She is a magnificent Ruth. I'm worried about the competition. Donna is incredible and works her ass off in the show, but the Tony voters owe Idina the award. She really is amazing in Wicked, and I really feel that she deserves it.
But getting back to Donna, besides sounding great, she had WONDERFUL comedic timing, and was spot on with carrying a lot of the show on her shoulders. It frightened me how amazing she is, doing this 8 times a week; she has tons of stamina.
Jennifer Westfeldt was a good Eileen, but not so Tony-worthy, it seemed to me. Her voice was a little bit shaky, and she wasn't really that strong. Her acting was pretty good, and I feel like she'll get stronger later in the run, but she definitely won't be receiving the award this year. Her nomination should have maybe gone to someone from Avenue Q, or Stephanie J. Block from "The Boy From Oz".
Greg Edelmann was actually quite impressive. Good acting, and WONDERFUL singing. He was perfect for the role, and I just love his voice. I was a little disappointed he wasn't nominated, but that category this year is filled with Wonderful Actors.
Nancy Anderson and Raymond Macleod(sp?) were really a fantastic addition to the show. Nancy's character, however, was almost identical to her portrayal of Lois/Bianca, but it worked for the character, and I think she did a wonderful job, although her wonderful voice wasn't really shown off. I think she would make a GREAT replacement for Chenoweth in Wicked.
The other supporting characters were great as well. The performances were great altogether, and I loved the show technically. The lighting was good, and the set was great as well. But the highlights for me were the choreography and the ensemble. The ensemble had amazing dancers, and I really think that the choreography just might deserve the Tony this year. I didn't see Never Gonna Dance or Bombay Dreams, but the routines here are very creative. I also think it has a great chance at winning Best Revival, after hearing a lot of mixed things about Fiddler. I think it comes down to this and Assassins, and although I'd go with Assassins, I do think it deserved a nomination, as it was really a great experience.

I highly recommend this show. It's just a lot of fun, and you will definitely be laughing a lot and be thoroughly entertained. Updated On: 5/19/04 at 06:47 PM

[Ruffian]

Posted: 5/19/04 at 6:50pm

I saw it last week....I think Greg was very good too....all the press is going to Donna!!! She was very good....it was an enjoyable night out

[HunterFosterIsMyGod]

Posted: 5/19/04 at 7:10pm

I'm glad you liked it! I loved it as well.

[Hank]

Posted: 5/19/04 at 9:18pm

I had tickets for last Saturday, but Donna was out, so I got refunds (something I never did before). I was really disapointed, I have been looking forward to seeing Donna Murphy. I saw her in The King and I and A Song of Singapore, and have been a fan ever since. Hopefully I'll get another chance sometime soon.
I saw Bombay Dreams last Friday, it was terrific! And Never Gonna Dance I thought was the most underated show in recent memory. I enjoyed it very much.
Assasins is next on my list of must sees, along with Wonderful Town and The Frogs. Just wish I had more time, and money (I'm waiting for discounts for Frogs).

[Elphie]

Posted: 5/20/04 at 4:34pm

I think Wonderful Town's biggest competition is Bombay Dreams for the choreography category, but Wonderful Town will most likely win.

[Broadwaylady]

Posted: 5/24/04 at 12:42pm

Donna Murphy is the whole show.