#1
Posted: 3/24/08 at 8:08pm
So, I finally had the chance to catch a few shows I had missed and see a few new musicals of the new season. I'll be back in a few weeks to see the last 6 shows that I'm still missing (I'd like to see all those musicals that will be considered for the Tonys this season and every season from now on - some I saw in previews already, but I'd like to catch them again after they have officially opened).
A CHORUS LINE - I'll admit that I can't help but being somehow influenced by poster's comments.
It may be because it was Easter week, but the show was completely sold out. I thought the opportunity to see this on Broadway was thrilling. I was amazed by the acting - it was spot on. Bryan R.Knowlton's (Paul) acting was especially good, but the whole thing looked fresh and not flat at all (as I gathered from others here), at least IMHO. Michael Berresse had a lot of energy too. Charlotte d'Amboise was a huge disappointment. I had seen a clip of her and she had even less energy, though her singing wasn't too bad. Her dancing - well, let's just say she ran from one end of the stage to the other and that's about it. The only number I felt was rushed was "One". I also felt that the fact they have to make an announcement for Broadway Cares kills the effect of not having those final bows. Still, I thought it was the closest thing we can have to the original, and it really shows how good the piece is.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE- It took less than a few seconds to bring me to tears. What a magical production this is. However, I never felt that the projections were the star of the show. The performers physicality was very well studied, almost calculated. I did appreciate Evan's Georges. He seemed afraid and vulnerable in his childish obsession, just like I imagine true artists to be- having to gather strength and concentration as they are surrounded by fears and losses. I thought Russell was fantastic too, but I really felt that the rest of the cast was up there with them - I love how easy it is to identify their 80's counterparts in the second act. I was sad when I heard there was no actual chromolume - but wow, that was the most fantastic take on the idea - I loved when the figure of Dot and the umbrella was given a modern approach and I went crazy when time goes by and you can see people from different eras admiring the painting.
I think we're very lucky to have this production, it's not an easy task and a big risk, and it is great to have such a fantastic vision for one of Sondheim's greatests.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN- Expecting the worst but...did anyone else relate the humor to movies like Airplane or The Naked Gun? I've seen the original Mel Brook's film, and I thought it doesn't work as an adaptation, but as a crowd pleaser it served its purpose.
Still, I don't see the show surviving without the charismatic stars. Andrea Martin was out, but her understudy was perfect.
Perhaps Stroman could have accomplished something much more spectacular with the musical numbers.
It was full of tourists and they couldn't have loved it more, it was like a toy store for adults. I must admit I thought the pacing and energy were good, and they don't try to sell you something they can't provide. Mixed or negative reviews and all, I think it could still surprise when the awards season comes, for the fact that simple jokes and spectacular effects tend to be most theater goers first choice.
Coming up: CURTAINS, XANADU, PASSING STRANGE, IN THE HEIGHTS, SPRING AWAKENING
A CHORUS LINE - I'll admit that I can't help but being somehow influenced by poster's comments.
It may be because it was Easter week, but the show was completely sold out. I thought the opportunity to see this on Broadway was thrilling. I was amazed by the acting - it was spot on. Bryan R.Knowlton's (Paul) acting was especially good, but the whole thing looked fresh and not flat at all (as I gathered from others here), at least IMHO. Michael Berresse had a lot of energy too. Charlotte d'Amboise was a huge disappointment. I had seen a clip of her and she had even less energy, though her singing wasn't too bad. Her dancing - well, let's just say she ran from one end of the stage to the other and that's about it. The only number I felt was rushed was "One". I also felt that the fact they have to make an announcement for Broadway Cares kills the effect of not having those final bows. Still, I thought it was the closest thing we can have to the original, and it really shows how good the piece is.
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE- It took less than a few seconds to bring me to tears. What a magical production this is. However, I never felt that the projections were the star of the show. The performers physicality was very well studied, almost calculated. I did appreciate Evan's Georges. He seemed afraid and vulnerable in his childish obsession, just like I imagine true artists to be- having to gather strength and concentration as they are surrounded by fears and losses. I thought Russell was fantastic too, but I really felt that the rest of the cast was up there with them - I love how easy it is to identify their 80's counterparts in the second act. I was sad when I heard there was no actual chromolume - but wow, that was the most fantastic take on the idea - I loved when the figure of Dot and the umbrella was given a modern approach and I went crazy when time goes by and you can see people from different eras admiring the painting.
I think we're very lucky to have this production, it's not an easy task and a big risk, and it is great to have such a fantastic vision for one of Sondheim's greatests.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN- Expecting the worst but...did anyone else relate the humor to movies like Airplane or The Naked Gun? I've seen the original Mel Brook's film, and I thought it doesn't work as an adaptation, but as a crowd pleaser it served its purpose.
Still, I don't see the show surviving without the charismatic stars. Andrea Martin was out, but her understudy was perfect.
Perhaps Stroman could have accomplished something much more spectacular with the musical numbers.
It was full of tourists and they couldn't have loved it more, it was like a toy store for adults. I must admit I thought the pacing and energy were good, and they don't try to sell you something they can't provide. Mixed or negative reviews and all, I think it could still surprise when the awards season comes, for the fact that simple jokes and spectacular effects tend to be most theater goers first choice.
Coming up: CURTAINS, XANADU, PASSING STRANGE, IN THE HEIGHTS, SPRING AWAKENING
Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE
but I will prolly bring an umbrella'ella'ella - hehe.
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