huskcharmer sees Chorus Line's NET

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 3/29/11 at 11:31pm

Just saw the opening night here in Ft. Worth.

As anyone on here knows, this show is my show. I know it like the back of my hand. I'm also aware that I can be a bit over-critical. So bear that in mind. (bare? bear?)

Over all, I enjoyed it. It was my fourth time seeing the show, and each time I pick up on little nuances. We'll start with the good:

Gina Duci as Diana. She was very definitely the standout of the company. She had personality, energy, and sang both her numbers fantastically. She's the best Diana I've seen yet.

Suzanna Dupree as Sheila. She was a very close second. She had the attitude, she had the charm, she had the presence.

With two exceptions (I'm coming to those) the cast were all very good. They were better singers than the company I saw in 2009, and they all moved very well.

And now the bad.

The set. What? Something against Robin Wagner's fantastically minimalistic set? Well...sort of. The set itself had seen better days. The mirrors were scuffed (and in one place torn), and the finale section had some noticeable seams.

Rylyn Juliano as Cassie. Cassie is the toughest part, IMO. She not only has to dance, but sing and act up a storm. Juliano had 2 of the three. She had a bit of attitude during the long scene, but that can be forgiven if she has the goods to deliver during the dance. She didn't. She seemed to be about half a beat behind the music until the very end (the next-to-last line cross). She was somewhat sloppy and in places had to rush to make sure she was where she was supposed to be. Unfortunately, she then has to make her impression again in the rehearsal version of "One." I've always felt, personally, that Cassie gets pulled out by Zach because it bothers him so much to see her dance like everyone else. Rylyn disagreed (and I will say this is a valid choice, albeit one I do not agree with) and instead would fix what Zach told her to, but still found a way to pull focus. This, unfortunately, made it seem like Zach was right all along, and that she couldn't go back.

Gaspare Diblasi as Paul. When Paul comes down before his monologue, Zach comments that he really likes the way [he] dances. In every other production I've seen, during the big dance break in the montage (before Gimme the Ball), the Paul leads the dancers. Here, he was pushed to the back and Larry was given the moments. He also did not get the first bow, nor did he lead the wedge. Larry did those as well. Diblasi was one of the weaker dancers. However, much like Cassie's attitude can be saved by her dancing, so can Paul if he gives us a fantastic monologue. (See where I'm going with this?) Instead of a 9 minute one-act play we got a 9 minute one emotion speech. 9 minutes of short, breathy gasps. 9 minutes of him playing the end of the monologue. 9 minutes of absolute hell. I have never wanted that monologue to be over faster in my entire life.

All in all, I really did enjoy the evening. The tour isn't on the road too much longer, and if you like the show, or haven't seen it, I'd say go. The rest of the core 16 more than make up for the 2 who are truly lacking.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/29/11 at 11:35pm

Good to hear you enjoyed the show. I saw the tour when it first started. The mirrors were a little scuffed up then as well.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 3/29/11 at 11:50pm

Loved this tour. I only saw Rylyn for about one scene as during At The Ballet... she just kind of left and a new Cassie took her place. Carleigh Bettiol took her place and she too laked in the dance department for Music and the Mirror. You are absolutely right about Gina. She was just perfect.

Here is her singing Nothing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIOY6vXcx6U

And I really wished I saved it, but there was a video of her and the cast singing What I Did For Love at a concert on youtube, but I can't seem to locate it.

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 12:00am

Wow, I'm surprised to read those comments about Gaspare. Perhaps he was having an off-night...

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 12:02am

I highly doubt Gaspare was having an off-night. There is no way anyone who's put any thought into the role or monologue could come up with anything that amateurish.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 12:03am

Ha! Found the What I Did For Love video! Shows what google will get you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPejnP7svYA&feature=player_embedded

[Pianolin717]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 12:04am

"Gina Duci as Diana. She was very definitely the standout of the company. She had personality, energy, and sang both her numbers fantastically."

YES! She was by far my favorite thing about this tour. Maybe I saw it on an off night.. (ok, I guess I did! I saw it with about 5 understudies on) but I honestly didn't enjoy it. And I totally agree about Rylyn. She just didn't have it all :/ ah well!

[bwaylvsong]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 12:05am

I believe you, husk, as I have not seen this production (and I trust your opinion), but having worked with Gaspare, that's not like him AT ALL.
Updated On: 3/30/11 at 12:05 AM

[xxdrewboy85xx]

Posted: 3/30/11 at 12:15am

Julia Freyer ( Judy) will be a star one day, a true quadruple threat. Look out for her. Reminds me of a young Sutton Foster.
Updated On: 3/30/11 at 12:15 AM