Paying attention to it is not my complaint. The longer, heavier versions of this show, despite the gorgeous music, are unwieldy and do not support the material. Voltaire's original is an airy affair that makes its points with quick darts of acidic wit in a brief 120 pages (depending on the edition.)
The Hugh Wheeler book from 1973 does exactly the same thing and is convulsively funny. The longer "opera" versions just seem aimless and airless to me and give the whole work a gravitas it doesn't need.
I saw a concert version in San Francisco a few years back that lasted nearly 4 hours, and with the exception of Marin Mazzie as Pacquette and Rita Moreno as the Old Lady, (they were brilliant) it was as dull as watching paint dry. Pity. But I paid attention all the way through. I think that's why I make the comments I make.
Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)
