Marie Christine?

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 6:18pm

Did anyone have the chance to see Marie Christine while it was on Broadway? I never saw it, but I borrowed the cast recording fromt he library, and so far I like it.


Any opinions on the show? Thoughts?

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 6:20pm

Heh, I am writing a research paper on it.

I will send you it when I finish - if you'd like.

I haven't seen it, but I am going to LC to watch it. I think it is an extremely powerful piece. I occassionally get upset with it because some songs never fully develop - and some are so short.

Nevertheless, I love it -

(<----And speaking of Marie Christine)

P.S.When I say writing, I mean will write for December.
Updated On: 11/17/05 at 06:20 PM

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 6:24pm

Thanks! I'd very much like to read that paper when you're done with it.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 6:30pm

I think Marie Christine has an amazing score. It's almost operetic in scope. Its a terrific cast recording. But in the theatre, it really didn't work. The show had some major book problems, particularly in ACT 2, and I really don't think Graciella Danielle was the right choice of director. She shyed away from the darker elements of the Medea character (as female directors of MEDEA often do) and her staging was messy and unfocused. Audra McDonald was, as to be expected, pretty miraculous and brought an irreplacable energy to the procedings. Her standby Sherry Boone, who also performed matinees didn't have the same effect, and it was at her performances in particular, that the problems with the piece really became clear.

I'd love to see the show retooled and given another major mounting. According to the composer, the show has received two subsequent productions since NYC -- one in South Africa, and one at a performing arts high school in upstate New York. You might try looking into those, as well as Ethen Mordden's recent book, THE HAPPIEST CORPSE I'VE EVER SEEN, where he talks at length about the production, hypothicizing that the show will eventually become a staple in opera houses around the country.

Good Luck!
Updated On: 11/17/05 at 06:30 PM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 6:37pm

what theater did it play at on broadway?

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 6:38pm

The Vivian Beaumont.

[GClef2]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 7:41pm

I would love it if you sent the paper to me as well. Audra Was stunning, but Mary Test was also phenominal. It was a joy to see the two on stage.

[LaVieBoheme2]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 8:42pm

I didn't get to see it on Broadway sadly, but I love the cast recording, and I would really like to see it performed sometime. BSoBW2- I would love to read your paper as well when you finish it, if you don't mind.

[Pgenre]

Posted: 11/17/05 at 10:58pm

It was easily one of the most thrilling shows I have ever seen. The staging concept was absolutely breathtaking and infinitely innovative (the whole show was done as sort of a reenactment of various events in Marie's life as being performed for a sort-of courtroom jury/audience who sat on bleachers on the side of the stage, the show beginning and ending on the night before Marie's execution). The score has some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard. Audra MacDonald was absolutely breathtaking and immensely powerful. The score was absolutely amazing, with Jonathan Tunick's expert orchestrations (I acutally feel this show has the best orchestrations of any show, with possibly the exception of FOLLIES). In case you couldn't tell, I'm a fan.

BUT, Anthony Crivello did a mediocre job and his character was underwritten. There were some problems with the out-of-sequence story-telling and the 5 year gap between acts. The show could've used one more rewrite and I think it would be much more highly regarded and function dramatically better. The cast recording, while exquisite, is missing one of the show's best songs, "All Eyes Look Upon You" (although the reprise contained within "No Turning Back" is on the recording). Mary Testa was brilliant, hilarious, and touching as always (and at the performance I attended she was definently "infusing [her] performance with pathos"). I think the show would be infinitely better with one last final song for Marie in Act 2 (hell, even a reprise of "I Will Give" with new lyrics would work), either right before or right after she murders her sons. "I Will Love You" just doesn't work well enough giving the severity of the event. "Tell Me" is undoubtedly one of the most passionate and powerful songs in theatre history, as far as I'm concerned.

Funny you mention that you wrote a research paper on MARIE CHRISTINE, because I also chose it as a topic (and related it to Aphra Behn's OROONOKO) for one of my research papers recently (I got an A). I think the show/score is ripe for analysis. There's a lot more to the show than what may first appear. And, yeah, its pretentious. But I don't give a damn.

Oh, and that final chorus... pure heaven (literally).

A Good Nightmare Comes So Rarely,
P genre
Updated On: 11/17/05 at 10:58 PM

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 4:07am

BsoBW2, just a little heads up about watching this piece at LC. Both Michael John LaChiusa AND Graci have this video restricted. You have to call LC and get their addresses, write them, and have them contact Lincoln Center telling them you have permission to view the video. Mind you it's not exactly difficult, but it is VERY time consuming. Michael john's easier to contact. Just make sure you start early...Like now.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 5:58am

I saw it several times on Broadway (with both Audra and her alternate, Sherry Boone) and was simply blown away every time. The show is gorgeous. Some of the most melodic, operatic and breathtaking compositions written for musical theatre this side of Sondheim.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 3:45pm

Wow, thanks for all of the insights, everyone. The score IS beautiful.
Micheal, I'll definitely check out that book. Thanks for the suggestion.

[Pgenre]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 10:59pm

I would also recommend Barry Singer's EVER AFTER. It has a whole section/interview with Michael John LaChiusa and goes quite in-depth into the show. An invaluable resource for writing a research paper on MARIE CHRISTINE- lots of excellent quotes and succinct explanations/ well-justified opinions.

Highly recommended for its non-LaChiusa content as well (and the cover of the book is gorgeous).

A Good Nightmare Comes So Rarely,
P genre

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 11/18/05 at 11:07pm

Oh, thanks for telling me.

LaChiusa is easy for me to contact.

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 11/19/05 at 1:13am

I didn't find a lot to like about Singers book. It's an enjoyable read but I didn't leave it appreciating musicals any more, if anything I just saw the fault in so many of them.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 11/19/05 at 1:14am

Thanks PGenre.

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 11/26/05 at 5:07pm

For the sake of not starting a new thread, I'm wondering if anyone can suggest any scores that are similar to the scores/themes set in Marie Christine or Once on this Island. I know there's Dessa Rose, but is there anything else one can suggest for me? Thanks.

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 11/26/05 at 7:29pm

BUMP!

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 11/26/05 at 11:04pm

Anthony Crivello wears on me. So much of what he does sounds almost exactly the same.