mini-reviews of july 4th weekend

[kelleymd]

mini-reviews of july 4th weekend#1

Posted: 7/9/08 at 3:52am

Just got back from NYC and had a great trip. Here are my mini-reviews:
July 3rd 8pm Spring Awakening:
Second time to see the show. Didn't feel it the first time (shortly after Tony awards in 2007) for some reason. Since then I got the CD and have fallen in love with the music. This time, I was thoroughly engrossed with the show. Totally different feel with this cast; Alexandra Socha's youth adds an extra element to the storyline as Wendla's innocence is so palpable. Overall strong cast.
July 4th Young Frankenstein:
Pleasantly surprised; would put it in the "cute" category. Wouldn't see it again but glad I saw the original cast. First time to see Sutton Foster perform and found her endearing in this not-so-meaty role. Loved Andrea Martin. Roger Bart isn't much of a dancer or a singer but still carried the show with his great performance. I am not able to be very objective about Megan Mullally as I laugh just looking at her (I just see Karen).
July 5th 2pm Chicago:
A favorite of mine. Gorgeous dancing. I really enjoyed Michelle Dejean's performance but didn't find the other principles particularly strong (except for Carol Wood's throaty and rich vocals). The ensemble just makes this show...could have stayed and watched it again that night.
July 5th Legally Blonde:
I expected NOT to like the show due to the general "hating" of LBB and LB on this board, but I could not help but enjoy myself. I am amazed at LBB's stamina and think she is really engaging. I do not understand the fascination with Christian Borle...I found him mediocre and he looked so bored. The timing and chemistry seemed a little off that night, but I still liked the show and would see it again.
July 6th RENT:
Greatest disappointment yet (except for Mamma Mia...don't get me started). I am a huge fan of RENT as it was the very first Broadway show I ever saw. It was flat, boring, mechanical...If this were my first time to see it I would definitely be among the ranks of dissenters. The only positive for me was seeing Eden Espinosa perform (I have never seen her before). Her voice is gorgeous and she gets that Maureen is not supposed to find herself funny. "Over the Moon" was not that hammy, slapstick approach I have seen several times in the past. On the other hand, it makes it very easy to let this show go as I would not see it again anyway at this point.
Anyway, thanks for reading my opinions. They are just that- opinions- and if yours differ I certainly respect that!

[millie_dillmount]

re: mini-reviews of july 4th weekend#2

Posted: 7/9/08 at 4:05am

I'm seeing Spring Awakening this Saturday, and it is my first time back since the new principals started (I went twice last summer). How were Blake, Emma, and Kyle?

Thanks for the mini-reviews! I also agree about Young Frankenstein. Part of me wants to see it again, and I loved some of the musical numbers, but I wasn't as wowed overall with it as I thought I'd be. I hope you saw Christopher Fitzgerald!

"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611

[carderic]

re: mini-reviews of july 4th weekend#2

Posted: 7/9/08 at 1:38pm

millie,

Blake is amazing! Emma is good. And Kyle is meh. And not that it has anything to do with his performance, but he looks like Mandy Moore if she cut her hair short. It was distracting.

[broadwayfan7]

re: mini-reviews of july 4th weekend#3

Posted: 7/9/08 at 2:31pm

Thanks for sharing your reviews! Glad you had a nice time.

"Everytime you step on that stage it is somebody's first Broadway show and somebody's last Broadway show. Make it count."

[MimiLovesRoger]

re: mini-reviews of july 4th weekend#4

Posted: 7/9/08 at 2:40pm

I saw YF on July 4th as well!