my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy** (edit: pictures added!)
my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy** (edit: pictures added!)
#1my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy** (edit: pictures added!)
Posted: 6/18/07 at 2:51pm
For those worried about spoilers, I saw four shows - Grey Gardens, 110 in the Shade, Legally Blonde and Spring Awakening.
I am writing this at work (nothing else to do!), but when I get home, I'll put up all my pictures, too.
The first show I saw was Grey Gardens on Friday night. I know that a lot of people are really against the American Idol type musicals (lots of belting, power notes and riffing), but I really enjoy that in a show. This had none of that, but I enjoyed it. I watched half of the documentary AfTER the show and really wish I had seen it before. It was haunting to watch it after, though because of how dead on the portrayals were. Mary Louise Wilson was completely the character, as was Christine, but Mary looks more like the actual woman.
After seeing the musical and part of the movie, I have to say that while I think the real-life story of these women is interesting, I am not completely intrigued. Strange? Yes. Fascinating? Not completely.
That said, I really think this musical was not aimed for my age group. Many of the times that people were laughing, I thought it to be only mildly funny, if at all. It did have its moments, though. I do believe both women deserved the Tony's, as well because they were just so completely dead on.
My friend that I was visiting is actually neighbors with Christine, so we were able to go backstage and walk on the stage which was very cool. Christine is very sweet. I was too nervous to ask for an autograph and a picture, but we ambushed her later and I got those. I won't post the picture, though because I took it with her when she was just being her, not being the Broadway performer. So, I think that would be ****ty of me.
Then, on Tuesday (my birthday!), I saw 110 in the Shade. I absolutely ADORE Audra McDonald and I loved every bit of it. She was a joy to watch. I got chills during the scene when her brother tells her that she is not beautiful, but plain. That was very well done and heart wrenching. The song she sings about being an old maid afterwards was wonderful. It was also very cool to see her do "Raunchy" right after seeing it on TV that Sunday!
I thought the rotating stage was fun and I liked the big, simple circle of light. I was not impressed by File (Christopher Innvar). I thought that was a boring character and the actor didn't do much for me. Starbuck (Steve Kazee) had a wonderful voice and he was very nice at the stagedoor, even to those creepy people that there always are a few of. You know who I am talking about. Haha. After having nice pacing, the show just sort of has a quick ending. Having Lizzie end up with File was boring because they never had any chemistry. The ending definitely left a lot to be desired, but if you can get past that, it was a great show.
Legally Blonde. . . what to say. Haha. I had expected more, that's for sure. A lot of the staging felt kind of high school. There would just be this bare stage with something small happening in one area. The marching band number was totally stupid. The songs about why those people deserve to be at Harvard and then the one about blood in the water were TERRIBLE. Absolutely horrible. I know that I shouldn't expect much from a show that is just trying to be cute, but still, it was very awkward and painful at times. I was not impressed with Laura Bell Bundy and cannot believe that she was nominated for a Tony. Maybe she was sick, but she missed a handful of notes, including the big ending note to "So Much Better." Overall, it was an unsatisfying show. Almost no one came out at the stagedoor either. Laura Bell Bundy, Orfeh (who apparently actually had something to get to), Christian Borle, DeQuina Moore. . . none of them came out. I know that people always debate whether or not you can criticise them for that, but I think it is rather crappy, especially with a show that has so many young fans.
The last show I saw was Spring Awakening. I have the CD and had listened to it plenty, so I knew the music well. I liked it, but did not understand the huge deal. I knew I still wanted to see it, though, especially after all of the Tony wins. I did student rush on Wednesday. I got there at 7:30 (the earliest people got there at 6:00) and got second row tickets, all the way on the right. They were great seats and. . . Spring Awakening did not disappoint!! I absolutely loved it. The cast has so much incredible energy and the story is wonderful. I think the part that sticks out most in my mind is during "Those You've Known" when Melchior grabs the hands of Wendla and Moritz. That was very powerful to me. I really don't know what else to say about this show other than that I loved it. It was such a great, young cast.
They were all very sweet at the door. My friend made a comment to Jonathan Groff about how we felt so inadequate because they were so young and talented and were on Broadway. He was very nice and made some cute reference to Mary Poppins. I didn't get to talk to or get a picture with Christine Estabrook because she just kind of walked right on by and I was not even sure if it was her. Oh well! I loved her on "Desperate Housewives," though, so I wish I had gotten a picture.
My friend and I had to catch a train home and John Gallagher, Jr. was taking a very long time talking to everyone. So, we felt kind of ****ty about it, but we went to the front and asked the next person in line if they minded, which they didn't. (In retrospect, I don't really think it's that bad because everyone gets out of the show at the same time. So, technically, you have all really been waiting for the same amount of time. Thoughts?) So, we got a quick picture and signatures. He just seems so very nice, though and I wish we could have stayed longer and talked to him.
Updated On: 6/18/07 at 02:51 PM
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#2re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 2:56pm
"The first show I saw was Grey Gardens on Friday night. I know that a lot of people are really against the American Idol type musicals (lots of belting, power notes and riffing), but I really enjoy that in a show. This had none of that, but I enjoyed it."
When that is one of the first things you post, I can't even think about reading the entire thing.
What does that statement even mean?
#2re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 2:57pm
I won't post the picture, though because I took it with her when she was just being her, not being the Broadway performer. So, I think that would be ****ty of me.
-they do usually look like themselves in pictures after the performance. you should post it as I would love to see it! Please! Also, I'm glad you enjoyed Grey Gardens, 110 and Spring Awakening!
millie_dillmount
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
#3re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 2:58pm
"I took it with her when she was just being her, not being the Broadway performer."
How do you think they usually pose with fans?
#4re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 2:59pm
What does that statement even mean?
- That he rather see shows with screaming, riffing, and belting over a sh*tty pop score??
Updated On: 6/18/07 at 02:59 PM
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#5re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 3:01pm
I hear Fantasia is doing the lead in 'The Color Purple'..
Maybe that would be better?
#6re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 3:02pmOh yeah! That might be a good idea.
#7re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 3:02pm
It means that I really like to hear high notes with power that give you chills. Think the end of "Defying Gravity" or the high notes in "Seasons of Love" for the most obvious examples. The notes that just make your jaw drop.
About the picture with Christine, it wasn't taken at the stagedoor, but on the front stoop of her house.
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#8re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 3:12pm
“I really think this musical was not aimed for my age group. Many of the times that people were laughing, I thought it to be only mildly funny, if at all.”
What age group do you think it IS aimed for? Maybe you just don’t have the experience that comes with age, to understand the jokes.
“I do believe both women deserved the Tony's, as well because they were just so completely dead on.”
And you know that from watching half of the biography…okay.
“I was too nervous to ask for an autograph and a picture, but we ambushed her later and I got those.”
So, you met her personally backstage, and didn’t ask her then, but then you ‘ambushed’ her at her house?! That makes you one of ‘them’. Good luck with that.
“I won't post the picture, though because I took it with her when she was just being her, not being the Broadway performer.”
Good, because they specifically ask you NOT to take pictures of them when they ARE performing. Come to think of it, I haven’t seen one picture that was taken at a stage door, or anywhere where a performer is NOT performing, where a performer WASN’T being themselves.
That’s really all I can read of your post.
How old ARE you?
#9re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 3:28pm
TheatreDiva- I sent you a PM. If you don't like me, don't look at this thread again. Simple as can be. You're asking me how old I am. . . which gives the impression that you're older, but you certainly don't appear to be more mature because you are attacking a 19 year old in the afternoon on a weekday. Classy.
edit: And that is the last I will say about you because I refuse to get into a large, pointless fight with a stranger on the INTERNET.
Updated On: 6/18/07 at 03:28 PM
millie_dillmount
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
#10re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 3:28pm
According to his MySpace, he is 19...and he attends high school from "2002-Present."
She is kinda right, you know:
"'I was too nervous to ask for an autograph and a picture, but we ambushed her later and I got those.
'So, you met her personally backstage, and didn’t ask her then, but then you ‘ambushed’ her at her house?! That makes you one of ‘them’. Good luck with that.'"
Jonny boy
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/30/07
#11re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 3:34pmSeriously.... dont you guys have anything better to do than pick apart and slam other peoples post?? Maby its you guys that need to grow up!
millie_dillmount
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/22/04
#12re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 3:36pm
So ambushing Christine doesn't sound the least bit weird to you then?
#13re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 3:42pmFine, I take back the word ambush. We called first and were going over to return the tape of "Grey Gardens." My Lord. Enough about that. I am done replying to you now, too. If you have any other **** about it, PM me.
gymdudeva
Broadway Star Joined: 1/29/07
#14re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 4:24pm
There are some cranky people on here today with too much time on their hands!! *cough*TheatreDiva90016*cough*
Although not really amazingly well-written, I enjoyed Act0r721's reviews and see nothing to get worked up about. Jeez.
And by the way, the documentary "Grey Gardens" is not a "biography" and they are the same throughout the whole film, so you don't need to see the whole thing to know if the impersonations/characterizations are good. (As an aside, the film did go on and on...I would probably just watch half or so if I had to to it again.)
Act0r721, I'm glad you liked SA after not being overly impressed by the album. The staging and visuals are quite moving.
#15re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 4:31pm
^
definitely. Someone needs to tell some of the post-Tony posters that they should SEE a show before deeming it worthy of a Tony or not (just SOME, not ALL. I'm sure plenty of people saw it and were the first to voice their distaste so as not to jump on the anti-SA bandwagon))
#16re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 4:33pmGlad to hear you had a nice trip! :)
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#17re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 5:22pm
Thanks for the PM Actor!
If you want to talk to me, don't send me nasty PM's and then block me. THAT'S childish.
"which gives the impression that you're older, but you certainly don't appear to be more mature because you are attacking a 19 year old in the afternoon on a weekday. Classy."
How does that make me less mature?
Grow up.
#18re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 5:33pmI did not block you. My PM's were off, I did not realize. They are on now.
jordangirl
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/1/06
#19re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 5:40pmSounds like a fun trip act0r721. :) Glad you had fun.
LIVE THAT LESSON!!!!!!
#20re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 5:52pm
glad you had a good trip...
(Hey twin, i love you!)
#21re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 5:56pmAct0r721, just ignore TheatreDiva90016 and his rude posts. That's just what he does to make himself feel superior.
gustof777
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/8/04
#22re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 6:02pmjesus! simmer down theatrediva. He hardly had anything bad to say about Grey Gardens.
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#23re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 6:23pm
All I did was ask a few questions about his post.
And thanks Steve, but I have no idea who you are, so why do you feel the need to make blanket statements about me?
You see, this IS a chat board, so if you don't feel like having your posts analyzed or even talked about, then don’t post here. Are you waiting for a lot of folks to suddenly post, “OMG, You Are sO RiTe aBoUt tHis!!!!”?
God, now I know why Margo and the rest of the adults don’t want to post here any more.
You kids should stick to the student board.
StageFan2
Broadway Star Joined: 4/8/07
#24re: my new york trip!! **spoiler heavy**
Posted: 6/18/07 at 6:53pm
Glad you enjoyed your trip to the city. Sounds like a fun time. 
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