thoughts on GREY GARDENS and JAY JOHNSON

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 12:45am

GREY GARDENS

I suppose, in a way, I have been resisting my inevitable visit to the Walter Kerr because I was afraid of disappointment. I can't think of a single Broadway show I have seen recently that has not left me disappointed and underwhelmed. I am such a fan of the documentary and am, like many, utterly fascinated by those two women.

I did not see the show off-Broadway, and was never much impressed by the songs as presented on the recording. What I witnessed Friday afternoon is absolutely the most fulfilling, poetic, beautiful, and haunting show I have seen in a long time. It met my expectations and soared above them.

What is amazing to me is that the entire creative team (along with Wilson and Ebersole) were able to avoid the trap of presenting this story and their characters like big, goofy caracatures. That is surely what I expected to happen. Instead, they seemlessly molded these two women's lives together without leaving one stone unturned. There are moments of pure bliss, moments of comedic perfrection, and moments so tender and purely touching that I almost had to gasp for air. I was beginning to feel as suffocated as Edie was beginning to feel - but not by Edith - by the astounding beauty of this show.

Scott Frankel's score is joyously pastiche and perfect in Act One. In Act Two, the tone is clearly different in an understated sort of way. Haunting ballads, a fantasy song, and a few tearjerkers. Pastiche is a tricky area, and it's so easy to fail. The last time I was this satisfied with a show's score was THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA nearly two years ago. The period-appropriate songs that fill Act One are so joyous that you will have a hard time trying to wipe the smile off your face. Seeing Edith parade around the house with a young Jackie singing "us colored folk" in front of their black butler is genious comedy.

"The Five-Fifteen", "Hominy Grits", "Peas in a Pod", "Daddy's Girl" and "Will You?" are sheer perfection. "Goin' Places" is quite honestly a better song than "Better Fall Out of Love", but I find both equally irresistable. I generally hate pastiche. Even THE DROWSY CHAPERONE's generally well done pastiche just didn't do anything for me. These songs are so perfect, so melodic, and so smart that one can only feel blessed to be seeing them performed in this show. Michael Korie's equally impressive lyrics round out the score perfectly, and he does a brilliant job of making the songs fit in the time period without making them either alienating or tacky. BRAVO!

The music in Act Two is equally as brilliant, but in an entirely different respect. "The Revolutionary Costume for Today" is one of those songs that you wouldn't mind hearing every day for the rest of your life. Expertly performed by Ebersole, it is a perfect way to open the second act - I was immediately propelled back up into musical theatre heaven. "The Cake I Had" is deceptively simple - it is funny and cute and fun, sure - but it is also absolutely hearbreaking and devastating - exactly like "Jerry Likes My Corn." I mean, has there ever been a worse title for a song? If you just sit and listen to what this poor soul is truly saying, your heart breaks for her. "Around the World" is the first moment in the show that I started to cry. BRILLIANT. "Choose to be Happy" never really worked for me on the CD - but the way it is performed and staged - it surely becomes a stand out. "Another Winter in a Summer Town" is another deceptively simple song - as most of them are in Act Two. I just envision Ebersole standing on stage clutching her suitcase and I tear up. "The Girl Who Has Everything" is a much better way to end the show than "Two Peas in a Pod." I couldn't have been more fulfilled.

Michael Grief has expertly staged this show. Some of the moments (particularly in Act Two with the "ghosts", etc.) have the potential to turn into high camp. He does a brilliant job of making the show flow, and - great than anything - making this show work. This is his best work to date.

Doug Wright's book is also as solid, witty, colorful, and poetic as everything else I have already described. Perfection.

And as you have all heard and seen already - Ebersole is surely giving one of the greatest performances ever seen on a Broadway stage. Her versatility and compassion for the role shine through at every moment. She perfectly inhabits this woman. She is doing much more than an impersonation. She is adding a heart and a core to Edie that was not blatantly seen on the documentary. That's a tricky thing to do. Before seeing the show, I thought "Is it possible to care about a woman that just seems so endlessly impossible?" Jesus Christ, yes. With every "I'm so organized," your heart breaks for her. She does much more than just embody Edie up there. I don't know what to call it - but it is a religious experience.

Mary Louise Wilson is equally as brilliant. She perfectly captures everything Edith did on the documentary, but she - like Ebersole - gives the woman a heart. One of the most heartbreaking and moving moments for me (not just in this show...possibly out of everything I have ever seen) was when Edie was about to make her escape outside. Edith lays desperate on the bed "EDIE? EDIE! EDIEEEEE?" She is trying to open the can of pate. She's thirsty. She's desperate. She falls apart and starts to sob. I can't even tell you what that moment did to me. It absolutely killed me. What a BRILLIANT actress.

Matt Cavenaugh does quite well here. I was afraid that he would be a little laughable in the role, but he rises to the occassion and then some. Perfect intonation and way of being in Act One. Absolutely charming. His role in Act Two is that of Jerry, a young kid that helps around the house when he can that Edith has taken a huge liking to. I felt that he portrayed Jerry as a big oaf - which is something I didn't get from Jerry in the documentary. Perhaps oaf isn't the right word, so let's say mindless. So though he might come off as a little dim, you can't help but see the appeal. What a great Broadway return. I would like to see him nominated this spring.

Erin Davie makes a smashing and nearly flawless Broadway debut. Not as smooth in voice as Gettelfinger, but from what I hear, she's a far better fit in the role. She doesn't have all that much to do when you think about it, but she makes a great impression in Act One. I could certainly see some quirks in her that certainly carried over into her older self. Job well done.

John McMartin as as good as always, though he's in a thankless role with little to do. I was hearing all this Tony talk - but honestly - he doesn't do anything. Still, he's rock solid and a welcome presence. Bob Stillman, Michael Potts, and the rest of the supporting cast were all pitch perfect. Not a weak link.

I don't know how THE PIRATE QUEEN or LEGALLY BLONDE will pan out, but I'm hoping that GREY GARDENS will take home the Best Musical prize this year. Compared with SPRING AWAKENING, it's no contest. In my book, GREY GARDENS should win Best Musical, Best score, best direction, best actress, and best featured actress.

It would probably be naive of me to call this show brilliantly perfect, but quite honestly, that wouldn't be giving it praise enough. See this show, and bring everyone you know. It is, as of now, one of the only fully satisfying evenings of theatre currently on Broadway. Absolutely wonderful.

I generally don't post reviews of shows that have already been reviewed to death on the boards (and by critics), but I felt so strongly about this show that I needed to write SOMETHING about it. Thank you all for dealing with it.


JAY JOHNSON

This will be brief - as there's nothing to say that hasn't been said - but I just wanted to echo the sentiment that this show was brilliant. I consider myself lucky to have been able to see it last week before it closed. It was everything I heard it was going to be and more. It's a terrible shame that this show isn't still playing and selling out every night. I wish Jay the best of luck, and I hope he knows that there were some of us out here with enough brains and heart to appreciate his stunning achievement.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 12:49am

Really nice review Munk. I echo a lot of what you say about GG, and to me it is a piece that grows stronger and stronger upon continued examination. I'm really happy its found a home on Broadway.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 12:52am

It is always so heartwarming to hear reactions to GREY GARDENS. I relive every sentiment and powerful emotional response with each word.

Thanks for your review. I, for one, am not tired of hearing how much it has touched yet another human being. An extraordinary theatrical experience.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 12:52am

I can't wait to see it again. I have been listening to it ever since I saw it, and I almost considered going right to the box office after it was over the buy a ticket for the evening performance.

I am still in awe of how utterly perfect the show is. I am hard pressed to find real flaws.

[gumbo2]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 1:08am

Great review, and I agree with you on almost everything. I wish I had seen the documentary before the show, I think I would have had a new level of respect for all the performances. Nevertheless I thought it was brilliant, having gone in thinking it wouldn't be my cup of tea.

[TomMonster]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 2:30am

Munk, I must say I teared up reading your review. You hit all the right notes, just like the show.

Like, MB, I'm amazed how much this show grows on further reflection. It might be a part of the reflection of ourselves that we see in this show. How do we get there, and how do we leave?

I'm happy to hear that people who are not familiar with the film still can enjoy this piece.

It's a win-win show. Go see it. Film first, film after. Either way you will never be the same again...

Thanks, again, Munk for such a thoughtful and emotional take on this truly wonderful piece of American theatre.

As for JJ, I'm kicking myself for not getting there in time--like a lot of people, I hope. I grew up with his talent, and love his work. I just didn't make the time--and I had the time at the time. Well, maybe next time??

He is a genius, and I hope he's remembered at the Tony's. I know he's going on tour and wish him well.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 2:32am

[Unknown User]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 6:05am

a fantastic review, & i appreciate that you gave special attention to Mary Louise Wilson!

[All_For_Laura]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 7:04am

Agree with everything you said about Grey Gardens! Pure Perfection! Can't wait to see it again!

[SeptemberKel]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 7:11am

What a great review, munk. Thank you for that. I echo each and every thing you said. GG is brilliant! Personally, I don't remember being so openly emotional during a show to the extent that I was for GG. I can't wait to go back.

[best12bars]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 10:16am

It's been a while since we agreed on a show, Munk... but I'm very glad it was Grey Gardens!

[folkyboy]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 10:30am

i thoroughly agree with you on Grey Gardens. so many times i kept going "am i really experiencing this?!" during it. it was just so f--king brilliant.

[ken8631]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 11:33am

Haven't seen GG yet (have tickets though), and agree about JJ - saw it off-Broadway and it was great....

Thanks!

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 11:52am

Great review for sure. Grey Gardens is easily turning out to be the highlight of the season for me so far (Still haven't seen Spring Awakening) and I think it is the to-beat show in nearly every category...but, that said, I just find Michael Greif to be a bit clueless sometimes in a musical, as if he's just not quite sure what to do.
The telltale sign of this inability to direct will be a lot more obvious if GG manages to make it through to a replacement cast, or even two. In the hands of anyone less skilled than Ebersole, Davie and Wilson, I think we'll see the chinks.
Still, in my perfect world of the Tonys, it has Book, Score, Musical, Actress and featured Actress (with Wilson edging out Davie, who should at least score the nom).

[Corine2]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 12:13pm

JAY JOHNSON

This will be brief - as there's nothing to say that hasn't been said - but I just wanted to echo the sentiment that this show was brilliant. I consider myself lucky to have been able to see it last week before it closed. It was everything I heard it was going to be and more. It's a terrible shame that this show isn't still playing and selling out every night. I wish Jay the best of luck, and I hope he knows that there were some of us out here with enough brains and heart to appreciate his stunning achievement.

Munk,
I agree with you. Jay Johnson is beyond brilliant. I am really sad the show closed. I think it is such a shame. It was all about the title. People are afraid of one person shows especially if there are puppets involved. The show will tour and I hope it comes back to NYC where it belongs.
I LOVE THIS SHOW. It has so much heart. I NEVER thought another show with puppets would move me like Q. This show melted my heart. Sad that it closed, but hopefully it will be back.
I will miss the Bird of Death, Amigo and Darwin.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Updated On: 11/27/06 at 12:13 PM

[mattnyc2]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 12:18pm

Corine, don't forget about BOB.

Is that your JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOB Corine!

I wish Jay all the best of luck and hope he comes back to NYC soon.

[Corine2]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 12:21pm

I loved Bob and Squeaky but the others are my favorites.
PS I heard some good gossip. Seems Kate Monster ran off with Bob she is exploring her inner slut.

[mattnyc2]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 12:27pm

That Kate is such a hussy.

[Lorelai]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 2:12pm

I was also at the show Friday afternoon and think your review was very written and covered every aspect of the show. Last week was the fourth time I have seen the show, I saw it once off-Broadway last spring, once during previews on Broadway and three times since it opened. As I was just telling someone today (who is also a fan of the show), the show seems to get getting better and better. Perhaps it is simply that I have had time to reflect on it but the show seems to have more of an effect on me with each performance I am lucky enough to experience. Thanks so much for the wonderful review.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 2:13pm

You just made me really want to see Grey Gardens. :)

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 2:27pm

I saw the Saturday matinee this past weekend and the moment that hurt me the most was "I can't open the can!!!!!!!!!!!"

Ugh, such a wonderful show.

[notabb]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 3:38pm

Great review. I've got the family coming up from Balto. and Philly for this Sat. Can't wait to go back.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 3:43pm

I'm jealous of the way you are able to articulate your feelings better than I am mine, Munk. What a great read....and finally, someone who agrees with me about this show's Tony possibilites. I really don't think Spring Awakening has a shot, but, of course, there are many who disagree.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 3:49pm

Finally? What am I? Chopped liver pate????

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 11/27/06 at 3:50pm

Apologies....and you, of course.