Review - Les Miserables - 8/29/07

Les Miserables
Broadhurst Theatre
Wednesday August 29, 2007 - 2:00pm

I was fortunate enough to have seen Les Miserables twice during it's original broadway run (1997 & 1999 I believe). Unfortunately, I don't remember too many specifics from those trips, but I do remember being in complete awe each time. "On My Own" can still make me tear up when listening to it. So when the revival opened I was interested in revisiting the show again, but now it a hurry, especially since the "limited engagement" has been extended with no end in sight.

A friend finally returned home to NYC and we decided to try student rush for a Wednesday matinee. We got decent left mezzanine seats. I was in shock over how small the theater is. That is a positive in the sense that anywhere you sit is a good seat, but bad because a production like Les Mis should be big! Honestly, I felt like I was watching a local community production. Don't get me wrong 90% of the actors were amazing, but the show was just, small. Maybe it was just because I was young, but the show always seemed massive and grand to me. This was like a few people and a couple of props.

The music was as beautiful as always, even though musically challenged as I am I could tell half the orchestra wasn't real. "Do Your Hear the People Sing" and "One Day More" still gave me goosebumps.

Drew Sarich gave a very impressive performance as Jean Valjean. His acting was excellent, and the slow but big transformation between ages was comical but still believable. His voice was beautiful and it didn't seem like he was straining to hit any notes. His "Bring Him Home" was fantastic. I had heard good things about him before hand and I will definitely look into his other works.

I would have loved to see Norm Lewis as Javert, but Robert Hunt did not disappoint. However, the staging for the suicide was stupid. Nikki Renee Daniels was on as Fantine and has an angelic voice. I was not disappointed one bit that Lea Salonga was not there. However, Idara Victor was horrible in the role of Cosette. I never really cared for the character, but her singing actually made me like it less. I don't know if she was nervous or what, but yikes. Megan McGinnis was impressive at Eponine, except during On My Own. Her voice was very generic and all she did was stand there in the middle of an empty set. As much as I love the song, I had trouble paying attention. Her and Adam Jacobs were wonderful in "A Little Fall of Rain". Adam really impressed me, and I totally swooned during "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables". The rest of the cast was good, but nothing really stood out for me.

If you for some reason have never seen the show at all, this production is definitely worth checking out. But if you have seen the original production, this may not be up your alley unless you are just having a Les Mis craving and need a quick fix.

Review - RENT - 8/7/07 & 8/25/07

I was blessed with seeing RENT again on 8/7/07 and 8/25/07.

8/7/07

Had Row C Center mezzanine seats, which were better than the prior week, but still high. Not much to comment on the performance that hasn't already been said. If anything they were so much better. They had over a week back in the roles and it showed. The cast really appeared to be gelling together. Stagedoor was still mad so we didn't stay. I don't think Adam came out anyway.

8/25/07
These were the tickets I had bought when they first announced the Adam/Anthony return. 8th row direct center baby! Well worth it! The mezzanine definitely holds it charms, but being so close you get to see the emotions on the actors faces. It was so great. The show as 10x better than 8/7, which was 10x better than 7/31. The entire cast is just on fire. Adam has made Roger come alive with his brooding anger yet vulnerability. Anthony is perfection as Mark. Most importantly, you can tell they are enjoying themselves. I actually stage doored afterwards since the new layout. I got a front spot without rushing and everyone was really cool and calm. D'Monroe (Benny), Nicolette Hart (Maureen), Anthony and Tamyra came out and signed. They were all very nice but you can tell really exhausted, especially Anthony. I was secretly bummed Adam didn't come out, but it's all good. I think he had family in town, and he should get to spend the time with them. Just when I thought I was cool with not seeing the show in September, I want to go back like today! :) Yesterday (8/26) marked exactly 8 years since the first time I saw the show, and it still makes me as giddy as a 12 year old.

Review - RENT - 7/31/07

Warning - VERY long!

RENT

Nederlander Theatre

Tuesday July 31, 2007 – 8:00 pm

I don’t think it came as much of a shock that I was more than excited when the announcement was made. Adam and Anthony are returning to RENT for a six week engagement. This was a dream come true for me. I, along with many others, never thought we would ever see them back on the stage at the Nederlander for anything other than a reunion. But oh what I would have done to have seen it happen. Dreams really do come true.

Well to start, the line was snaked all the way around to 7^th avenue just to get in. Once in, the place was packed, but you could sense the excitement in the room. It felt surreal to be back there, since I hadn’t seen it since 1999 when I was 16. Things have taken a bit of a different view now than they did then. The stage and scenery were more nostalgic than “innovative”, etc. But I will fully admit to resorting to a twelve year old girl and squealing with delight when Adam first walked on the stage, clad in those irresistible plaid pants! The crowd went nuts, but then Anthony walked out and they went even crazier. It was amazing and you could tell they were just soaking it all up. It took me a few seconds to actually believe I was actually seeing it all.

“RENT” was packed with power and angst. I will say this many times, but I swear they sounded like the stepped out of the cast recording, they were THAT on. Adam was jumping on and off things with ease, and just really getting into it, along with the rest of the cast. “One Song Glory” was raw and beautiful. I have heard him sing it at his solo shows, but nothing is like seeing it in its actual context. “Light My Candle” was adorable. He and Tamyra Gray had cute chemistry, but not great. She, however, is incredible, more on that later. They were more hands on than I remember the roles being, but it all worked! Adam did a cute little “shimmy” silly dance move when he sang “I’m Roger” and the crowd ate it up.

I was lucky to see Wilson (the original Angel) when I saw my first performance, and he is definitely someone hard to live up to. Justin Johnston really did a good job trying. He was adorable, heartfelt, and a damn good singer. He nailed “Today 4 U”. When Collins enters in the beginning and throws the items, the bag of bananas slipped through Adam’s hands and went straight to the floor. It was pretty funny, but they just kept going. Troy Horne was a decent Tom Collins, but he took some getting used to. He had the voice, but the acting was a bit odd in the beginning, very dry. “You’ll See” was adorable, but I am not very fond of D’Monroe as Benny, just very blah.

One of the other reasons I rushed to see the show so soon was because on top of Adam and Anthony, Merle Dandridge was returning for a quick stint as Joanne. I missed her when I saw Tarzan and was very upset. She was just as awesome and I expected. I love her take on Joanne best out of all I have seen via youtube, etc. “Tango Maureen” was enjoyable and she and Anthony danced the hell out of it. Tamyra definitely is my favorite Mimi. I wasn’t fond of the look, she was a bit too small and skinny, and really didn’t dig the short hair. In the “Out Tonight” outfit and the hair, it kind of looked like she belonged in Rainbow Brite. Don’t get me wrong, she herself looked amazing, just didn’t fit the show. I would love to have my legs look like that in tight blue leather! However, she wowed me with the vocals. I was never a big fan of Daphne or any others take really. She really made me love it. She rocked out and nailed all of the banister dancing. I was not a fan of the pulling the glitter out of her shirt and releasing it. Since she couldn’t do it from her hair, they should just cut it completely. “Another Day” was emotional. Adam remembered all of his lines, and he and Tamyra really got into it.

“La Vie Boheme” was energetic and spot on. Even Adam actually looked like he was enjoying the beginning dance moves. As an obsessed fan, I couldn’t stop giggling just because it was uncoordinated Adam doing it. I also totally fangirled it when he stripped to the black cut off tank, I will admit it proudly! With Anthony, it felt like I was watching a bootleg from 1996, he was just that perfect - movements, singing, everything! There were some added movements and little things from when I last saw it, especially Adam’s graphic and hilarious motions for “hold an erection on the high holy days”. “I Should Tell You” was touching and mushy. Like stated above, they were very “gropey” during it.

I got all jittery when they came out for Act II and lined up for “Seasons of Love”. It is such simple staging but still just tugs at your heartstrings. However, it was short lived for me because I thought the female soloist just butchered it. It’s similar to people butchering the National Anthem. I don’t understand why people just can’t sing it, but have to add all weird “riffs” (I’m musically challenged) and ruin it. Back to point, I LOVED “Happy New Year”. It was one of three songs I was most excited to see. Adam even nailed the simple little lines I loved (going higher at the end of door in “they padlocked the door”, bad british accent “That’s shaken not stirred”, etc.) Wasn’t too fond of the actress playing Maureen, but she did look really good in the cat suit! “Take Me or Leave Me” was good, but mainly because Merle rocked it. “Without You” started my tear ducts. It was beautifully sung by Tamyra and Adam, and it is the start of Angel’s death. I forgot how “wow” “Contact” was, and “I’ll Cover You(Reprise)” did me in. But I didn’t cry as much as I do when I hear Jesse sing it, sorry. I know I am not supposed to compare, but that is one song that I cannot bare to depart from the original. Troy did it justice for the moment though.

Move on to the moment I was most anticipating, “Goodbye Love”. Amazing! I don’t know how to elaborate on it. It was just perfectly done. I was speechless. And then they kept me that way with “What You Own”. Once again, it was like I was listening to the recording, they were just that on. And it was nice to have new images and get the movie Bon Jovi/Britney Spears video images out of my head! “Your Eyes” was the third song I was looking forward to, and big surprise, I loved it. As much as I love it though, I do still get a sarcastic laugh thinking that he goes and gets his freakin guitar when the chick is sitting there dying, but what can you do! “Finale” was powerful and moving. The projection images were the only things I couldn’t really see from our seats though.

Everyone jumped to their feet the minute the stage went black and cheered passionately through curtain calls. I really like that they bow as a cast, and not one single person gets an individual bow. We went outside and it was pandemonium! People were just swarmed around the barricades. I was just speechless. We had walked down to the corner by 7^th Ave, and when you looked down, it was a mob scene. Cars couldn’t get down the street because everyone flooded out into. Out of no where you heard a roar of screams (Anthony coming out), and it was so loud it stopped everyone walking down 7^th! If they didn’t have egos before, I am sure they have them now! I couldn’t really see but it looked like they were signing and smiling. Once the girls started crying and screaming we made our retreat. I would have loved to have gotten close, but I am not that obsessed that I would brave the mob. People were on top of each others shoulders it was that crazy.

All in all the night was better than I could have imagined. They definitely proved all of the cynics wrong and came back with fury. I am glad to be seeing it again because I was focused solely on Adam tonight, so I really didn’t take in the full show. Now that I have gotten some of it out of my system, I can sit back and enjoy.

A lot of people are saying that RENT should close because it is outdated. Yes, it is no longer 1996, but so what. It isn’t the early 1900’s but you still go to watch Phantom. The underlying themes and messages are still relevant. I honestly can’t see it staying open too much longer, but I hope it still has another year or so left. But Nederlander, please fix up the theater. I love that is mostly decorated to fit the theme, but the cracks in the ceilings and stuff need to go. Ok, I can’t believe how much I just wrote and will stop rambling!

Review - Grey Gardens - 7/29/07 - Closing Performance

Grey Gardens

Walter Kerr Theatre

Sunday July 29, 2007 – 3:00pm

Since the last time I saw this show, I have lived it vicariously through the cast recordings. By doing this, I fell more in love with the show. I was a full on supporter for the Tony wins! So when I heard it was closing, I got sad. I wasn’t going to get a ticket for the closing performance, but I was glad I did. First, let me say that the mezzanine seats are amazing in this theater. I think I will continue to sit up there and not even bother looking for orchestra tickets.

The show itself was as amazing as everyone expected it to be. There is not much more to add from my last review. Each actor was giving 110% and it was very evident. The crowd gave very loud entrance applause when Mary Louise Wilson and Christine Ebersole first appeared. John McMartin also got a pretty loud entrance applause, which I don’t think he was expecting.

The crowd went NUTS when Christine came on at the beginning of Act II for “Revolutionary”, full on standing ovation. It had to be a few minutes and she was just so emotional and shocked by it. But once the audience somewhat died , she went on and just killed. All of Act II was pretty flawless. I had the real life “Jerry” sitting a few rows ahead of me. So during scenes like “Jerry Likes My Corn”, I couldn’t stop myself from watching his reactions. He was crying, which made me tear up. You could just tell how much it all meant to him! That was a moment I will never forget. He was also very kind to everyone that went up to him before the show.

The crowd went wild at curtain call. A few directors (I think) came out, and the composer gave a quick speech. Most of the audience was taking pictures, and the people on stage were taking pictures of the audience. It still wasn’t what I was expecting from my first “closing” but it was still amazing. It is so sad that this wonderful piece is not around anymore. It was so different and intriguing. But then again, I honestly couldn’t see myself seeing it once they start with replacements. Christine’s performance was so layered and breathtaking, I don’t think I would want to replace that image in my mind.

Review - GYPSY - 7/20/07

Gypsy

NY City Center

Friday July 20, 2007 – 8:00 pm

I will admit to being a very bad theater lover. I had no real idea about Gypsy or Patti Lupone until about two weeks or so before I saw this. Yes, I am hanging my head in shame. I finally sat down and watched the original movie and fell in love. The songs, plot, performances were captivating. Then I heard all the hype and reviews regarding this performance, and really got psyched!

I went with a group of friends, and was surprised to find out that I had second row center orchestra seats. It was indescribable. Patti is just a force to be reckoned with. From the moment she entered the theatre the crowd went nuts, and pretty much never stopped!! She just controlled the stage with ease and grace. You could tell she was enjoying being Rose. Boyd Gaines stole my love in Journey’s End, and kept it going. He was great as Herbie. Patti and he had fabulous chemistry in their roles. Laura Benanti was hard to get into at first, but by the second act she had the audience eating out of her hand. I know people have had issues with past performances of hers, but she really nailed this role. And what a gorgeous body!!

The show stealer for me was Leigh Ann Larkin as Dainty June. She had a phenomenal voice that just blew me away. I still have her and Laura’s “If Momma Was Married” going through my head. The playbill said this was her broadway debut, but I am confident this won’t be the last we see of her. At least I hope not. Tony Yazbeck showed off his impeccable dancing in “All I Need Is the Girl”. Nancy Opel, Alison Fraser, and Marilyn Caskey were hilarious as the strippers, they really nailed their scenes.

Patti got a huge standing ovation after “Roses Turn”, but it was like you didn’t have any control. It was so intense that your body just reacted and shot up to cheer! She had to come out a few times at the curtain call because the audience would just not stop.

I have officially been turned on to this show. I have all of the cast recordings and have listened to all of the interpretations! I’m in love!

Review - Chicago - 6/13/2007

Chicago

Ambassador Theatre

Wednesday June 13, 2007

Chicago is supposed to be one of the greatest and most brilliant stage musicals of all time, or something like that, correct? I think I must have seen the wrong show then. Ok, I’m starting out a bit too harsh. Before seeing shows for a second time, I have been trying to catch up on the various ones I have not seen at all. So when I decided to catch a matinee one day, Chicago was high on my “to see” list after hearing so much about it. I saw the movie when it was released on DVD and rather enjoyed it. I should have just stuck with that vision.

I had an 8^th row left orchestra ticket, which was a great seat, but I think I would have been just as fine in the mezzanine. The stage is bare, that is the best way to describe it I guess. They have the orchestra sitting on stage in a riser like thing, which was kind of cool.

The show in itself has an o.k. but somewhat flaky plot, but that’s not what you care about. I did enjoy seeing the dancing “Fosse” moves, and the ensemble really pulled their weight, so did the leads, but I still was not impressed. Joey Lawrence was in his final days as Billy Flynn. He was adorable and did a decent job in the role, but that was only because he was charming. His voice was just enough to pass, but he had a really good stage presence so it made it bearable. Brenda Braxton and Bianca Marroquin were also good as Velma and Roxie. They had decent chemistry and good dance talents. I really think they need to replace or fix those ladders on the side of the stage. I was so fearful they were going to break and the actress was going to fall off. That is never a good feeling.

During scenes like “Razzle Dazzle” was I wrong to expect some razzle dazzle?? Other than some sparse confetti like substances falling from the ceiling, it was so…blah. Same thing was with Nowadays/Hot Honey Rag at the end. I used to sell those sparkly curtains at Party City. It just left me with a very bad taste.

And I finally had my first problem with audience members. I would hear the horror stories, but had yet to really experience it. Well I had the tourists that spoke loudly, sang, kicked chairs, etc. throughout the whole show. People please learn some manners.

The only way I expect to ever go back again is if they get Jesse L. Martin or Adam Pascal as Billy Flynn. But I don’t see that happening anytime soon.

Review - Journey's End - 5/26/2007

Journey’s End

Belasco Theatre

Saturday May 26, 2007 – 8:00pm

In the past year I have been able to see a lot of musicals, but had been lacking in enjoying a play. In my youth I was involved with more plays than musicals, and it was more of where my passion was. I kept telling myself to go see a play, but the glitz and glamour of a lot of the more recent musicals kept my attention. I happened to be going into NYC to meet up with friends and figured I might as well catch a show. I did not know much about Journey’s End except that a lot of people liked and it was closing soon. So I went ahead and booked a ticket. It was probably the best decision I have made all year!

It is true that the subject matter and plot line of this play does not differ from most of the recent war box office movies (Saving Private Ryan, etc.). It focuses on a group of soldiers’ right before an attack, and the bonds, friendship, and internal struggles that ensue. But there is something completely different from watching a movie screen, and seeing it live in front of you. First of all, the stage design, set, and lighting was perfect. Each detail made it believable and brought you that much more into the story. At first I thought the low lighting would put me to sleep, but it really enhanced the mood. The story did drag a bit at points, and without the flash of set changes and lighting tricks, could get dull, but luckily it would quickly redeem itself. The last 20 minutes had me mesmerized. The acting and sound effects blew me away (no pun intended). I also really admire how they did the final bows. I was a little confused at first, but my hands would not stop clapping. I was only in the forth row, and I swear a few actors were fighting back tears. I can’t blame them, because the standing ovation was indescribable. Everyone was on their feet and clapping so hard!

The cast was phenomenal. I just can’t get over it. While Hugh Dancy was very heart felt and easy on the eyes, my favorite was Boyd Gaines. I felt for him from his first scenes.

If you have not seen it yet, GO!!! It is a shame that this production must close, but I am SOOO happy I was able to see it before it does.