Scene: January '14
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Fun Home (4th time - 1st for Elf Niece)What? From the show website: From four-time Tony Award-nominated composer Jeanine Tesori (Caroline, or Change) and Tony-nominee Lisa Kron (In The Wake, Well) comes a fresh, daring new musical based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family's Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father's hidden desires. Directed by Sam Gold, FUN HOME is a groundbreaking, world-premiere musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.
When? January '14 Where? The Public Theater It meant a great deal to me to share such a special, personal and relevant story/show with my niece. Elf Niece is wise, warm, loving and endlessly curious. We have experienced a remarkably diverse assortment of theatrical experiences together, and now that she's a teenager, it's exciting to use theater to help us know each other better and communicate about growing up, no matter our age. I trusted my instinct that this was in her sphere of interest and maturity; and talked with her about the story and show several times before that evening. She loved it. I loved that she loved it. She got it, related to it and we continue to talk about Fun Home still~about family, about personal authenticity, about understanding others, about relationships. |
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Beautiful (3rd time - 1st for Elf Niece)What? From the show website: Long before she was Carole King, chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. She fought her way into the record business as a teenager and, by the time she reached her twenties, had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock 'n' roll. But it wasn't until her personal life began to crack that she finally managed to find her true voice.
BEAUTIFUL tells the inspiring true story of King's remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than BEAUTIFUL music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. When? January '13 Where? The Stephen Sondheim Theatre Another chance to share me with my niece! Carole King's music was a lifeline for me when I was Elf Niece's age, and I wanted her to know my musical influences. It's also always great to underscore what I try to tell her about growing up a young woman during that era. She really enjoyed the show, and pronounced Far Away and Beautiful as her favorite songs. |
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The Heart of Robin HoodWhat? From the show website: "In this spectacular rendition of the English legend, the notorious Robin Hood and his band of merry men steal from the rich, but refuse to share with the oppressed peasantry. As the wicked Prince John threatens all of England, it is down to Marion to boldly protect the poor and convert Robin Hood from outlaw to hero. First seen at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2011, this new production is filled with high adventure, epic romance, amazing fight choreography, and an original score inspired by contemporary folk music."
When? January '14 Where? American Repertory Theater, Boston MA I found this to be a beguiling visit to Sherwood Forest, with inventive and unexpected staging and music, and a wonderful cast. The roving band of quirky musicians offered such tuneful accompaniment, that I bought their CD after the show! My favorite part of this production, though, was the ingenious set: a lush, overhanging tree that reached up from the rear of the stage area, and draped from the ceiling and out into the audience; and the steeply sloped bank of "grass" that formed the back of the stage. From that bank, platforms would raise and lower, serving as entry points for the actors, who then had no way down to the stage but for sliding down the bank (no matter what manner of dress they were in!). The grace with which the cast repeatedly performed this feat was impressive, and highly entertaining. Christina B. Lind as the determined Marion, and Christopher Seibert as Pierre, Marion's attendant at home, and partner in adventure in the forest, made a fine pair. Seibert's comedic talents were more than well-used; his willingness to go the extra mile for the satisfying laughter of the audience, makes him a go-to part of any cast for me. |
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(photo courtesy of show website)
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The Night AliveWhat? From the show website: "You only get a few goes. At life. You don’t get endless goes. Two, three goes maybe. When you hit the right groove you’ll click right in there… this is it.”
Tommy’s not a bad man, he’s getting by. Renting a run-down room in his uncle Maurice’s house, just about keeping his ex-wife and kids at arm’s length and rolling from one get-rich-quick scheme to the other with his pal Doc. Then one day he comes to the aid of Aimee, who’s not had it easy herself, struggling through life the only way she knows how. Their past won’t let go easily. But together there’s a glimmer of hope they could make something more of their lives. Something extraordinary. Perhaps. With inimitable warmth, style and craft, Conor McPherson’s new play deftly mines the humanity to be found in the most unlikely of situations. The Atlantic is proud to present The Donmar’s production of this startling new play, THE NIGHT ALIVE." When? January '14 Where? Atlantic Theater Company, NYC This was quite the dark story. It consistently surprises me, and it shouldn't, having grown up surrounded by my Irish heritage, the way in which the Irish can tell a sad and troubled tale, and somehow wring laughter from it. I found this story, though, to be more than just dark; at times its violence elicited gasps from the audience, and there was an unrelenting despair that I found weighed down the air in the theatre. The performances were certainly worth witnessing; Ciaran Hinds is a master, and my companion and I remarked that the play's success was in the fascinating conversation we had post-show! Not for the faint of heart, as they say. |
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Late: A Cowboy SongWhat? From the show website: "This is the story of one woman’s search to find true love after she meets a female cowboy outside of Pittsburgh. Mary, who is always late and always married, meets a lady cowboy outside the city limits who teaches her how to ride a horse. In the meantime, Mary’s husband, Crick, buys a painting with the last of their savings. Then, Mary and Crick have a baby, but they can’t decide on the baby’s name, or the baby’s gender. Late: A Cowboy Song is directed by Rex Daugherty and is designed by No Rules Company Member Cory Ryan Frank and will feature Alyssa Wilmoth who appeared in NRTC’s Stop Kiss. This play was originally produced by Stages Repertory Theatre, Houston, Texas; Rob Bundy, artistic director, Ken McLaughlin, managing director. "
When? January '14 Where? No Rules Theatre Company at Signature Theatre, DC Quirky does not do this play justice. It's really a simple story of soul searching for soul, the importance of being appreciated and understood, and the extent to which we will deny ourselves for the safety of the expected. But it's told in a surprising way; which is not so unlike how life goes. The three actors in the cast threw themselves into the absurdist expression of the narrative, and the staging balanced the frenetic unraveling of one couple, with the slow, seductive dance of the new relationship that will save the heart of the character who finds herself while losing her safety net. Such a clever set, as well, with unexpected and unannounced humor in the details. Oh, and Alyssa Wilmoth (the cowboy)'s lovely voice was a real treat during her character's musical interludes. |
(photo courtesy of show website)
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FlashdanceWhat? From the show website: "Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the pop culture phenomenon of Flashdance is now live on stage! With electrifying dance at its core, Flashdance--The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.
Flashdance--The Musical boasts a score that includes the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award–winning title song "Flashdance--What a Feeling" as well as "Maniac," "Manhunt," and "I Love Rock and Roll." In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the musical, with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth. Flashdance--The Musical also features a book by Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay) and Robert Cary, with direction and choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis)." When? January '14 Where? The Kennedy Center, Washington DC A jukebox musical can be loads of fun, and this one was enjoyable, but had a thrown-together quality that I found distracting. The story, look and feel of the show can't really escape being stuck in the 80s in a dated way, rather than a nostalgic one. Props to the hardworking cast, and it was fun to hear the beloved hits from the movie again! 
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(photo courtesy of show website)
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A World to WinWhat? From the show website: "A World to Win is a sampling of Sheldon Harnick’s wide-ranging career as a musical theatre writer. It covers everything from shows on and off Broadway, revues to book musicals, and well-known gems as well as hidden treasures that have never been performed publicly. Most of the music was written by his long-time collaborator Jerry Bock; other songs were composed by Richard Rodgers, Michel Legrand, David Baker, Larry Hochman and even Harnick himself."
When? January '14 Where? York Theatre NYC I really only knew Sheldon Harnick from Fiddler on the Roof, and I loved hearing his story told in this revue; especially given his marvelously clever way with a lyric! I have to say that it was a highlight to have Sheldon join the audience for Act II, and sit just three seats away from me. The audience loved getting to show their appreciation in person!! |
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Brand New AncientsWhat? From the show website: "Kate Tempest’s genre-defying performance blurs the lines between poetry, theater and live music, using hip-hop-infused rhythms and rhymes to weave an ultra-poetic story in a soulful style all her own. She celebrates the divine in ordinary people and everyday life. Brand New Ancients is her story of two families subtly intermingled through generations, in language, music and song. Being brave, she challenges us to be brave; Brand New Ancients is a call to arms for a modern day hero. "
When? January '14 Where? St. Ann's Warehouse, Brooklyn NYC It's taken me a long time to articulate, and I still don't think I can put into words, the experience of being a part of the closing night audience for this unique and inspiring performance. Kate Tempest's gifts go beyond her ability to captivate an audience with her words and music and poetic storytelling. She is so passionately wise from an inner place in her soul, and I almost couldn't believe the electric intimacy she created in the cavernous warehouse venue. There was a great moment at the end of the show, that reinforced the impact she'd had on the audience: an audio equipment problem had prevented us from fully hearing the final "chorus" of the piece; and as we were roaring our approval in a standing ovation, Kate asked if we'd had trouble hearing at the end, and would we like her to do a reprise of that last bit. The cheer that arose was deafening, and so she did it again, but came out into the audience and included all of us. I hung on every word she spoke/sang/rapped, and suspect I will remember it forever. |
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Swing WingsWhat? From the show website: "Swing Wings is an original musical based on the World War II experiences of Frank Loesser, Milton Delugg and the fresh-faced Army Air Corps musicians who created the era’s signature radio broadcasts. In a time of patriotic sacrifice, they forged a bond that could not be broken. The military marches to a beat. These boys made it swing."
When? January '14 Where? York Theatre Company, NYC I really love readings of new work. It's like walking by a fence surrounding a building site, and finding a hole large enough to look through to see what's taking shape just beyond. The focus is really on the story (and music of course, if it's a musical); there can be no reliance on set, costumes, props, etc. I liked this story of soldiers assigned to an LA base during WWII to create the radio entertainment for the troops. There were some famous names in that unit, and I had known little about this part of WWII history. Part of what had appealed to me was the swing music context; I love swing, and this reading did not disappoint. There were some great songs, and the cast was excellent. |
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The Bridges of Madison CountyWhat? From the show website: "One of the greatest love stories of all time
comes to Broadway for the first time. FOUR-TIME TONY® NOMINEE KELLI O’HARA reunites with BARTLETT SHER, the Tony-winning director of SOUTH PACIFIC and THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, for a stunning new musical by the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning team of MARSHA NORMAN and JASON ROBERT BROWN. O’Hara is joined onstage by STEVEN PASQUALE for this sweeping romance about the roads we travel, the doors we open and the bridges we dare to cross." When? January '14 Where? Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, NYC Thanks to Jason Robert Brown, this show has one of the most beautiful scores I've ever heard in a theatre. It also has one of the best voices to sing it, Kelli O'Hara. I actually like the premise of a brief, life-changing interlude between two strangers that demonstrates the power of a romantic spark. Where the show let me down somewhat, was in the set/staging. The gorgeous setting described in the book (that was so inspiring to the photographer at the center of the action), and iconic covered bridge, which was not covered in this production (the structure was merely suggested by massive moving beams), left me cold. And unfortunately for the actors involved, the B-story of the husband and kids didn't seem to contribute much that I couldn't have surmised otherwise. There was definite chemistry between the leads, and I did really enjoy watching them fall in love wrapped in this exquisite music. If you're a fan of Kelli O'Hara and/or Jason Robert Brown, this show is definitely for you; it's a high point for each of these very fine artists! |
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MachinalWhat? From the show website: "Inspired by the infamous 1927 murder trial of Ruth Snyder, Machinal is a gripping drama by American journalist and playwright Sophie Treadwell. Golden Globe nominee Rebecca Hall (The Town, Vicky Cristina Barcelona) stars in this sensational new production helmed by acclaimed British director Lyndsey Turner.
It’s America’s Golden Age, a time of happiness, freedom and prosperity––or is it? For one young woman in the industrial, male-dominated world of the 1920s, life is nothing like she hoped it would be. Restless and unfulfilled in a passionless marriage and an unwanted motherhood, she finds her only joy in the form of an illicit love affair. But when reality sets in and she must return to her routine existence, she’ll go to any lengths to regain her freedom. A groundbreaking work in the landscape of American theatre, Machinal is a riveting look at the danger that can come from a life unlived." When? January '14 Where? Roundabout Theatre Company, NYC The history of this show, about which I learned more at the post-show discussion with cast members, is fascinating. It was written by a woman, about a woman's psyche and oppressive situation, and first produced on Broadway in the late 1920s. The show was a substantial success at the time, despite the daring subject matter, and portrayal of the dark underbelly of mental instability, and a repressive, suffocating society. The revolving set in this production was an incredible feat, and the acting was stellar...and chilling. The actors all talked about what an incredible experience it was to work with this director, and to explore the relevance of the script to current day. I'm so glad I saw this. |
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Juno and the PaycockWhat? From the show website: "The Irish Repertory Theatre returns to its roots with Sean O’Casey’s perfect fusion of realism and poetry, of somber tragedy and extravagant comedy jostling one another in his 1924 Dublin masterpiece, Juno and the Paycock. The play unsettles us and whirls us about! In one of the most memorable speeches in modern drama, Juno Boyle leaves us with O’Casey’s legacy: “Take away our hearts of stone and leave us with hearts o’flesh!”
Juno and the Paycock is Sean O'Casey's extravagant portrait of the poetically comic and tragic world of a Dublin torn apart by the chaos of the Irish Civil War. The gestures of life are often broad, and the speech torrential as Jack Boyle and sidekick Joxer Daly's drinking and posturing rise to comic heights! When the news of an unexpected inheritance arrives, the family sees a flame of hope as the heroic Juno Boyle dreams of taking war-crippled son, Johnny, and his sister, young Mary, out of their squalid surroundings into a better life. However, hopes are dashed and reality returns as a twist of fate brings their dreams crashing down around them." When? January '14 Where? Irish Repertory Theatre, NYC This production was such a great example of how well the Irish tragicomedy can work, in the hands of the right cast and creative team. It's the ever-present promise of laughter that makes the raw heartbreak bearable, and the actors must be able to balance on that thin wire. My seat was virtually on the stage because of the intimate space, so I got up close and personal with these life-challenged characters, in the tiny tenement apartment in which they loved/hated each other with a passion. The set design was flawless; I can't believe how much was done with that minute stage. I'm always drained, in a good way, when I have been part of a storytelling experience like this. |
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(photo courtesy of show website)
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