Scene: July '13
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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In the HeightsWhat? From the show website: "Our regional premiere comes fresh from Broadway. Peek into the lives of a tight-knit community in one of Manhattan's most vibrant communities, as they chase their dreams in a world that beckons with possibilities. Propelled by the rhythms of hip hop, Broadway tunes, and Latin music, this gripping story shares the universal tale of family, culture, neighborhood, and community -- bringing joy to audiences of all ages and backgrounds!"
When? July ' 13 Where? Toby's Columbia, MD Why? A friend had a ticket to this show, and having not been to a "meal and show" since I was young (and it was at Toby's I think!), and having somehow missed this show on Broadway, it seemed like a good opportunity. Well? I was pleasantly surprised by the staging of the show; I didn't constantly feel as if I was in a restaurant. The set pieces that created the fire escapes, for example, were quite organic to the space, and the rolling carts suited the street environment perfectly, while providing the necessary flexibility. The cast, who were also our servers, committed to their characters fully, necessary to us forgetting that they had just handed us coffee and tea. As it happened, the pivotal role of the elderly, honorary matriarch of the neighborhood was our server, and one of the most talented of the cast. The story has a multitude of plot lines going on simultaneously, and handles them well, in my opinion. I did find myself caring what happened to these characters as circumstances reach a boiling point in the story. However, the overall quality of the production was not high enough (and the food not tempting enough :)) to encourage a return trip for me in the near future. I would be very happy to see the show in a dedicated theater production sometime; and perhaps that's a role that "eat in theaters" can really play~introducing us to shows and making us want to know them better. |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryWhat? From the show website: "ROALD DAHL's deliciously dark tale of young Charlie Bucket and the mysterious confectioner Willy Wonka comes to life in a brand new West End musical directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes.
When Charlie wins a golden ticket to the weird and wonderful Wonka Chocolate Factory, it's the chance of a lifetime to feast on the sweets he's always dreamed of. But beyond the gates astonishment awaits, as down the sugary corridors and amongst the incredible edible delights, the five lucky winners discover not everything is as sweet as it seems. Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the wonder of the original story that has captivated the world for almost 50 years is brought to life with music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (Grammy® winners for Hairspray; Smash), a book by award-winning playwright and adaptor David Greig (The Bacchae; Tintin In Tibet), set and costume designs by Mark Thompson (Mamma Mia!; One Man, Two Guvnors) and choreography by Peter Darling (Billy Elliot The Musical; Matilda The Musical). A chocolate garden, an army of squirrels and the curiously peculiar Oompa-Loompas must be believed to be seen in this spectacular new musical that is choc-full of fantastical treats to dazzle your senses." When? July ' 13 Where? Theatre Royal, West End, London Why? Absolute no-brainer :). Well? The star of this show is, of course, Willy Wonka, and it is hard to imagine a better Wonka than Douglas Hodge. He truly lights up the stage with his presence and gorgeous voice; and his charisma with the young actor playing Charlie was palpable. The show is BIG and full of special effects; some of which I loved, and some that were so over-the-top that it interrupted the flow of the story. The Oompa Loompas are cleverly created by "full size" actors, but some work needs to be done to minimize the visibility of the actors behind their costumes. I'd also soften the shrillness of some of the wayward children in the show because, in combination with the high-glitz effects, some emotion was lost. In the end, the heart of this show is clearly written on the sleeves of the two main characters, and their linked destinies. I was properly anxious for Charlie to be truly "seen" and recognized by Wonka, and the pay off is hugely satisfying. As an observation, the audience that night seemed to love the production overall, especially the Oompa Loompas :). |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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The Cripple of InishmaanWhat? From the show website: "Cripple Billy, orphaned since birth, just might have found a way off the Isle of Aran and a route all the way to Hollywood if he can persuade a small community of Islanders how much he wants to realise his dream. Martin McDonagh's comic masterpiece examines an ordinary coming of age in extraordinary circumstances and confirms his position as one of the most original Irish voices to emerge in the second half of the twentieth century. Daniel Radcliffe plays the title role in the first major London revival since its premiere at the National Theatre in 1996."
When? July ' 13 Where? Noel Coward Theatre, West End, London Why? I am consistently impressed by Daniel Radcliffe's talent on stage, and was happy I'd have a chance to see him in a show I've long wanted to see. Well? Daniel Radcliffe is three for three as far as my experience goes. He is remarkably present, vulnerable and fearless on stage. I think we already knew that from "Equus," but this production required a physicality in a different way, as Daniel recreated the misshapen limbs of the title character. I was in the third row center orchestra, and I never once saw him break character, and can't imagine how exhausting it must be to keep in that unnatural position while acting your heart out. But it's not just Daniel that makes this show work; the entire cast is mesmerizing and darkly hilarious, especially the actors playing Billy's "aunties." And I can't say enough about the evocative set, which truly transported us to the geographical, and emotional remoteness of the Aran Islands. I'm so very glad I saw this. 
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(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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A Chorus LineWhat? From the show website: "Based on true stories, A Chorus Line revolutionised Broadway, becoming the longest running musical in New York theatre history, breaking records, winning nine Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards, the New York Critics’ Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
Now for the first time since its award-winning London season premiered in 1976, the original creators of A Chorus Line join forces to bring this legendary musical to the world-famous London Palladium. Boasting such classics as ‘One (Singular Sensation)’, ‘What I Did For Love’ and ‘At The Ballet’, A Chorus Line is an iconic musical masterpiece that should not be missed. THE STORY Auditions are underway for a new Broadway musical. For everyone present, it’s the chance of a lifetime. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed of – to have the chance to dance. Told through captivating song, riveting drama and stunning choreography, the auditionees describe the events that have shaped their lives and their decisions to become dancers." When? July ' 13 Where? London Palladium, West End, London Why? I've only seen this show once before (last year's Paper Mill Playhouse production, which was great) and the West End production has gotten great reviews! Well? I am always amazed at how universal this story is...it transcends the stage with human stories of self acceptance, risk, love and need, that apply to all of us, not just dancers/stage performers. The songs are so lovely, and the nature of the show means that it will be a particularly unique experience each production, as every cast member interprets their character, and makes it personal. This cast is talented (I saw several understudies) and I enjoyed this production, but I'm not sure it broke any new ground for me. |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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OnceWhat? From the show website: "Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once is an extraordinary, original and irresistibly joyous celebration of love, friendship and music. When an Irish busker and a young Czech girl meet through a shared love of music, their songwriting sparks a deep connection and a tender, longing romance that neither of them could have expected. Winner of 8 Tony Awards in 2012, including Best New Musical, this unique stage adaptation takes you right to the heart of the action in a rapturous production that dazzles with invention.
An old-fashioned love story that dares to be different, Once is brought to life by a supremely talented cast of actor-musicians who unleash all the giddy exhilaration of an Irish ceilidh live on stage. Featuring all of the magical songs from the original film, including the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly”, this is an achingly beautiful, thrillingly inspirational show that strikes a truly unforgettable chord. How often does a musical like this come around...." When? July ' 13 Where? Phoenix Theatre, West End, London Why? I ended up in the West End on Thursday afternoon at exactly the right moment to grab a discounted ticket and rush into the theatre as the show was starting. Well? Seeing this show on the West End was a fabulous experience...in part because I truly never tire of the lyrical beauty of this gentle, poignant show; in part because I loved the actor playing "Guy" (Declan Bennett); but mostly because of the reaction of this London audience. In my experience, a standing ovation is much less common in London, even at the "big" shows. This audience leapt to its feet immediately as the house lights went up on the bows, and cheered long and loudly, calling the cast back twice. That's the emotional punch this show can pack, and I loved experiencing it this way. |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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Merrily We Roll AlongWhat? From the show website: "Triple Olivier Award-winner Maria Friedman makes a thrilling directorial debut with this vibrant, full scale production and exceptional cast led by Mark Umbers, Jenna Russell and Damian Humbley.
An emotionally charged journey through the lives of three very dear friends, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG winds back in time, exploring how the choices we make in life can change everything and everyone we love. This Sondheim classic is a refreshing addition to the West End from the acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory, following its collection of hugely successful transfers: Sunday in the Park with George; La Cage aux Folles and Sweet Charity." When? July ' 13 Where? Harold Pinter Theatre, West End, London Why? This was the production that drove my decision to time a London trip for July. Only having seen the show in a concert staging previously, it will be wonderful to see a full production. Well? Every second of this show validated the cost, effort and time I spent on this trip. It was really the perfect incarnation I so desperately wanted to see. The cast was flawless (although Celia Keenan-Bolger will always be Mary for me, I suspect :)), especially Damian Humbley as Charley and Clare Foster as Beth, among the four leads. I also really enjoyed Ashley Robinson as Tyler and Zizi Strallen as Meg/Ensemble. My mouth literally dropped open at the costumes that made each era come to life in front of me, and the score just speaks to me on a very deep level. These actors made me feel, made me laugh, made me cry and made me thankful, once again, that shows from the past don't just stay in the past. I told each actor I spoke with after the show that, if I had my druthers, I'd bring the whole lot of them to Broadway right now. Several told me that Stephen Sondheim had attended the show the previous week, that he came back the next day because he liked the production so much, and then told them that it was "as if he was seeing his show for the first time." Having seen the show, this does not surprise me in the least. Congratulations to the entire team involved with this production! |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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Top HatWhat? From the show website: "Top Hat, WINNER of 3 Laurence Olivier awards including Best New Musical, and WINNER of the Evening Standard ‘Best Night Out’ award, brings the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age and the glorious, tap-dancing magic of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to the West End in one of the greatest dance musicals of all time.
Packed full of Irving Berlin’s greatest hits including, Cheek to Cheek, Top Hat, White Tie & Tails, Let’s Face the Music & Dance and Puttin’ on the Ritz, TOP HAT is an exhilarating celebration of 1930s song and dance. Don’t miss Tony and Olivier award nominated Gavin Lee and Broadway leading lady Kristen Beth Williams, now starring as Jerry Travers and Dale Tremont." When? July ' 13 Where? The Aldwych Theatre, West End, London Why? Gavin Lee. Vintage movie musical material. Irving Berlin. The list of reasons is lengthy :). Well? Well, the bad news is that Gavin Lee had been injured the day prior to my show, and was out of the show for a few performances. The goods news is that Gavin Lee was out of the show and I had the great fortune of seeing his incredibly talented understudy, Alan Burkitt. I adore Gavin on stage, and, were I able, I would return to the show to see him in the role. But Alan was fantastic, and the type of performer for which the phrase "triple threat" was coined; he's a talented singer, breathtaking dancer and charming actor. It helps that he evokes the look of Fred Astaire, but more importantly, he has a lightness of being that I found enchanting-and the most like the emblematic style of the entertainment of that bygone era. Kristen Beth Williams was a wonderful Dale, and Alex Gaumond nearly stole the show as the flamboyantly flirtatious designer, Alberto Beddini. Along with a marvelous cast, the show's set design and costumes were the recipients of Olivier Awards (London's theatre trophies) which I think were very well deserved. Movies of the era of "Top Hat" often have the look and feel of stage performances on film due to the technology of the times, and that serves a subsequent stage production, such as this, well. I loved the show and would be happy to see it come to Broadway, especially with Gavin or Alan in the lead role :). |
(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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As You Like ItWhat? From the show website: "When Rosalind and Orlando are banished from the oppressive court, they are forced to run for their lives into the wild depths of the Forest of Arden.
However, in that harsh, lyrical wilderness, they discover an unexpected freedom, and as their anarchic love story unfolds, Arden bursts into summer. Maria Aberg directs following her riotous production of King John in the Swan Theatre as part of the World Shakespeare Festival. Music for the production is composed by Laura Marling. The English musician has been nominated twice for the Mercury Music Prize and won the Best Female Solo Artist at the 2011 Brit Awards." When? July ' 13 Where? Stratford Upon Avon, England Why? A trip out to the home base of the venerable Royal Shakespeare Company (and Shakespeare's own home) was a must for this trip. Well? Something I've discovered about myself over the past several years of intensive theater-going is that I really most enjoy Shakespeare when it's interpreted in quirky, or at least out-of-the-box ways. I know that's not the case for everyone; many really revel in the most traditional productions. But, for me, this production of "As You Like It," with its mix of contemporary touches, a fantasy feel and still with some hard edges, was perfect. Original music was composed by Laura Marling, an award-winning British musician, and her melodies were perfect for the ethereal feel of the set and the actors themselves. The revolving part of the set worked so well when the action moved exclusively to the forest, and the "dirt" pit in the stage from the first act became a full covering of the stage for Act II, giving just the right sound as the actors walked around the woods. But mostly, it was the two actors playing Rosalind and Celia who stole my heart. They had a special rhythm to their relationship-mirthful, loving and synchronized perfectly. Pippa Nixon (Rosalind) made the most handsome cross-dressed woman I've ever seen (I heard others remark on that as well), and completely owned the duality of her character. I sincerely hope I have the chance to see her in another production sometime. I've never forgotten the RSC touring production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" I saw while living in Melbourne, all jewel tones and billowy, abstract set pieces; and I feel certain I'll remember this one with the same wonder. |
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Dirty DancingWhat? From the show website: "Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs, including “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey Baby”, “Do You Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life”. Don’t miss Dirty Dancing, back in the West End at the Piccadilly Theatre."
When? July ' 13 Where? The Piccadilly Theatre, West End, London Why? I thought it only fitting that I see a show on my last night in London, and this seemed like a fun choice. I loved the movie, and had heard that there was a stage production, so now I can satisfy my curiosity! Well? There's always that show that I'm not sorry I've seen, but realize my life would not have been the less had I skipped the experience. "Dirty Dancing" was that show for me on this London excursion. It was a faithful staging of the movie, and the actor playing "Baby," Jill Winternitz, oozed charm and charisma. However, I found several of the other actors to be either too stiff or overly animated. This might have been somewhat the fault of choppy scene shifts, and the decision to not have the leads sing, but instead to have singers at microphones to the side of the stage for several of the numbers. So, it was fun and frivolous, and the audience seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, but unless you're a true devotee of the movie, I think it's not a must-see. I did had a nice chat with the women sitting next to me before the show and during the interval. They were old friends from the UK and Australia, and were delighted to be at the show together. They were still exclaiming with enthusiasm all the way out of the theatre behind me, so I can safely say that this crowd was pleased :). 
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(photo courtesy of theatre website)
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SpinWhat? From the show website: "Faded pop star Evan coasts through life hosting an obscure television show and enjoying meaningless flings. However, when a surprise daughter and grandson arrive on his doorstep, Evan must choose between the gift of family and the glittering appeal of fame. Based on the film Speedy Scandal, Spin is a humorous, charming and heartwarming tale about what really matters in life."
When? July '13 Where? Signature Theatre, Arlington VA Why? I dearly love discovering new shows; particularly musicals. It's such a rush to see a work in development~enjoying it for what it is at the moment, and imagining the potential. Well? It really is so great to see new work. Eric Schaeffer, Signature's Artistic Director, introduced the show with a bit of explanation as to what we'd be seeing in this "siglab" production; e.g., the costuming would remain the same throughout the show, the set was the "Company" set, adapted for the show, and the purpose of the "lab" production was to give the creators of the show the chance to see a fully-staged view of their show with that critical audience reaction. The show has a lot of potential for a bigger production, I think. I enjoyed James Gardiner's "faded pop star" a great deal. He's such a likable actor, and seems to have good chemistry with a wide range of lead actresses as well. The staging was very ensemble-friendly, meaning that it showcased all the actors on stage, not just the leads. I walked away clearly remembering almost the entire cast, which is definitely not always the case. I also walked away interested in seeing an extended production sometime down the road! |
(photo courtesy of NYMF website)
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Legacy FallsWhat? From the show website: "LEGACY FALLS is the side-splitting new musical that dishes the dirt on soap. Will there be hirings and firings? Will there be backstabbing and bitchiness? Will there be romances and hair-pulling catfights? Will there be a slightly unrealistic onscreen earthquake? Yes…Yes, there will be. Tune in to this tuneful frolic through the on- and off-screen drama of America’s favorite daytime soap opera, LEGACY FALLS!."
When? July '13 Where? New York Musical Theatre Festival Why? Soap operas? New musical comedy?? Sign me up :). Well? So.much.fun. And lots of heart. Loved the cast, who each embraced the wonderful silliness and madcap storyline celebrating the stereotypical dishy daytime drama world. There are grounded themes too...aging, life choices, real-life love, public personas, etc. But it's mostly just fun. The music is catchy, clever and I still had the songs in my head the next day (in a good way! :)). Definitely wish I could see it again! 
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StandbyWhat? From the show website: "A musical about making connections, finding love, and traveling on. Five strangers meet in an airport standby line and must decide among themselves who deserves to get on the next flight. They soon realize that this is no ordinary airport and their meeting is by no means a coincidence. With a pop-rock score, this musical reminds us how interconnected we are!
STANDBY is an Official Selection of the New York Musical Theatre Festival 2013 Next Link Project, and will be debuting in New York City this summer as a part of the festival." When? July '13 Where? New York Musical Theatre Festival Why? I've been following the development of this show for a while (thanks Twitter!), and made sure I got up to NYC to see it during the Festival. Well? This show blew me away. It was surprising, emotional and very, very human. The cast has a phenomenal chemistry and great voices that do justice to a really lovely score. I will watch out for each of these actors in future projects, especially Darren Ritchie (who I had seen previously in the short-lived "Wonderland") and Alex Goley. I was happy that I didn't really know the premise of the show before I saw it, so I'm not going to spoil it here. It wouldn't have taken away from how much I loved the show, but it was great to discover it along with the characters. Suffice it to say that if you get a chance to see this show, take it. Whether you love it, like it or don't care for it, it's an intriguing and substantive experience! 
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Pre-Act II stage activity: P.J. Adzima & the team (left); Susan Blackwell and Benjamin Howes confer (right).
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What? From the show website: "Midsummer returns mid-summer! Synetic’s wildly popular, Helen Hayes Award-winning “silent Shakespeare” rendition of the bard’s finest comedy is back for a limited time. Don’t miss this fantastical, darkly playful game of love, mistaken identity and the supernatural.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream was nominated for nine Helen Hayes Awards in 2010, including Outstanding Lighting Design: Andrew F. Griffin, Outstanding Sound Design: Konstantine Lortkipanidze, Outstanding Costume Design: Anastasia R. Simes, Outstanding Choreography: Irina Tsikurishvili, Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Play: Irakli Kavsadze, Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Play: Alex Mills, Outstanding Director, Resident Play: Paata Tsikurishvili, and Outstanding Resident Play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream received the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Play." When? July '13 Where? Synetic Theatre Company, Arlington VA Why? My experience with Synetic's silent and splashy (literally) "The Tempest," last season was such a delightful time, that this was an easy decision. I fell in love with MND as a child, and take any interesting opportunity to see a production. Well? Great fun, and a memorable Shakespeare experience for sure! I realize, after seeing two "silent" productions of Shakespeare works by this theatre company, that the stories of these plays are now more permanently imbedded in my memory because of the engagement required in following a story with your eyes only. I love the fact that the audience was one of the most quiet I've experienced recently, particularly for a comedy. It seems people were enthralled, and loathe to miss a moment! |
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What? From the show website: "New York City Center goes Off-Broadway with Encores! Off-Center, a new musical theater series led by artistic director Jeanine Tesori. Off-Center features seminal Off-Broadway musicals filtered through the lens of today’s most innovative artists.
I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road created a sensation when it premiered in the late 1970s. In it, a former pop star ditches the romantic songs of her past and attempts a comeback by performing personal songs that reflect women’s changing roles and attitudes. The show stoked the fires of feminism, not only with its joyous rock score proclaiming empowerment for women, but because of its female songwriting team—a rarity in musical theater then and now." When? July '13 Where? New York City Center Why? I have never forgotten seeing, and loving, this show in 1981 at Ford's Theatre in DC. I've always wanted to see it again, and am thrilled NYCC is staging it this summer. Well? It was truly emotional to hear these songs again. Renée Elise Goldsberry is just stunning, in voice and on-stage personality. I thought the set was well done; especially for a concert-style presentation. The supporting cast, including one of my favorites, Christina Sajous (Forever Dusty), and Jason Rabinowitz, who I loved in One Man, Two Guvnors as part of the in-show band, The Craze, was also wonderful! Also a thrill to have the creators of the show, Nancy Ford and Gretchen Cryer, take the stage for the final bows! P.S. As a real treat, we went to a follow-up cabaret at 54Below, that featured works by women composers, including performances by Ford and Cryer. This event introduced me to some new music that I really enjoyed; especially the song "I Sing of Artemis" by Shaina Taub (currently in the cast of Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812). That performance literally blew the roof off the place, and rendered us speechless after. The video below is of a different performance of the song, but will give you a taste :).
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What? From the show website: "Mixing classic musical comedy with a dash of Agatha Christie, everyone is a suspect in this house of eccentric characters unfazed by the dead body on the floor. But this whodunit comes with a killer twist: one actor investigates the crime, the other plays all thirteen suspects, and they both play the piano! This madcap mystery will tickle the ivories and your funny bone."
When? July '13 Where? Second Stage Theatre, Uptown Why? I do love Second Stage productions, and the fact that this one has Scott Schwartz directing (yes, he's Stephen's son :)) made for a quick decision. Well? A pleasant diversion with some really wonderful piano artistry! The constant shifting of characters done well by a single actor is always a wonder to behold, and this show has that in spades. |
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The Explorer's ClubWhat? From the show website: "THE EXPLORERS CLUB is a new madcap comedy from Tony-nominated writer Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), directed by Marc Bruni (Old Jews Telling Jokes) and featuring the most ferociously funny cast in New York.
London, 1879. The prestigious Explorers Club is in crisis: the acting president wants to admit a woman, and their bartender is terrible. True, this female candidate is brilliant, beautiful and has discovered a legendary Lost City, but the decision to let in a woman could shake the very foundation of the British Empire, and how do you make such a decision without a decent drink? Grab your safety goggles for some very mad science involving deadly cobras, irate Irishmen and the occasional airship." When? July '13 Where? New York City Center Why? I was so happy they extended this show just far enough that I could fit it in! It was one I knew I'd be sorry to miss! It also has one of my favorite comedic actors, Carson Elrod, in the cast! Well? LOVED THIS SHOW! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, and wish I'd joined this "club" much sooner so that I could have managed a return visit, preferably bringing everyone I know with me :)! It was often hard to know which actor to watch at any given moment because I was so reluctant to miss any bit going on from these talented performers. A bonus was that we were invited to take photos of the fabulous set, which I happily did!
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Nobody Loves YouWhat? From the show website: "The new musical comedy Nobody Loves You follows a philosophy grad student who auditions for - and surprisingly finds himself cast on - a reality TV dating show, all in an attempt to win back his ex-girlfriend. But when an unexpected on-set love connection threatens to ruin his plan, manufactured drama collides with real emotion in this original new musical.
Nobody Loves You had its world premiere at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre in the summer of 2012. Charles Isherwood of The New York Times called Nobody Loves You, “Consistently witty…a delightful chamber musical” while Margaret Gray of the Los Angeles Times called it “fresh, pertinent, and very, very funny,” and Terry Teachout of The Wall Street Journal said the show is “Crisp, smart and impeccably accomplished…one of the best musicals of the season.” When? July '13 Where? Second Stage Theatre Why? I had Flex Pak tickets for Second Stage that I was able to use for this show; and I say again...I love new musicals!! Well? A fun premise with charismatic performances made for a great show! Rory O'Malley as the "blogger" and deadpan roommate of each of the leads stole the show. I'm also a big fan of Lauren Molina, and loved seeing her in the role of unpredictable and hilarious contestant on the titular dating reality show. And I will never complain about the chance to see Leslie Kritzer on stage! :) |
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Castle WalkWhat? From the show website: "It’s 1938, RKO is making "The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle" with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and they’ve hired Irene Castle herself to be an advisor on the film. Torn between her wish to honor her late husband and the director's desire to bring in the movie on time and under budget, Irene sifts through a lifetime of memories – and some of the most romantic dance sequences ever created."
When? July '13 Where? New York Musical Theatre Festival Why? Timing was right and subject matter was right up my alley! Well? There's definitely potential in this story. I really enjoyed the framework of flashbacks, done well by the cast; especially the young Irene, played by Stephanie Rothenberg and adult Irene, Lynne Winterstellar (who won a Festival award for her performance). Importantly, the dancing was excellent!! 
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(photo courtesy of NTLive website)
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What? From the show website: "Helen Mirren (Hitchcock, The Tempest, NT Live’s Phedre) reprises her Academy Award winning role as Queen Elizabeth II in the highly-anticipated West End production of The Audience, broadcast as part of National Theatre Live.
For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace – a meeting like no other in British public life – it is private. The Audience breaks this contract of silence – and imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional – sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. From young mother to grandmother, these private audiences chart the arc of the second Elizabethan Age. Politicians come and go through the revolving door of electoral politics, while she remains constant, waiting to welcome her next Prime Minister. The Audience reunites writer Peter Morgan (Skyfall, Frost/Nixon) and Helen Mirren following their collaboration on the critically-acclaimed movie sensation The Queen. Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours) and presented in the West End by Matthew Byam Shaw for Playful Productions, Robert Fox and Andy Harries." NT Live enters its fourth season, broadcasting HD performances of National Theatre plays onto cinema screens around the world. Each listed presentation will be performed live in London, filmed in high definition and presented exclusively by the Shakespeare Theatre Company. To learn more visit NationalTheatre.org When? July '13 Where? Sidney Harman Hall, The Shakespeare Theatre Company DC Why? This show was not available to me during my trip to London, so I'm really happy to see it, albeit not-quite-live :). Well? What a marvelous night! I had my doubts about whether I would still feel as if I was having a theatrical experience, but I really did. For the most part, the camera work emphasized the stage as a whole; and because it was being broadcast live at the time, it kept the feeling of immediacy you get when sitting in a theatre. Helen Mirren is just a master of restraint in her performance, and had chemistry with each of the actors portraying the parade of Prime Ministers with whom she met. |
