Scene: May '12
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Nice Work If You Can Get ItWhat? From broadwayworld.com: "This new musical features a veritable hit parade of iconic George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin songs as well as some unknown gems in their catalog, and a book by Joe DiPietro. NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT follows Billie Bendix (Kelli O'Hara), a tough-as-nails bootlegger who meets wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter (Matthew Broderick) on the weekend of his nuptials. Mayhem ensues."
Read more When? May, '12 Where? Imperial Theatre Why? Matthew Broderick. Kelli O'Hara. The Gershwins. Well? The reason to see this show is Kelli O'Hara. She is just a joy to watch and even more wonderful to hear sing. The plot is fun and appropriate to the setting and music, but it's the cast that makes it work at a higher level. The supporting players in Michael McGrath and Judy Kaye make you smile every time they come on stage and Estelle Parsons is such fun in her last minute appearance. My expectations for Matthew Broderick were really high and I'm not sure those expectations were met, but he's so likable and there's chemistry between he and Kelli, so it works. I did not care for the portrayal of "Eileen" by Jennifer Laura Thompson and I'm not sure why...I think her timing was off the night I saw the show and lines that I thought should have gotten laughs did not. But this is a classic, fun song and dance show and I enjoyed it immensely. |
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The ColumnistWhat? From the show website: "He was beloved, feared and courted in equal measure by the Washington political world. But as the ‘60s approached and American culture entered a time of dizzying change, the intense political drama Joe was embroiled in became deeply personal as well. Tony® and Emmy® Award winner John Lithgow takes on the role of Joseph Alsop in The Columnist. David Auburn, whose Pulitzer- and Tony-winning Proof dazzled audiences and critics alike, returns to MTC with this fascinating new play directed by his Proof collaborator, Tony winner Daniel Sullivan."
When? May '12 Where? The Samuel J Friedman Theatre Why? I've always wanted to see John Lithgow on stage; but growing up in Washington, DC has given me a particular interest in the subject matter: I well remember hearing of Joe Alsop and his impact on journalism. Well? John Lithgow's performance left me overwhelmed. I found it brilliant in its vulnerability, passion, restraint, courage. The writing was fantastic; edge-of-your-seat tense and fascinating. The liberties taken with the actual happenings in Joe Alsop's life were seamlessly woven with accurate elements. Boyd Gaines as Stewart Alsop, was also wonderful...I've been a fan for a long time and this was really a great, great performance. It was important that he make the character accessible to balance his brother's sharp edges. |
Show website
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Once A New Musical (2nd time, first for friend)
What? From the show website: "once is the celebrated new musical based on the Academy Award®-winning film. It tells the story of an Irish musician and a Czech immigrant drawn together by their shared love of music. Over the course of one fateful week, their unexpected friendship and collaborationevolves into a powerful but complicated romance, heightened by the raw emotion of the songs they create together. Brought to the stage by an award-winning team of visionary artists and featuring an ensemble cast of gifted actor/musicians, once is a musical celebration of life and love: thrilling in its originality, daring in its honesty... and unforgettable in every way."
When? May '12 Where? Bernard Jacobs Theatre Why? I know I'll want to see this show multiple times and this is one friend with whom I particularly wanted to share the experience. A mutual love of Irish music and storytelling, and of the movie, should make for a lovely evening. Well? I don't think the magic of this show will ever fade for me...the story is such a gentle, raw look at human connections; and the music is lovely, and woven expertly into the action on stage. One of my favorite parts is the lyrical, unique movement that amounts to the choreography for the show. The actor/musicians entwined with their instruments and each other, while expressing the emotion of the moments is mesmerizing. |
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One Man, Two GuvnorsWhat? From the show website:
"Bob Boyett and The National Theatre of Great Britain present the comedy sensation ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS, winner of the Evening Standard Award and the Critics' Circle Award. Breakout comic actor James Corden (The History Boys, BBC's "Gavin & Stacey") stars as Francis Henshall ("ONE MAN"). Always famished and easily confused, Henshall agrees to work for a local gangster as well as a criminal in hiding ("TWO GUVNORS"), both of whom are linked in a web of schemes, extortions and romantic associations... none of which Francis can keep straight. So he has to do everything in his power to keep his two guvnors from meeting, while trying to eat anything in sight along the way. Simple. Falling trousers, flying fish heads, star-crossed lovers, cross-dressing mobsters and a fabulous on-stage band are just some of what awaits at the most "deliriously funny" (Daily Telegraph) play to cross the pond in decades. Directed by Tony® and Olivier Award winner Nicholas Hytner, Richard Bean's side-splitting comedy arrives on Broadway this spring, straight from a sold-out run in London's West End." When? May, '12 Where? The Music Box Theatre Why? The buzz about this show was over the top, and I was intrigued. It was a smash in London, so it will be fun to see how it plays here. Well? This was nothing but fun, fun, fun. I would classify this as classic British humor with broad farce and loads of physical comedy. James Corden lives up to the accolades. He's got charm for days and the required fearlessness for this kind of comedy. My favorite element of the show, however, was the "throwback" band, The Craze, created for the show; four likable, talented musicians with a great sound who opened the show and second act with sets of infectious songs (available on iTunes: One Man Two Guvnors) and provided music during the action. |
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GodspellWhat?
When? May '12 Where? Circle in the Square Theatre Why? First visit to see Corbin Bleu in the role of Jesus and first time visit for the friend who accompanied me. Well? Corbin brings a different energy to the role and my friend really was impressed and greatly entertained. He has a lovely voice and a solid, less playful, more grounded presence. I probably still prefer Hunter Parrish's take on it, but they're each highly enjoyable and worth seeing. As with "Once," I don't think the joy and exuberance of this show will lose its appeal for me. It hasn't for many years and this production only solidified the love. |
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EvitaWhat? Andrew Lloyd Weber & Tim Rice's musical about the life of Eva Peron, wife of the President of Argentina in the late 1940s and a political and cultural leader in her own right.
When? May, '12 Where? Marquis Theatre Why? I have not seen Evita on stage since the original touring production in 1981 at the National Theatre in Washington, DC. I really do love the score and songs for this show. And I might be one of the few people who honestly doesn't care that it's Ricky Martin as Che. It will be fun to see him, but he's not the reason I'm going to the show. Well? There was much I liked about this production, but I honestly was not fond of Elena Roger's Eva. I found her voice to be uneven; better when she was stationary (as in "Don't Cry for Me") but shrill during numbers involving movement. I enjoyed Ricky Martin as Che, and Michael Cerveris as Juan Peron; and I loved the set and staging. Although my friend did not like the tango choreography in the opening "funeral" number, I actually thought it was a great transition and representative of the character of Eva Peron. I haven't recommended this over other shows playing right now, but if you love the music of "Evita" as I do, this will not disappoint you. |
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The Music Man
What? "76 trombones in the big parade..." This famous story of the con man and the librarian who tries to reform him takes place in the fictional town of River City, Iowa in the early 1900s.
When? May '12 Where? The Fichandler, Arena Stage, Washington, DC Why? This is just a great story with great songs and Arena did a fantastic job with "Oklahoma" last season. I don't think I've ever seen this show on stage. One of my niece's good friends is one of the child actors in the show, so that will be a fun bonus for both of us. Well? The cast and their performances are the highlights of this show. The leads are likable and, more importantly, believable. This show has a number of children and "teens" in the cast, and to a young actor, they were all wonderful-particularly the dancing done by the young adults. As with Oklahoma!, one of Arena's strengths is in its staging and I enjoyed the moving set and effective use of the Fichandler (in the round). My only disappointment was the slight update in era for this production and the subdued color palette, which I thought made it feel a bit flat at times. My young theater pal (my 13 year old niece) loved the show, especially the music. |
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Midsummer Night's DreamWhat? You know the story :): Fairies, lovers, royals, actors, potions, weddings, mistaken identities and plays, all converge in the forest on a magical evening.
When? May, '12 Where? Classic Stage Company, off Broadway Why? This has long been my favorite of Shakespeare's plays. I read it in grade school and saw a magnificent production of it by the Royal Shakespeare Company while I was living in Melbourne, Australia. This production has the added draw of featuring Bebe Neuwirth and Christina Ricci. Well? This has now tied with the production I saw in Melbourne as my favorite ever of this play. I so appreciate unexpected wit and cleverness in the staging of shows and this had it in spades. From the soft-earth floor of the set that you had to step on to get to your seat (and immediately began your journey to the woods), to the glass-paneled back wall that opened now and again to release actors, props, etc., to the costumes (minimal as they were at many points), this was such fun. The company seemed as if they were enjoying every minute and Christina Ricci was particularly delightful. |
Show website
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NewsiesWhat? From playbill.com: "Based upon the real-life New York City newsboy strike of 1899, this high-energy musical tells the story of a band of teenaged newspaper boys who become unlikely heroes when they take on the biggest names in publishing. Their battle for justice and fair pay rocks the city of New York and sparks a movement for social change."
When? May, '12 Where? Nederlander Theatre Why? Well? The news? It's FANTASTIC!! This is definitely the show for you if you're a fan of virtuosic dancing...the cast features several alumni of the television reality competition show, So You Think You Can Dance, and the sets, cast, music, choreography (Tony-nominated) are all top-notch. It's also for you if you like classic song/dance musicals with a good story. I will be seeing this again no doubt and expect I'll find even more to like the next time :)! |
Show website
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Clybourne ParkWhat? From the show website: "Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize and London's Olivier Award for Best Play, CLYBOURNE PARK is the wickedly funny and fiercely provocative new play about race, real estate and the volatile values of each.CLYBOURNE PARK explodes in two outrageous acts set 50 years apart. Act One takes place in 1959, as nervous community leaders anxiously try to stop the sale of a home to a black family. Act Two is set in the same house in the present day, as the now predominantly African-American neighborhood battles to hold its ground in the face of gentrification. Honored, acclaimed and completely uproarious, this hot new property is the most talked-about play of the season." Where? The Walter Kerr When? May '12 Why? Great word of mouth from its LA run & it won the Pulitzer. Well? So powerful. I find I often say that about plays that can deliver a punch and still make you laugh. Somehow that seems so true to how life goes so often. This is such a clever premise about the transition of a neighborhood over the years and how, while we talk about gentrification and reclaiming and transitioning, the real story is that these are real people who live in these homes. They are not just buildings, they hold the souls of their owners and renters over the years. The cast is top notch; especially Annie Parisse and Jeremy Shamos. And the much-lauded set transformation over intermission is truly a marvel. You are harshly yanked forward in time as soon as the lights go up and yet somehow it feels right. It deserved the Tony. |
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The Best Man (2nd time; first w/friends)What? From the show website: "Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN is about the race to the presidency, as two front-runners vie for their party's nomination in the midst of backstabbing, double-crossing, dirty-dealing and all the games politicians play. It's a roller coaster ride of twists and turns which make for the most entertaining and fun night in the theatre this season!Two-time Tony Award® and Academy Award® winner James Earl Jones and five-time Tony Award® winner Angela Lansbury head the cast in Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN. The acclaimed company also includes Tony® and Emmy® winner John Larroquette, Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Candice Bergen, Emmy® winner Eric McCormack, Tony® nominee Kerry Butler, Tony® winner Jefferson Mays and Academy Award® nominee Michael McKean."
Where? The Booth Theatre When? May '12 Why? As I saw the show first in previews, I was interested to see how it had evolved since opening. Well? I thought each cast member's performance was richer and the show did seem tighter. I loved it the first time and just as much this time. The story is gripping and still so relevant. |
Show website
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HarveyWhat? From the show website: Golden Globe and Emmy Award® winner Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory”, The Normal Heart), Tony® and Emmy Award nominee Charles Kimbrough (The Merchant of Venice) and Tony Award nominee Jessica Hecht (A View from the Bridge) return to Broadway in Mary Chase’s Pulitzer Prize–winning comedy, Harvey. Parsons stars as one of modern theatre’s most lovable characters, Elwood P. Dowd. Charming and kind, Elwood has only one character flaw: an unwavering friendship with a six-foot-tall, invisible white rabbit named Harvey. In order to save the family’s social reputation, Elwood’s sister Veta (Jessica Hecht) takes Elwood to the local sanatorium. But when Dr. William Chumley (Charles Kimbrough) mistakenly commits the anxiety-ridden Veta, Elwood—and Harvey—slip out of the hospital unbothered, setting off a hilarious whirlwind of confusion and chaos as everyone in town tries to catch a man and his invisible rabbit.
When? May '12 Where? Studio 54 Why? Well? This is one show with charm to spare...Jim Parsons is just a treat to watch onstage; his gentle humor and endearing persona shines in this play, and he more than makes you believe in the existence of his pal, Harvey. The staging is clever and while I didn't relate to all of the actors in the cast, the important one is Jim Parsons, and he more than makes up for any slight missteps. Also, I saw only the 3rd performance of the show and would expect everything to mature as it continues. I'd enjoy seeing it again; if for no other reason than to spend some time with its seen and unseen main characters. |
Show website
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Lonely I'm Not
What? From playbill.com: Prepare ye for Godspell, the beloved classic from Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin). Enjoy all the gifts of one of the most enduring shows of all time as it returns in a brand new, intimately staged production. Join the celebration as an ensemble of Broadway’s best performs the greatest story ever told. This timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love has touched the hearts of countless theatregoers all over the world. Raise your spirit with the Tony-nominated score filled with the popular hits "Day By Day," "Learn Your Lessons Well" and "Turn Back, O Man."
When? May '12 Where? Second Stage Theatre Why? Each time I go to this show it's a unique and special experience; it changes with the people I go with (or whether I go on my own) and this time, it's one of the original cast member's last performance. Well? A unique and surprisingly charming play. One of the most interesting sets I've seen in a while (sleek, tech-y and multidimensional; it had to handle disparate scenes and action simultaneously and worked well). Topher Grace and Olivia Thrilby have an amazing chemistry and presence on stage. I really liked the characters even when they were behaving badly :), and cared about what happened to them. As I always say, if I find myself thinking about the play and its characters long after I've left the theater, something worked. |
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4000 MilesWhat? From playbill.com: After losing his best friend while they were on a cross-country bike trip, 21 year-old Leo seeks solace from his feisty 91 year-old grandmother in her West Village apartment.
When? May '12 Where? Why? It's been well-received and I love this venue at Lincoln Center. I also really love Mary Louise Wilson who's one of the stars of this production. Well? Mary Louise Wilson is just a treasure. She can break your heart and make you laugh at the same time. This is a small cast with a huge heart. The story is intriguing and comical and painful and heartwarming and hopeful. The healing love between a grandmother and her grandson is a precious kernel of a story that touches other lives as well. I especially liked the patience with which Amy Herzog (the playwright) reveals the details of the story so that you understand the layers of emotion being portrayed. I spoke with Mary Louise Wilson after the show and she shared that the story is based on Amy's grandmother and how much Wilson loved meeting her and portraying her on stage. |
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A Servant of Two Masters
What? From the theater website: "Delightful and delicious, The Servant of Two Masters is filled to the brim with music, dance and laughter. Mayhem erupts when a wily servant hatches a crafty scheme to double his wages by serving two masters at once."
When? May '12 Where? Shakespeare Theatre Company, Washington DC Why? After seeing "One Man Two Guvnors" (see above) which is the same story foundation, I wanted to see it done in a different way. Well? Laughafterlaughafterlaughafterlaugh...you get the picture...this was one funny show! It followed the same basic structure as "One Man..." in the commedia del arte genre, but was loosely set in Elizabethan England with present-day jokes and pop culture references. The audience with which I saw the show literally belly-laughed more often than not, and I give the credit to a cast that milked every comedic moment and had impeccable timing. Particularly deserving of praise are Steven Epp (Truffaldino, the "Servant") and Rachel Spencer Hewitt (Beatrice, the disguised-as-her-brother leading lady)...both were responsible for a lion's share of the fun. |
