broadwayblogette

The Mountaintop

2011-12-13T07:21:00.000-08:00

The Mountaintop tells the story of the last day of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. While it is a fictional version, it is still very moving.

I have to admit that I went into the show a Samuel L. Jackson fan, and while I was impressed with his ability to morph into Dr. King, I was most impressed with Angela Basset's powerful performance as Camae, a maid in the Lorraine Motel. Katori Hall addresses and deals with the imperfections that made Dr. King human, and showed his strength and vulnarabilities all at the same time. While I felt that the ending became more preachy than was necessary, I also left the show awed by Jackson and Basset's performance, and pondering the tragedy of a life cut too short.

Other Desert Cities

2011-12-09T12:10:00.000-08:00

Of all of the shows I have seen this year, Other Desert Cities has been one of the best. When Brooke Wyeth (Rachel Griffiths) returns home to Palm Springs to spend the holidays with her parents (Stockard Channing and Stacy Keach) she agonizes over how and when to tell them her next book is coming out, and address the family secret it focuses on. Her brother (Thomas Sadoski) and Aunt Silda (Judith Light) are there to celebrate and watch the drama unfold. The play written by Jon Robin Baitz captures the struggles between parents and children, old Reagan hollywood, and the essence of Palm Springs perfectly. While Griffiths, Keach and Sadoski all do a phenomenal job, it is Channing and Light that steal the show with their comedic timing and fabulous one liners. This is a show you absolutely have to see if you want to laugh, cry, and feel just a little bit better about your own disfunctional family.

The Book of Mormon

2011-08-25T04:23:00.000-07:00

I have been out of town so I will be catching you up on all of the wonderfu shows I had to see this summer over the next week. The first one, and major Tony Award Winner was The Book of Mormon.

When I heard that The Book of Mormon was nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, I wanted to see for myself if the guys from South Park really could compete with the best of broadway. Somehow I just didn't believe that it could possibly be worthy of all of the praise the show was receiving...but I will be the first to admit I was wrong.

Not only will The Book of Mormon provide you with countless laughs, and too many "did they really just do that?" moments. The show is filled with technically skilled actors, singers, and dancers as well, so in addition to laughing at the politically incorrect humor you also have the chance to marvel at the incredible talent on stage. Josh Gad (Elder Cunningham), and Andrew Rannells (Elder Price) were terrific in their comedic ability, as well as their surprisingly powerful voices and stage presence. Nikki M. James (Nabulungi) who won a Tony Award for her performance is also worthy of praise for her amazing singing chops, but the performer who stole the show was Rory O'Malley (Elder McKinley), who was also nominated for his performance. O'Malley has the most unbelievable comedic talent, and he can make you laugh until the point of tears while he's singing and tap dancing. I have seen very few people who can manage do keep you entertained in so many different ways, all at the same time.

So what's my verdict? Go see this show. It's absolutely a must do, not only because you will laugh until you cry, but because the songs will stay with you for weeks to come, and whenever you think about it, you won't be able to keep yourself from cracking a smile (It's been months since I have seen the show and I still do).

Sister Act

2011-06-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

If you are expecting the fabulous motown hits and continuous humor of Sister Act the film, rent the movie, and stay away from the play.

The first thirty minutes of this show dragged on, the crowd was bored and antsy, and it seemd like a crude and uneventful evening was in store for everyone. But eventually the plot, acting, and music began to pick up, thanks to Marla Mindelle and Chester Gregory II, and I have to say it ended with a bang. However, I went in anticipating more Whoopi Goldberg pizazz and humor...and left very dissapointed.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

2011-04-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been so busy that I haven't had a chance to write a review of How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. I really wanted to make sure I conveyed what an absolutely wonderful experience it was, and felt I really needed to sit down and write about it once I had the time.

First let me begin by saying I have never seen the Harry Potter movies, so my only exposure to Daniel Radcliffe was in his role in Equus on Broadway. While I was impressed with Equus, I was absolutely blown away by the talent he showed in How To Succeed...not only is he a phenomenal actor, but his singing and dancing abilities make him an incredible all around showman. It is the only show I have ever been to where there was a standing ovation before the final act, and that was largely because of Radcliffe's abilities to entertain and wow the audience. Although he doesn't deserve all of the credit becuse he was helped by having John Larroquette, Rose Hemingway, Tammy Blanchard, Christopher J. Hanke, and Rob Bartlett supporting him along the way. The entire cast played their roles to a tee, and together they were one of the bests casts I have seen in a musical on broadway in a long time. I was beyond impressed, and whether or not you love Harry Potter, broadway shows, or musicals, this is absolutely worth seeing and one of the best ways to spend an evening in New York City.

Brooke Shields Headed to Broadway Again

2011-04-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

According to the Hollywood Reporter Brooke Shields is set to replace Bebe Neuwirth in The Addams Family on Brodway. Once she joins the cast I will have to check it out to see if the show has changed.

That Championship Season

2011-03-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last week I went with family and friends to see a showing of "That Championship Season". It was very entertaining, and had a star filled cast, but drug on a bit too long. The show, about a group of men coming together with their former basketball coach to relive their high school basketball glory days, starts out promising. However, the humor gets lost as cheap sex and racist jokes continued for far too long. Keifer Sutherland and Brian Cox showed tremendous talent onstage, but Jim Gaffigan, Christopher Noth and Jason Patric just seemed like they were trying a bit too hard. There were beautiful moments of humor, substance and chemistry, but they were a bit too few and far between.

Lombardi

2011-03-04T05:42:00.000-08:00

Last night I was fortunate enough to catch a showing of "Lombardi" on broadway. I was interested in seeing the show because of the incredible cast, while my father was interested because it focused on a football legend. Neither of us was dissappointed.

The audience (that featured several recognizable NFL players) is treated as if they are part of the tean, with bright stadium lights shining on Dan Lauria (as Lombardi) as he points, rants, screams, and lectures in the style of the unforgettable Vince Lombardi. He is one of the few actors, who is able to really become the character, and his talent is equally matched by Judith Light's as she plays his witty and understanding wife Marie. Whether you are a football fan, a packers fan, or a broadway show fan, this is a show worth seeing. You will be thoroughly entertained, and get to see an incredible cast at work, playing out one of the greatest stories in football history.

Once Heads to Broadway

2011-01-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

Popeater is reporting that the film "Once" is heading to Broadway:

no details on casting have been announced. It will be very intersting to see how this gets adapted for the stage.

Tom and Gisele Take in a Broadway Show

2011-01-10T14:11:00.000-08:00

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen went to see a showing of Lombardi on Saturday night Radar Online is reporting. I have heard the show is spectacular, and it's no surprise the famous quarterback was interested in seeing it. I love it when stars support Broadway by either starring in a show, or going to see it.

Driving Miss Daisy

2011-01-09T10:53:00.000-08:00

I know it is no longer running, but I realized I never wrote up a review for it, and it was such a special experience I really wanted to share it with everyone.

It is rare to see a legend perform in person, let alone two, and having both James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave on stage at the same time was an unforgettable combination. Their immense talent made the story even more moving, and as captivating a show as I have ever seen. I went in blind, having never seen the film, and was of course brought to tears by the ending. I wish it had had a longer run, so that more people had been able to catch watch both of these immensily taltented actors give an incredible performance.

Good News for Broadway

2011-01-04T12:54:00.000-08:00

The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked have all posted record grosses. I have to say I have been a bit concerned at the lack of attendace at Broadway shows I have attended recently, but I am glad to know that so many shows are doing well!

On another note, with school picking up, and the holidays I have been bad at updating this blog, but I have some reviews to add and promise to be more attentive.

xoxo

La Bete on Broadway

2010-11-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I took my fiance to see La Bete on Broadway, he is a huge David Hyde Pierce fan, and I love both of his costars in the show; Joanna Lumley (of Absolutely Fabulous) and Mark Rylance (Tony Award Winner). Unfortunately both of us left disappointed.

The show opens with a brilliant monologue performed by Mark Rylance, but it went on for 45 minutes, which is about 30 minutes too long. While it showcased his talent, and Pierce was able to play off of it with a few dialogue inserts and some physical comedy, it was more irritating than entertaining. However, the show picked up speed in the final hour, but by the time Lumley walked on stage I was already annoyed and tired.

While everyone in the casts talents is commendable and impressive, I wouldn't be able to recommend this show to anyone because ultimately I found it incredibly boring and long winded, but I blame the playwright, not the actors.

Broadway Stars Fight Against Leukemia Ends Sadly

2010-11-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Broadway World is reporting that Shannon Tavarez, the 11 year old Lion King star whose search for a bone-marrow match made national news, and caught the attention of several celebrities has passed away. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time.

A Life in the Theater

2010-10-07T04:41:00.000-07:00

I hate to start off the season with a bad review, but I have to.

When I heard A Life in the Theater was opening I was thrilled. A show written by David Mamet, and starring Patrick Stewart, T.R. Knight, how could it be anything but perfection? Well, for starters, the show itself was bland, and boring. If it weren't for the talent of both of the stars, and the brief comedic interludes, it would have been difficult to sit through. Both Stewart and Knight did the best they could with a surprisingly bland storyline about two character actors. The best part of the show were the moments when Knight and Stewart were playing "bad actors" on stage in funny costumes and even funnier situations. It was, in short, a show only saved by the stars, which is disappointing because I expected so much more from the writer.

One reader on New York City Theater Said it best, "two tolerable actors only made this tolerable and not total misery."

Inspirational Broadway Story

2010-07-19T05:10:00.000-07:00

My reviews for Million Dollar Quartet and Lend Me a Tenor are coming soon but I wanted to share this inspirational broadway story I found on aol with all of you. It is so good to hear about others stepping up to help out a little girl, regardless of whether or not she is a broadway star.

This Fall Two Icons Will Take the Stage Together

2010-06-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about this news:

James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave will be starring in a Broadway production of Driving Miss Daisy this fall.

Broadway Dancer Leaves Show

2010-06-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

It is being reported by the New York Post that broadway dancer Angel Reed left the hit show Rock of Ages because she is pregnant with the child of the show's star, Constantine Maroulis.

Helen Hunt Headed to Broadway

2010-06-15T19:30:00.000-07:00

Another celebrity is heading to the great white way. Helen Hunt will be joining Our Town from July 6th through August 1st.

American Idiot

2010-06-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Before delving into my review of the show there are a few things you should know about me:
1. I do not consider myself a Green Day fan (although because of my age, I am, of course, very familiar with their music)
2. I did not grow up in the suburbs. In fact, I grew up in one of the most liberal cities in America.
3. I am very thankful I am not quite old enough to have had my high school years filled with flannel and grunge.

That having been said, I thoroughly enjoyed American Idiot. Having seen Spring Awakening several times, I knew that Green Day's music worked well in the theater, and I find their songs to be more moving in the format and context of a broadway show. If you are a Green Day fan, then you are in luck, the story is told almost entirely through their songs, with very little dialogue in between. Although I wish they had developed the plot more clearly, including more singing and less talking made the show fly by and feel as if it ended too soon.

The cast which includes John Gallagher Junior, Tony Vincent, Stark Sands, Michael Esper and Rebecca Naomi Jones is full of talent, and do a phenomenal job conveying the trials and tribulations of America's youth. An aspect of the show that I didn't anticipate and really appreciated was that the angst of suburban teens was shown for the ridiculous, often needless feeling that it is. It certainly wasn't dismissed, but it wasn't taken too seriously either. The show did, however, highlight some problems that do define that particular time period: drugs (specifically heroin) and teen pregnancy.

As I said before, I didn't grow up in the suburbs, so maybe I just don't get it. But if growing up in a place with matching houses and manicured lawns is the worst thing that happens to the youth of America, then I think they've had some pretty nice lives. There is also a particular agenda being pushed in the show, one that isn't being honest about everything that happened during that time period. I certainly don't feel that the show can be one that represents our generation, but it is one that people of all ages can enjoy.

Fences Review

2010-06-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

It is no surprise that people line up outside of the Cort Theater an hour before showtime. Most of them already have their tickets in hand, but simply can't wait any longer to see the shows star, Denzel Washington, shine in person. After viewing Fences, I can assert that they will not be disappointed. The shows website sums it up best as "a monumental drama and an intimate family portrait". We get a glimpse at the life of the Maxom family, particularly Troy (Washington), whose bitterness about his past and fears about his future begin to weigh on his wife Rose (Viola Davis) and son Cory (played by understudy Jason Dirden the night we viewed the show). Tense, emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking the show will make you laugh, cry, or even shout (as some members of the audience did). The performances by Washington and Davis are really that powerful, and complimented not only by the talent of the rest of the cast but the superb set design.

This show is one you shouldn't miss, and it's limited engagement ends July 11.

Ricky Martin Headed to Broadway

2010-06-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Ricky Martin is heading to Broadway to star in Evita . The only problem? We will all have to wait until 2012 to catch a performance. I am already counting down the days...

Annie Returning to Broadway

2010-06-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

It has just been announced that a revival of Annie will appear on Broadway in 2012 . So exciting. I cannot wait to see who plays one of America's most beloved musical characters!

Jerry Seinfeld Comes to Broadway?

2010-06-03T03:40:00.000-07:00

Kind of. He will be directing Colin Quinn's one man show, Off-Broadway for an 8 week engagement starting June 18th. To read all about it click here .

Zach Braff is Headed to Broadway

2010-06-03T03:39:00.001-07:00

Zach Braff is heading to Broadway. He is set to star in the Paul Weitz directed show Turst beginning previews July 23rd at Second Stage Theater. To read more about the show click here .

Memphis-The Musical

2010-06-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

It is very hard for me to put my thoughts on Memphis The Musical into words, perhaps that's because ever since I saw the show all I have wanted to do was sing. The story of Huey Calhoun, a man who wants to experience the best and most soulful music, and Felicia, a beautiful black lounge singer, and the difficulties they face because of their relationship during the 1950's is incredibly moving. However, the talent brought to the stage by Montego Clover (Felicia), J. Bernard Calloway (Delray), James Monroe Iglehart (Bobby) and Cass Morgan (Momma) combined with the beautiful music, makes the story even more powerful. A mixture of rock 'n roll, gospel and blues music radiates throught the show, and brought people to tears at some points, and to their feet to dance at others. While I do believe that I am biased because of the time I spent in the city of Memphis (my connection to the city felt even stronger when I heard it described so well in the lyrics), you do not have to have known this city to enjoy the musical. In fact, seeing it may just help you find the "music of your soul" and give you a chance to experience a bit of what this enchanting place has to offer.

La Cage Aux Folles

2010-05-04T17:34:00.000-07:00

La Cage Aux Folles has opened once again on Broadway, and while I was not around to catch the 1983 version, this one is a fun, fabulous experience. Starring Kelsey Grammer as Georges and Douglas Hodge as Albin the story interchanges between the Cage Aux Folles nightclub and the touching and yet often hilariously dramatic scenes that unfold as Georges son plans to introduce his fiances conservative parents to a scaled down "normal" version of his parents. The music, the costumes and the setting really make you feel as if you are in the middle of the action, and Grammer shines as the charming and entertaining nightclub owner and Hodge is the perfect balance by playing the emotional and vulnerable Albin. The show was very well thought out-from the pink chandeliers all over the theater to the disco balls hanging outside and the fun and talented drag queens welcoming you inside and performing amazing dancing routines throughout the show-to ensure that you will have a memorable and fantastic time.

Sting to Co-Write Broadway Musical?

2010-05-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

Sources are saying that Sting is going to pen his first broadway musical. I cannot wait to hear more about it.

Tony Award Nominations

2010-05-04T12:15:00.001-07:00

The Tony Award Nominations are here! Click here to check them out!

We will be counting down the days until June 13!

Stars Taking in Broadway Shows-sightings

2010-05-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

The NYPost is reporting that NY Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez and Jamie Lynn Sigler were spotted takin in David Mamet's Race last Thursday night. It's a great show, I am sure the enjoyed it.

Next Fall

2010-04-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

I was a little biased walking into Next Fall, becauseI believe that everything Elton John does is pretty brilliant. Thankfully, I was not dissapointed. This is the first non-musical that he and husband David Furnish were involved in and after seeing it I can see how the powerful script must have moved the pair into becoming producers.

Ben Brantley put it best when he stated it was the "funniest hearbreak in town". The characters act the way real people do in a time of crisis, and the use of humor as a way to cope provided the necessary breaks of laughter. Luke (Patrick Heusinger) the nearly distractingly beautiful closeted lover of the very neurotic hypochondriac Adam (Patrick Breen) is in the hospital. His parents played by Connie Ray and Cotter Smith aren't aware that he's gay, but friends Brandon (Sean Dugan) and Holly (Maddie Corman) are. What ensues as they are all in the waiting room is a mixture of real time drama and Adam's recollections of his relationship with Luke. It will break your heart, make you laugh, and most importantly reflect on what faith is and what that means for the people who love us. I highly reccomend this show, the cast is perfection (they all seem to really be their characters) and the script is moving and an important depiction of the lovely and difficult moments that are a part of real life.

The Addams Family

2010-04-29T14:33:00.000-07:00

The dark and bizarre life of the Adams Family is now the focus of a broadway show starring Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth.

I wanted to love it, being a huge Nathan Lane fan, but it fell flat. The acting was great but the script was poorly thought out and the music was simply awful. This does not mean that there was a lack of laughter and applause in the audience, but I am sure that most, if not all, of the people there that night were not New Yorkers, and that this had to be their first Broadway show. The humor was silly and their attempts at being politically relevant and risque by making jokes about healthcare and Bush were simply other examples of trying too hard.

I had read a review that stated that the show was a "waste of talent" and I couldn't agree more. The only entertaining moments were when Jackie Hoffman was on stage playing Grandma brilliantly, and when Krysta Rodriguez (playing Wednesday) was on stage singing. It was thrilling to see Lane and Neuwirth on stage, but the lack of substance in their dialogue and awful lyrics quickly made that thrill quixkly dissapear.

Red

2010-04-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is an absolute must see for any art lover. The show invites you into Mark Rothko's studio as he takes on one of his greatest challenges and struggles to accep his fame and a new generation of artists. Rothko (played by Alfred Molina) and his assistant (played by Eddie Redmayne) prep canvases and discuss his theories, accomplishments and fears. The intellectual discourse and subject matter of the play make it not suited for everyone, but if you love Rothko, modern art or art in general than it will be a powerful, memorable and rewarding experience.

Disclaimer:
As I said, please make sure you know what the show is about. When the woman behind me turned to her husband and said "I thought Mark Rothko was a cubist?" my friend and I both cringed. Something tells me the show was lost on her.

The Miracle Worker

2010-04-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

It has been several weeks since I have seen The Miracle Worker , and since it closed, but wanted to catch up and write a little note about it.

With Abigail Breslin and Allison Pill starring in the show I was very surprised to learn that it would be closing so soon after it opened, but after seeing it I understood why that was. While Breslin was able to o a phenomenal job of playing the deaf, blind and frustrated Helen Keller it was simply too difficult to watch all of the grunting and thrashing around. The story was beautiful, and the supporting performances by Pill, Matthew Modine, and Jennifer Morrison were remarkable and yet the show isn't something I could reccomend anyone else trying to sit through.

Promises Promises Review

2010-04-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

With Sean Hayes and Kristen Chenoweth as the stars in this revival, there isn't too much more that needs to be said about Promises Promises. It's a comedy based on the Billy Wilder film The Apartment and takes place in Manhattan in the 60's. The music is enjoyable, the physical comedy and timing of Sean Hayes is beyond spectacular, and Kristen Chenoweth shines as usual. Tony Goldwyn and Katie Finneran were also wonderfully entertaining in different ways. Goldwyn brought the sex appeal and fun while Finneran brought in quite a bit of hilarity. While the show was a bit too long, that is the only complaint you will get out of me. Even the costumes and set designs were fantatic. I highly reccomend it.

Next to Normal wins Pulitzer Prize for Drama

2010-04-13T19:19:00.000-07:00

Next to Normal won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. I have to admit when I saw it I thought it was going to be a dark comedy, but it's a tragic and relatable depiction of a womans mental illness, it's cause, and it's effect on her family. It is incredibly moving, and certainly worthy of the prize. I along with most of the audience was in tears by intermission.

Fela Review

2010-03-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

When it comes to summarizing the way Fela makes you feel, the New York Times put it best:

""There should be dancing in the streets. When you leave the Eugene O’Neill Theater after a performance of “Fela!,” it comes as a shock that the people on the sidewalks are merely walking. Why aren’t they gyrating, swaying, vibrating, in thrall to the force field that you have been living in so ecstatically for the past couple of hours?""

It's definitely a different experience and something that I wouldn't have chosen to see on my own, but I have to say I enjoyed learning about Fela Kuti, his family and his music. It's an inspiring tale about the founder of afrobeat, someone who stayed true to themselves in spite of so much opposition and sacrifice. Even though everything he went through can be, at times, difficult to bear there is still something so beautiful and positive about his story that you leave feeling somehow better for the experience. And if you're like me you left really wishing you could dance.

Sad News

2010-03-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

I know I still owe you a review for Fela, Mr. & Mrs. Fitch, and Promises, Promises but I wanted to let you know of some sad news. June Havor has passed away. I have to say although she had a long Broadway career I knew her as the character "Baby June" in Gypsy the musical based on the memoir of her sister Gypsy Rose Lee. The New York Times has a lovely article about her life, to read it click here

Time Stands Still

2010-03-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

If any of you have not had a chance to catch this show...you should hurry! It's closing at the end of the month and is definitely worth seeing. Although it deals with some heavy topics the phenomenal writing and brilliant acting allow the audience to absorb it without leaving feeling damaged. The always phenomenal Laura Linney plays Sarah, a photographer, who was wounded by a roadside bomb while in Iraq. Her longtime lover James, a reporter, had left only weeks earlier and due to guilt and his dedication to her helps her to recover and heal. Richard (Eric Bogosian) a longtime friend occasionally stops in and visits and brings his new girlfriend Mandy (Alicia Silverstone) who often brings the lighter moments but also the most poignant and important points into the story as well. Silverstone shined in this role, and although there were some quirky similarities to Cher in Clueless she proves that she can hold her own with some of the greatest Broadway actors of our time.

Valerie Harper Shines in Looped

2010-03-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

She answered her front door naked. She went out in public without underwear long before Paris Hilton and Britney Spears were even born. She was promiscuous, reportedly smoked 100 cigarettes a day, drank and used drugs to excess and is in my opinion one of the most quotable women of all time. Would I like to spend an evening with Tallulah Bankhead? I can’t think of anything more fabulous, thankfully because of Looped I was able to do just that.

When shows or films are made about famous personalities the acting often becomes impersonation, thankfully, Valerie Harper’s portrayal of Tallulah Bankhead in Looped is far from that. I have always been a fan of the outspoken, infamous, and entertaining legend and was afraid I would leave the show disappointed. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The show is based on a true event in 1965 when Bankhead, in an altered state, arrived to rerecord a line of dialogue for her final film with Steve a sound editor (Brian Hutchinson) and an anxious and reserved film editor (Michael Mulheren). What ensues is an hour and a half of drama filled with the outrageous, comedic quips and antics that defined Bankhead’s life. While her story, and quotations are entertaining enough on their own to make seeing the show worthwhile, Harper embodies Bankhead’s voice, style, and personality so well you actually feel as if you feel you did get to spend an evening with one of the most legendary and naughty stars of all time. This is absolutely a must see.

Reviews

2010-03-08T17:21:00.000-08:00

This weekend I had a chance to catch Fela with some great friends who were in town for the weekend and will be catching Time Stands Still and Looped later this week so make sure to check back for reviews!

Private Lives Opens Today in London's West End

2010-03-03T06:53:00.000-08:00

Will you be in London? If I were you I would try to catch Private Lives starring Kim Cattrall and Matthew McFayden. Noel Coward's comedy about two former lovers who end up honeymooning with their new spouses right next door to each other will certainly be a hit with these stars.

www.privatelivestheplay.com

A Behanding in Spokane-Review

2010-03-03T06:48:00.000-08:00

A Behanding in Spokane

I have been struggling to write this review because it is so difficult to put into words what made this show so phenomenal. Each member of the cast gave a perfect delivery of Martin McDonagh's bizarre tale about Carmichael, a one armed man (played by Christoper Walken) searching for his hand. Sam Rockwell as Mervyn, Anthony Mackie as Toby, and Zoe Kazan as Mariyln did a wonderful job of playing off of Walken's delivery of a creepy yet likeable psychopath. They made this outlandish show believable, and engaged the audience in a way that no other show I have seen has been able to do (except for perhaps the original cast in God of Carnage).
While I do not want to give too much away, I will say that the humor involved in the show is far from PC and grotesque to say the least, but the audience never once stopped laughing and the crowd gave an enthusiastic standing ovation. I plan on going back at least one more time to share this experience with my mother and sister and I suggest all of you-who think you can handle it-catch it before it's run ends.

A Behanding in Spokane

2010-02-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

I am going to see A Behanding in Spokane tonight with a good friend so check back this weekend or Monday for the review. I have a feeling it's going to be amazing because of the great cast-Anthony Mackie, Christopher Walken, Sam Rockwell and Zoe Kazan!

Ragtime

2010-02-18T12:23:00.000-08:00

Based on E.L. Doctorow's novel of the same name, this show takes you back to the beginning of the 20th century when "anything was possible and Ragtime filled the air". I first saw it and fell in love in 1998 when it featured stars like Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marin Mazzie, Audra McDonald and Lea Michele. I knew as soon as President Obama was elected, this show would make a comeback. It's focus on Women's and Immigrants rights, and the struggle of African Americans would make it seem a poignant and important revival.
As someone who came to the show recalling the power of the first time it made its Broadway debut, I did not leave dissapointed. While there were changes in the set design (more ornate and realistic to minimal and abstract) and the song choices, the powerful voices of Quentin Earl Darrington, Christiane Noll and Stephanie Umoh were enough to romance me all over again. The story itself is so powerful the minimalism of the background really allowed you to focus on what matters, the talent of the actors and the purpose of the show. Some critics said the show "lost its steam" but its simply because nothing compares to the original, and sometimes that's ok.

While Ragtime has closed on Broadway the national tour will begin this July so make sure to check and see if it will be coming to your area soon!

A View From The Bridge

2010-02-02T07:55:00.000-08:00

   Arthur Miller's "A View From the Bridge" opened recently to rave reviews. With Liev Schreiber and Scarlett Johansson as the headliners it was sure to become a success, but I can tell you that success is very richly deserved.
   After seeing Schreiber a few years ago in "Talk Radio" I came to the theater expecting a majestic performance, and was not disappointed. He played Eddie Carbone with every ounce of his mind, body and soul. In fact, he didn't just play him, he became him. Cliche as it may sound, there is no other way to describe it, you could see the character's hard life flow out of him and you could feel the conflicting emotions he experienced obsessing over how to hold on to his niece Catherine, played by Scarlett Johanson.
   To me Johanson was the biggest surprise of the show. While the range of acting she chooses in each part can become a bit redundant in her films, her transformation into Catherine on Broadway was superb. She was the perfect partner to Schreiber and while nothing is a match for the painfully brilliant way he portrayed Carbone, her internalization and radiance of Catherine's warmth and naivete was nothing short of spectacular. However, Jessica Hecht's portrayal of Beatrice is just as deserving of a headline and praise. I have been a huge fan of her work and because her role did not garner as much media attention was delighted to find her a part of the show. The way she brought out the love, jealousy and irritation Beatrice had for Eddie and Catherine was an intricate and beautiful part of Miller's story and a commanding focal point for the audience.
   There are three other cast members who deserve recognition and mention; Michael Cristofer as Alfieri who brought the element of foreshadowing and stomach wrenching anticipation to the show in a truly genuine and important way. You could feel his trepidation and remorse radiate from the stage as he told the story of Eddie Carbone. Morgan Spector as Rodolfo and Corey Stoll as Marco were also equally important at bringing in the comedic element to bring balance to Miller's tragic tale and were also amazingly believable as Beatrice's Italian cousins.
   Overall, I believe that this is a show you shouldn't miss during it's limited engagement. Not because of the star power, but because of their talent, and the entire teams ability to draw you in and engaged you in a story that makes you face the age old question of what is right, wrong, just and unjust even when it you think it's too much to bare.

A View From the Bridge is playing at the Cort Theater thru April 4th
To Purchase tickets click here
(photo via the show's website)

Welcome

2010-01-31T15:29:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I am fairly new to the world of blogging, I started Shabby Chic Blonde as a way to manage all of the information I was finding out there about weddings, travel, fashion etc. and chronicle my passions because they are the passions of so many but I wanted to start this blog to focus on my one true love-Broadway Theater.

I hope it will be a place to find Broadway Show Reviews and Recommendations as well as Broadway News and Schedules.

xoxo