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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 6, 2017 2:51:33 GMT
Cats**** ($86 TKTs)
As this again after seeing this last year and originally planned to see Miss Saigon, one of those limited choice Monday night shows. I do enjoy this show, even though a lack of story, who would have thought that T.S. Eliot poetry could be beautified when set to music, however this wasn’t the London Palladium production, that had a certain Nicole Scherzinger in it and other subtle changes were made, but not for the better, such as the Absents of the giant cats eyes projection when Grizabella goes to the heaven side lair.
The Band’s Visit*** ($40 Rush)
This reminded me a lot of Dear Evan Hansen which went on to win the Tony, which this one will more than likely will, as with DEH I feel I should have loved it, more than I should, but didn’t move, in a way that Come From Away did (tomorrow night again). A lot has been spoken of Tony Shalhoub and every seem to be agreement that he will bag a Tony, he gave a fine acting performance, but didn’t really sing a song, so can you really give a Tony to best actor in a musical that does’t really sing a song? Conversely Katrina Lenk does and she is fantastic. Couldn’t see this coming to the West End, where I could see Dear Evan Hansen, Come From Away and Waitress will.
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 6, 2017 2:56:47 GMT
I love fhat her name is now Eileen. Made me laugh! "Come on Eileen" haha I don't follow Miss Saigon closely enough to know casting (though weirdly I'm seeing the tour tonight) But I agree with Ali that there's justification for Asian-American Ellen. In fact it seems perfectly reasonable that Chris might come home and end up with a woman who reminds him of Kim. Yes, in the original the 'whiter than white' Ellens act as a contrast to Kim, but in a show that doesn't have the best track record in terms of racism, actually an POC as Ellen actually adds something I think. Got nothing against Colour blond casting, but in this case it didn’t work, would you really get someone of Vietnam origin in Atlanta in the 1960’s? Reminded me of when I saw a Korean kid play Billy Elliot in Chicago a few years back, looked very strange. |
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Post by ali973 on Dec 6, 2017 8:15:02 GMT
Shalhoub doesn't sing at all if I recall, at least not an actual song but might sing a short verse while singing on a bench (or am I mixing that up with the film?). At any rate- he commands the stage and is the moral compass of the story, but in a way it wouldn't be fair to other competitors if he gets nominated, as they utilize a lot more in terms of singing and dancing than he does.
I think Katrina Link has her Tony bagged and ready to go.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2017 10:03:18 GMT
"Come on Eileen" haha I don't follow Miss Saigon closely enough to know casting (though weirdly I'm seeing the tour tonight) But I agree with Ali that there's justification for Asian-American Ellen. In fact it seems perfectly reasonable that Chris might come home and end up with a woman who reminds him of Kim. Yes, in the original the 'whiter than white' Ellens act as a contrast to Kim, but in a show that doesn't have the best track record in terms of racism, actually an POC as Ellen actually adds something I think. Got nothing against Colour blond casting, but in this case it didn’t work, would you really get someone of Vietnam origin in Atlanta in the 1960’s? Reminded me of when I saw a Korean kid play Billy Elliot in Chicago a few years back, looked very strange. Well firstly, yes it's entirely possible. Vietnamese people DID emigrate to the USA in albeit very small numbers before 1975. Ellen could be the child of academics, foreign service employees or any other quirk of life or emigration. We could also, as the casting for Miss Saigon doesn't take only Vietnamese actors, stretch it using our imagination and assume this Ellen (as played by an actress) might be Chinese-American or any other East-Asian ethnic origin. So even if we take it literally, given the show is about race so we can't look at it colour blind, I'd still say yes, Ellen could be of Asian ethnicity. As for Billy Elliott the point of colour blind casting seems to have sailed right past you there... |
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 6, 2017 18:09:22 GMT
Atlanta has a massive Korean population, the biggest in the world outside Korea. Chris could’ve gone with someone that reminded him of the Kim, but that doesn’t really fit in with the narrative of the story, as I said earlier Chris went with a white American, to show he has mentally moved on from Vietnam, that is why all the original productions was done this way.
When I watched the miner strikes in the eighties with comrade Scargill, I don’t recall anyone on the picket line coming from South East Asia?
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 8, 2017 4:01:20 GMT
The Partisian Women** ($96 TKTs)
A play about politics set in Washington DC, add a bit of sex and sprinkle in a few clever one liners and you have just another Broadway play, that is also quite forgettable. I wasn’t blown away by Uma Thurman either.
Come From Away***** ($300 ouch)
I saw this last year in Toronto and I loved it, review posted earlier in this thread. Well you can change your opinion on a show, cant you? Well now it has landed on Broadway - I loved it even more!!! This show set would make Chicago’s look state f the art glamorous, all what there is are fake trees either side of the stage, 3 neon signs a few tables and chairs, that houses 12 actors, every role is ensemble, no lead roles here and 8 musicians, it is that simple and a musical that has the audacity to tell a story about 9/11, nerves maybe still a bit raw, Well New York has kind of moved on, especially when a story is told beautifully about a small community in Nova Scotia and how their altruism makes a pleasant heart warming musical, not of people’s grieving but human love and endeavour and makes you feel good to be part of the human race.
This will be playing Broadway for a long time and then it could easily switch to off Broadway, as Avenue Q, Rent and Jersey Boys have, that why I think it will be in the West End sooner than later and will do very well.
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 8, 2017 4:20:08 GMT
Annie**** ($30 Papermill Playhouse)
Led by 2 very fine Broadway actors in Beth Leavel and Christopher Sieber. Annie is what it is - a simple, but enjoyable musical, with several great songs, that’s why it is such a worldwide smash.
Spongebob** ($30 Rush)
Wasn’t really looked forward to seeing this show, seeing the show didn’t improve this, a musical that featured a squid, more like a damp squib. This musical had all the hallmarks of a co-oporate stamp all over it and had the feel of a show designed in a meeting room over lattes and donuts, just chuck a mega insane amount of money at it and we can tick a few more boxes, as long as it is recorded on that spreadsheet. The leads Ethan and Gavin were enjoyable and the set was quite elaborate, but didn’t blow me away, enjoyed the part either side of the stage, that was reminiscent of the game mousetrap. At the finale they had to send the audience out on the sidewalk, with bubble machines, streamers, confetti canons and giant beach balls being kicked in the audience, that shows you how twee and ostentatious this show is. However the song by Aerosmith rocked, so did the skateboarding rocked.
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 10, 2017 5:02:39 GMT
Madame Butterfly**** ($30 Rush)
If you were going to catagorise this play, you would pop it into the box labelled strange, it was a weird one alright, but also insanely very enjoyable.
Kinky Boots***** ($75 TKTs)
Saw this again after originally seeing this when it first hit Broadway, unforunately Stark Sands was out, fortunately he was in today and very good, so was Billy Porter who blew me away a few years back and thought his performance was tremendous, I was saying on social media that we needed to have Billy reprise his role in the West End, who new we had the brilliant and exceptional Matt Henry!!! Great show with a thumping score by Cyndi Lauper.
Book of Mormon***** ($69)
Surprised late substitute, as Time and the Conway has completed its Broadway run. Lost the lottery but the box office offered me a good deal on a box seat, not the best view, but who is complaining for 69 bucks. Show same as the West End including the 3 leads: Nic Rouleau, Brian Sears and Stephen Ashfield, still one of the best shows ever, that puts a guilty smile on my face, Stephen Ashfield was tremendous and got the biggest cheer at the curtai. Call, the Midtown crowd know their actors, the other 2 leads not the best I have seen, by a long chalk.
Tomorrow a 3 Show day with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Rush), Miss Saigon (Rush) and Waitress (Rush).
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 12, 2017 19:10:59 GMT
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory*** ($98 Discount Code)
So version 2, which has been stripped back considerably for Broadway, never thought I would say that, isn’t always the other way round? Like Version 1 didn’t blow me away, but I did enjoy several elements, even though the second show of composing, didn’t improve on the first attempt, which was lacklustre then. Christian Borle looks like Gene Wilder from the 1971.The Broadway production has been designed to tour.
Miss Saigon***** ($40 Rush)
Now the full cast are back except for John, this was a lot better, I always thought that Eva and Jon Jon are excellent, when they were in th West End company, thought Katie Rose Clarke who played Ellen was brilliant and convincing.
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 14, 2017 7:43:17 GMT
Waitress***** ($110 Discount Code)
Second time seeing this and still love this, for no other reason than Sara Bareilles’ excellent score, could see this coming to the West End and doing well.
Los Angeles
Spamilton**** ($30 Rush)
You cannot take this musical too seriously, rule 1 commands you not to, just a light hearted send up of your favourite shows, I expect this to be the next musical at the Menier Chocolate Factory, where the team behind this have had good success before.
San Francisco
A Christmas Carol**** ($60)
Seeing this as Aladdin have decided not to do a midweek matinee this week, so saw this instead at the American Consevatory Theatre, which turned out to be a pleasant afternoon, of a story we are all too familiar with, but still love regardless.
Bright Star***** ($90 Tix)
The real reason I came to San Francisco, I was already very familiar with the scojre, from being on constant loop on Spotify, but unfamiliar with the book, which just blew me away, it was awesome, added to that you had Carmen Cusack who is a real force of nature and who also blew me away and some more. You know when you have seen something special, when as you about to leave, you make eye contact with a guy in the next row, no words are exchanged, but you both subliminally know you ha e seen something special. Hope this also ends up in the West End.
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 18, 2017 21:03:08 GMT
Back to Los Angeles.
Something Rotten*** ($80)
Seen this twice on Broadway already, if I had a choice of shows, like I did in New York, I could easily skip this, as it is mildly enjoyable, even though the humour, can easily switch been highbrow to childish.
Hamilton**** ($250)
Loved Lin-Manuel’s score, the book is very interesting as it is a history lesson how America was found and how the British managed to lose this part of the empire, the cast was amazing and had so much energy, that Red Bull could sponsor this, but I didn’t leave the theatre emotionally challenged and exhausted like I did for Bright Star.
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum*** ($45)
Up in Burbank, where I guess the Americans wold label this as regional theatre, again mildly enjoyed this musical that I have never seen before.
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Post by ali973 on Dec 19, 2017 3:39:41 GMT
I hate you/jealous. Come back. Because I'm jealous.
Can't wait to do this in June.
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Post by eatbigsea on Dec 19, 2017 20:57:54 GMT
Come From Away***** ($300 ouch) This show set would make Chicago’s look state f the art glamorous, all what there is are fake trees either side of the stage, 3 neon signs a few tables and chairs, that houses 12 actors, every role is ensemble, no lead roles here and 8 musicians, it is that simple and a musical that has the audacity to tell a story about 9/11, nerves maybe still a bit raw, Well New York has kind of moved on, especially when a story is told beautifully about a small community in Nova Scotia and how their altruism makes a pleasant heart warming musical, not of people’s grieving but human love and endeavour and makes you feel good to be part of the human race. Love love love the 5 stars and so envious of all your experiences, but as a Newf I must point out that Come From Away is set in Newfoundland, not Nova Scotia. We get so little praise, let us have this one! (Nova Scotia helped out on 9/11 as well, but they didn't have the same town/arrival disparity that Gander did). |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 20, 2017 22:29:32 GMT
Enjoy reading your reviews PoL. Can I ask, do you buy tickets ahead and pay those prices or do you go for the rush? You seem to have a lot of it planned ahead.
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Post by Phantom of London on Dec 21, 2017 1:44:58 GMT
I bought zero tickets in the UK, so therefore bought every ticket in the US. Cheaper if you wait until the last minute a good example of this is Hello Dolly, where if I bought in advance they would’ve charged me $600 a ticket, waitied until Friday evening and bagged a ticket for $243.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Dec 21, 2017 18:06:58 GMT
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Post by 49thand8th on Dec 31, 2017 22:36:46 GMT
I LOVED Hello Dolly but I would never spend that.
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Post by Phantom of London on Jun 26, 2018 18:15:07 GMT
Landed back from New York yesterday.
This season, seems the season for the revival and jukebox, only 1 new musical seen on Broadway. Also the year for the Dame with Ms Glenda Jackson and Ms Diana Rigg on the Great White Way.
The Iceman Cometh***
Not the best show to see on the day I landed, it is long and convoluted and required full attention, but attracted by the 50% off on TKTs I enjoyed it though. Another star vehicle for Denzel Washington who was fine, but for me the stage was a better landscape with Colm Meaney there.
My Fair Lady***
A very expensive ticket for a production of My Fair Lady that was not as good as Cameron Mackintosh's and Sheffield Theatres' productions. Diana Rigg was great for as little she was in it, Lauren Ambrose was pleasant without being superb, could think of better Broadway actresses who would have done better, meanwhile Harry Hadden-Paton acted to the best of his ability.
Carousel****
Preferred this than My Fair Lady, where I snagged a rush ticket. Still not a superlative production of a superlative musical. Joshua Henry was brilliant in this, as was Renee Flemming. Jessie Mueller was alright but not a stand out.
Half Time**
Took a trip to the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn for a Thursday matinee to see a Broadway aimed musical, that doesn't belong on Broadway, the book was unexciting but predictable and the music was pedestrian.
Angels in America*****
Saw both parts Thursday/Friday evening, a great play that is now a legitimate classic, the production wasn't as good as the National's run as it seemed to miss Russell Tovey and Amanda Lawrence. Nathan Lane and Andrew Garfield deserved their Tonys, as did the play for best revival.
Three Tall Ladies***
Glenda Jackson was great, though I thought Laura Metcalfe was better, in a play that did exactly nothing for me.
Hello Dolly****
Bernadette Peter's surprised me in this, as never really rated her before, she was mesmerizing in this, but didn't have Bette Midler's star quality. Nice to see Charlie Stemp on Broadway.
Mean Girls****
Hardest ticket for me to get. Legally Blonde part 2 but with Tina Frey's very smart book, as did Legally Blonder, this one raises the bar further.
A show like Anastasia and Dear Evan Hansen where 75% of the show is on a USB stick, so for that reason and that it is selling well, will see it come over to the West End, would say this is a perfect fit for the Piccadilly
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 25, 2019 2:13:56 GMT
Back in New York which for me is a very delayed visit, due to having a major operation in February, so some shows I wanted to see have closed, as you always get the ubiquitous June cull after the Tonys. The plus side is that Moulin Rouge is in previews/opening. Which is a show I wanted to see and saves me another trip back to New York later this year, as nothing else really grabs me in the fall openings.
Not seeing Frozen or Mockinbird as these have been confirmed for the West End. Knocked back Hadestown, as I saw this twice at the National. Ain’t Too Proud which I love to see, but will be in London soon, as this is the new Jersey Boys. Wicked is playing a Friday matinee, which ordinarily I wouldn’t see this show, as not terribly keen on it, but it’s a bonus show for my schedule and gives me another chance to see the Gershwin Theatre.
Tootsie*** $80
This one surprised me as how much this didn’t blow me away, as I have really enjoyed listening to the cast recording. People raved about Robert Horne’s Tony award book, however this left me scratching my head, as it came across as something written for television chat show, rather than theatre, which I’m ashamed to say, because I really like Robert, as he did a great interview with Elaine Paige. David Yazbeck score sounded familiar, all his music seems interchangeable with his other shows, cannot tell you why though, as not trained in music?
Saw this on my first night in NYC, which is always a challenge as it is a long day.
Mean Girls**** $80
Saw this again, as I really enjoyed it last year, this must be the biggest ‘G’ hit on Broadway. Tina Frey who didn't. As I said from last year 75% of the set is on a USB stick, that why it has been all but confirmed it is coming over, also SF is at the helm, which will ensure its passsage to the West End.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2019 15:50:56 GMT
Is your comment about Ain’t too Proud based on anything you’ve heard or an assumption (based on its similarity to Jersey Boys)? Not criticising, as I’m aware that’s how it reads, but honestly curious and can’t think of a better way to word it...  |
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 26, 2019 17:08:45 GMT
Assumption by looking at the grosses and the creative team behind it.
Moulin Rouge**** $172
If set design was measured in calories this would come in at a hefty 5000, not including syrups sprinkles. All your favourite and familiar songs to tap your foot to. Sure this story has been done before has it? A pair of star-crossed lovers. Performances very good, the 2l leads, despite Karen winning a Tony haven’t done too much on Broadway. I get the feeling this is the one to beat come the Tony, but will get beaten.
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Post by raider80 on Jul 26, 2019 19:07:42 GMT
I think Karen Olive left the business for a while to raise her family somewhere near Chicago. She really didn’t do a lot between West Side Story and Hamilton Chicago. I’m happy she’s back!
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Post by 49thand8th on Jul 26, 2019 20:33:30 GMT
I think Karen Olive left the business for a while to raise her family somewhere near Chicago. She really didn’t do a lot between West Side Story and Hamilton Chicago. I’m happy she’s back! Here's a 2014 story about Karen Olivo's move to Madison, Wisconsin: www.nytimes.com/2014/07/01/theater/why-karen-olivo-left-the-big-city.htmlMs. Olivo’s last job before leaving town was in the Off Broadway production of “Murder Ballad,” a physically demanding show that, she said, ultimately broke her down. “I knew it was going to be hard, but I did not expect it to be as hard as it was,” she said. “I had just split with my second husband, and I had a lot of emotional baggage.” She decided, she said, to step off the treadmill.
One from the local Madison news when she was doing Hamilton in Chicago: www.channel3000.com/entertainment/a-tale-of-many-cities-hamilton-star-calls-madison-home/315202984Olivo plans to move back to Madison once her contract with "Hamilton" is up and pick up where she left off. She said she’d like to do more directing and writing, but said her true purpose is teaching.
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 26, 2019 23:13:37 GMT
What the Constitution Means To Me**** $110
If there was ever a more urgent play, then this is it, in a a nationalist tmes of Trump, written and performed by Heidi Schreck, who comes across as a very smart cookie.
The Phantom of the Opera**** $100
Again a Thursday matinee as the only musical to play Broadway at that time. If Beauty and the Beast was still playing the Papermill, which also does Thursday matinees, also if other Broadway shows did Play I would be there instead. However The Phantom of the Opera, is what it is and what it says on the tin and has been haunting Broadway for 31 years. A great score set to a story which touches the soft side of the heart. Could do a lot worse for a Thursday matinee.
Oklahoma**** $88
The Circle in the Square has taken the look of a barn, but not in a bad way.
The Tony winning Ali Stroker is brilliant in this, as Ado Annie, in fact I would have given her 2 Tony awards, just for the heck of it.As for the show itself it certainly has stood the test of time, since the last revival next door, where Hugh Jackman was absent, as Equity wouldn’t allow him to come over, boy haven’t Times change" Will Brill and Damon Daunno also brilliant, as were the whole cast.
When I heard the ballet on the cast recording, 8 thought it sounded terrible, but in the theatre, it seemed to come alive.
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Post by Phantom of London on Jul 29, 2019 2:10:18 GMT
Wicked** $100
Who does love Wicked? Well maybe me and I see to be in a minority of just 1!! For all Stephen Schwartz great songs and it is a spectacle to behold with Eugene Lee Tony award staging, however the many times I have seen it, it just doesn’t seem to float my boat or should that be broomstick. The book seems to drag this down, the book it is based on is far superior. The only reason I saw this was because it was doing a bonus Friday matinee, don’t know why though? Great to go to the Gershwin Theatre again, first time since 2007.
Beetlejuice** $40 (Rush)
Alex Brightman is brilliant and one June he is going to me anointnted, when he finds that brilliant role. This one isn’t it, really got into this in the first halve, but then it stared to leave me cold. The score quite frankly isn’t great and the story is a lot too be desired.
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