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Post by mamaleh on Jul 31, 2012 8:04:51 GMT -5
I read on a Broadwayworld.com message board that the new edition of FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, which I'm seeing tonight, contains a bit on Hugh. I remember during the the '03-'04 season they had a number called "The Boy Who's Odd," but I'm hoping this one is more up to date. Will report back.
Edit: See Sk"hugh"ered in Forbidden Broadway thread.
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Post by ADMIN on Aug 1, 2012 9:28:58 GMT -5
I'm guessing that grandmajune hit the "Report to Mod" button in error while attempting to post a reply yesterday. Here's the "report" I received:
[Reported by grandmajune on Yesterday at 9:07pm for the following reason:] [/i][/blockquote] Just came back to the new "forum" - Hi Ellen (also Hi to Carol, "Foxie") - Saw Carol Channing "Larger than Life" special and it is terrific! She is amazing and even older than I am!!! My sister is waiting for it from Netflix and I will probably see it again. (Glad to be back - I've been fine - just busy with other stuff) |
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Post by mamaleh on Aug 1, 2012 10:38:41 GMT -5
Great to "see" you here, Grandmajune. I put that Channing documentary on my Blockbuster wait list months ago, and it's still not available, unfortunately. By the way, no one is younger in spirit than you.  Ellen |
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jo
Ensemble
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Post by jo on Aug 1, 2012 10:39:47 GMT -5
Ellen, Saw your BWW post re how FB saw Hugh's dancing - " Steppin' Out on my Babies" ( loved that title!). His dancing is always athletic rather than balletic. How can Wolverine dance otherwise  LOL! Jo |
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Post by mamaleh on Aug 7, 2012 23:42:42 GMT -5
Stopped by the Signature Theatre bathroom on my way to meeting a friend this evening and saw playwright-actor Sam Shepard walking around. I expressed my admiration for his works, esp. TRUE WEST. He thanked me and we chatted for a few moments. Tonight was the opening of his latest work, HEARTLESS, at the Signature. Break a leg, Sam.
Ellen
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Post by mamaleh on Aug 24, 2012 17:27:14 GMT -5
After many unsuccessful tries at the virtual line lottery for the NY Shakespeare Festival's summer production of INTO THE WOODS, I finally hit it yesterday and saw the show last night. The sylvan setting reinforced the woods imagery and added nicely to the atmosphere. Denis O'Hare--whom I loved in TAKE ME OUT--gave The Baker a warm vulnerability, but I just couldn't see him as Amy Adams' husband--they just didn't mesh well together or radiate believability as a couple. His singing was barely OK. Adams sang beautifully, as did Donna Murphy as the all-too-human witch. Murphy's "Last Midnight" is chilling; her "Children Will Listen" moving. Great seeing Chip Zien (the original Baker) as the elderly Mysterious Man. The princes are such inherently comical figures throughout most of the proceedings that the roles almost don't require magnificent pipes, but the actors have such pipes, and in spades. Best of all: the imaginative rendering of the giant's equally giant widow--so brilliantly done with lights and a few umbrellas.
Little Red Riding Hood's coming across as a biker chick in training almost, but not quite, works, as she overstays her welcome. That's the one major flaw I've long found in INTO THE WOODS: it's about 15-20 minutes too long. Even so, this is a well-done production that I"m glad I saw.
Topper on the cake: Hubby and I couldn't believe our eyes--a street parking space right outside the entrance to Central Park leading to the Delacorte Theatre. Kind of makes you believe in fairy tales!
Ellen
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jo
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Post by jo on Aug 24, 2012 18:17:11 GMT -5
Thanks, Ellen.
There have been a lot of contradictory reactions to this production of INTO THE WOODS. Also, Michael Riedel discounted the possibility of the show transferring to Broadway.
I saw INTO THE WOODS in its original run. It was the very first Sondheim I had seen and the second half was a bit shocking to me - LOL! Fairy tales gone awry ;D
I do have the DVD of the original production. At least Sondheim is very generous in sharing his works with musical theatre fans!
Jo
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Post by mamaleh on Aug 24, 2012 19:40:41 GMT -5
I have that DVD, too, Jo. It's part of a Sondheim collection that also contains SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, concert versions of FOLLIES and SWEENEY TODD, PASSION, etc.
Good stuff.
Ellen
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Post by foxie on Aug 25, 2012 6:39:05 GMT -5
Sounds great Ellen!!See u at the fleamkt??going to be a hard choice its Lavallettes 125 ann with big goings on but I still would rather NY!
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Post by Jamie on Aug 25, 2012 9:02:38 GMT -5
I have all the same DVDs. Sondheim's generosity with his shows is what sets me off on my all too frequent "WHY CAN"T MORE SHOWS GO TO DVD???" rant and a half. I love musical theater and except for rare junkets to major cities rarely get to see major productions anymore. I sincerely believe that moving at least the best of the shows to DVD however inadequate in the "theater experience" would actually build audience for live theater.
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Post by mamaleh on Aug 30, 2012 8:55:05 GMT -5
Yes, Carol, I'll be at the flea market. I also have a theater ticket for that afternoon, so I'll be all over the place.
Saw PORGY AND BESS. Didn't miss the often-absent (as she was last night) Audra M. one iota; in fact I felt better about seeing the show knowing she was out (short version: some of her views too closely resemble those of Vanessa Redgrave for my taste). Her understudy was earthy and gritty, acted the role with nuance and aplomb, and sang beautifully. Would have liked to see Norm Lewis, though--he was also out. But standbys/understudies on Broadway have to be at the top of their game, and this one was. I can't recall his name, but he seemed younger than Lewis and thereby possibly more appropriate for the role. Actually, I think David Alan Grier stole the show as strutting peacock Sportin' Life. He moved well and sang surprisingly skillfully.
I still find the plot just a little too elliptical: Bess grudgingly moves in with Porgy, strictly out of necessity. In the next scene, she's emotionally involved with him. How did that happen? Too much is played out offstage in terms of plot. The lyrics are difficult to decipher when the ensemble sings operatically, but the solos soared.
Regarding the brouhaha Sondheim started when the production was announced: I'd never seen a stage production of PORGY before, only the movie, so I can't really compare it to any other. On the whole I found it stirring. But I'd have chosen FOLLIES as Best Revival.
Ellen
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Post by nevaeh777 on Sept 1, 2012 23:36:36 GMT -5
Was finally back at the Princess of Wales Theatre tonight here in Toronto to see WAR HORSE. Haven't been back there since seeing Hughie last year! It was a fantastic production. We were sitting in the fifth row center and thoroughly enjoyed it. The puppetry is absolutely amazing. Highly recommend it.
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jo
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Post by jo on Sept 2, 2012 0:36:40 GMT -5
I saw WAR HORSE at the Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center. The theatre has an ampitheatre type of seating and an excellent thrust stage, which both enhanced the viewing of the play - the horses would come out sometimes on the stairs leading to the stage - among us audience members :o).
It was such an amazing, poignant, and thoroughly theatrical production. I actually enjoyed it much better than Book of Mormon, How to Succed in Business, and Catch Me If You Can ( which had Aaron Tveit, now Les Miserables's Enjolras, in the lead) - all four I had seen in the same time period.
The most gripping moment for me was when the horse was caught in the barbed wire in the trenches of WW1!
Jo
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Post by nevaeh777 on Sept 2, 2012 1:06:55 GMT -5
I loved that scene too Jo! Both sides forget they're in a war (for just that moment) and lay down their guns to free Joey. It's a beautiful scene.
I think the most gripping scene for me was when the huge tank came out. Everyone was in suspense as it crossed the stage and headed for the horse. The tension rose in the music when it stopped and faced Joey head on and they both seemed frozen for a moment as if challenging each other.
The war scenes were incredible. The acting was marvelous! The entire production was amazing to me and just visually stunning. And the horses came out into the audience for us too Jo just like in your production! They (the puppeteers) are so skilled in the movements of the horse that they actually make you forget they're there! I found it quite an emotional theatre experience for quite a few people too. There was even a woman sitting next to us who was in tears!
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Post by mamaleh on Sept 3, 2012 7:59:00 GMT -5
I hadn't planned on seeing the Jake Gyllenhaal vehicle IF THERE IS I HAVEN'T FOUND IT YET, but when a sudden opportunity arose yesterday to see it at a very steep discount, I decided to give it a try. I was very surprised at the total absence of entrance applause when JG stepped on stage. Maybe because this is less a tourist vehicle than one largely attended by Roundabout regulars? In any case, his British accent sounds (to my American ears) absolutely flawless--and actually, therein lies the problem. He speaks so rapidly and with such a thick accent that about one third of his lines are fairly unintelligible. The other cast members speak more slowly and are much more easily understood.
JG plays not the central role but the drifter uncle of a chubby teenage girl who is constantly bulled in school. I have to hand it to the actress, Annie Funke. With all the emphasis on perfect bodies these days, she is very brave to get down to her skivvies in a pivotal, highly emotional scene. I don't want to spoil any surprises for those intending to see it, but let's just say the aftermath of that scene features something that I have never seen on stage in quite that way, leaving me wondering how they fix up the stage after each performance. Brian F. O'Byrne--who was so good as the enigmatic priest in Broadway's DOUBT--is wonderful as the troubled teen's befuddled dad, out trying to save the world while oblivious to the fact that his family is falling apart.
I wouldn't call it a very good play, but the performances and the stage set are remarkable. One final surprise: There were maybe four people at the barricade after the performance. I was expecting Hugh-like or Ricky Martin-ish crowds.
Ellen
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Post by mamaleh on Sept 6, 2012 11:39:42 GMT -5
Took advantage of Off-Broadway's 20at20 program and caught a recent performance of COCK, a hit British serio-comedy, the ads for which feature a picture of a rooster. But there is nothing farm-like about the play, which has to do with a gay male couple on a break. One of the ex-lovers unexpectedly falls for a woman. When his infuriated, confused ex invites them--as well as his almost too supportive dad--to dinner, well, the feathers fly. Maybe that's where the rooster image came from. hmm? It's well acted, but the final scene goes on and on ad nauseum. The tedium it creates almost ruins the rest of the brisk one-act piece. Worth seeing but only at a discount. Point of trivia: The only cast member I recognized was Cotter Smith. I remember when he played Robert F. Kennedy in some TV movie. Now he greatly resembles George W. Bush! How ironic. Ellen |
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Post by mamaleh on Sept 10, 2012 23:37:13 GMT -5
Another 20at20 offering the other day, this one a charming gem: NEW GIRL IN TOWN. it's a somewhat truncated version of a 1957 musical by Bob Merrill that originally starred Gwen Verdon. I'm guessing that much of the choreography was eliminated in the revival, but no charm seems to have been lost, despite the dark storyline. It's based on O'Neill's ANNA CHRISTIE, the story of a "fallen woman" who returns home to her absentee father and dares to fall in love with a man her dad rescues from a shipwreck. It has some fine tunes, such as "The Sunshine Girl", "Look at 'Er" and "It's Good to Be Alive."
And earlier this evening, I spent a few hours with Hugh. No, not that one; The Other Hugh. I went to see Hugh Laurie and the Copper Bottom Band at the Manhattan Center-Grand Ballroom. They put on a heck of a New Orleans-style blues show, and Laurie provided some very funny patter along with really deft piano playing and vocals. He even played the guitar a little while making self-deprecating remarks. I got a kick out of his outfit: a semi-frilly purple shirt with blue plaid (or tartan, as he called it) pants. Of course, it was fodder for jokes. A fun show.
Ellen
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jan
Wannabe
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Post by jan on Sept 11, 2012 4:24:23 GMT -5
I am hoping someone sees Ramin Karimloo ("Enjolras" 25th Anniversary Les Mis) performing at BB Kings (?) in NYC this coming week. A couple of dates I think. Would love to hear thoughts if anyone attends. He is touring around the US and parts of Canada.
Cheers
Jan
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Post by foxie on Sept 11, 2012 6:56:33 GMT -5
Sounds like fun!!!!
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Post by foxie on Sept 11, 2012 6:59:08 GMT -5
Yes, Carol, I'll be at the flea market. I also have a theater ticket for that afternoon, so I'll be all over the place. Saw PORGY AND BESS. Didn't miss the often-absent (as she was last night) Audra M. one iota; in fact I felt better about seeing the show knowing she was out (short version: some of her views too closely resemble those of Vanessa Redgrave for my taste). Her understudy was earthy and gritty, acted the role with nuance and aplomb, and sang beautifully. Would have liked to see Norm Lewis, though--he was also out. But standbys/understudies on Broadway have to be at the top of their game, and this one was. I can't recall his name, but he seemed younger than Lewis and thereby possibly more appropriate for the role. Actually, I think David Alan Grier stole the show as strutting peacock Sportin' Life. He moved well and sang surprisingly skillfully. I still find the plot just a little too elliptical: Bess grudgingly moves in with Porgy, strictly out of necessity. In the next scene, she's emotionally involved with him. How did that happen? Too much is played out offstage in terms of plot. The lyrics are difficult to decipher when the ensemble sings operatically, but the solos soared. Regarding the brouhaha Sondheim started when the production was announced: I'd never seen a stage production of PORGY before, only the movie, so I can't really compare it to any other. On the whole I found it stirring. But I'd have chosen FOLLIES as Best Revival. Ellen |
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Post by foxie on Sept 11, 2012 7:01:08 GMT -5
Ah I really wanted to see Porgy and bess the day of the flea but my buddy doesnt want to see it I guess we will go to tx booth-P&B has moved me since I was 9 yrs old!!Actually I got a copy of it
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Post by mamaleh on Sept 11, 2012 7:51:23 GMT -5
I am hoping someone sees Ramin Karimloo ("Enjolras" 25th Anniversary Les Mis) performing at BB Kings (?) in NYC this coming week. A couple of dates I think. Would love to hear thoughts if anyone attends. He is touring around the US and parts of Canada. Cheers Jan Jan, I don't really like the BB King venue, so I never go there anymore, but I do love the way he sings "'Til I Hear You Sing" in LOVE NEVER DIES. Hope he has a successful tour. Ellen |
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jan
Wannabe
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Post by jan on Sept 12, 2012 8:21:50 GMT -5
Good to hear your thoughts Ellen. When I "googled" BB Kings I thought it an odd venue as not really the "norm" for his concerts. Yes, I too love "Till I Hear You Sing" and also his cover of "Guiding Light" on his recently released CD.
So enjoy your posts especially re Broadway shows.
Cheers
Jan
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Post by mamaleh on Sept 20, 2012 8:10:47 GMT -5
Ibsen's AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE may be considered an old chestnut by some, but I found the current revival riveting and very timely. Many modern works, including JAWS and ERIN BROCKOVICH, are the thematic grandchild of this thoughtful play that dramatizes hows how the lust for power and money trump the public good all too often. Yes, some of the speeches are overly preachy and there are societal references that modern audiences might find off-putting, but Boyd Gaines is intense and compelling as the physician who goes from hero to villain in the minds of the public he is trying to protect from toxins in the town's supposedly "healthy" public baths. Because they bring in much-needed economic sustenance, the mayor (Richard Thomas--very effective in his insidious poisoning of his citizens' minds) all-too-successfully appeals to the greed and worst instincts of the local populace. Adding further drama, the doctor and the mayor happen to be brothers.
Side note: A longtime Sam Waterston fan, I got a kick out of seeing how much his son James, who costars, is morphing into his dad--not just in physiognomy but voice quality, demeanor and little mannerisms.
In sum: Definitely worth seeing, especially at a generous discount.
Ellen
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Post by foxie on Sept 20, 2012 21:09:35 GMT -5
At the broadway area flea Sunday Tickets to les Mis r going to be auctioned!
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