|
|
Post by foxie on Jan 6, 2014 14:49:40 GMT -5
No prob not. Does anyone know if favorites is the same as bookmarks on pro boards app on iPad seems much easier to read!
|
|
|
|
Post by mamaleh on Mar 10, 2014 8:07:21 GMT -5
Saw IF/THEN, Idina Menzel's new musical. (By the way, she should thank John Travolta for making her a household name, albeit initially mangled, worldwide.) IMHO the score is kind of bland and unmemorable, mostly serving in place of narrative, disappointing in that I very much liked the creatives' score to NEXT TO NORMAL. It's a little overlong, with a protracted ending in much the same way as BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, although that show's lush score more than makes up for its long-windedness. But Idina M. shines in a sort of dual role. In one scenario, she is Liz; in the other, Beth. They lead somewhat parallel lives with the same group of friends occupying various degrees of importance in her life/lives, although she makes markedly different choices in each. It was fun to see her together again with Anthony Rapp, as they (shades of RENT!) discuss housing for the indigent and muse about getting older, the latter point evident from my rear orch seat, whose steep incline revealed the budding bald spot on Rapp's head. LaChanze has some good moments as Idina's sassy friend; ditto Jenn Colella. It's rare these days to see an original musical, so I appreciated that aspect. While not a perfect evening, you could do worse. Personal note: Curtis Holbrook (HAIRSPRAY movie musical) must be the male Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty's character on SMASH). He's been kicking around the ensemble for more than a decade. I'd like to see him get a big break one of these days. In sum: Performances outshine the material; I think Idina (end of Adele Dazim jokes for me) is a definite Tony contender.
Ellen
|
|
|
|
Post by birchie on Mar 10, 2014 9:37:49 GMT -5
Saw IF/THEN, Idina Menzel's new musical. (By the way, she should thank John Travolta for making her a household name, albeit initially mangled, worldwide.) IMHO the score is kind of bland and unmemorable, mostly serving in place of narrative, disappointing in that I very much liked the creatives' score to NEXT TO NORMAL. It's a little overlong, with a protracted ending in much the same way as BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, although that show's lush score more than makes up for its long-windedness. But Idina M. shines in a sort of dual role. In one scenario, she is Liz; in the other, Beth. They lead somewhat parallel lives with the same group of friends occupying various degrees of importance in her life/lives, although she makes markedly different choices in each. It was fun to see her together again with Anthony Rapp, as they (shades of RENT!) discuss housing for the indigent and muse about getting older, the latter point evident from my rear orch seat, whose steep incline revealed the budding bald spot on Rapp's head. LaChanze has some good moments as Idina's sassy friend; ditto Jenn Colella. It's rare these days to see an original musical, so I appreciated that aspect. While not a perfect evening, you could do worse. Personal note: Curtis Holbrook (HAIRSPRAY movie musical) must be the male Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty's character on SMASH). He's been kicking around the ensemble for more than a decade. I'd like to see him get a big break one of these days. In sum: Performances outshine the material; I think Idina (end of Adele Dazim jokes for me) is a definitely Tony contender. Ellen Thank you, as always, Ellen for keeping us abreast of whats good or not so good on Broadway! Love hearing about the new shows. Very interesting comment about Curtis...Always makes one ponder on how some people make it & others don't. Hope he makes it someday. Side note:In the world of movies they are called character actors and I highly recommend "That Guy Who Was In That Thing" for a peek into that world from those who have been/are there, with some very recognizable faces! It's available streaming on Netflix. Back to Broadway  Is Les Miserable still in previews? Have you seen it or do you plan to see it Ellen? What have you heard...inquiring minds want to know.  Sue |
|
|
|
Post by mamaleh on Mar 10, 2014 11:27:56 GMT -5
The new incarnation of LES MIZ is still in previews and selling out. I may or may not decide to opt; I'll see. This one features a more matinee idol-ish Javert, FYI. I've heard mixed things--most are very enthusiastic, although some complain about the "cheap"-looking sets and low-wattage performances of Ramin Karinloo (Valjean) and Will Swenson (Javert), but they seem to be in the minority. There's also the issue of Karimloo's skipping all Thursday performances (for "vocal rest") and some Wed. matinees. Not sure if this is true, but I've heard that "rush" tickets are $97, unheard of in B'way history. Usually rush ranges from $25-$40. I may stop at the box office to check that out. Has anyone done that yet?
Update: I checked a Playbill article. Someone was reading too fast. It indicates rush is $37, not $97. That's more like it.
Ellen
|
|
|
|
Post by birchie on Mar 10, 2014 13:34:29 GMT -5
The new incarnation of LES MIZ is still in previews and selling out. I may or may not decide to opt; I'll see. This one features a more matinee idol-ish Javert, FYI. I've heard mixed things--most are very enthusiastic, although some complain about the "cheap"-looking sets and low-wattage performances of Ramin Karinloo (Valjean) and Will Swenson (Javert), but they seem to be in the minority. There's also the issue of Karimloo's skipping all Thursday performances (for "vocal rest") and some Wed. matinees. Not sure if this is true, but I've heard that "rush" tickets are $97, unheard of in B'way history. Usually rush ranges from $25-$40. I may stop at the box office to check that out. Has anyone done that yet? Update: I checked a Playbill article. Someone was reading too fast. It indicates rush is $37, not $97. That's more like it. Ellen Thanks for the update, Ellen! I read an article about all the time off for Ramin...seemed a bit prima-dona-ish! But, in fairness, I wonder if doing the role as a tenor is straining his voice. I always thought of him as a true baritone. It's so silly that the so-called purists insist on it being done as a tenor key just because Colm did it and because of Bring Him Home! It was, after all, originally written for baritone! It didn't used to be such a big deal to transpose keys. Sue |
|
jo
Ensemble
Posts: 46,436
|
Post by jo on Mar 10, 2014 18:03:57 GMT -5
The BWW message board updates on the Les Mi z ( US version, as opposed to the Brit Les Mi s ) revival previews often. www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1069970&dt=157Some interesting comments -- *Many people want the old sets back ( esp the turntable barricade). It looks like the new revival is the changed Les Miz version, with projections mostly used, to save on costs (strictly a Mackintosh invention!) *Karimloo sings well but mostly in the second act ( er...I thought most of the Valjean moments happen in the first -- Soliloquy, Who Am I...I guess there is no Suddenly...One Day More), mainly because of Bring Him Home... but as Ellen says, he is playing the role a bit more like a sex symbol. He even strips open his shirt! Haha -- who does he think he is -- Hugh Jackman  ...I was practically shocked when someone linked a former photo image of Karim, which was posed ala Burt Reynolds in Cosmopolitan, using the Phantom mask as a fig leaf. Not sure if that was a photoshop as I did not look for the original source... He seems to have a lot of fans ( from his other stage sojourns - Love Never Rests and Les Mis in London and the Toronto revival, Phantom in London and also in his native Canada). *Will Svenson and the rest are not faring too well, even singing-wise, from the audience's perception. They want the Philip Quast and Norman Lewis type of Javert. The also want the comical Thenardiers, not the multi-layered portrayal by the film actors. *Many perceptions that acting is not first rate, including Karimloo *Some thought that they should have incorporated some of the changes from the movie which made the story flow better (esp the placement of I Dreamed a Dream, just like in the movie) and the characterizations less of archetypes. *Box office is doing relatively well. Riedel reports a $ 12 million advance...although the new Broadway grosses say it is doing only some 81% capacity and not sold out. Ellen - the RUSH policy seems still unsure on how it is being handled. *But Les Miz will have its diehards and fanatics -- the stagedoor is frenetic! Where do they come from - the younger generation, believe it or not ( I think the older fans are not posting on message boards). They have either seen a touring production or a high school production ( even participated in some) or even the filmed concerts. Their idols remain to be Eponine ( and their song is On My Own) and maybe some of the barricade boys. And of course Karimloo. Which in effect is amazing - that theatre has taken its hold on younger people! Although I am not surprised -- top shows like Wicked and Book of Mormon rely mainly on their appeal to the younger generation! Except Les Miserables ( unlike Wicked and BOM) was never meant to appeal largely to the younger crowd I wonder if Hugh will attend the official opening (March 23) Jo |
|
jo
Ensemble
Posts: 46,436
|
Post by jo on Mar 10, 2014 18:19:19 GMT -5
I know it will never happen - but I would love to have also seen a Hugh Jackman Valjean onstage! Of course, he would have to change the template that he and Hooper set in portraying the character in the film adaptation, but I just want to feel his stage presence in such a stage production! Hugh has such a commanding presence live that he makes the character command the stage. I did not even know him in Oklahoma! and I was seated in dress circle (front mezzanine) and did not see how he looked too much...but other than the legit-sounding voice, it was how he moved on stage which drew my attention.
I think at his current age where his image of manliness and a little bit of the aristocratic bearing carry well, he is the ideal Valjean. Of course, that wish has already been fulfilled in his film adaptation portrayal.
And in his film portrayal he already showed the finer nuances in acting ( something never that much appreciated in any stage portrayal)...but I would still like to feel his presence on a live stage as Jean Valjean!
Jo
|
|
|
|
Post by mamaleh on Apr 9, 2014 21:04:22 GMT -5
Hear, hear, Jo.
Just a quickie note: BULLETS OVER BROADWAY left me with a big, goofy smile on my face. I hope this feel-good production garners a bunch of Tony nominations, especially for Nick Cordero as gangster Cheech, Marin Mazzie as aging diva Helen, Brooks Ashmanskas as the ever-nibbling star of the play-within-the-play, and Karen Ziemba as the pomeranian-toting (what a cute pup!) actress with a penchant for Pig Latin. The choreography by Susan Stroman is masterful, most notably in "Taint Nobody's Bizness If I Do." Wow. William Ivey Long, who designed Hugh's TBFO wardrobe, created drop-dead gorgeous costumes. The 2 and a half hours whizzed by. Heartily recommended.
I also enjoyed ROCKY much more than I thought I would. It's got lots of heart, and the stagecraft is amazing. Andy Karl bursts out as a very appealing leading man after years of playing a secondary character or replacing an original performer.
Ellen
|
|
|
|
Post by birchie on Apr 10, 2014 11:05:17 GMT -5
Hear, hear, Jo. Just a quickie note: BULLETS OVER BROADWAY left me with a big, goofy smile on my face. I hope this feel-good production garners a bunch of Tony nominations, especially for Nick Cordero as gangster Cheech, Marin Mazzie as aging diva Helen, Brooks Ashmanskas as the ever-nibbling star of the play-within-the-play, and Karen Ziemba as the pomeranian-toting (what a cute pup!) actress with a penchant for Pig Latin. The choreography by Susan Stroman is masterful, most notably in "Taint Nobody's Bizness If I Do." Wow. William Ivey Long, who designed Hugh's TBFO wardrobe, created drop-dead gorgeous costumes. The 2 and a half hours whizzed by. Heartily recommended. I also enjoyed ROCKY much more than I thought I would. It's got lots of heart, and the stagecraft is amazing. Andy Karl bursts out as a very appealing leading man after years of playing a secondary character or replacing an original performer. Ellen Re: Bullets... Glad you had an enjoyable night at the theater Ellen, but I really wish there was a say to stop making Woody Allen rich without taking anything away from other creative people!  Sue |
|
|
|
Post by ocjackie on Apr 10, 2014 22:51:34 GMT -5
I agree with that 100%. I couldn't have said it better.
|
|
jo
Ensemble
Posts: 46,436
|
Post by jo on Apr 11, 2014 13:40:19 GMT -5
THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY: It's now in out-of-town tryouts in Williamstown, Mass. I saw it yesterday, and it was worth the nearly 9 hours total hubby and I spent in the car. Great way to celebrate our wedding anniversary! I loved 75 percent of this show. Elena Shaddow, unfortunately, won't be seen in NY (the role was written for Kelli O'Hara who takes over in NY this winter) as the Italian war bride who longs for a more creative, fulfilled life than the one she has as the wife of an Iowa farmer. She was absolutely luminous: gorgeous acting and voice. I'm thrilled that Steven Pasquale, long a favorite of mine, will get the opportunity to finally display his full range of talents on a Broadway stage. As Robert, the photographer who captures not only images but Shaddow's heart, he is magnificent in every respect: acting, physicality and a voice that soars from the lowest to the highest notes. The score is achingly romantic, especially "Falling Into You" and "One Second and a Million Miles." The show has extraneous moments that I'm fairly sure will be (rightfully) pruned from its nearly 3-hour length before it reaches NY, such as a NINE-like number that takes one out of the show, and several false endings that puzzlingly lead to further "endings" that are likewise followed by more scenes (?!), but overall it is just gorgeous. In a way I sincerely do hope that HOUDINI, as some have reported, does not make it to Broadway in the upcoming season because I'd be very torn between wanting Hugh and Steven P. to win the Tony. I can't wait to see it again at the Schoenfeld come winter. Ellen Sad, but it looks like word of mouth and the tepid reviews are not helping this show to last till the end of the year. Most predictions are that it will extend after the TONYs if it won a few awards. On a side note, I hope the Schoenfeld where they currently reside would be a good theatrical hall for THE RIVER. Btw, there is video clip on BWW of Steven Pasquale singing YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE from CAROUSEL, as part of a recent GALA concert called MISCAST -- www.broadwayworld.com/article/STAGE-TUBE-Steven-Pasquale-Sings-CAROUSELs-Youll-Never-Walk-Alone-at-MISCAST-20140411#.U0g3J9FZrOUSorry, the material ( a celebrated showstopper!) should have been very suitable to his voice but the delivery is a little disappointing to me. He does not seem to invest much emotion into the lyrics... but pays more attention to the notes and the technique. I cannot also feel a strong stage presence and charisma. I don't know but maybe I can best illustrate this by saying that a long-time-ago live staging of the show Man of La Mancha with Richard Kiley ( whose forte is the emotional rather than the musical impact of his singing) had me very emotionally affected compared to the beautifully-sung but less well-acted interpretation by one of Boadway's best voices, Brian Stokes Mitchell. I have seen Steven Pasquale on TV and was looking forward to be able to see Bridges ( and Kelli) if and when I can get to NYC for The River, but it seems the show will not last that long, given the current poor attendance. Jo |
|
|
|
Post by mamaleh on Apr 11, 2014 14:10:19 GMT -5
Thanks, Jo. I hadn't noticed this clip yet. Because I had a conflict and could not get to MISCAST this year, I had commented on BWW's coverage of the event that I hoped they'd include a video of Steven P.'s rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone." Glad they did! I get where you're coming from, though, with the Kiley v. Stokes comparison, but I was bowled over by SP's performance in BRIDGES, which was emotionally rich, both singing- and acting-wise. Who knows? Your opinion might change if you saw him live in a book musical. I think he beautifully conveys Robert's longing for human connection in BRIDGES. Ironically, about his "technique," I once read that he'd never had a singing lesson in his life; it was all natural. (Side note: I was sorry to learn of the breakup of his marriage to Laura Benanti, probably my favorite female B'way performer. What a beautiful, talented couple they made.)
As to box office, yes, it's not doing well at all, which really surprises me. I thought at least on the strength of B'way favorite Kelli O'Hara it would have had a huge advance sale. I have a feeling it will be gone pretty soon after the Tonys if it comes away without any major awards. Perhaps they didn't cut enough of the extraneous elements people complained about? I don't know. I'm just glad they recorded the OCR; I'm definitely buying that CD. I think BRIDGES' score will win, if nothing/no one else from the show.
MISCAST, by the way, is always fun. My favorite edition was several years ago, when Steve P, Kelli and Brian d'Arcy James did "The Bitch of Living" from SPRING AWAKENING, complete with exaggerated manifestations of teen angst. It was absolutely hilarious. One year Patrick Wilson did "I Feel Pretty." I was sorry to miss this year's, which also included Raul Esparza's singing "My Man."
Ellen
|
|
jo
Ensemble
Posts: 46,436
|
Post by jo on Apr 11, 2014 20:01:07 GMT -5
Ellen, Maybe I should really see SP singing live or singing in a book musical. With his kind of voice, he can really do many of the older musicals that I loved! Re "You'll Never Walk Alone" - like other R&H anthemic songs, it does require strong identification with the lyrics ( e.g., Hugh's "Soliloquy" from Carousel at Back on Broadway was so rich because the audience was really seeing and feeling how he changes from cocky father-to-be to a sensitive parent-to-be, caring for the welfare of his child no matter what it would take! There have been other great performances of the song by outstanding singers, but Hugh was able to hold his own when he sang it!) - I had hoped that SP would show the change from the sadness and reality of tragedy to one of rising hope and strong inspiration in You'll Never Walk Alone. I think maybe he could have shown the emotions at least on his face - LOL- apart from the change in the tone of his interpretation. Can you believe the song is the theme song of one of England's great football teams -- the stadium rings ( nay, thunders!) with hope and confidence when practically the entire audience ( what - 50,000 or so?!) sings You'll Never Walk Alone to support their team, win or lose. European sports fans are more demonstrative with their music - I once followed a racing fan on the way back to the trains in Monte Carlo, carrying a Scottish flag who was singing a Scotland sports theme song, the very beautiful Flower of Scotland, so poignantly ( and so loudly), that I thought I would cry -- and it wasn't even for my own racing team - LOL! I have never heard of MISCAST -- so, do they ask performers to sing songs that are NOT identified with their personas? LOL - that should be fun. Except if you ask Hugh to sing "I Feel Pretty" -- there wouldn't be much amusing irony. He does look pretty ...But if you can ask someone like Russell to interpret that number - that would be a hoot! I do miss being able to see at least a few shows on Broadway *sniff, sniff* Jo |
|
|
|
Post by mamaleh on Apr 12, 2014 0:56:09 GMT -5
Yes, MISCAST is an annual benefit for the MCC Theater. I never attend the very costly gala segment, but the show-only segment is much more affordable. It's like Broadway Backwards. Broadway performers sing songs from roles in which they would never be cast, and it's a lot of fun.
Ellen
|
|
jo
Ensemble
Posts: 46,436
|
Post by jo on Apr 12, 2014 6:43:17 GMT -5
Ellen, Great bonus for BRIDGES. Entertainment Weekly online is featuring practically the entire score! popwatch.ew.com/2014/04/11/bridges-of-madison-county-original-cast-recording-listeI've listened to only a few songs. Kelli still sounds like Kelli. Steven - I am still not completely sold - I was expecting a fuller voice. He seems to sound almost like a country singer at times, sorry. But he does sound romantic! I listened to Falling Into You and It All Fades Away for Steven's voice. Did you ever see Andrew Lloyd Webber's WOMAN IN WHITE? There is something about the melodic tone of BRIDGES that reminds me of that lush and sweeping score. Even the man who sang the male lead, Martin Crewes, is a little bit like Steven although I kinda prefer Martin a bit more...Maybe Steven's vocals will grow more and more with me Jo |
|
|
|
Post by mamaleh on Apr 12, 2014 9:29:08 GMT -5
Yes, I happily heard that CD preview on BWW late last night; was too sleepy to post about it then. It will hold me over nicely until the physical CD is available.
I truly enjoyed WOMAN IN WHITE, which didn't fare too well in New York. Like SUNSET, agreed, it's an under-appreciated ALW work.
Ellen
|
|
|
|
Post by foxie on May 3, 2014 5:56:26 GMT -5
I had bought tickets for "bridges of madison county" in June and got a email yesterday that it is closing May 18 th so disappointed!
|
|
|
|
Post by mamaleh on May 3, 2014 11:18:44 GMT -5
Definitely bummer news. It really deserves a much longer run. Carol, maybe you can exchange for an earlier date?
Ellen
|
|
|
|
Post by foxie on May 3, 2014 14:43:28 GMT -5
one of the ticket holders couldn't go before so I exchanged them for Daniel Radcliffes show which sounds good I hope?
|
|
|
|
Post by foxie on May 3, 2014 14:44:29 GMT -5
They advertised BRIDGES so much I wonder what the problem was-
|
|
|
|
Post by mamaleh on May 3, 2014 23:59:23 GMT -5
For whatever reasons, it simply didn't bring in sufficient audiences. A shame. THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN was a well-done dark comedy. Radcliffe was very effective, as was the rest of the ensemble cast. It took a while for my ears to get used to the very thick Irish accents, but once I was able to follow the clever, funny dialogue, my appreciation ratcheted way up.
Ellen
|
|
|
|
Post by foxie on May 4, 2014 9:59:21 GMT -5
Daniel said that himself in an interview yesterday that they repeat everything in the beginning so people can get used to the accents!I sort of wish I had picked something else cause I dont know if my friends will appreciate it but it is what I have-they are more Rocky or maybe Violet but I had to choose fast and it is what I got!!
|
|
|
|
Post by carouselkathy on May 7, 2014 21:57:42 GMT -5
I'm disappointed that BRIDGES is closing. I was hoping to see it in June. I'm trying to decide now between BULLETS OVER BROADWAY or THE CRIPPLE OF INNISHMAN. I'm leaning towards BULLETS. Already have CINDERELLA and LADY DAY tickets.
|
|
|
|
Post by foxie on May 8, 2014 7:13:02 GMT -5
I picked Cripple but wished I got Bullets was going to get both but my friends cant stay in at niter--Cathy they have a great deal on Bullets right now!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by mamaleh on May 8, 2014 13:07:12 GMT -5
My latest guilty pleasure: Saw BRIDGES for my fourth and final time yesterday. Was able to rush it for a $37 front row center seat. Heaven! Notwithstanding its ability to catch fire in NY, I think this show will have a vibrant life in regional theaters and on tour.
Kathy, it depends on what you're in the mood for. INISHMAAN is a very satisfying but dark comedy with great performances from the ensemble, including Radcliffe. It says a lot about the different ways people show they care, even when it (erroneously) appears they hate each other. BULLETS is a goofy, feel-good, fun musical with fabulous sets and costumes, amazing choreography (especially the gangsters' tap), lots of lights and sparkle and zippy performances from Zach Braff, Marin Mazzie, Karen Ziemba, Brooks Ashmanskas, et. al. So it's like apples and oranges. Both tasty, but in different ways.
Ellen
|
|
OZalots HQ - a place to celebrate The Boy(s) From OZ
...I was practically shocked when someone linked a former photo image of Karim, which was posed ala Burt Reynolds in Cosmopolitan, using the Phantom mask as a fig leaf. Not sure if that was a photoshop as I did not look for the original source... He seems to have a lot of fans ( from his other stage sojourns - Love Never Rests and Les Mis in London and the Toronto revival, Phantom in London and also in his native Canada). 
