The Tonys: If I Could Vote...for Best Musical
If you managed to trudge through my picks for the best of the past year's theatre season, you may have been surprised to see only one Broadway musical make my top ten list:
Sweeney Todd. It's not that I didn't see any of the Tony-nominated works for "Best Musical" -- in fact, I saw three of the four (
Jersey Boys,
The Color Purple and
The Wedding Singer) -- and it wouldn't be fair to say that I didn't enjoy them because I did, albeit in varying degrees.
But I have to confess that if I were voting on this year's Tony nominees, I would begin by using the process of elimination.
First to go would be
Jersey Boys. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved the Four Seasons. But it's an easy choice given that this is a jukebox musical with no original score written for the stage. My view is that your show shouldn't be eligible for the big prize if it can't even be nominated for "Best Original Score." More importantly, I found this story to be less than satisfying. And it wasn't just because the much-ballyhooed John Lloyd Young was a dreaded no-show the Friday night I attended -- his understudy, Michael Longoria, was terrific and by far the best thing about the performance I saw. I'm no prude, but for a production set in the 50s and likely to mistakenly appeal to a wider family audience, the show was rather crass and unexpectedly vulgar. The best moments of the production were those devoted to the actual musical performances of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Nick Massi and Tommy DeVito.
Second to go would be
The Color Purple. Sorry Oprah, I truly love the story. Yes, there was impeccably strong acting, singing and dancing -- in fact, LaChanze and her nominated castmates are completely deserving of their Tony nods. The details of the set, costume and lighting design were all wondrous. Yet, when it gets right down to it, cramming all of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel into a three-hour musical not only sacrificed essential story-telling, it also severely diminished the emotional wallop of the brilliant score created by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. It was frustrating that nearly all of their songs were reduced to the musical equivalent of a sound bite. By trying to pack it all in, director Gary Griffin and book writer Marsha Norman left me longing for more than just a cliff notes retelling.
Since I haven't had the opportunity to see
The Drowsy Chaperone yet, it would be difficult for me to make an informed vote between it and
The Wedding Singer.
But on the latter, I can say that it was the best of the three Tony-nominated musicals I had the opportunity to see. While it's yet another derivative of a film, this production has a wonderfully original musical score (thanks to Tony-nominated Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar), a perfectly delightful cast (including Tony-nominated Stephen Lynch), elaborate set and lighting design (by Scott Pask and Brian MacDevitt, respectively) and stunning choreography completely evocative of the 80s (compliments of Tony-nominated Rob Ashford).
My guess is that
The Drowsy Chaperone will ultimately win, fueled primarily by the fact that it's a completely original work based on absolutely nothing but the imagination of Bob Martin. I'll be curious to know whether you and Tony voters agree.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for Jersey Boys tickets.Click here for The Color Purple tickets.Click here for The Drowsy Chaperone tickets.Click here for The Wedding Singer tickets.Click here for Tony Awards tickets.Related Stories:The Tonys: If I Could Vote....for Best Revival of a Play (June 5, 2006)
The Tonys: If I Could Vote....for Best Revival of a Musical (June 4, 2006)
The Tonys: If I Could Vote....for Best Play (June 3, 2006)
Tony Award Nominations Announced (May 16, 2006)
The Wedding Singer (The SOB Review) - Al Hirschfeld Theatre, New York, NY (May 8, 2006)
Mixed Reviews Tire The Drowsy Chaperone (May 2, 2006)
Will The Drowsy Chaperone Wake Critics? (May 1, 2006)
Critics Not Completely Engaged by The Wedding Singer (April 28, 2006)
The Wedding Singer's Secret Weapon: Kevin Cahoon? (April 27, 2006)
The Wedding Singer Opens on Broadway Tonight (April 27, 2006)
Labels: Broadway, Musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, Tony Awards, Tony Nominations
Assassins Loose in Washington for Another WeekDespite its typically oppressive summer heat and humidity, Washington DC is looking like the cool place to be over the next few months for great theatre. I've already reported on the impending opening for
Mame with Christine Baranski and the
transfer of Steppenwolf's Loves-Lies-Bleeding, both at the Kennedy Center.
But apparently another one of DC's hottest tickets is
Assassins, the Stephen Sondheim musical that already sold out its initial run at the area's Signature Theatre despite only having begun previews last night. But fear not -- do to the extraordinary buzz, the theatre just announced that it is adding one more week of performances in July.
If you read my
Flashback: Best of 2003-04, you'll know that the one and only Broadway incarnation of this amazing musical was my favorite show of that theatrical season. As dark as the subject matter is, the production also emanates a great deal of hope that despite some misguided individuals, the sum of our parts as a country is more than enough to prevail. If you missed this show on Broadway, now's your opportunity to see what promises to be a first class production with Joe Calarco at the helm -- but better act quickly to purchase tickets!
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for tickets.Related Stories:Mame Slightly Bruised, Not Maimed, by Critics (June 2, 2006)
Mame with Christine Baranski Begins Saturday at Kennedy Center (May 26, 2006)
DeLillo's Love-Lies-Bleeding Transfers to Kennedy Center (May 25, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2003-04 (May 25, 2006)
Labels: Assassins, Christine Baranski, Joe Calarco, Mame, Musical, SOB Best of 2003-04, Stephen Sondheim, Steppenwolf, Washington DC
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #1 – Theater Of The New Ear (Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA)
Any filmgoer who has watched in awe (or for the less fortunate, in exasperation) as one of gifted screenwriter Charlie Kaufman’s twisted movies unfolds -- usually inside-out, upside-down and sprinkled with a dash of
surrealilty -- knows that his captivating storytelling is
never dull. As movies like “Being John Malkovich” and the brilliant “Adaptation” demonstrate, the story lines are often grounded in some semblance of fact.
It was with this wild anticipation that I took in
Theater Of The New Ear early last fall at UCLA’s Royce Hall. The performance’s TONE was set with the come-on, “Leave your eyes at home.” With a radio-like production quality, its cast members sat on an unadorned stage reading scripts of two “sound” plays as Foley artist Marko Costanzo magically transported the audience beyond the limits of their imaginations.
But with a stellar cast that included Jennifer Jason Leigh and Daniel Thewlis (together in "Anomalisa"), as well as Peter Dinklage, Hope Davis and Meryl Streep (together in "Hope Leaves The Theater"), it was foolhardy to even attempt diverting one’s eyes from the stage.
Because of the chance that these fascinating plays for the ear could be produced again for future audiences to enjoy, I’ll spare you all but the basic plotlines. Although your best bet for experiencing the performances may be on radio (Sirius had previously aired the production).
"Anomalisa" is essentially a story about a self-help guru (Thewlis) who travels to Ohio to speak before his legions of fans, only to get boozed up and entwined with a disfigured woman named Lisa (Jason Leigh) with whom he falls in love.
The lines of reality and fiction are blurred to their ultimate and most satisfying degree in "Hope Leaves The Theater." The title, of course, refers in part to Hope Davis, who -- like Dinklage and Streep -- portrays an assortment of characters including herself in an amazingly funny, nuanced romp. Part of the fun is seeing these immensely gifted actors also playing members of the audience, including Davis’ hilarious and self-obsessed Louise, whose ringing cell phone serves as the catalyst for Streep -- as Streep -- to go ballistic in a fashion that would make any regular theatregoer proud. This dizzying, frenetic play left me downright giddy and more than sufficiently underscores why Streep remains the preeminent actress of our times.
While Charlie Kaufman is credited for writing "Hope Leaves the Theater," “newcomer” Francis Fregoli is billed as the writer and director of "Anomalisa." However, it’s not beyond the stretch of the imagination to ponder whether Kaufman himself wrote and directed; after all, the program states that Fregoli "is the pen-name of an established writer, who wishes to remain anonymous." Right. And given the fact that Kaufman himself is proclaimed dead in "Hope Leaves The Theater," one can be forgiven for automatically making the assumption that our “deceased” playwright still revels in playing with his audience.
Whatever the case, the excellent
Theater of the New Ear with music by Carter Burwell is an expertly-written and exceptionally-acted theatrical experience unlike any other. That’s why out of the 54 productions I saw over the past twelve months, I enthusiastically rank it as
the singular
Best Show of the 2005-06 Theatrical Season.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #2 – Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre, London, UK) (May 26, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #3 – Hedda Gabler (Brooklyn Academy of Music – Harvey Theatre, New York, NY) (May 25, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #4 – A Blameless Life (Steppenwolf Garage, Chicago, IL) (May 24, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #5 – Reeling (The Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN) (May 23, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #6 – “MASTER HAROLD”…And The Boys (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 21, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #7 – Love Song (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 19, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #8 - Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre, London, UK) (May 18, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #9 - The Well-Appointed Room (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 17, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #10 - Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Eugene O'Neill Theatre, New York, NY) (May 15, 2006)
The SOB Five "Worst" of 2005-06 (May 12, 2006)
SOB's Best and Worst of 2005-06 Theatre Season (May 12, 2006)
Labels: California, Carter Burwell, Charlie Kaufman, Los Angeles, Meryl Streep, Play, SOB's Best of 2005-06, Theater Of The New Ear
London’s Theatrical Hodge-PodgeI’ve talked at length about the excellent Michael Grandage revival of
Guys And Dolls in London’s West End. While I’ve devoted considerable attention to Ewan McGregor’s Sky Masterson and Jane Krakowski’s Miss Adelaide, I’ve also mentioned how Douglas Hodge and Jenna Russell
worked their magic in the roles of Nathan Detroit and Sarah Brown.
Last week I noted that
Russell has now moved on to portray Dot in the critically-acclaimed
Sunday In The Park With George in the West End. Now, it’s time to devote some well-deserved ink to Hodge, who gave an inspired and truly brilliant performance of his own in
Guys And Dolls. Not only is he about to take on a role about as diametrically opposed to Nathan Detroit as an actor can get, he’s also about to direct a revival of one of the British Isle’s favorite wartime comedies (see photo).
First up, Hodge takes to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre stage this evening in the title role of
Titus Andronicus, possibly one of The Bard’s goriest plays about the carnages of war. In addition to Hodge’s participation, what makes this production even more of interest is that for the first time in its history, the normally open-air Globe will be covered for this performance in order to accommodate the elaborate set design by William Dudley.
Titus Andronicus is slated to run until October 6.
Second, Hodge will helm the revival of
See How They Run -- a World War II-era comedy about mistaken identities in a quaint English village whose citizens prepare themselves for invasion by Nazi Germans. This production is due to open at London's Duchess Theatre on June 29.
Alas, while he has been previously nominated for an Olivier Award for his supporting work in
The Caretaker six years ago, Hodge has yet to make an appearance on the Great White Way. With all his endeavors on the London stage, it’s anyone’s guess when American audiences may have the opportunity to be charmed by this dynamic and gifted actor in person, other than to catch a flight to the United Kingdom. But movie audiences might have their chance when the film
“Scenes of a Sexual Nature” with fellow
Guys And Dolls alum McGregor and the amazing Eileen Atkins, among others, opens sometime later this year.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for Titus Andronics tickets.Click here for See How They Run tickets.
Related Stories: Sheen/Langella to Portray Frost/Nixon in London (June 2, 2006)
Swayze Lands London's Detroit Role (June 1, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #2 – Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre, London, UK) (May 26, 2006)
Labels: Ewan McGregor, Guys And Dolls, London, Michael Grandage, Musical, Play, Revival, See How They Run, Sunday In The Park With George, The Caretaker, Titus Andronicus
London's Guys And Dolls 1st Anniversary Ticket OfferTo celebrate the first anniversary of the enormously successful and excellent Donmar Warehouse revival of
Guys And Dolls in London, the production has a special offer on "top priced" tickets at just £30 (approximately $56) as long as they are booked by May 30.
As SOB readers know,
this is one of my favorite productions from the past year -- it ranked #2 overall on my SOB Best of 2005-06 Theatrical Season list. While the stunning original cast has departed the production, I have no doubt that with Michael Grandage's expert direction and Rob Ashford's exhilarating choreography that
Guys And Dolls is continuing to "WOW" its audiences.
The £30 offer is valid on only for Monday-Thursday and Saturday matinee performances through June 29. To access tickets online at this rate, use code "ATGEMAIL."
In exciting related news, Hugh Jackman -- who has mesmerized theatre audiences on London's West End with his portrayal of Curly in
Oklahoma and New York's Broadway audiences with his take on Peter Allen in
The Boy From Oz -- is reportedly set to star in a celluloid remake of the 1955 movie, "Guys and Dolls" with film scheduled to start shooting in 2007.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for tickets.
Related Stories:
Sheen/Langella to Portray Frost/Nixon in London (June 2, 2006)
Swayze Lands London's Detroit Role (June 1, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #2 – Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre, London, UK) (May 26, 2006)
Guys and Dolls Imported to Broadway from London? (May 15, 2006)
Mame with Christine Baranski Begins Saturday at Kennedy CenterIn what has arguably become DC's hottest ticket this summer, the 40th anniversary revival of Jerry Herman's
Mame begins performances tomorrow evening at The Kennedy Center's Eisenhower Theatre. Headlining the impeccable cast is the wonderful, two-time Tony-winner Christine Baranski, whom I've personally waited years to see on stage. I'll be making the journey to Washington in just a few weeks, and you can be sure I'll be reviewing this production, which is rumored to be under consideration for a Broadway bow this fall.
Joining Baranski in the role of
Mame's best friend Vera is another Tony winner: Harriet Harris, who I last saw as the fabulous Mrs. Meers in the Broadway production of
Thoroughly Modern Millie four years ago. Also in the cast are Emily Skinner as Agnes and Jeff McCarthy as Beauregard. The Eric Schaeffer-helmed production will be choreographed by Warren Carlyle and lasts through July 2. Note that tickets for many performances are already sold-out.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for tickets.Related Stories:Mame Slightly Bruised, Not Maimed, by Critics (June 2, 2006)
Assassins Loose in Washington for Another Week (May 31, 2006)
Farm Boys (The SOB Review) - Great American History Theater, St. Paul, MN***1/2 (out of ****)
In the big city, it's easy to get lost and become as anonymous and private as you desire. But in small towns and rural communities, everyone knows your business. To be "different" risks standing out and alienation. After all, "people talk."
Farm Boys, based on Will Fellows' book, is an understated yet moving play, demonstrating that for those growing up gay in small town America, it can be especially complicating and even devastating.
When a heart attack takes the life of veternarian farmer Lyle (played, ironically, with tremendous
heart by Phil Callen), his will bequeaths his property in rural Wisconsin to John (portrayed by the gifted Matt Guidry, pictured in the foreground with Callen behind him), a man who brought true love to his life years earlier. Guidry is particularly effective through his nuanced portrayal both of John's youthful exuberance and the jaded man he later becomes.
As a young adult, John had not a care in the world other than to be with Lyle. Now, as a New Yorker obsessed with his career struggles, he takes his partner Kim (Joe Leary) to his hometown of Colby, only to relive many of the agonizing moments that he struggled with as he came of age. Complicating matters more is Keith (realistically portrayed by Harlan Chambers), a sexually-confused 18 year old who simply can't reconcile his religion with who he truly is.
With subtle wit and affecting writing, accentuated by Matthew Reinert's haunting and exquisite lighting,
Farm Boys delicately underscores how difficult society has made it for rural gay men to be true to themselves. Hurry to see this John Miller-Stephany-helmed production, which closes on May 28.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for tickets.
Flashback: Best of 2004-05As I count down my SOB Best of 2005-06, here’s a flashback to my personal best list for the 2004-05 theatrical season, as well as my honorable mentions and what I believe was the absolute worst show I saw that season.
My SOB Best of 2004-05 includes:
#1 –
Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre, London, UK) – It was a jolly holiday for me as I ventured to London to see the practically perfect stage adaptation of P.L. Travers’
Mary Poppins. The show dazzled with excellent acting, countless special effects (including a subtle, but impressive projection design), spectacular choreography by Matthew Bourne, and wonderful new tunes from George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to complement those from the movie. But at its enchanting core was plenty of heart to make even a jaded theatregoer like me tear up.
#2 –
Doubt (Walter Kerr Theatre, New York, NY) – Brían F. O’Byrne and Tony-winner Cherry Jones sparred as Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius in this compelling drama that left us debating, “Did he or didn’t he?” long after our departure from the theatre. Completing the excellent ensemble of John Patrick Shanley’s morality play were Heather Goldenhersh and Adriane Lenox, who won a Tony for her ethically-challenged mother. It wasn’t hard to understand why
Doubt received the 2005 Tony Award for Best Play along with a Pulitzer Prize. While closing on Broadway this July, audiences throughout the United States will have the opportunity to see Jones reprise her role in the touring production.
#3 –
Pirates of Penzance Or, The Slave of Duty (Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, MN) – With the giddy glee that this W.S.Gilber/Arthur Sullivan operetta has been delivering since first performed back in 1879, I can completely appreciate why there have been 24 various Broadway productions (the last being the celebrated Kevin Kline/Linda Ronstadt/Estelle Parsons revival in 1981). In Minneapolis two summers ago, Guthrie Director Joe Dowling won the hearts of a new generation of fans with this delightful adaptation that added the incomparable Barbara Bryne as a charming Queen Victoria.
#4 –
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Imperial Theatre, New York, NY) –
I’ve already noted how much I thoroughly enjoyed this tuner from David Yazbek. It’s great big stuff consistently delivering great big laughs, and it's helping to finally make a great big star out of the multi-talented and extraordinarily funny Norbert Leo Butz.
#5 –
700 Sundays (Broadhurst Theatre, New York, NY) – Billy Crystal’s incredibly introspective self-therapeutic one-man show had to be seen on the Broadhurst stage to truly appreciate his story-telling genius. We can only hope that by sharing such intimate details of his relationships with his parents and other family members that he’s finally achieved some closure.
Honorable Mentions:Reckless (Biltmore Theatre, New York, NY) – Mary-Louise Parker in her Tony-nominated turn as Rachel in Craig Lucas’ black comedy with plenty of twists and turns.
The Foreigner (Laura Pels Theatre, New York, NY) – Matthew Broderick at his comic best in Larry Shue’s hysterical tale of a man posing as someone with little understanding of English. Kevin Cahoon was excellent as the dim bulb local yokel.
La Cage Aux Folles (Marquis Theatre, New York, NY) – The revival of Jerry Herman’s dazzling, cross-dressing musical danced its way into my heart.
The Baltimore Waltz (Peter Norton Square, New York, NY) – Kristen Johnston and David Marshall Grant in this heart-wrenching comedy/drama about a brother and sister who are forced to come to terms with each other’s maladies.
Worst of 2001-02:Forbidden Christmas Or The Doctor And The Patient (Guthrie Lab, Minneapolis, MN) – Despite the inspired casting of Mikhail Baryshnikov, even he couldn’t save this excruciatingly boring production about a man who thinks he’s a car. I saw the world premiere of this production in Minneapolis and must note that by the time it arrived in New York, it was toasted for its charms. Clearly, something must have happened along the way.
Now that I've dispensed with my flashbacks from the past five theatrical seasons, as well as counting down my SOB Best of 2005-06 up to #2, next up is my choice for the best theatrical production of the entire past year.
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Click here for Mary Poppins tickets.
Click here for Doubt (Broadway) tickets.
Click here for Doubt (Tour) tickets.
Click here for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels tickets.
Related Stories: Butz and Pryce Flee the Scene on July 16 (June 5, 2006)
Wicked Becomes Broadway's 8th Overall Cumulative Grosser Among Current Hits (June 2, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2003-04 (May 25, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2002-03 (May 24, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2001-02 (May 24, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2000-01 (May 23, 2006)
Lucie Arnaz Plays Omaha Chic in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (May 23, 2006)
Disney Moves from Continent to Continent (May 22, 2006)
Grey Gardens Moving to Broadway, Lest There Was Any Doubt (May 15, 2006)
Most Critics Find Tarzan Less Than D’Vine (May 11, 2006)
Rejoice! Gavin Lee to Cross Atlantic for Mary Poppins on Broadway (May 8, 2006)
Vanessa Redgrave to Make Broadway Return as Joan DidionLooks like Broadway's Booth Theatre will be a very popular destination over the next twelve months. As the current home to the critically-acclaimed, limited engagement of
Faith Healer, the Booth was named earlier this week as the venue for the Broadway revival of Simon Gray's
Butley with Nathan Lane. Now comes word from
The New York Times that another lofty occupant -- Vanessa Redgrave -- will settle in March 29, 2007.
Redgrave is set to perform a one-woman show based on novelist Joan Didion's "The Year of Magical Thinking," her lauded autobiographical account of her personal tragedies over the past few years. In her last foray onto the Broadway stage three years ago, Redgrave expertly carried the audience with her on a downward spiral as Mary Tyrone in the celebrated revival of
Long Day's Journey Into Night. That heartbreaking performance won her a Tony.
Direction will be provided by British playwright David Hare (
The Breath Of Life,
The Blue Room and
Stuff Happens).
It seems as though every time I enter the storied
Booth Theatre -- named in 1913 for the preeminent American actor of the 19th Century Edwin Booth, who was also the brother to the infamous John Wilkes Booth -- I can count on seeing captivating live theatre. With the addition of Didion's work next year, that trend will surely continue.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:Flashback: Best of 2002-03 (May 24, 2006)
Butley's Back on Broadway at Booth (May 23, 2006)
Faith Healer (The SOB Review) – Booth Theatre, New York, NY (May 10, 2006)
Critics Believe in Faith Healer (May 5, 2006)
Faith Healer Seeks Believers on Broadway Tonight (May 4, 2006)
Broadway Season Nears Finale (April 30, 2006)
Labels: Broadway, First Word On New Show, Joan Didion, Play, The Year Of Magical Thinking, Vanessa Redgrave
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #2 – Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre, London, UK)Luck was most certainly
not my lady last July when I first attempted to see Michael Grandage’s excellent and thrilling revival of one of Broadway’s most classic musicals,
Guys And Dolls.
Terrorist attacks shattered the morning on the day I was prepared to take my second row seat at London’s Piccadilly Theatre and closed West End theatres for the very first time since World War II. That day was quite surreal to say the least, and the tragic loss of human life certainly made the closings seem very inconsequential.
Fortunately for me, I was able to make a return visit to London last November about a week before Ewan McGregor and Jane Krakowski exited the production, and guess what? I managed to snare second row seats again. I’ve seen and loved countless productions of
Guys And Dolls, including the wonderful, celebrated 1992 Broadway revival featuring Peter Gallagher, Nathan Lane and Faith Prince. But never before had I so thoroughly enjoyed the captivating wit, charm and music of
Guys And Dolls as much as I did through Grandage’s brilliant production.
Certainly, the star power of Ewan McGregor illuminates even greater after his stellar take on Sky Masterson, complete with Brooklyn accent and heavenly singing voice. Thanks to Rob Ashford’s enthralling choreography, McGregor also demonstrated a charismatic gift for dance as well. As the token American in the production, Jane Krakowski was delightfully ditzy and charming as Miss Adelaide. British thespians Douglas Hodge and Jenna Russell worked magic as Nathan Detroit and Sarah Brown, respectively.
There has been recent talk that this quintessential revival may be headed to Broadway, although there’s no guarantee that any of the original London leads would reprise their roles. But with Grandage’s exhilaratingly fresh take on a story so many have seen before, I have no doubt that American audiences would be as enchanted as I was in London. That’s why
Guys And Dolls ranks as #2 on my SOB Best of 2005-06 Theatrical Season list.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for tickets.Related Stories:Sheen/Langella to Portray Frost/Nixon in London (June 2, 2006)
Swayze Lands London's Detroit Role (June 1, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #1 - Theater Of The New Ear (Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA) (May 30, 2006)
London's Guys And Dolls 1st Anniversary Ticket Offer (May 27, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #3 – Hedda Gabler (Brooklyn Academy of Music – Harvey Theatre, New York, NY) (May 25, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #4 – A Blameless Life (Steppenwolf Garage, Chicago, IL) (May 24, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #5 – Reeling (The Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN) (May 23, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #6 – “MASTER HAROLD”…And The Boys (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 21, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #7 – Love Song (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 19, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #8 - Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre, London, UK) (May 18, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #9 - The Well-Appointed Room (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 17, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #10 - Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Eugene O'Neill Theatre, New York, NY) (May 15, 2006)
Guys and Dolls Imported to Broadway from London? (May 15, 2006)
The SOB Five "Worst" of 2005-06 (May 12, 2006)
SOB's Best and Worst of 2005-06 Theatre Season (May 12, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2003-04As I count down my SOB Best of 2005-06, here’s a flashback to my personal best list for the 2003-04 theatrical season, as well as my honorable mentions and what I believe was the absolute worst show I saw that season.
My SOB Best of 2003-04 includes:
#1 –
Assassins (Studio 54, New York, NY) – Definitely ahead of its time, this Joe Mantello-helmed Stephen Sondheim revival was nearly sidelined as a result of 9/11. Thankfully, this tour-de-force morality musical on America’s real and would-be
assassins really hit the mark, with excellent performances all around. Standouts included Tony-winner Michael Cerveris (John Wilkes Booth), Denis O’Hare (Charles J. Guiteau) and Jeffrey Kuhn (Giuseppe Zangara). But Neil Patrick Harris’ transformation from Balladeer to Lee Harvey Oswald was especially chilling. It's a pity it came and went so quickly.
#2 –
Wicked (Gershwin Theatre, New York, NY) – Seeing Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in their respective Tony-nominated roles of Elphaba and Glinda just two days after
Wicked opened, I was positively charmed by the story that took the beloved classic “The Wizard Of Oz” and successfully turned it on its head. Completely mesmerized by Chenoweth in such numbers as “Popular” and Menzel in “Defying Gravity,” I was truly upset that
Wicked didn’t earn the Tony for Best Musical, but took solace when Menzel received her well-deserved Best Actress trophy. This show continues to soar, with sit-down productions in New York and Chicago, a touring company (currently in Atlanta and about to fly into Detroit), and the much-anticipated London staging with Menzel returning to work the broom.
#3 –
Small Tragedy (Playwrights’ Center, Minneapolis, MN) – With shows like
Reckless,
Prelude to a Kiss and
The Light in the Piazza under his belt, I profess to being a huge fan of Craig Lucas’ twisted storytelling. So when I learned that the world premiere of his
Small Tragedy would take place at the tiny Playwrights Center in Minneapolis, I made sure I was in the audience. With Lucas, things are never what they seem, and
Small Tragedy points to the real-live monsters living among us, nearly undetected. Despite an unknown cast, this was the most effectively haunting and best small play I saw throughout the year. It later went on to enthrall Off-Broadway audiences and critics alike.
#4 –
Dirty Blonde (Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA) – Although I missed out on Claudia Shear’s original Broadway production of
Dirty Blonde -- a "play with music" about Mae West admirers Jo and Charlie, whose paths cross when paying respects at her tomb -- I was completely wowed by the dynamic and impeccably precise performance delivered by Kathy Najimy as Jo and West herself. The additional bonus was enjoying the talents of Kevin Chamberlin and Bob Stillman reprising their original Broadway roles.
#5 –
Pride And Prejudice (Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, MN) – This magnificent production of the Jane Austen classic featured one of my favorite South African actresses, Bianca Amato, who demonstrated all the spirit and fiery independence fans of this classic tale have come to love. Whoever said classics couldn't be fun?
Honorable Mentions:A Man of No Importance (Loring Playhouse, Minneapolis, MN) – A delightful, small musical about an ardent aficionado of Oscar Wilde struggling in his quest to be true to himself.
Elaine Stritch At Liberty (State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN) – The living legend took her historical, hysterical show on the road.
Worst of 2001-02:
Harvey (Laguna Playhouse, Laguna Beach, CA) – So frustratingly bad, this Charles Nelson Reilly-helmed revival of the man befriending a large white rabbit never reached its intended destination on Broadway.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for Wicked tickets. Related Stories:Assassins Loose in Washington for Another Week (May 31, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2004-05 (May 26, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2002-03 (May 24, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2001-02 (May 24, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2000-01 (May 23, 2006)
Approaching One Year, Chicago's Wicked Continues to Captivate (May 23, 2006)
Wicked's West End Witches Update (May 17, 2006)
Worldwide Wicked Casting News (May 5, 2006)
Encore: Spotlight Week Ending April 30, 2006 (April 30, 2006)
DeLillo's Love-Lies-Bleeding Transfers to Kennedy CenterEast Coast audiences will soon have the opportunity to see the thoughtful, nuanced
Love-Lies-Bleeding by Don DeLillo (pictured), June 17-25 at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theatre. This production is transferring directly from Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre, home of the play's world premiere earlier this month. Jointly produced by Steppenwolf and the Kennedy Center Fund for New American Plays,
Love-Lies-Bleeding examines family members' ethics, love and pain surrounding the moral question of whether to end a stroke victim's life.
As I noted in my May 8 review, "Whatever your moral convictions, DeLillo expertly weaves together both sides of the heartbreaking debate on when or if it’s ever appropriate to end another living being’s life. To be frank, I walked into this production fully anticipating that the Amy Morton-directed study in human emotions would be completely lopsided. Rather than being preachy, it provides a thoughtful analysis of what’s truly at stake on all sides."
With the transfer of the outstanding original Chicago cast -- including Steppenwolf's artistic director Martha Lavey and screen actor John Heard -- Washington audiences (and politicians), some of whom no doubt personally stepped into last year's Terry Schiavo debate, will surely find this production every bit as compelling.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for Love-Lies-Bleeding tickets at Steppenwolf (show closes May 28).Click here for Love-Lies-Bleeding tickets at the Kennedy Center (June 17-25).Related Stories:Assassins Loose in Washington for Another Week (May 31, 2006)
Love-Lies-Bleeding (The SOB Review) - Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL (May 8, 2006)
Cautious Recommendations for Love-Lies-Bleeding (May 8, 2006)
Love-Lies-Bleeding Opens Tonight in Chicago (May 7, 2006)
Labels: Don DeLillo, First Word On New Show, John Heard, Kennedy Center, Love-Lies-Bleeding, Martha Lavey, Play, Steppenwolf, Terry Schiavo, Transfer
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #3 – Hedda Gabler (Brooklyn Academy of Music – Harvey Theatre, New York, NY)The absolute best production I saw in New York over the past year wasn’t on Broadway or Off-Broadway, but instead at the very relevant Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Hedda Gabler provided an excellent cast in a superb adaptation by Andrew Upton of the Henrik Ibsen classic.
While some critics quibbled with Robyn Nevin’s direction and Upton's scripts -- suggesting they had taken too many liberties with the play -- I was left pondering where the outrage was over the endless parade of adaptations of William Shakespeare and Jane Austen masterpieces. What about the countless musical theatre adaptations of old movies? Much ado about nothing, and it truly missed the central fact that this Sydney Theatre Company production defiantly stood on its own and made for brilliant -- and yes,
entertaining -- theatre.
In the troubled and tragic title role, the exquisite Cate Blanchett commanded the stage with a forceful range of exhilarating emotions going from luminescent to fiery. While Julia Roberts is currently the hottest ticket on Broadway, movie star gazers would have been wise a couple months ago to hop on the number 2 train from Manhattan to Brooklyn where the year’s most exceptional acting was in full bloom.
This adaptation commenced with Hedda pondering her self-inflicted boredom from her ill-conceived marriage, brooding at marrying beneath her aristocratic position. Yet the play quickly picked up a head of steam that didn’t quit until the final gunshot. Blanchett was at her wicked best when rolling over Justine Clarke’s Thea for the affections of Ejlert (poignantly portrayed by Aden Young) or when going head-to-head with Hugo Weaving -- whose riveting portrayal of Judge Brack proved the only character capable of seeing through, yet aiding, Hedda’s manipulative mayhem.
Nevin’s direction succeeded in making this
Hedda Gabler one of the most captivating theatrical journeys I’ve ever experienced, and that’s why it ranks #3 on my SOB Best of the 2005-06 Theatrical Season list.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:SOB's Best of 2005-06: #1 - Theater Of The New Ear (Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA) (May 30, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #2 – Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre, London, UK) (May 26, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #4 – A Blameless Life (Steppenwolf Garage, Chicago, IL) (May 24, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #5 – Reeling (The Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN) (May 23, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #6 – “MASTER HAROLD”…And The Boys (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 21, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #7 – Love Song (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 19, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #8 - Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre, London, UK) (May 18, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #9 - The Well-Appointed Room (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 17, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #10 - Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Eugene O'Neill Theatre, New York, NY) (May 15, 2006)
The SOB Five "Worst" of 2005-06 (May 12, 2006)
SOB's Best and Worst of 2005-06 Theatre Season (May 12, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2002-03As I count down my SOB Best of 2005-06, here’s a flashback to my personal best list for the 2002-03 theatrical season, as well as my honorable mentions and what I believe was the absolute worst show I saw that season.
My SOB Best of 2002-03 includes:
#1 –
La Bohème (Broadway Theatre, New York, NY) – Credit Baz Luhrmann with the spellbinding genius for making one of the most enduring of operas into an accessible and excellent theatrical event. Not since Dorothy landed in Oz have I witnessed as glorious a transformation from black and white to full blown color as I did during this amazing production. In this case, it occurred when love was in full bloom. I only hope that Luhrmann won’t stay away from Broadway too much longer.
#2 –
The Last Five Years (Plays & Players Theatre, Philadelphia, PA) – While I didn’t have a chance to see the original or Off-Broadway versions of this captivating two-handed musical, that literally and effortlessly tells the story of lost love backwards and forwards, I was mesmerized by this remarkable Philadelphia production with Nicole Van Giesen and Wayne Wilcox as Cathy and Jamie, respectively. I can honestly say that this was indeed the very best small show I saw over the last five years.
#3 –
Dreamgirls (Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA) – Reprising her career-making role as Effie, Jennifer Holliday returned to her theatrical roots one last time and brought the house down with one of the most satisfying, yet gut-wrenching performances of her signature song, “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.” There was not one dry eye in Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre. And the rest of the production was every bit as excellent.
#4 –
Long Day’s Journey Into Night (Plymouth Theatre, New York, NY) – One of the most deservedly acclaimed productions of its year, this Robert Falls-helmed revival of Eugene O’Neill’s seminal, semi-autobiographical classic more than captured his family’s deep descent into hell. Its stellar cast included Vanessa Redgrave and Brian Dennehy at their finest, along with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Robert Sean Leonard.
#5 –
Nine (Eugene O’Neill Theatre, New York, NY) – While the sensually seductive Jane Krakowski earned a Tony for this wonderful revival, it was Chita Rivera who literally stopped the show with a breathtaking performance that sealed her legendary status forever. Never before have I seen a standing ovation immediately after a production number, but Miss Rivera more than earned it scoring a "12." On top of everything else, Antonio Banderas was brilliant in this tale of a playboy entering middle age.
Honorable Mentions:Hairspray (5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle, WA) with Harvey Fierstein and Marissa Jaret Winoker in the
pre-Broadway engagement.
Purple Heart (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) with Laurie Metcalf and Christopher Evan Welch.
The Breath of Life (Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London, UK) with Dames Maggie Smith and Judi Dench.
All My Sons (Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, MN) with a virtuoso performance by Peter Michael Goetz.
Worst of 2001-02:Stones In His Pockets (Ordway Theatre, St. Paul, MN) – This touring production clearly lost something in its translation from the British stage and didn’t help that Americans, including the overacting Bronson Pinchot, had assumed the Irish roles.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:Flashback: Best of 2004-05 (May 26, 2006)
Vanessa Redgrave to Make Broadway Return as Joan Didion (May 26, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2003-04 (May 25, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2001-02 (May 24, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2000-01 (May 23, 2006)
Labels: Atlanta, Billy Elliot The Musical, Broadway, Chita Rivera, Dreamgirls, Jennifer Holliday, La Boheme, Long Day's Journey Into Night, Nine, Play, Revival, SOB's Best of 2002-03, The Last Five Years
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #4 – A Blameless Life (Steppenwolf Garage, Chicago, IL)Every year, I manage to catch at least one very small show that thoroughly astonishes me with an emotionally-packed wallop. This past year was no different. I was very pleasantly surprised that it came so early in the season through a little play called
A Blameless Life. This play was presented as part of Steppenwolf’s annual "First Look Repertory of New Work" presented each summer on the smallest of its three stages.
Expertly helmed by Anna D. Shapiro -- director of one of my favorite plays from the 2002-03 season: Bruce Norris’ breathtaking
Purple Heart on Steppenwolf’s primary stage -- A
Blameless Life simply blew me away. It started out simply enough with a rather jaded and sarcastic married couple sitting on a bench outside a shopping mall commenting on life’s typical and mundane unpleasantries. But shortly into their banter, the couple, played by the excellent Joe Van Slyke and Annabel Armour, receive some tragically shocking, life-changing news.
Watching Van Slyke’s character spiral downward was haunting and painful, yet it also provided a introspective window into the soul of a grieving father in complete despair, blaming himself for what had befallen his family. Ultimately, it's his family that helped lurch him back from the brink with a loving message that fate often deals the cruelest blows, with or without our hand.
A Blameless Life was a truly touching story delivered by a solid, superb cast. Thus, this ranks as my SOB #4 Best of the 2005-06 Theatrical Season. I only hope that this someday receives the wider audience it deserves. And in the interest of full disclosure, I am a proud member of Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council Board of Governors -- largely because of outstanding theatrical productions like this.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:SOB's Best of 2005-06: #1 - Theater Of The New Ear (Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA) (May 30, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #2 – Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre, London, UK) (May 26, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #3 – Hedda Gabler (Brooklyn Academy of Music – Harvey Theatre, New York, NY) (May 25, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #5 – Reeling (The Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN) (May 23, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #6 – “MASTER HAROLD”…And The Boys (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 21, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #7 – Love Song (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 19, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #8 - Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre, London, UK) (May 18, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #9 - The Well-Appointed Room (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 17, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #10 - Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Eugene O'Neill Theatre, New York, NY) (May 15, 2006)
The SOB Five "Worst" of 2005-06 (May 12, 2006)
SOB's Best and Worst of 2005-06 Theatre Season (May 12, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2001-02As I count down my SOB Best of 2005-06, here’s a flashback to my personal best list for the 2001-02 theatrical season, as well as my honorable mentions and what I believe was the absolute worst show I saw that season.
My SOB Best of 2001-02 includes:
#1 –
The Producers (St. James Theatre, New York, NY)* -- While Nathan Lane was already calling in sick by the time I saw this show for the first time, Brad Oscar and Matthew Broderick had so much chemistry as Max and Leo that the audience roared with laughter. Sad to say, I subsequently saw the show with a couple of lesser names and the quality of the performances was down substantially and the chemistry was gone. Then, finally, on my third outing to the St. James Theatre, I finally got to witness what made this show so legendary in the first place: the classic teaming of Lane and Broderick. Unbelievably superb!
#2 –
My Fair Lady (Drury Lane Theatre Royal, London, UK) – This marked my first opportunity to see magnificent Jonathan Pryce on stage in the role of Henry Higgins. Teamed with an excellent cast and wonderful Matthew Bourne choreography, it didn’t even matter that an understudy was performing in the role of Eliza Doolittle. One can only hope that this revival makes its way to the United States.
#3 –
The Car Man (Ordway Theatre, St. Paul, MN) – With one of the most sensual adaptations of Carmen ever, this Matthew Bourne dance production sizzled and titillated unlike any other show I had previously seen.
#4 –
The Women (American Airlines Theatre, New York, NY) – How could you do any better on casting a revival of this Clare Boothe Luce classic than including Cynthia Nixon, Kristen Johnston, Jennifer Coolidge, Jennifer Tilly, Rue McClanahan, Amy Ryan, Mary Louise Wilson and Julie Halston? Johnston and Coolidge should have received Tony nods for this outstanding and thoroughly enjoyable work.
#5 –
Robin Williams (Guthrie Theatre, Minneapolis, MN) – The manic maestro of comedy brought his talents to the stage of Minneapolis’ famed (and about to be razed) Guthrie Thrust Stage. I honestly don’t recall ever laughing for a longer sustained period of time in my life than I did during this excellent performance. WOW!
Honorable Mentions:
Oklahoma! (Gershwin Theatre, New York, NY) --Oh, what a beautiful revival with Patrick Wilson, Andrea Martin and Tony-winner Shuler Hensley as Jud Fry.
The Graduate (Plymouth Theatre, New York, NY) -- It was as if the critics saw a different show. I loved it, Kathleen Turner and Jason Biggs.
Worst of 2001-02:
The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas (Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis, MN) – Nothing more than a vehicle for Ann-Margret to stand and pose for the audience. In a word: “Awful.”
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for The Producers tickets. Related Stories:
Flashback: Best of 2004-05 (May 26, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2003-04 (May 25, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2002-03 (May 24, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2000-01 (May 23, 2006)
* I first caught The Producers one year into its Broadway run in the winter of 2002.
Flashback: Best of 2000-01As I count down the SOB Best of 2005-06, I thought it might be fun to look back and provide you with those shows that made my personal 5 best lists in each of the last five years, especially for posterity's sake. After all, I only started Steve On Broadway (SOB) this year. For 2002-2005, I'll even clue you into my honorable mentions and choices for worst shows.
My SOB Best of 2000-01 includes:
#1 -
The Lion King (New Amsterdam Theatre, New York, NY)* -- the original Elton John Broadway musical and Disney's second is still going strong nearly nine years after first opening on Broadway.
#2 -
An Inspector Calls (Garrick, London, UK) -- an amazing cast and innovative stage with a real rainstorm gets its true edge from the story of how a wise detective explores the pathos of a troubled family.
#3 - Gore Vidal's
The Best Man (Virginia Theatre, New York, NY) -- timed against the 2000 presidential elections, this examination of politics included one of the best casts I've ever seen: Charles Durning, Elizabeth Ashley, Chris Noth, Christine Ebersole, Michael Learned, Ed Dixon and the last Broadway performance by Spalding Gray.
#4 -
Aida (Palace Theatre, New York, NY) -- Heather Headley's star-making, Tony-winning title role and Sherie René Scott's featured role made this Elton John musical a delight.
#5 -
O (Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV) -- Franco Dragone's revolutionary, groundbreaking and awe-inspiring Cirque du Soleil spectacle is still on display at one of Vegas' favorite hotels.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for The Lion King tickets.Click here for O tickets.Related Stories:Flashback: Best of 2004-05 (May 26, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2003-04 (May 25, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2002-03 (May 24, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2001-02 (May 24, 2006)
* I caught The Lion King in the summer of 2000, nearly three years after the show first opened on Broadway.Labels: A Kind Of Alaska, Aida, An Inspector Calls, Broadway, London, Play, SOB's Best of 2000-01, The Best Man, The Lion King
Butley's Back on Broadway at BoothMuch-anticipated confirmation came today that Nathan Lane will reprise his Huntington Theatre (Boston) title role as
Butley on Broadway. Ben
Butley is a professor whose abhorrent behavior results in losing his wife and lover on the same day. The production, helmed by Nicholas Martin, is expected to open on October 28 at the Booth Theatre (current home to
Faith Healer).
Critics showered favorable notices on this revival of the celebrated 1972 play by Simon Gray. The original version of the show garnered three Tony Award nominations, and its original star -- the late, great Alan Bates -- received his first of two Tonys for this particular portrayal.
I caught Lane's Boston performance as
Butley in late 2003. Despite what the critics thought, I thought his portrayal was way over the top and unusually forced. While I have enjoyed Lane's performances immensely in
Guys And Dolls,
The Producers and
The Odd Couple, to say he chewed the scenery as
Butley would be an understatement.
One final retrospective note on that production, there was some poignancy in seeing this show in Boston because it featured Alan Bates' son Benedick, just a month prior to the elder Bates' passing. But it remains to be seen whether the younger Bates will be part of the Broadway production.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:Vanessa Redgrave to Make Broadway Return as Joan Didion (May 26, 2006)
Labels: Broadway, Butley, First Word On New Show, Nathan Lane, Play, Revival, Transfer
Impending Stake For Lestat’s HeartDarkness is normally welcomed for vampires, but effective May 28, the lights on Broadway’s
Lestat will officially dim for the final time. The announcement comes only one day after the cast took to the Sony Studios to record their cast album. Based on the wildly successful Anne Rice novels,
Lestat was Sir Elton John’s third Broadway outing, but first collaboration there with his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin.
The musical, which only enjoyed 39 regular performances, did manage to snag a couple Tony Award nominations, but will likely be long forgotten by the time they’re handed out in June. Perhaps this third of three wildly
unsuccessful vampire musicals will place the final stake through the ill-fated genre.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for tickets. Related Stories:Critics Sink Their Fangs Into Lestat (April 26, 2006)
Lestat Opens On Broadway Tonight (April 25, 2006)
Labels: Broadway, Closing Notices, Elton John, Lestat, Musical
Approaching One Year, Chicago's Wicked Continues to CaptivateNearly one year ago, immediately after the touring company of
Wicked blew through Chicago, a sit-down production with all the gusto of the original replaced it at the ornate Oriental Theatre. Key casting included Kate Reinders as Glinda, Ana Gasteyer as Elphaba, Kristoffer Kusick as Fiyero, Gene Weygandt as the Wizard, Rondi Reed as Madama Morrible, Telly Leung as Boq and Heidi Kettering as Nessarose.
While Reinders, Gasteyer and Reed have departed -- Reinders will soon take her Glinda to Broadway's Gershwin Theatre and Gasteyer is now part of Broadway's
The Threepenny Opera -- I'm pleased to note that their replacements (Stacie Morgain Lewis, Kristy Cates and Carole Shelley, respectively) are outstanding, and in the case of the new Glinda, she's, well, quite popular. When returning to
Wicked just over a week ago, I was awed by Lewis' downright giddy and gleeful portrayal of Glinda The Good. But I was also impressed by her strong vocal performance as well. Cates, who has also appeared as Broadway's Elphaba, brought the house down with her rendition of "Defying Gravity." It was especially delightful to see Shelley, who originally created the role of Madame Morrible on Broadway two and a half years ago.
The production has not lost any of its wonderfully
Wicked ways, save for the surprisingly poor pacing provided by Timothy Britten Parker's Doctor Dillamond. What struck me more profoundly than in previous viewings are the subtle political allegories to the times we live in, and perhaps this show was years ahead of its time.
Overall,
Wicked is still going strong in Chicago, and if my audience was any indication, the musical fantasy
continues to perform before sold-out crowds there, just as it is on-tour and on Broadway. I continue to enthusiastically recommend this musical.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for Wicked (Chicago) tickets.Related Stories:Wicked Becomes Broadway's 8th Overall Cumulative Grosser Among Current Hits (June 2, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2003-04 (May 25, 2006)
Wicked's West End Witches Update (May 17, 2006)
Worldwide Wicked Casting News (May 5, 2006)
Encore: Spotlight Week Ending April 30, 2006 (April 30, 2006)
Labels: Anniversary, Chicago, Musical, Wicked
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #5 – Reeling (The Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN)
One of the most delightfully engaging, inviting productions I saw all throughout the past year was
Reeling, an excellent little gem for all ages staged by The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis. This regional Tony Award-winning company is perhaps best known for 2003’s Broadway family hit
A Year With Frog And Toad.
Renowned for their incredible attention to detail, The Children’s Theatre Company proudly hosted the world premiere of
Reeling, a show inspired by 1920s-era silent movies. In
Reeling, our hero -- “The Little Fellow” -- was played with an incredibly limber grace and dexterity by Dean Holt, who evoked a latter-day Ray Bolger (indeed, Holt portrayed the Scarecrow in a brilliant stage version of
The Wizard Of Oz at the very same theatre a couple of years ago). The Little Fellow is smitten with Beloved (Rebecca Lord), who wants nothing more than to become a famous fim actress, all but ignoring our hero's affections. The Little Fellow catches up with Beloved on a movie set, but not without first enduring an amazing array of pratfalls that includes being chased by an army of Keystone Kops along the way. This was true slapstick comedy at its finest.
In addition to picture-perfect casting,
Reeling's silent film style also benefited tremendously from Joe Chvala’s essential foley artistry and Chris Heagle’s sound design. Director Peter Brosius brought Barry Kornhauser’s mesmerizing “silent film” love story to life, giving it a huge, sweet heart, as well as an endearing ending fit for a movie from the period. I just hope that this “silent” production has a bright future elsewhere that I can continue to “talk up.” That is why
Reeling ranks #5 on my SOB Best of the 2005-06 Theatrical Season list.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:SOB's Best of 2005-06: #1 - Theater Of The New Ear (Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA) (May 30, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #2 – Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre, London, UK) (May 26, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #3 – Hedda Gabler (Brooklyn Academy of Music – Harvey Theatre, New York, NY) (May 25, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #4 – A Blameless Life (Steppenwolf Garage, Chicago, IL) (May 24, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #6 – “MASTER HAROLD”…And The Boys (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 21, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #7 – Love Song (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 19, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #8 - Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre, London, UK) (May 18, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #9 - The Well-Appointed Room (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 17, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #10 - Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Eugene O'Neill Theatre, New York, NY) (May 15, 2006)
The SOB Five "Worst" of 2005-06 (May 12, 2006)
SOB's Best and Worst of 2005-06 Theatre Season (May 12, 2006)
Lucie Arnaz Plays Omaha Chic in Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsBeginning tonight, Lucie Arnaz formally takes over the role of wealthy Nebraska socialite Muriel Eubanks from Joanna Gleason in the Broadway production of
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Arnaz will play the romantic interest to Gregory Jbara's Andre Thibault. It's a wonderful, welcome comeback role for Arnaz.
I've loved
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels right from the first time I saw this gem of a musical shortly after it opened last year. I was pleasantly surprised upon seeing it a second time this year, not long after Jonathan Pryce took over the role of Lawrence Jameson from John Lithgow. Norbert Leo Butz was better than ever and truly inhabits his Freddy Benson character with hilarious charm -- even nearly a year after earning his immensely deserved first Tony Award, he shows no sign of slowing down. I dare say that as much as I enjoyed the chemistry between Butz, Lithgow and the lovely Sherie René Scott, the current trio of Butz, Pryce and another dazzler Rachel York has invigorated the deliciously bawdy show with certain element of class.
No doubt, the addition of Arnaz will only add to that certain sense of refinement. This marks her first appearance on Broadway since appearing in
Lost in Yonkers fifteen years ago; London audiences had a more recent opportunity to see her earlier this decade in the stage adapation of
The Witches of Eastwick. Perhaps another trip to Broadway's Imperial Theatre will be in order.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for tickets.Related Stories:Butz and Pryce Flee the Scene on July 16 (June 5, 2006)
Wicked Becomes Broadway's 8th Overall Cumulative Grosser Among Current Hits (June 2, 2006)
Flashback: Best of 2004-05 (May 26, 2006)
Sunday In The Park With George Revival Opens in London's West EndAs John Doyle's celebrated West End revival of
Sweeney Todd demonstrated, British audiences have a strong appetite for Stephen Sondheim. And as actress Jenna Russell more than aply demonstrated in last year's amazing London revival of
Guys And Dolls as Sarah Brown, she has the knack for breathing exhilarating new life into a time-tested character. Tonight marks the opening of another Sondheim revival,
Sunday In The Park With George,
with Russell assuming the role of Dot at Wyndham's Theatre, which is owned by none other than Cameron Mackintosh.
Before its transfer, this production at London's Menier Chocolate Factory met with critical raves. While Doyle's Sondheim musical achieved acclaim in part for its actors doubling as the on-stage orchestra, the Sam Buntrock-helmed
Sunday In The Park wowed critics by mixing live action with animation to fully bring George Suerot's famous painting, 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" to life. Actor Daniel Evans returns to the title role.
If the critics heap praise on the transferred production, don't be surprised if Broadway is the next stop.
Click here for tickets.
Disney Moves from Continent to ContinentDespite the almost universal critical drubbing of Disney's
Tarzan, the musical is still raking it in at the box office with over 94% of last week's seats being sold. Apparently, the reviews also are not detering Disney from taking the show across the Atlantic, though rather than a West End bow, the Phil Collins tuner will instead be mounted first in the Netherlands during 2007 and then in Germany.
The musical that may get the next shot in London for Disney could be a stage adaptation of
The Little Mermaid.
Playbill is reporting that six UK-based performers will take part in a one week lab there during mid-June for the Alan Menken musical with book by David Ives.
And finally, flying from the rooftops of London to New York is the long-anticipated arrival this fall of the Disney collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh,
Mary Poppins. Having already seen this excellent adaptation in London in 2004, I can tell you it's practically perfect in every way, but dramatically different than the movie version. And since I've already purchased my tickets, I can tell you that there are a variety of presales currently available including to Visa Signature Card holders, Disney Visa Cardholders and those who have signed up for Disney e-mails. I found my best bet was in obtaining premium seats for January, 2007 by using Disney's special code MPMM. It landed me in the third row. This is sure to be the most celebrated show of the 2006-07 season so best get your tickets now!
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for Mary Poppins (Broadway) tickets.Click here for Mary Poppins (London) tickets.Related Stories:Flashback: Best of 2004-05 (May 26, 2006)
Most Critics Find Tarzan Less Than D’Vine (May 11, 2006)
Tarzan Swings Into Broadway Tonight (May 10, 2006)
Rejoice! Gavin Lee to Cross Atlantic for Mary Poppins on Broadway (May 8, 2006)
Labels: Broadway, London, Mary Poppins, Musical, Tarzan, The Little Mermaid
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #6 – “MASTER HAROLD”…And The Boys (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL)
In seeing
“MASTER HAROLD”…And The Boys – Athol Fugard’s intensely personal autobiographical account of growing up as a wealthy white boy in South Africa -- it’s perhaps a little too easy for American audiences to dismiss this apartheid-era drama with detached ignorance as some relic from another culture and time. Despite the play’s distant locale, it serves as a stark reminder that the United States’ shameful Jim Crow age wasn’t that long ago either. Fortunately, for many history-deprived Chicagoland high school students whose schools participate in Steppenwolf for Young Adults -- an outstanding outreach program to local schools -- they had the opportunity to see a display of raw emotion that exemplified some of period's the racial inequality. If only racial inequality
were a thing of the past.
Steppenwolf ensemble member K. Todd Freeman’s passionate, yet rapid-paced direction of this classic play demonstrated just how manic codified racism could be, especially in undercutting civil and even seemingly loving friendships between individuals of different color. One has to wonder how incredibly agonizing it must have been for Fugard to bare his soul and his own shameful actions from his youth by exploring his relationship (as Hally, portrayed by Nick Ferrin) -- with his family’s trusted keeper and confidante, Sam, played with a rare dignified eloquence by Cedric Young, and Willie, who despite the soft-spoken nature of his character portrayed by Kenn E. Head, demonstrated his heart and heartbreak with each sweep of his broom.
While Sam provided Hally with a level of unspoken mentoring that his own father was unable to offer, it was breathtakingly halting to witness how quickly the young man turned hostile against Sam when any sign of his own supposed superiority was remotely questioned.
While this version of
“MASTER HAROLD” …And The Boys enjoyed only a brief reign last fall, its profound and poignant message has remained with me enough to make this number 6 on my SOB Best of 2005-06 Theatrical Season list. (Again, in the interest of full disclosure, I am a proud member of Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council Board of Governors.)
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:SOB's Best of 2005-06: #1 - Theater Of The New Ear (Royce Hall, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA) (May 30, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #2 – Guys And Dolls (Piccadilly Theatre, London, UK) (May 26, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #3 – Hedda Gabler (Brooklyn Academy of Music – Harvey Theatre, New York, NY) (May 25, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #4 – A Blameless Life (Steppenwolf Garage, Chicago, IL) (May 24, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #5 – Reeling (The Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis, MN) (May 23, 2006)
SOB’s Best of 2005-06: #7 – Love Song (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 19, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #8 - Billy Elliot The Musical (Victoria Palace Theatre, London, UK) (May 18, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #9 - The Well-Appointed Room (Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, IL) (May 17, 2006)
SOB's Best of 2005-06: #10 - Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Eugene O'Neill Theatre, New York, NY) (May 15, 2006)
The SOB Five "Worst" of 2005-06 (May 12, 2006)
SOB's Best and Worst of 2005-06 Theatre Season (May 12, 2006)
Labels: Chicago, K. Todd Freeman, Master Harold And The Boys, Play, Revival, SOB's Best of 2005-06, Steppenwolf
Casting Call (Week Ending May 21, 2006)
Although theatrical news over the past two weeks has largely been devoted to late 2005-06 season openings, as well as award nominations and wins, there has also been a significant number of announcements pertaining to upcoming productions and their casts.
While the casting news that may have received the most buzz has been that surrounding Hugh Jackman and his participation in the Taylor Hackford-helmed workshop of
Leap of Faith (based on the 1992 movie with Steve Martin), perhaps the most noteworthy report surrounds recently-minted Academy Award-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman’s return to the stage in LAByrinth Theater’s
Jack Goes Boating. I last saw Hoffman in the haunting semi-autobiographic Broadway portrait of Eugene O’Neill’s family in
Long Day’s Journey Into Night a few years ago in which Hoffman co-starred alongside Tony Award-winners Brian Denehy, Vanessa Redgrave and Robert Sean Leonard. In
Jack Goes Boating, beginning this winter, Hoffman will be joined by John Ortiz and the always delightful Daphne Rubin-Vega.
As for Jackman, it’s clear that his participation is much in demand as he’s also been rumored to be sought for a new Joe Mantello-helmed Broadway revival of
Pal Joey, as well as
Stop the World, I Want to Get Off. Celebrated choreographer Matthew Bourne’s name has also been attached to the
Pal Joey revival. As Jackman demonstrated through his triumphant, Tony Award-winning portrayal of Peter Allen in
The Boy From Oz, he can turn even the most dubious of roles into a tour-de-force performance. He was absolutely remarkable. The only drawback in that show was that he was compelled to impersonate the nasally Allen rather than using his glorious, natural voice. Regardless of which production he’s ultimately attached to, I’m looking forward to once again enjoying this gifted performer.
Other recent and noteworthy casting includes. . . . Disney’s announcement that Donny Osmond -- often the perennial Joseph in various productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat -- will soon be the new Gaston in the long-running Broadway hit
Beauty and the Beast. I’ll be interested in learning whether Osmond has seriously bulked up or will simply use padding to play Belle’s dim suitor . . . . Tony Award-winner Chuck Cooper will join 80s pop idol-turned-Broadway actress Deborah Gibson in Van Hill Entertainment’s production of
Saint Heaven, a spiritually-toned musical love story that begins performances at the Stamford (CT) Center for the Arts, June 1-11. I last saw Gibson in the role of
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella opposite Eartha Kitt’s fairy Godmother several years ago. . . . Jeremy Kushnier, Andy Karl and his real-life wife Orfeh will star in the musical version of
Bright Lights, Big City. Karl, whom I originally saw in
Disney’s On the Record in 2004, has made quite a name for himself over the past year, particularly with his Off-Broadway role in the much-lauded
Altar Boyz, as well as his lead role in
Slut.
Bright Lights, Big City -- the new adaptation of the famed Jay McInerny novel -- will descend on Philadelphia’s Prince Music Theater, beginning June 14 for a limited premiere engagement. . . . and finally, Linda Gray leads the casting in the stage adaptation of
Terms of Endearment, which has already been announced as part of the upcoming season in both Houston and Hartford in 2007. Gray is undoubtedly best known for her years portraying Sue Ellen Ewing on television’s “Dallas.” But more recently, she assumed the role of Mrs. Robinson in the stage version of
The Graduate.
Expect more exciting casting news in the weeks ahead.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Click here for Jack Goes Boating/LAByrinth ticket information.
Click here for Beauty and the Beast (Broadway) tickets.
Click here for Saint Heaven tickets.
Click here for Bright Lights, Big City tickets
Click here for Terms of Endearment (Houston Alley) ticket information.
Related Stories:Casting Call (Week Ending June 7, 2006) (June 7, 2006)
Labels: Beauty And The Beast, Casting Changes, Donny Osmond, Hugh Jackman, Jack Goes Boating, Long Day's Journey Into Night, Pal Joey, Philip Seymour Hoffmann, Stunt Casting, The Boy From Oz
