There is really no way to describe the Tom Stoppard Triology currently playing at Lincoln Center until May 13 other than to use the words of Stoppard. "This is a moment. A moment? Yes, a moment." The moment that is The Coast of Utopia, actually 8 hours of Russian philosophical dramatic moments - none of which should be missed. Of everything this season, I only missed one show, "The Times They Are A Changin'"(and something tells me that I didn't miss much.), nothing has been as amazing and overwhelming that is the journey with the cast of The Coast of Utopia.
The sets, the lights, the costumes, and the most remarkable cast of 44 actors make this an experience unlike any other. Guided by, I am going to say it - Theatrical Genius, Jack O'Brien, The Coast of Utopia takes the amazing words of the fabulous Tom Stoppard and turns them into the most captivating philosophical drama I have ever experienced.
The run is almost over, and I really don't know what reading the plays would be like. But if it is all you can do, go to amazon.com and order them now. This is not to be missed.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
A Couple of Things
1. I know that I am not up to date. I have a pile of playbills next to my bed that I need to discuss. However, it is the end of the semester and the 30 pages of papers that I need to write are not piling up as fast as they need too. So until that happens, I will just continue to see shows and procrastinate with everything in life.
2. If anybody knows of a job in New York. CALL ME!
3. If you get the chance go see The Coast of Utopia. I have seen part 1 and will write about them as a whole once I have finished the triology, but I guess part 1 is the hardest to get through and let me say that it was amazing. Absolutely amazing.
Off to see Lovemusik.
2. If anybody knows of a job in New York. CALL ME!
3. If you get the chance go see The Coast of Utopia. I have seen part 1 and will write about them as a whole once I have finished the triology, but I guess part 1 is the hardest to get through and let me say that it was amazing. Absolutely amazing.
Off to see Lovemusik.
Friday, April 13, 2007
A Couple of Comments
As much as I would reallly like to sit down and write a full review for each of the plays that I have seen recently, I simply just don't have the time. Since the Tony's are slowly creeping up I am trying to catch all the shows that are eligeble. This may sound more like a treat than a task, but it is definitely a task. So, I am going to just write my quick thoughts on some shows.
Company - I saw this show almost two weeks ago now, and I am still fearing daily that it may close. I loved Sweeny, under the direction of John Doyle, however, Company works so much better. I was slightly disappointed by Raul Esparza's performance, but then again it was so hyped that I went in with these ridiculous expectations. However, Barbara Walsh rules my world. Her performance of "The Ladies who Lunch" made my day / week. The show overall was well staged. The lighting I thought was fabulous. My one complaint about almost all Sondheim shows is that the book makes me want to tie Mr. "Bondage" Sondheim up and beat him for being so good, and working with shitty writers. The score to Company makes me so fucking giddy, however, the words inbetween made me want to hit my head on the person in front of me, who P.S. was crying every six seconds. While my dear friend thought that the way the show developed provided no reasoning for Being Alive at the end, I disagree 100%. Everything that led up to that moment, almost brought me to tears as Esparze approached the piano. I really hope that I can join this amazing cast at least once more time before they hang up the phone, and honestly if Barbara Walsh ever needs a Vodka Stinger, name the place / time / price - I WILL BE THERE!
Matthew Passion - Oh How I Would Love To Talk About This All Day, but I can some it up in just two brief sentences. The thought of this play raises my blood pressure, and I don't want to die from the pain it caused me. However, the people behind this show might die, and then my blood pressure could go back down. (See only two.)
If you can GO ! GO ! GO ! GO ! see "Blackbird." I nearly peed myself with happiness as I watched this show. It is simply fucking fabulous with a capital F A B! Jeff Daniels and Alison Pill both give stunning performances, guided by the utterly adorable and fabulous Joe Mantello. An amazing set, amazing lights. And some of the most powerful moments I have seen in a theater this Season. I was utterly impressed. Apparently Ben Brantley, who was sitting in front of me, was also. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/11/theater/reviews/11blac.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1176484276-3AG9iRU+Zt/f/luzR4t8WQ. Directions: Copy Paste Read. Oh, and then go see it.
Company - I saw this show almost two weeks ago now, and I am still fearing daily that it may close. I loved Sweeny, under the direction of John Doyle, however, Company works so much better. I was slightly disappointed by Raul Esparza's performance, but then again it was so hyped that I went in with these ridiculous expectations. However, Barbara Walsh rules my world. Her performance of "The Ladies who Lunch" made my day / week. The show overall was well staged. The lighting I thought was fabulous. My one complaint about almost all Sondheim shows is that the book makes me want to tie Mr. "Bondage" Sondheim up and beat him for being so good, and working with shitty writers. The score to Company makes me so fucking giddy, however, the words inbetween made me want to hit my head on the person in front of me, who P.S. was crying every six seconds. While my dear friend thought that the way the show developed provided no reasoning for Being Alive at the end, I disagree 100%. Everything that led up to that moment, almost brought me to tears as Esparze approached the piano. I really hope that I can join this amazing cast at least once more time before they hang up the phone, and honestly if Barbara Walsh ever needs a Vodka Stinger, name the place / time / price - I WILL BE THERE!
Matthew Passion - Oh How I Would Love To Talk About This All Day, but I can some it up in just two brief sentences. The thought of this play raises my blood pressure, and I don't want to die from the pain it caused me. However, the people behind this show might die, and then my blood pressure could go back down. (See only two.)
If you can GO ! GO ! GO ! GO ! see "Blackbird." I nearly peed myself with happiness as I watched this show. It is simply fucking fabulous with a capital F A B! Jeff Daniels and Alison Pill both give stunning performances, guided by the utterly adorable and fabulous Joe Mantello. An amazing set, amazing lights. And some of the most powerful moments I have seen in a theater this Season. I was utterly impressed. Apparently Ben Brantley, who was sitting in front of me, was also. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/11/theater/reviews/11blac.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1176484276-3AG9iRU+Zt/f/luzR4t8WQ. Directions: Copy Paste Read. Oh, and then go see it.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Edward Scissorshan.d.s......
On Thursday Night, I had a cocktail and dragged myself over to BAM (The Brooklyn Academy of Music) to see Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands. I personally think that Bourne is one of the amazing choreographer's in the theater today. Swan Lake blew me away. Mary Poppins was creative. I went into this show assuming that I was going to be awed by the uniqueness of this choreographers imagination, especially with such a crazy idea. Well, I have learned the lesson never to assume.
While the costumes were creative, the sets very Tim Burton, the choreography was well. simple. boring. and not creative at all. It was like Ballet for well... children. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. Bourne was in the audience in a little box, and at the end of the show he was applauding and nodding with approval like his cast, led by Sam Archer, had just done something amazing.
I wish I could sit here and make fun of this show for hours, but I really can't. Cause I will just get sad, and I have cookies that I need to bake, which let me tell you is twice as entertaining as this show was.
While the costumes were creative, the sets very Tim Burton, the choreography was well. simple. boring. and not creative at all. It was like Ballet for well... children. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. Bourne was in the audience in a little box, and at the end of the show he was applauding and nodding with approval like his cast, led by Sam Archer, had just done something amazing.
I wish I could sit here and make fun of this show for hours, but I really can't. Cause I will just get sad, and I have cookies that I need to bake, which let me tell you is twice as entertaining as this show was.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
A Wednesday
Well, today was an adventure. Two shows, which is always a blast. The first one made history, and the second one, well has history of it's own.
Today for the first time in my history of attending theatrical events in New York. I walked out of a show. The Merry Wives of Windsor at Theater Row performed by the Oberon Theater Company is simply the most boring painful theatrical experience ever. DEAR GOD! I can't write about cause I only lasted 41 minutes, and that was pushing it.
Tonight, I went back to revisit Chicago for a third time. Tonight, it was the best it has ever been, and for one reason - BEBE! She was great loved her, every fucking second of her. However, I was annoyed by the fact that I had to continuously nail the woman whose leg was over my armature, since she was snoring so loud. I bought an autographed cast poster to support BCEFA, which will be hanging right next to my poster for "The Children" a show near and dear to mine and Gina's heart, it was the first show I ever had my name in the playbill for, and it was the first show I threw up afterwards. (There was a party people, and let me tell you it was wicked fabulous.)
Oh and one more note I am currently reading the works of Gustavo Ott for Hartford Stage, and I am absolutely in love. So find him love him and cherish him.
That's all.
Today for the first time in my history of attending theatrical events in New York. I walked out of a show. The Merry Wives of Windsor at Theater Row performed by the Oberon Theater Company is simply the most boring painful theatrical experience ever. DEAR GOD! I can't write about cause I only lasted 41 minutes, and that was pushing it.
Tonight, I went back to revisit Chicago for a third time. Tonight, it was the best it has ever been, and for one reason - BEBE! She was great loved her, every fucking second of her. However, I was annoyed by the fact that I had to continuously nail the woman whose leg was over my armature, since she was snoring so loud. I bought an autographed cast poster to support BCEFA, which will be hanging right next to my poster for "The Children" a show near and dear to mine and Gina's heart, it was the first show I ever had my name in the playbill for, and it was the first show I threw up afterwards. (There was a party people, and let me tell you it was wicked fabulous.)
Oh and one more note I am currently reading the works of Gustavo Ott for Hartford Stage, and I am absolutely in love. So find him love him and cherish him.
That's all.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Grey Gardens
So Last November, I decided that it would be a great time to visit Grey Gardens. I had bought a ticket to it while it was at Playwright's Horizon, but couldn't bear the rain anymore so I decided not to go thinking it wouldn't be that big of a deal. Oh, what little I did know.
"Somewhere in Athens, there's a pedastal missing it's statue." This is stated in beginning of the first act by George Gould Strong, I believe that he was talking about Christine Ebersole. There are really no words to describe Ebersole's performance. I think that all the critics have used up the words that even begin to describe what she does on the Walter Kerr Theater's stage. I am not even going to try.
I want to sit here and rant about Grey Gardens. I absolutely loved it, from the moment moment of Five Fifteen to Two Peas in a Pod. However, Erin Davies never really launches, the book isn't exactly astounding ( as much as I love Doug Wright), and there are really no catchy tunes in the first act. This is what I wrote in November, however, now that I have the soundtrack on non-stop repeat in my car 24/7 I am addicted to two numbers in the first act. I plan on revisitng the show sometime this spring to reconsider my thoughts on the book.
It is quotes though like, "That's Grey Gardens for you, those outside clammering to get in, and those inside dying to get out." -Gould that really make me question whether or not this book has some qualitiy to it.
The moment of the first act for me comes at the end of it, when Ebersole sings Will You?. The song is angelic, perfect and solidifies her performance in the first act.
While Act 1 is definitely the weaker act, Act 2 is pretty much amazing. Ebersole and Wilson take on the characters perfectly. Physically, emotionally, and vocally they are on key. My one complaint, and it may have just happened that night was that Wilson needed to carry her voice into the songs.
When the songs Around the World and Another Winter in a Summer Town take over the second act, it becomes so clear why Ebersole is considered to be so amazing in these roles. Her voice is divine. Once again though, I am going to stop myself before I start raving. Since it is almost to hard to describe.
I guess I should have just said this.
If you havent been to the Walter Kerr theater recently. You need to get your shit together, and get over there ASAP! This show exemplifies why America is the home of the musical and puts Ebersole right up there with Merman, Martin, Lansbury, and other.
Go. Seriously. www.telecharge.com
"Somewhere in Athens, there's a pedastal missing it's statue." This is stated in beginning of the first act by George Gould Strong, I believe that he was talking about Christine Ebersole. There are really no words to describe Ebersole's performance. I think that all the critics have used up the words that even begin to describe what she does on the Walter Kerr Theater's stage. I am not even going to try.
I want to sit here and rant about Grey Gardens. I absolutely loved it, from the moment moment of Five Fifteen to Two Peas in a Pod. However, Erin Davies never really launches, the book isn't exactly astounding ( as much as I love Doug Wright), and there are really no catchy tunes in the first act. This is what I wrote in November, however, now that I have the soundtrack on non-stop repeat in my car 24/7 I am addicted to two numbers in the first act. I plan on revisitng the show sometime this spring to reconsider my thoughts on the book.
It is quotes though like, "That's Grey Gardens for you, those outside clammering to get in, and those inside dying to get out." -Gould that really make me question whether or not this book has some qualitiy to it.
The moment of the first act for me comes at the end of it, when Ebersole sings Will You?. The song is angelic, perfect and solidifies her performance in the first act.
While Act 1 is definitely the weaker act, Act 2 is pretty much amazing. Ebersole and Wilson take on the characters perfectly. Physically, emotionally, and vocally they are on key. My one complaint, and it may have just happened that night was that Wilson needed to carry her voice into the songs.
When the songs Around the World and Another Winter in a Summer Town take over the second act, it becomes so clear why Ebersole is considered to be so amazing in these roles. Her voice is divine. Once again though, I am going to stop myself before I start raving. Since it is almost to hard to describe.
I guess I should have just said this.
If you havent been to the Walter Kerr theater recently. You need to get your shit together, and get over there ASAP! This show exemplifies why America is the home of the musical and puts Ebersole right up there with Merman, Martin, Lansbury, and other.
Go. Seriously. www.telecharge.com
Martin Short
So, I saw this show in November, and it isn't exactly fresh in my mind, but since I am on spring break and I have a pile of Playbill's on my desk. I decided it was time to reach into my archives and start throwing out my opinion on some of these shows.
Martin Short: Fame Is Me will be touring I think I heard. So therefore. Here is what I think you should know before it hits the road.
The first thing that comes to mind as I look back and try to remember Martin Short are the jokes that made the afternoon performance absolutely hilarious.
"My wife told me if you need nightly stroken - do a one man show." This along with jokes like, "Did you hear abou the blind prostititue? You had to hand it to her," develop the basis for Short's vulgar jokes. You will be laughing non-stop. His fellow cast members, who just like Short continuously are taking on new characters provide hilarious sketches dealing with theater ledgends Tommy Tune and Bob Fosse. It was their use of pop culture and celebrity impersonations of Jona Rivers, Rene Zellweger, Jodie Foster, and Sarah Jessica Parker that had me nearly doubling over laughing. However, the highlight of the evening, and one of the sad subtractions from the tour I am sure was the celebrity guest. The afternoon I was there Diane Keaton was in the audience, and boy does that girl know how to wear a carpet bag well. Seeing her interact with Mr. Glick (one of Short's personas) was the moment of the night. The one question that stuck out to me was the following: "Ms. Keaton with all the wisdom you have shared through your movies.. If Lincoln was alive today would he be pleased with his tunnel?"
One of the show's stronger points is the obvious influence of Scott Whitman (the director) and Marc Shaiman (involved with the music). The two who are part of the team of masterminds behind the hit musical Hairspray bring the show together. It is their clever lyrics that make the show so hilarious.
Although there were some lighting problems throughout the performance, when you get to the end and the closing number happens, members of the audience were standing, and I assume all had enjoyed what was one hell of a parody of a show.
Martin Short: Fame Is Me will be touring I think I heard. So therefore. Here is what I think you should know before it hits the road.
The first thing that comes to mind as I look back and try to remember Martin Short are the jokes that made the afternoon performance absolutely hilarious.
"My wife told me if you need nightly stroken - do a one man show." This along with jokes like, "Did you hear abou the blind prostititue? You had to hand it to her," develop the basis for Short's vulgar jokes. You will be laughing non-stop. His fellow cast members, who just like Short continuously are taking on new characters provide hilarious sketches dealing with theater ledgends Tommy Tune and Bob Fosse. It was their use of pop culture and celebrity impersonations of Jona Rivers, Rene Zellweger, Jodie Foster, and Sarah Jessica Parker that had me nearly doubling over laughing. However, the highlight of the evening, and one of the sad subtractions from the tour I am sure was the celebrity guest. The afternoon I was there Diane Keaton was in the audience, and boy does that girl know how to wear a carpet bag well. Seeing her interact with Mr. Glick (one of Short's personas) was the moment of the night. The one question that stuck out to me was the following: "Ms. Keaton with all the wisdom you have shared through your movies.. If Lincoln was alive today would he be pleased with his tunnel?"
One of the show's stronger points is the obvious influence of Scott Whitman (the director) and Marc Shaiman (involved with the music). The two who are part of the team of masterminds behind the hit musical Hairspray bring the show together. It is their clever lyrics that make the show so hilarious.
Although there were some lighting problems throughout the performance, when you get to the end and the closing number happens, members of the audience were standing, and I assume all had enjoyed what was one hell of a parody of a show.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
The Future of Theater
As someone who really doesn't want the art of theater go to hell, I would just like to say two things - 1. Reality Shows are not the best way to cast people. 2. Don't use "wiki" technology to allow the hold world to help you write your script. www.livingscript.com DEAR GOD, has it really come to this.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
WHAT!
Okay, Broadwayworld.com is reporting that certain amazingly fabulous people aka the producers of the new London production of Equus are hoping to bring the show to broadway. Listen, I would like to say that if you do. I swear on whatever you like that I will attend every single performance. Not because I get to see Harry Potter (Stated with a very sad British Accent) naked, but because I will get to see the oozy goodness that is Schaffer's Equus. The happiness building up inside of me right now is basically uncontrollable. I thought about flying to London to see the production in the West End, and then realized that I hate flying so, I ruled that option out. If you told me Brad Pitt was playing Alan, I would have bought a first class ticket rented an apartment, and been at every performance over at the Gielgud Theater, but it's only Harry Potter (Accent).
SO PLEASE WEST ENDER"S BRING HIM TO BROADWAY!
SO PLEASE WEST ENDER"S BRING HIM TO BROADWAY!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
an apology: TAKE TWO!
So, I realize that I have not posted on here in forever. However, I am still moving into the apartment, and everytime I do something theatrical, I got immediately intoxicated afterwards, or have a boy sleep over at my house. I like my dear from The Rhodes Scholar will be using clever nicknames thought up by my friends to name the characters that will be appearing throughout this blog. (There would be too many names for you to even try and remember.) The boy from Seconds Stages and I have spent literally all three of the past weekends together. Through that he has decided to break up with his boyfriend, decide not to, and then out of nowhere break up with him. It was as emotionally challenging as a good Diane Keaton movie, and for some reasons beyond my mental comprehension those get to me the worst.
My friends from good ole' North Dakota came and visited my apartment this past Saturday night, and it was a blast. We made pasta, drank jello shots, and started "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" my all-time favorite movie. However, Second Stages and I went to this really fun bar in Brooklyn, which I can't ever remember the name of, but it was really good. I did three Red Headed Sluts and was absolutely trashed.
I need to do a bunch of homework, however, this week I promise to review the following shows.
* Altar Boyz
* King Lear
* Dying City
* The Scene
Howard Katz would have been included if I hadn't missed the show. OOPS!!!!!
Also, I will be reviewind Pirandello's "Six Characters in Search of an Author."
Til Then-
Michael
My friends from good ole' North Dakota came and visited my apartment this past Saturday night, and it was a blast. We made pasta, drank jello shots, and started "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" my all-time favorite movie. However, Second Stages and I went to this really fun bar in Brooklyn, which I can't ever remember the name of, but it was really good. I did three Red Headed Sluts and was absolutely trashed.
I need to do a bunch of homework, however, this week I promise to review the following shows.
* Altar Boyz
* King Lear
* Dying City
* The Scene
Howard Katz would have been included if I hadn't missed the show. OOPS!!!!!
Also, I will be reviewind Pirandello's "Six Characters in Search of an Author."
Til Then-
Michael
Wednesday, February 7, 2007
Silence the Reading
I apologize for my lateness. I have officially just gotten my first apartment in New York.
I will try to put up my review of "The Scene" sometime later this week.
However, in the meantime, I need to get this out. This past Monday, I attended a reading of Silence the Musical! Hunter Bell's new show. Now, I have to admit that I was entertained, but then again Silence of the Lambs, the 1991 Academy Award Winner, is one of my favorite films of all time. With artists like Dequina Moore, Andrew Call, and Lisa Howard, the show wasn't exactly painful to watch. However, it wasn't exactly anything that I am going to be putting my money into. I was more entertained by the Broadway Celebs in the audience, to name a few: Barret Foa, Alexander Gemignani, Hunter Bell, the bookwriter, and a couple of people that looked familiar, but unless you are super important I really won't know your name.
The show has some great numbers like, "I'd Fuck Me" and "The Silence of the Lambs", there were several numbers where the vulgarity (And there is a lot of vulgarity) made me laugh out loud. However, these moments only happened because I was so familiar with all the inside jokes of the musical. I enjoyed the show, but the guy I went with wasn't crazy about the show at all. At least, it didn't appear so.
I hope that Silence raises the $500,000 it is trying to, but they won't be getting a dime from me.
I will try to put up my review of "The Scene" sometime later this week.
However, in the meantime, I need to get this out. This past Monday, I attended a reading of Silence the Musical! Hunter Bell's new show. Now, I have to admit that I was entertained, but then again Silence of the Lambs, the 1991 Academy Award Winner, is one of my favorite films of all time. With artists like Dequina Moore, Andrew Call, and Lisa Howard, the show wasn't exactly painful to watch. However, it wasn't exactly anything that I am going to be putting my money into. I was more entertained by the Broadway Celebs in the audience, to name a few: Barret Foa, Alexander Gemignani, Hunter Bell, the bookwriter, and a couple of people that looked familiar, but unless you are super important I really won't know your name.
The show has some great numbers like, "I'd Fuck Me" and "The Silence of the Lambs", there were several numbers where the vulgarity (And there is a lot of vulgarity) made me laugh out loud. However, these moments only happened because I was so familiar with all the inside jokes of the musical. I enjoyed the show, but the guy I went with wasn't crazy about the show at all. At least, it didn't appear so.
I hope that Silence raises the $500,000 it is trying to, but they won't be getting a dime from me.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Marat / Sade
If you haven't seen Marat / Sade at Yale Drama School yet. I would highly suggest going now. The acting is fabulous. The ending bloody perfect. However, the set alone is worth the whole $18. GO NOW! It closes on Saturday. This show deserves more than just the 7 performances it is doing.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Day 1 of Semester 4
I never remember the horror that is the first week of a semester. I always forget that I sign up for classes that I know I am going to hate, and thus put myself into a situation where I have to try and figure out what the hell to do. Maybe I just fine my pain entertaining.
So what does one do when the going get's tough?
I take my friend Hollywood to CVS. Where we decided it would be nice to pretend to buy A Light Bulb type tap lamp, those eye cover pad things, and diet pills. This was followed by sing-a-long to Spring Awakening, and the two of us going to get food.
Michael: You going to get real food?
Hollywood: If by real food you mean protein bars. Yes.
It is for reasons like this that I love Trinity.
It also doesn't hurt that my friend bought an Hermes bag for a backpack.
Now, I must return to watching "The Wedding Date", and hoping that day two goes better.
Oh, I forgot. I GOT A DATE!
So what does one do when the going get's tough?
I take my friend Hollywood to CVS. Where we decided it would be nice to pretend to buy A Light Bulb type tap lamp, those eye cover pad things, and diet pills. This was followed by sing-a-long to Spring Awakening, and the two of us going to get food.
Michael: You going to get real food?
Hollywood: If by real food you mean protein bars. Yes.
It is for reasons like this that I love Trinity.
It also doesn't hurt that my friend bought an Hermes bag for a backpack.
Now, I must return to watching "The Wedding Date", and hoping that day two goes better.
Oh, I forgot. I GOT A DATE!
Review #2 Fences
When I attended the Hartford Stage Company presentation of August Wilson's Fences, I did not plan on ever writing a review. I went with a dear friend and was going for an enjoyable evening at the theater. However, it was this piece that inspired me to start a blog about my theatrical journeys. The performances of Wendell Wright, Don Mayo, Wanda Christine, Che Ayende, Ray Anthony Thomas, Rob Riley and Hannah J. Maximin make up a family that was by far one of the best I have ever seen. I had never read a play of the late August Wilson's until I took African American Theatrical Literature last year from Prof. Nick Davis; if you ever attended Northwestern take very class from him that you can. After reading "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", "Joe Turner's Come and Gone", and "Fences", I discovered why this man is arguably the greatest African American playwright, and for sure one of the most important playwrights of the 20th century.
"Fences" which takes place in the decade of 1950 in Wilson's 10-Decade 10-Play Cycle is one of his more famous works. After reading it three times and now having seen it performed I can easily understand why. The text even though it is so simplistic connects with the audience. The power of the words allows the characters to become so believable. It is performers like Wendell Wright, the man who took on the role of the father, Troy, Maxon, who make these theater experiences unforgettable.
When I entered Hartford Stage, Scott Bradley's beautiful stage design had me anxiously awaiting the start of the play. Between Bradley, lighting designer R. Lap-Chi Chu, and director Jonathan Wilson the team created something that truly fulfills the wonder that is August Wilson.
This being the 20th anniversary revival of the play, the late Wilson could not have asked for a better production. From Hartford it moves to the Dallas Theater Center and then to the Portland Center Stage. I wish that I could provide more details from this production; however, unlike my normal mode in the theater I was not taking notes, but instead was just enthralled by what was happening onstage. The friend I attended with was also amazed, and he had never read or seen any of Wilson's works. There are few things that I would recommend as much as this, and I am actually hoping to go back one more time. If that's the case I will re-work this review. However, I can simply say that Wilson's production of August Wilson's "Fences" at Hartford Stage is not something you should miss.
"Fences" Hartford Stage Company - www.hartfordstage.org Now until February 11th.
"Fences" which takes place in the decade of 1950 in Wilson's 10-Decade 10-Play Cycle is one of his more famous works. After reading it three times and now having seen it performed I can easily understand why. The text even though it is so simplistic connects with the audience. The power of the words allows the characters to become so believable. It is performers like Wendell Wright, the man who took on the role of the father, Troy, Maxon, who make these theater experiences unforgettable.
When I entered Hartford Stage, Scott Bradley's beautiful stage design had me anxiously awaiting the start of the play. Between Bradley, lighting designer R. Lap-Chi Chu, and director Jonathan Wilson the team created something that truly fulfills the wonder that is August Wilson.
This being the 20th anniversary revival of the play, the late Wilson could not have asked for a better production. From Hartford it moves to the Dallas Theater Center and then to the Portland Center Stage. I wish that I could provide more details from this production; however, unlike my normal mode in the theater I was not taking notes, but instead was just enthralled by what was happening onstage. The friend I attended with was also amazed, and he had never read or seen any of Wilson's works. There are few things that I would recommend as much as this, and I am actually hoping to go back one more time. If that's the case I will re-work this review. However, I can simply say that Wilson's production of August Wilson's "Fences" at Hartford Stage is not something you should miss.
"Fences" Hartford Stage Company - www.hartfordstage.org Now until February 11th.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Review #1: The Great American Race
Hilary Chadwick states early on in "The Great American Race", one of three musicals that were work shopped this year in the Goodspeed Festival of New Artists," Street driven is different." I translated that into meaning that this show was normal, well developed, witty, or maybe just something that was cute. However, "The Great American Race" with lyrics, music, and book by Patrick Barry none of these are really options. The show zoomed around the idea of Dale Earnhardt Jr. being somebody that an audience could connect with, but Dale with two wives and three kids, none of who he actually cares about, is not exactly easy to connect with in anyway.
I appreciate the fact that the musical is trying to discuss a subject that is masculine, unique, and could possibly bring a new NASCAR audience to the theater. However, as a friend poignantly pointed out, NASCAR fans aren't theater fans, and that won't be changing anytime soon. Do you really see a bunch of NASCAR fans from South Carolina or Tennessee running to the Goodspeed Opear House or any theater for that matter to see the new NASCAR show?
The cast was made up of one equity actor, Adam Monley, once a member of the "Mamma Mia!"cast, one Hartt School Instructor, two children, and fourteen Hartt School Senior Musical Theater Majors. At this moment, I am trying to figure out who was good. Oh, hold on, the 10 to 12 year old boy, Julian Miyta. Adam Monley failed to connect with the audience or the character, Mike Morris, the Hartt School Instructor completely surprised me with what seemed like a lack of vocal training, and only three Hartt School students stood out, Hilary Chadwick, Jacob Ottosen, and Robert Devlin.
Chadwick was the one amusing female voice. Jacob Ottosen was probably the most energetic and alive of any character onstage, minus Miyta. Devlin seemed to have some emotion and some connection with the character. Now, it must be understood that this was a scripted reading, and is an earlier step in the process of this new work.
There were some cute songs. The two children sing a rather adorable song called "Daddy", the ensemble comes together to sing the one song with some potential "The Great American race", Oh and the most clever moment of the show in my mind was at the end of "Don't Hang Your Hat on Me" when Monley does a cute little turn and places his hat on the top of Hartt student, Blythe Evans, head after the pianist Paul Feyer has scaled the piano.
With a book that needs major reworking, a lack of connection to a very distant character, and the up hill battle that the show would face to find an audience, I am trying to see the shows future up that hill. However, the vehicle that this show hopes to be lacks gas, passengers, and a steering wheel. I don't see it racing it's way onto any other stage anytime soon.
"The Great American Race" - Goodspeed Opera House - Goodspeed Festival of New Artists - January 19, 2007
I appreciate the fact that the musical is trying to discuss a subject that is masculine, unique, and could possibly bring a new NASCAR audience to the theater. However, as a friend poignantly pointed out, NASCAR fans aren't theater fans, and that won't be changing anytime soon. Do you really see a bunch of NASCAR fans from South Carolina or Tennessee running to the Goodspeed Opear House or any theater for that matter to see the new NASCAR show?
The cast was made up of one equity actor, Adam Monley, once a member of the "Mamma Mia!"cast, one Hartt School Instructor, two children, and fourteen Hartt School Senior Musical Theater Majors. At this moment, I am trying to figure out who was good. Oh, hold on, the 10 to 12 year old boy, Julian Miyta. Adam Monley failed to connect with the audience or the character, Mike Morris, the Hartt School Instructor completely surprised me with what seemed like a lack of vocal training, and only three Hartt School students stood out, Hilary Chadwick, Jacob Ottosen, and Robert Devlin.
Chadwick was the one amusing female voice. Jacob Ottosen was probably the most energetic and alive of any character onstage, minus Miyta. Devlin seemed to have some emotion and some connection with the character. Now, it must be understood that this was a scripted reading, and is an earlier step in the process of this new work.
There were some cute songs. The two children sing a rather adorable song called "Daddy", the ensemble comes together to sing the one song with some potential "The Great American race", Oh and the most clever moment of the show in my mind was at the end of "Don't Hang Your Hat on Me" when Monley does a cute little turn and places his hat on the top of Hartt student, Blythe Evans, head after the pianist Paul Feyer has scaled the piano.
With a book that needs major reworking, a lack of connection to a very distant character, and the up hill battle that the show would face to find an audience, I am trying to see the shows future up that hill. However, the vehicle that this show hopes to be lacks gas, passengers, and a steering wheel. I don't see it racing it's way onto any other stage anytime soon.
"The Great American Race" - Goodspeed Opera House - Goodspeed Festival of New Artists - January 19, 2007
My Picture.
I am not exactly down with computers. Our relationship has always been very sketch. Since I cannot figure out how to post picture from my MacBook to my blog. I am just going to post a picture of me.
This is my partner in crime - Gina. When it comes to going to fabulous events in the city, she is always my date and I am always hers. Our past times are open bars and celebrity stalking.
More photos of both to come in the future.
This is my partner in crime - Gina. When it comes to going to fabulous events in the city, she is always my date and I am always hers. Our past times are open bars and celebrity stalking.
More photos of both to come in the future.
I wanna be where the theaters are....
I cannot lie. I feel like I am violating everything that I believe in by being so excited for Disney's sixth venture in its journey to take over Broadway, "The Little Mermaid". Hopefully, Francesca Zambello will guide this production to be one of Disney's best since the last two, "Tarzan" and "Mary Poppins", haven't exactly been anything to be particularly excited about.
Excluding the fact that "Tarzan" offers Josh Strickland, which is not exactly an unpleasing sight.
"Mary Poppins" provides you the opportunity to watch the title character to fly out of the theater, and be scared shitless for the little children in their nightmare sequence.
I know that come March 18th. I will be first on my cell attempting with all my power to obtain two tickets to see the show in Denver. To experience this, achievement or catastrophe, will be well worth the plane ticket.
I mean honestly the moment when they start singing, "We are the daughters of Triton," they may have to resuscitate me.
Oh, if there is real water. I will finally fall and support this organization.
Friday, January 19, 2007
What's Coming
For years, I have thought about writing a blog about my many adventures, views, and bitchy opinions on the theater world of today. The theater world today never falls to make me want to die or cry. From readings of new musicals to openings to regional theater. From the creme de la crem to the worst things ever seen by modern light. You will hear about them all. This spring I will be seeing for thirty-five shows, and do my best to make sure that you know what is going to happen next before it actually happens. I would greatly appreciate any involvement from readers though. It makes this whole process so much more fun.
So get ready the curtain is coming up on a new type of review.
Michael
What's Coming Soon:
Reviews: High Fidelity, Grey Gardens, Mary Poppins, The Clean House, The Little Dog Laughed, Hartford Stages Fences, and many more... From my recent past.
My currrent adventures as the dramaturg on Trinity College's Cloud Nine...
And of course, the latest gossip and random shit... (What would a blog be without that.)
So get ready the curtain is coming up on a new type of review.
Michael
What's Coming Soon:
Reviews: High Fidelity, Grey Gardens, Mary Poppins, The Clean House, The Little Dog Laughed, Hartford Stages Fences, and many more... From my recent past.
My currrent adventures as the dramaturg on Trinity College's Cloud Nine...
And of course, the latest gossip and random shit... (What would a blog be without that.)
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