Broadway Shows

[foxy]

The Fall season is underway. Why not post your review of what to see and what to avoid in New York?

[foxy]

"Regrets Only"

 

I saw this the first night of previews and was disappointed. The play is by Paul Rudnick who is usually pretty funny and has a good track record. It also has a good cast with Christine Baranski, George Grizzard, Sian Phillips (a riot), Dianne Davis, Jackie Hoffman and David Rasche.

 

The plot is about a gay fashion designer whose long time partner has died. His best friend, a wealthy socialite (Baranski) and her family welcome him back. Marriage, gay and straight, is the subject. It's one of those shows that you wanted to work but it never really took off. Maybe it will improve as it goes along but I kind of doubt it.

 

Now playing at the Manhattan Theater Club, 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.

[+ Lucky]

Hasn't the Manhattan Theater Club had a string of bad shows the last couple of years? The Atlantic Theater Company has surpsassed them, imo.

 

For the record, I didn't like one of the new plays moving to Broadway.I saw The Little Dog Laughed off-Broadway and thought it was a pretty thin entertainment. Johnny Galecki as the hustler was not believable, but then, maybe that was just becasue I wouldn't hire him. But we are supposed to believe that from all of the hot escorts available to a closeted movie star, he would hire (and fall in love with) Johnny Galecki from the Roseanne show. Not me.

[+ Gar1eth]

>The Fall season is underway. Why not post your review of what

>to see and what to avoid in New York?

 

Anyone seen Mary Poppins? Hasn't it had some good reviews?

 

 

G

[edjames]

The Manhattan Theater Club produced John Patrick Shanley's Tony winner "Doubt" two years ago. The majority of the tickets sold for its productions are through it's member subscription program, so they don't have to rely on shows to be a hit. Same is true of The Roundabout Theater, they too, are a subscription series and each show has a predetermined run. If the show does well, they have room in the schedule for extending the show or moving it to another theater.

 

Mary Poppins? Is anyone really interested? The show closed down the other night when the set (the house) got stuck on the tracks and they couldn't fix it. This was the second time in a week and a half that the set malfunctioned and the performance was canceled. Each cancellation costs the production company about $150,000 in refunds and exchanges. The London production was similarly closed down last week when the backstage sprinklers went off and soaked the set. Some say Poppins may be battling gremlins.

 

Sources say that Disney is especially edgy about this production because they are still smarting from the battering it took on last season's "Tarzan." The theater world reacted to that fiasco with typical showbiz style, shutting Disney out of the Tony Awards.

 

Reports say Disney is furious. The company which often, and sometimes unfairly, has been blamed for the corporatization of Broadway has spent years cultivating its image on Broadway trying to knock down the perception that it is a souless corporate giant, turning Times Square into a theme park.

 

Poppins has the largest advance ($18 million) this season, but don't expect Disney to make nice-nice with the theater community anytime soon. In fact, the company is not even throwing an opening night party!

[Lankypeters]

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>Anyone seen Mary Poppins? Hasn't it had some good reviews?

>

>

>I saw Ms. Poppins in London. Don't go expecting it to be like the movie. This version takes its cue from the original Travers' stories and the tone is more Edward Gorey than Walt Disney.

Ms. Mary played more like Bette Davis in "The Corn is Green" than Julie Andrews in original film.

 

 

I found it uneven, the second act especially in need of tightening. I've heard changes are underway.

 

That said, there are at least three flat-out showstoppers: "Supercalifragilistic----- " (again, in a staging very unlike the movie; but it works), "Step in Time" (Burt dances up the side of the proscenium, across it -- upside down, then down the other side) and "Anything is Possible."

 

Very favorable advance buzz for "High Fidelity" and "Curtains," which may follow "The Wedding Singer" at the Hirschsfeld first of the year.

 

I liked "The Little Dog" and though Galecki may not be entirely handsome, he's got more than a little dog between his legs and I'd love to chow down...... John Stamos flirted with playing the closeted film star. Did he identify with the part? I heard some hot guys kept his dressing room busy a few years ago when he was in town to appear in "Cabaret."

 

As for "Butley," well.......Nathan Lane is the butt in "Butley." See Wall St. Journal: "Lane falls flat." Alan Bates' performance in the role cannot be touched.

 

 

 

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Lankypeters

[Guest alanm]

The Sunday Times: John Stamos wanted to play the closet movie star in "The Little Dog That Laughed" on Broadway. He had to turn down the role after getting an offer, because of the TV series "ER".

 

I saw "Legends!" in Philadelphia. Free ticket. The play hasn't gotten any better in the 20 years since Mary Martin & Carol Channing played this turkey on the road for a year. The surprise is Linda Evans who is pretty good. Joan Collins is awful, missing lines that got Channing huge laughs. Linda Evans doesn't have Mary Martin's charisma or stage experience, but she could be a stage star in another play.

 

I am really interested in Stoppard's "The Coast of Utopia." Anyone see

it yet. I am seeing part one in Nov., part two in Dec.

[+ Lucky]

There is an interesting article in today's NYTimes theater section about off-Broadway plays moving to Broadway.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/29/theater/29robe.html?_r=1&ref=theater&oref=slogin

 

Among them is The Little Dog Laughed, one I didn't like so much even though I really enjoyed Julie White's performance. It's Johnny Galecki I didn't like so much. Would you hire him?http://graphics10.nytimes.com/images/2006/10/29/arts/White190.jpg

[foxy]

I always thought he was kind of cute when he was on the Roseanne show. I've heard he looks impressive in his nude scene so plan on seeing the show.

 

I noticed that "Grey Gardens" has been at TKTS the last few times I've passed the booth and plan on seeing that next time it's up on the board. For those who have never seen the movie that inspired the play, it's on TCM tonight at 8:00pm.

[+ Lucky]

I did get to see Johnny's private parts. You have to look quickly, but as a seasoned gay theatergoer I knew to concentrate on the moment! So I can verify that Johnny is indeed well-endowed.

[foxy]

Wednesday matinee there were quite a few choices at TKTS. Unfortunately, for "Grey Gardens" I was only offered a partial view so since there's been some discussion about "The Little Dog Lauged" I went for that and got a 4th row orchestra seat on the right hand side.

 

This turned out to be the best place to sit for viewing Johnny Galecki's genitals. You have to look quickly but the effort is worth it. He looks pretty well hung. I suppose any actor willing to go the full monty would only do it if he had something to show and he does.

 

I thought the play was really funny and if anyone here has ever hired an escort (?) you should enjoy the talk about rentboys. No doubt the playwright, Douglas Carter Beane has done his homework.

 

Is it a great play? Not really but an amusing afternoon with a lot of grey haired gay men in the audience. Julie White was certainly the standout in the cast and knows how to deliver her lines to great effect.

 

So... would I hire Johnny Galecki if I saw his photo on Rentboy? Probably not, but I think there are plenty here who would. I say, go see the play and decide for yourself. I think you'll enjoy it.

[1sf]

I'm looking forward to the revival of Company. Has anyone seen a preview?

[edjames]

Did anyone see the preview of Company?

 

I did! Last night at the Barrymore Theater.

 

Loved it! Although, keep in mind that I have a sentimental attachment to this show. (I went to see the original production on a date with one of my first true gay crushes, a gorgeous guy named Patrick. Alas, the musical ran longer than the relationship!)

 

This production, like last season's Sweeney Todd, has a stripped down bare bones set which is meant to evoke a New York loft-like apartment. All the cast members play multiple instruments providing the orchestration. At first I thought it was all a little too distracting, but it soon faded into the background. In the end, it is the music and lyrics which give this show it's depth and meaning. Sondheim is genius. I think it is, perhaps, Sondheim's greatest score and each song is a gem! It is said that this show ushered the modern Broadway musical onto Broadway.

 

Raul Esparza provides a doey-eyed perplexed bachelor Bobby who is caught in his desire to continue his bachelor life and his need to find a life-partner. On the night of his 35th birthday he reflects on his life and encounters with a series of vignettes with his friends as he weighs the pros and cons of married life.

 

Barbara Walsh, as Joanne, the role originated by Elaine Stritch, provides a lot of the punch in this show. Her rendition of "The Ladies Who Lunch" makes you forget Elaine ever sang it. And in one of those Broadway star-in-the-making stories, Jane Pfitsch, making her Broadway debut as Amy, practically brings down the house with her rendition of "Getting Married Today." In an ironic twist, Jane is only playing the role until Nov 12 when actress Heather Laws takes over the role. Will the producers and director realize they have a potential star on their hands and keep her in the role or let her escape?

 

An honest and witty look at relationships, Company is as relevant today as it was when it first opened in 1970.

 

I saw the original production way back when with Dean Jones (you may remember him from a couple of Disney flicks he did, I seem to remember a little yellow VW Bug named Herbie!) and Elaine Stritch. Some of the other cast members also went on to their own fame and fortune. I remember Beth Howland played one of Bobby's girlfriends and she went on to many years as Vera, the dizzy headed waitress in the TV sitcom, Alice.

 

ED

[Guest alanm]

I saw "Company" at the Kennedy Center's Sondheim Festival several years ago. John Barrowman played the lead character. I love the score and enjoyed the Wahington production.

 

Sondheim has reputation of writing cold, intellectual musical that

hide emotion. I do not agree. But, if there is one Sondheim's musical

that fits the description, it is "Company." So far the word of mouth on the New York revival is not good, centering on the scaled down nature of the production which has the actors also playing the music. Also, the ticket prices for "Company" are the same as more traditional Broadway shows with real orchestras.

 

Is there a reason to see this version of "Company" over any of the many previous versions, given the above?

[edjames]

If anything, there has been a surprising lack of talk about Comapny around Broadway.

 

Do not be fooled, the cast memsbers who play instruments in this show are just as talented musicans as they are singers and actors. No one will miss the orchestra pit. In fact, these days on Broadway, it's hard not to imagine some shows that don't already have prerecorded vocals or soundtracks that are used.

 

The successful run of Sweeney Todd last season proves that this type of concept can be profitable. Sweeney Todd never lost a dollar and it's producers were fully paid back. The only descrepancy between the two shows is that Sweeney had Patti LuPone, the Broadway diva, starring in the lead role with Michael Cerveris as her costar. Only time will tell if Raul Esparza will have the same box office draw.

 

Friday evening the audience loved the show and since it just started previews last week, I think the hype will begin shortly. Most of all, there are enough diehard Sondheim fans that will be running to see this version of the show and god knows there are enough tourists running all over this city who will get tickets, too.

 

I say support the arts! Go see a Broadway show this week!!!

[Guest alanm]

Actually there is a lot of talk about "Company" and mostly negative.

"Company" and "Sweeney Todd" have (had) considerable less overhead than almost any other musical on Broadway, so can survive the lean winter months when few tourists visit New York (January especially).

 

But, I liked what you said about the actors' ability as musicians. You have convinced me to see "Company." Your enthusiasm is great.

[1sf]

Thanks for the buzz. I'll be coming to NYC in December and have purchased tickets. I wouldn't miss it. By the way, there is a DVD about making the cast album of the original production of Company. Sondheim and musical theater fans may find it enjoyable.

[+ deej]

>No one will miss the orchestra pit.

 

I actually hope you DIDN'T mean pit orchestra. LOL

 

As a card-carrying member of the AFofM (musicians union), I'm conflicted about seeing those hard-won jobs going away.

 

Still, from your description I'm intrigued. The casting process *has* to be a nightmare. They want this guy for third male lead because he doubles oboe, but that one doubles Alto Sax. And the doubling in a Sondheim show is a BITCH! The logistics have to be hellish.

 

I can't even imagine mounting a show this way. But I'd love to see it in action! It has to be fascinating.

[Guest alanm]

I am not a musican, but am concerned about the way Doyle has approached the staging of "Company" and "Sweenet Todd" on Broadway. I passed up "Sweeney Todd" because I have already seen LuPone in the concert version in New York and San Franciso. Doyle's staging may work for a musical like "Company." The concern is that someone may decide that musicals like "My Fair Lady," "South Pacific," "Gypsy," "Carousel," "A Little Night Music" or "West Side Story" should be done this way. The thought of Henry Higgins, Nellie Forbush, Billy Bigelow or Mama Rose playing

musical instruments on stage may seem ridiculous, but do not bet against it.

 

Is this the Broadway version of private companies and city governments

cutting back on pension programs?

[Guest Havan_IronOak]

>Still, from your description I'm intrigued. The casting

>process *has* to be a nightmare. They want this guy for third

>male lead because he doubles oboe, but that one doubles Alto

>Sax. And the doubling in a Sondheim show is a BITCH! The

>logistics have to be hellish.

>

>I can't even imagine mounting a show this way.

 

 

Therin lies the rub! If it were essential to the point of the musical it might be worth casting a show this way but from what I've heard, this particular "choice" is just another ill-conceived gimick that doesn't quite work.

 

When these things DO work it can make for some of the most memorable theatre ever. I will always recall seeing Jim Dale walking a tight-rope while singing a song and stopping singing long enough to accompany himself on a violin. (Barnum) but then the point of that was integralk to the show. It was about Barnum's circus phase and it was about trying to do several things at once and Jim Dale freely admits that there were nights when he'd look down at Glenn Close and just KNOW that he was gonna fall.

[+ deej]

>Is this the Broadway version of private companies and city

>governments

>cutting back on pension programs?

 

More like the Broadway version of hi-tech companies outsourcing tech support to India, I think. :-(

[+ Gar1eth]

I know I'm just a guy from the sticks and I don't know a lot about theatre. But while I like Sweeney Todd--I had no desire to see it with minimal stage setting and the actors playing the instruments. Since I don't live in NYC, Chicago, or LA, seeing a professional production of a play is an event for me. I want the whole experience to transport me--a combination of acting, singing, musicians, costumes, and sets.

 

I also think it's a shame that musicals don't get full orchestras anymore.

 

Gareth

[+ deej]

>I want the whole experience to transport me--a combination of

>acting, singing, musicians, costumes, and sets.

 

From your mouth to God's ear!

 

Have you tried Grand Opera? Just curious. There's nothing more sensual and complete sensory overload than a good Carmen. Or.... (oh pick one)

 

You've nailed the key issue. The audience should be transported. Lifted right out of their seats.

 

Here's hoping your next one does that. I hope you'll return that wish.

[foxy]

I saw "Company" last night with a packed house at the Barrymore. Impressive since it's a large theater by Broadway standards. The audience loved the producion and I did also. The actors/singers playing musical instuments did seem a bit awkward at times but they are talented, sound good and you get used to it.

 

Some of Sondheim's best songs came out of this show. I never saw the earlier production so was glad to have the songs put into context. Considering how old the show is, much of it still seems fresh and relevant.

[Rod Hagen]

Grey Gardens is supposed to have an absolutely amazing second act that makes up for the slow and long first one.

 

Saw "Voyage", Tom Stoppard's first installment of "Coast Of Utopia" and wasn't impressed.