On The 20th Century

[Cooper]

It's been almost 40 years since this musical opened on Broadway. Unfortunately, it's receiving news that no producer wants to hear. Leading man, Peter Gallagher, has been out sick for most of the preview performances and seats are very easy to come by. I purchased mine at TKTS for 50% discount. Lots of empty seats at Wednesday's matinee.

 

Many audience members were disappointed to learn that Peter Gallagher would miss yet another performance. Word of this wasn't sent out to Roundabout subscription members till almost 1pm (show starts at 2pm) and no one informed me of this at TKTS... However, the good news is, the understudy for the part of Oscar Jaffee, James Moye, was excellent and made me wonder how Peter Gallagher could do any better.

 

This is a fun and fast moving musical. It has all the glitz and glamour of a big orchestra Broadway musical. Lots of lively singing, dancing, and costume changes. The story takes place in the 1930's and focuses on the two leading characters Oscar Jaffee and Lily Garland, played by the amazingly talented Kristin Chenoweth. On the 20th Century is the name of the train taking the cast from Chicago to NYC. Oscar is a director whose career is quickly heading South, Lily is his former lover and now a famous but temperamental actress. Oscar learns that Lily will be a passenger aboard this luxury train and takes full advantage of that information by trying to get her to sign contracts for a new Broadway show he's directing, one little problem, the show doesn't exist just yet. By the time the train reaches NYC the contracts must be signed and Oscar will do just about anything to make this happen.

 

Kristin Chenoweth is a tiny person with a powerful voice and range. She's wonderful! The chemistry between her and Oscar is remarkable. A very likeable cast that captivates and entertains you throughout the show. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

 

Book and lyrics by Adolph Green and Betty Comden. Music by Cy Coleman

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTYwMFgxMDk2/z/dD0AAOSweW5U34iy/$_35.JPG

 

This show runs till July 5, 2015

[bostonman]

This is a tough situation for Gallagher. Reports are that he has a sinus infection. From what I understand, he was back in the show the other night, but is going to be out again because he is just not sufficiently recovered. I don't know whether Gallagher himself campaigned to step in too soon, or whether the producers were aiming to have him back by that date, but in either case, there is (understandable) pressure to get him back into the show. But like an athlete trying to get back on the field when his injury is not really healed yet, Gallagher is also doing a disservice to himself (and the show) by jumping in before he has made a complete recovery. I doubt they will want to push the official opening ahead any further (they have already done that once in light of Gallagher being out), but how this all works out is rather up in the air.

 

In the meantime, I wish Gallagher a speedy recovery with the least amount of stress possible. I'm myself recovering from a minor sinus infection right now, and as I'm sure many of you know, it's not fun. Let alone in this case that it directly affects his job.

[skynyc]

I saw it last Tuesday and not only was Gallagher out, but so was Andy Karl. But it was fine, because I don't remember Gallagher being that solid of a singer and Moye sang the heck out of it.

And in my opinion there are three "stars": Ms. Chenoweth, the four porters, and the show itself.

I didn't review it here because I have tickets to see it twice more...hopefully PG and AK will be in!

[bostonman]

And in my opinion there are three "stars": Ms. Chenoweth, the four porters, and the show itself.

 

Um...isn't that 6 stars? ;-)

 

(I know the porters work as a unit, but I just want to give them individual credits, lol.)

[edjames]

Saw it last night and I agree that it is a terrific production. It was a perfect evening after a miserable arctic winter in NYC! Alas, Peter was still absent last night but his understudy was very good. Also, yes, four cute singing and dancing porters AND a hunky co-star Andy Karl (formerly the star of Rocky, the musical) who looks great.

 

Michael Reidel had this to say in today's NYPost:

 

http://nypost.com/2015/03/06/despite-peter-gallaghers-absence-twentieth-century-steams-ahead/

 

ED

[edjames]

Sorry, I almost forgot to mention that the great Mary Louise Wilson appears in this production as the "wacky" Letitia Louise Primrose. She almost stopped the show in her first act solo "Repent." (Avid theater goers will remember MLP from her roles as Diana Vreeland inoff-Broadway's Full Gallop and of course, as Big Edie, in Broadway's Grey Gardens).

 

ED