Theatre Talk: In Our Own Little Corner

[Is Everyone Gone]

8 hours ago, Dr.OO7 said:

Any opinions on the production of "Othello"? Once again, I wanted to take my dad for Father's Day, but once again, the "modern" setting makes me balk. The $900 tickets aren't too appealing either. 

I've not heard good things about it.

OTOH I saw Picture of Dorian Gray and loved it. Sarah Snook is amazing! I also met her at the stage door and she was absolutely lovely. So, so different from Shiv Roy.

Actually, I met "Kendall Roy" last year too at the stage door of Enemy of the People and Jeremy Strong was also lovely and so, so different from the Number One Boy.

[EtheltoTillie]

I have heard bad reviews on the Othello production.  I saw some scenes when they were promoting it on CBS Sunday Morning the other week, and it didn't look great.  Just seemed very stagy. 

IN OTHER NEWS:

I was blessed with a last minute ticket to the preview of Just In Time tonight.  Someone couldn't go.  I'll report back. 

Edited April 3 by EtheltoTillie

[EtheltoTillie]

Back to report on Just In Time.  It was fantastic.  At least Groff was fantastic.  The rest of the cast was weaker.  Still, it's a really fun show.  He has the most amazing energy and joy in performing.  He's not doing an impersonation of Darin but rather an interpretation. 

Edited April 4 by EtheltoTillie

[ebk57]

22 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Back to report on Just In Time.  It was fantastic.  At least Groff was fantastic.  The rest of the cast was weaker.  Still, it's a really fun show.  He has the most amazing energy and joy in performing.  He's not doing an impersonation of Darin but rather an interpretation. 

I don't think this will still be around in July, but I'll keep an eye out.  Glad you enjoyed it!

[EtheltoTillie]

4 hours ago, ebk57 said:

I don't think this will still be around in July, but I'll keep an eye out.  Glad you enjoyed it!

They are showing it running through July 28

Funny thing. I am catching up on The Good Fight. Never saw it. I was just watching Season 4 episode 4 and I spied one of the actors from the play in a small role. Lance Roberts. 

[EtheltoTillie]

But I would never have noticed him or recognized him had I not just seen him close up on stage. 

Edited April 5 by EtheltoTillie

[Spartan Girl]

Anybody seen Floyd Collins yet? I know it’s only in previews and the official opening isn’t for a few weeks, but I’m curious.

[MicheleinPhilly]

Over the weekend I saw Dreamgirls at the Walnut Street Theatre here in Philadelphia. Obviously I've seen the film and have been familiar with the music for decades, but I've never had the chance to see the show live. 

What an experience! I was taken aback by how sparse the set is, but it just goes to show the strength of the music and story that it wasn't needed. 

Aveena Sawyer, who played Effie, blew the roof off. I had actual tears in my eyes during "And I Am Telling You" and appreciated that the orchestra paused before launching into The Dreams afterwards to allow for her very much deserved ovation. 

This was a really special experience and I'm so glad I finally had the chance to see it. 

[EtheltoTillie]

On 4/7/2025 at 8:18 AM, Spartan Girl said:

Anybody seen Floyd Collins yet? I know it’s only in previews and the official opening isn’t for a few weeks, but I’m curious.

I'm thinking of going with a TDF ticket.  There are some for tomorrow matinee. 

ETA:  Never mind.  Not available anymore.

[Spartan Girl]

3 hours ago, EtheltoTillie said:

I'm thinking of going with a TDF ticket.  There are some for tomorrow matinee. 

ETA:  Never mind.  Not available anymore.

There's still time. It's official opening is in a couple of weeks, then it's at the Lincoln Center for a few months.

[EtheltoTillie]

2 hours ago, Spartan Girl said:

There's still time. It's official opening is in a couple of weeks, then it's at the Lincoln Center for a few months.

Yes, I have to keep checking TDF.  What I meant is that the tickets for tomorrow were no longer available. 

[bosawks]

William Finn passed away.  I always thought he would be around forever, "The I Love You Song" from Spelling Bee is one of my all time favorites. Beautiful, hysterical, ethereal, and crushingly sad at the same time.

RIP

[Spartan Girl]

I saw the touring production of Chicago for the first time ever. I was aware that it’s very minimalist compared to the movie, but the difference  was still a little jarriing. Anyway, it was good—even if the plot of criminal using sensationalist media to literally get away with murder hits a little harder this year.

The dancing was more impressive in Act 2 than Act 1 IMHO; I was stunned that there wasn’t more choreography for “Cell Block Tango.” And if they can pull out the feathered fans for “All I Care About Is Love” then why not for “When You’re Good to Mama”?! All she did was just stand there singing!

So with that, I’ve finally completed the block of Broadway’s longest running shows from the 80s and 90s: Cats, Les Miserables, Phantom, Chicago, and Miss Saigon. Do Lion King and Beauty and the Beast count too?

[ebk57]

5 hours ago, Spartan Girl said:

Do Lion King and Beauty and the Beast count too?

Sure!  Why wouldn't they?

[PRgal]

10 hours ago, ebk57 said:

Sure!  Why wouldn't they?

Some people don't include staged Disney musicals (save for Aida, which was never made into a movie) or jukebox productions.

[ebk57]

3 hours ago, PRgal said:

Some people don't include staged Disney musicals (save for Aida, which was never made into a movie) or jukebox productions.

Interesting.  I think that if it's a show on Broadway, it counts as a Broadway show.  Because let's face it - almost everything on Broadway now started as something else.  I honestly don't need to see another musical made from a movie that has no musical underpinnings, but that's just me.  It's still a Broadway show.

 

Hard pivot to another subject - I got an email today about presale tickets to Bill and Ted's Excellent Broadway Adventure (aka Waiting for Godot starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter).  I really don't like Waiting for Godot, but since it will be closing January 4th which is weeks before my January trip, I'm off the hook!  It's one of those "events" that I feel like I should see, but I really don't want to, and now I won't.

[PRgal]

18 minutes ago, ebk57 said:

Interesting.  I think that if it's a show on Broadway, it counts as a Broadway show.  Because let's face it - almost everything on Broadway now started as something else.  I honestly don't need to see another musical made from a movie that has no musical underpinnings, but that's just me.  It's still a Broadway show.

 

 I got an email today about presale tickets to Bill and Ted's Excellent Broadway Adventure (aka Waiting for Godot starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter).   

😂

[Spartan Girl]

Point is, I’ve now seen pretty much all the big staples still on Broadway.

Back to Chicago, for anyone that’s seen it. Was I the only one that felt let down by “Cell Block Tango”? I knew they wouldn’t go all out like the movie, but I was at least expecting more dancing than I got. It’s supposed to be a TANGO for FFS.

[Ohiopirate02]

22 hours ago, ebk57 said:

Hard pivot to another subject - I got an email today about presale tickets to Bill and Ted's Excellent Broadway Adventure (aka Waiting for Godot starring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter).  I really don't like Waiting for Godot, but since it will be closing January 4th which is weeks before my January trip, I'm off the hook!  It's one of those "events" that I feel like I should see, but I really don't want to, and now I won't.

I really only want to see this if it is Bill and Ted's Existential Journey. I am hesitant to pay Broadway money plus travel expenses only to see Serious Actor Keanu. Because, lets be honest, Serious Actor Keanu is not as good as Dumb Stoner Keanu or Action Movie Keanu.

[MicheleinPhilly]

On 4/15/2025 at 10:08 AM, Spartan Girl said:

Point is, I’ve now seen pretty much all the big staples still on Broadway.

Back to Chicago, for anyone that’s seen it. Was I the only one that felt let down by “Cell Block Tango”? I knew they wouldn’t go all out like the movie, but I was at least expecting more dancing than I got. It’s supposed to be a TANGO for FFS.

Chicago was the first musical I ever saw that was not a school production or on Summer Stage. I was 20 years old and I saw it in the West End with Ute Lemper. It was absolutely sublime and began my lifelong love affair with musicals. I also love the film. 

It's a swap out/add on for our 2025-2026 season and I thought it was a no-brainer that I would go but your posts about it are giving me pause. 

[PRgal]

Wait. What? Steve Martin Wrote a Musical?

Edited April 16 by PRgal

[Spartan Girl]

1 hour ago, MicheleinPhilly said:

Chicago was the first musical I ever saw that was not a school production or on Summer Stage. I was 20 years old and I saw it in the West End with Ute Lemper. It was absolutely sublime and began my lifelong love affair with musicals. I also love the film. 

It's a swap out/add on for our 2025-2026 season and I thought it was a no-brainer that I would go but your posts about it are giving me pause. 

Oh no, don't let me influence your opinion! I'm just asking if other productions of "Cell Block Tango" at least had more to it than just them standing there/sitting in their chairs. 

[ebk57]

2 hours ago, PRgal said:

Wait. What? Steve Martin Wrote a Musical?

Yes, he did.  I saw it pre-Broadway at the Kennedy Center years ago.  The music is wonderful.  The first act is wonderful.  The second act is...okay. 

 

1 hour ago, Spartan Girl said:

Oh no, don't let me influence your opinion! I'm just asking if other productions of "Cell Block Tango" at least had more to it than just them standing there/sitting in their chairs. 

Chicago is the first show I saw on Broadway in 1976 (?), but that was the fully staged version.  The current version played my theater for many, many months 20+ years ago.  I wish I could remember how Cell Block Tango was staged, but alas, my memory fades.  I do love the show a lot. 

 

On 4/15/2025 at 12:42 PM, Ohiopirate02 said:

I really only want to see this if it is Bill and Ted's Existential Journey. I am hesitant to pay Broadway money plus travel expenses only to see Serious Actor Keanu. Because, lets be honest, Serious Actor Keanu is not as good as Dumb Stoner Keanu or Action Movie Keanu.

Amex pre-sale is today.  Holy shit, those tickets are reeeeally expensive!  I'm so sorry (ha) that I can't go... 

[Dr.OO7]

I took my mother to see "Gypsy" today (an early Mother's Day present). I had never seen Audra MacDonald perform before. Holy shit, she was PHENOMENAL. She got a standing ovation in the middle of the show (I've only seen that 2 other times) for her work in "Rose's Turn".

I thought it was terrific overall. I was interested to see if the Race Lift would change the dynamic of the show,  but interestingly, to me, it actually didn't,  except for that line where Rose claims that she makes Louise wear the blonde wig because "it makes her look like a star".

No, Rose, it's because you think it makes her look WHITE.  

Which actually makes her obsession with their success, even if it's vicarious living, more poignant. 

[Spartan Girl]

PBS’ Great Performances aired the 2023 London production of Next to Normal. Oof. That’s an intense show.

This may be an unpopular opinion but I can’t really bring myself to sympathize with Diana. Mental illness or not, she seemed more obsessed with the fantasy of Gabe, than she cared for Dan or Natalie. “I love you as much as I can” isn’t exactly a ringing affirmation of love for a daughter that you pretty much had to replace your dead son. And for all her efforts to try and connect with Natalie, it didn’t seem like they were in close contact after she moves back in with her parents; she’s clearly not at Natalie’s birthday at the end. Honestly, Dan and Natalie might be better off without her.

Edited May 16 by Spartan Girl

[ebk57]

2 things - 

RIP Charles Strouse.  My high school drama teacher (who unknowingly got me to crave a career in theater) loved Bye, Bye Birdie and staged it any chance he got.  And for me, Annie is one of my favorite shows during my time working at the National Theater. 

https://playbill.com/article/charles-strouse-composer-of-annie-and-bye-bye-birdie-dies-at-96

 

And, CNN is going to livestream Good Night and Good Luck on June 7th.  I'm still mad at George, so didn't bother buying a ticket when I was in NY last.  I'm not sure I'll even watch, but I'll think about it. 

https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/15/entertainment/george-clooney-broadway-play-cnn-televise

Oh, and @Spartan Girl I have Next to Normal recorded.  I may let you all know what I think when I watch.  Or not - we'll see 😉

[EtheltoTillie]

8 minutes ago, ebk57 said:

2 things - 

RIP Charles Strouse.  My high school drama teacher (who unknowingly got me to crave a career in theater) loved Bye, Bye Birdie and staged it any chance he got.  And for me, Annie is one of my favorite shows during my time working at the National Theater. 

https://playbill.com/article/charles-strouse-composer-of-annie-and-bye-bye-birdie-dies-at-96

 

And, CNN is going to livestream Good Night and Good Luck on June 7th.  I'm still mad at George, so didn't bother buying a ticket when I was in NY last.  I'm not sure I'll even watch, but I'll think about it. 

https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/15/entertainment/george-clooney-broadway-play-cnn-televise

Oh, and @Spartan Girl I have Next to Normal recorded.  I may let you all know what I think when I watch.  Or not - we'll see 😉

Well thanks, I will try to watch that.   The tickets are super expensive, and I'm not super interested in the play, so I wouldn't go to it, but I like George.  Why are you mad at George? 

Edited May 15 by EtheltoTillie

[ebk57]

24 minutes ago, EtheltoTillie said:

Well thanks, I will try to watch that.   The tickets are super expensive, and I'm not super interested in the play, so I wouldn't go to it, but I like George.  Why are you mad at George? 

Still mad at him for his Biden editorial.  I feel like it was unnecessary. 

[EtheltoTillie]

5 minutes ago, ebk57 said:

Still mad at him for his Biden editorial.  I feel like it was unnecessary. 

Ah, I see.  That makes sense.  I couldn't think of anything that people would be mad about. 

[choclatechip45]

On 4/7/2025 at 8:18 AM, Spartan Girl said:

Anybody seen Floyd Collins yet? I know it’s only in previews and the official opening isn’t for a few weeks, but I’m curious.

I saw it tonight. I liked it. I thought it was about 20 minutes too long at the end. The singing by Jeremy Jordan, Taylor Trensch, Jason Gotay and Lizzy McAlpine is fantastic. It is different from most things on broadway in a good way.

Taylor Trensch is the standout. 

Edited Saturday at 06:24 AM by choclatechip45

[DisneyBoy]

After seeing this, I like them quite a bit :) The show wasn't aiming very high, but at least they're fun and the lyrics are fun.

[Spartan Girl]

Saw Hamilton for the third time at my theater. Not gonna lie, some parts were harder to get through than others because of…current events. My mother thought the last tour we saw three years ago was better, but Jefferson/Lafayette, King George, and Eliza were still the MVPs.

Edited Sunday at 10:14 PM by Spartan Girl

[ebk57]

Watched the Great Performances "Girl From the North Country" tonight.  It's beautiful. 

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/girl-from-the-north-country/16706/