Ah, whores with hearts of gold, and how Broadway loves them. Before there was Best Little Whorehouse in Texas & Miss Saigon, there was Sweet Charity, the sweetheart with the big heart.
As the curtain rose in the Colonial Theatre in Boston during its pre-Broadway run, one could not help but embrace Charlotte d'Amboise, who is so talented it's ridiculous. One could also not help but wonder what Christiana Applegate would have done in the role. Even during the curtain call, it was difficult not to think that this should have been Ms. Applegate up there.
But, we have Charlotte whose credible innocense is warm and welcoming. The role is anything but easy, but Charlotte never tired and always remained in character.
Denis O'Hare as Oscar adds some refreshing physicality to his role. He is a pleasure to watch.
Charity's girlfriends are spot-on with their singing, dancing, and acting, and the chemistry between the trio works beautifully. They might consider working on their synchronization during "Some Life Better than This," however.
The fact the Rich Man's Frug is the best number in the show is slightly problematic because it is near the beginning, but the drumstick routine during the penultimate "Brass Band" provides relief. Dedicated fans of Fosse might snub this original choreography, but it is Fosse-inspirerd, and the Frug is deliciously sensual.
The book has always been slightly problematic. While its lack of direction might arguably reflect that of Charity's life, audiences have always yearned for more closure. Fortunately, this revival provides just that with a rewritten finale including some self-affirmation for our heroine.
It should be included that both the costumes and sets are visually stunning and pleasingly colorful.
Big Daddy has the strong precense the number requires, but the ensemble needs to dance a bit more during it. Vocally, they might want to be strong instead of loud.
While her girlfriends are dreaming the dream, Charity is out fighting for it. Hopefully, Christina Applegate will be able to fulfill her dream soon. B+
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Thursday, March 17, 2005
THE BEST OF 2004
5. Movin’ Out, Colonial Theatre. Initially I had predicted this to be a glamorized dance recital utilizing Billy Joel’s greatest hits. What a pleasure it was to be wrong. Twyla Tharp’s ingenious choreography was more than deserving of the Tony as she effectively brought Joel’s songs to new life. Powerful dancing and intelligent storytelling introduced a special genre of theatre to its audiences. A-
4. Urinetown, Colonial Theatre. With a name like this, how can we go wrong? Robbed of the Tony for Best Musical, this sassy, smart tale was original from the ground up. The book is clever and the songs unique. This is good theatre. A
3. Company, Speakeasy Stage Company. A revival of the landmark 1970 Stephen Sondheim showcase, its messages are more relevant today than ever. The new space was used beautifully to intimately portray the pros and cons, ups and downs of both the single and married lives. A
2. Beauty and the Beast, North Shore Music Theatre. When one reads the director’s notes, and he mentions that we will be transported to another land, it is so easy to nod and smile but be all too aware of the fact that we are just watching great actors with wonderful costumes, magnificent sets, and a charming score. This is not one of those shows. The director truly did make us forget we were in a theatre; we really were in an enchanted place. And it was a pleasure to be there. A+
1. Big River, The Wang Center. This is what theatre is all about. This retelling of the 1983 masterpiece is a reinvention of the wheel. The sign language was not just a fluid part of the show; it actually enhanced it. There is not one bad thing to say about this – this was a rare and distinct honor to be a part of this landmark in entertainment. A+
4. Urinetown, Colonial Theatre. With a name like this, how can we go wrong? Robbed of the Tony for Best Musical, this sassy, smart tale was original from the ground up. The book is clever and the songs unique. This is good theatre. A
3. Company, Speakeasy Stage Company. A revival of the landmark 1970 Stephen Sondheim showcase, its messages are more relevant today than ever. The new space was used beautifully to intimately portray the pros and cons, ups and downs of both the single and married lives. A
2. Beauty and the Beast, North Shore Music Theatre. When one reads the director’s notes, and he mentions that we will be transported to another land, it is so easy to nod and smile but be all too aware of the fact that we are just watching great actors with wonderful costumes, magnificent sets, and a charming score. This is not one of those shows. The director truly did make us forget we were in a theatre; we really were in an enchanted place. And it was a pleasure to be there. A+
1. Big River, The Wang Center. This is what theatre is all about. This retelling of the 1983 masterpiece is a reinvention of the wheel. The sign language was not just a fluid part of the show; it actually enhanced it. There is not one bad thing to say about this – this was a rare and distinct honor to be a part of this landmark in entertainment. A+
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Keep Marcy Out of the Kitchen!!
Review for It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown
One of the unusual aspects of this Holiday Special is that it rarely focuses on Charlie Brown. Rather, Pepperment Patty is the central figure, as she takes on the challenge of teaching her friend, Marcy, how to color eggs.
The other aspect of this program is that it relies on visual gags and surreal humor to welcome Spring rather than delivering a message as most Peanuts programs do. It seems appropriate, though, given the feelings evoked by Easter.
As with all Peanuts specials, the color pallette and score of the cartoon beautifully represent the time of year.
Trivia Question-what day of the year is it? Hint-Look at the sign that tells you how many days are left to Christmas!! A-
One of the unusual aspects of this Holiday Special is that it rarely focuses on Charlie Brown. Rather, Pepperment Patty is the central figure, as she takes on the challenge of teaching her friend, Marcy, how to color eggs.
The other aspect of this program is that it relies on visual gags and surreal humor to welcome Spring rather than delivering a message as most Peanuts programs do. It seems appropriate, though, given the feelings evoked by Easter.
As with all Peanuts specials, the color pallette and score of the cartoon beautifully represent the time of year.
Trivia Question-what day of the year is it? Hint-Look at the sign that tells you how many days are left to Christmas!! A-
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Singin', Surfin', and Dreamin' with Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson has always provided us with rich vocals and soothing harmonies, and his new release IN BETWEEN DREAMS is all of that plus more. One can picture him sitting on a beach in Hawaii as he effortlessly strums his acoustic guitar which is blended beautifully with the bass. This time around, he also turns the Fun up a bit. Not that he hasn't had fun before, but now his music feels even more relaxed and upbeat. The tunes are just as sunny as the album artwork. Even though his photos shade his good looks, this allows us to focus soley on the music. His lyrics are as personal and relevant ever, and fans have much to sing about. A
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Oscar by the Numbers
1 - number of snubs for Paul Giamatti.
2 - number of Best Picture Nominess focusing on a struggling writer.
3 - Best Picture Nominees with one character with a broken nose.
4 - Best Actor Nominees from a Best Picture Nominee.
4 - Best Actress Nominees not from a Best Picture Nominee.
60 - average age of the Best Director Nominees.
2 - number of Best Picture Nominess focusing on a struggling writer.
3 - Best Picture Nominees with one character with a broken nose.
4 - Best Actor Nominees from a Best Picture Nominee.
4 - Best Actress Nominees not from a Best Picture Nominee.
60 - average age of the Best Director Nominees.
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