10. FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: SVU
The laughs were non-stop to the point of being painful, but it was worth it to see these shows spoofed and lampooned
with such good humor & taste.
9. COMPANY, Winthrop Playmakers
This was one of those times that the marriage of director and cast got it. By keeping the story circa 1970, the true pain
and agony of being single and lonely came through thanks to the talent of such an ensemble.
8. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, North Shore Music Theatre
Praises were sung - and rightfully so for maintaining the original integrity of this masterpiece.
7. HAIRSPRAY, North Shore Music Theatre
Director/Choreographer Barry Ivan welcomed us to the 60's in this fantastic and fun spectacle.
6. MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT, Colonial Theatre
This production was every bit hilarious as promised, even for those who do not follow the TV show & movies intensely.
5. WICKED, The Opera House
What a beautiful, spectacular experience this was. The outstanding actors, the lively score and the multi-layered book defied gravity.
4. CAROLINE, OR CHANGE, Speakeasy
What more can be said? They brought this extraordinary musical to life, and our Caroline knew how to rock our world!
3. 1776, Lyric Stage
Who knew that the signing of the Declaration of Indepence could be so much fun? A lively cast made this musical exciting and entertaining.
2. THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE, The Wilbur Theatre
The new Chorus Line. Audiences love to see real people put themselves on the line and reveal the backstory behind an exciting competion.
1. CHILDREN OF EDEN, Stoneham Youth Company
The Performance of the Year. Everyone in the cast and crew got it. They just got it. The production was moving and intoxicating; the level of maturity and professional from the "youth" raised the bar for the theatre world. The sets and the lighting were intelligent and impressive. The musical direction re-defined "brilliant". Many, many congratulations to the director who provided an outstanding and inspirational evening.
This will be recorded as one of the best theatrical experiences. Ever.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Top 5 Plays of 2006
5. THE WOMEN, Speakeasy Stage Company
All-star cast with stellar direction brought this timely tale of friends and gossip to delicious new heights this past fall!
4. THE PILLOWMAN, NewRep
Actor John Kuntz brought his brilliant self to this nightmarishly good fun play by Martin McDonagh.
3. FROZEN, New Rep
The actors were brilliant. The directing was brilliant. But the most brilliant aspect of this production was the "snow" that covered the stage. It added a textured layer of physical and audio sensations.
2. RABBIT HOLE, Huntington Theatre
What a powerful piece of theatre this is. And fortunately, audiences were blessed to witness such a powerful cast and direction - not to mention the impressive (and moving) set.
1. TWELVE ANGRY MEN, Colonial Theatre
The most powerful aspect of this masterpiece is its relevance, some 50 years after its initial release. An all-star cast provided riveting perfomances of this play which made everyone anything but angry.
All-star cast with stellar direction brought this timely tale of friends and gossip to delicious new heights this past fall!
4. THE PILLOWMAN, NewRep
Actor John Kuntz brought his brilliant self to this nightmarishly good fun play by Martin McDonagh.
3. FROZEN, New Rep
The actors were brilliant. The directing was brilliant. But the most brilliant aspect of this production was the "snow" that covered the stage. It added a textured layer of physical and audio sensations.
2. RABBIT HOLE, Huntington Theatre
What a powerful piece of theatre this is. And fortunately, audiences were blessed to witness such a powerful cast and direction - not to mention the impressive (and moving) set.
1. TWELVE ANGRY MEN, Colonial Theatre
The most powerful aspect of this masterpiece is its relevance, some 50 years after its initial release. An all-star cast provided riveting perfomances of this play which made everyone anything but angry.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Broadway on CD
SPRING AWAKENING
This is one of those rare situations when we need to know what the writers had for breakfast the day they collaborated on this brilliant piece of work. The vocals are as frank and naked as the lyrics themselves. The performances are exceptional as are the musicality and etherial vocal arrangements. This could have been just another sob story about teen angst, but these performances express maturity and intelligence about the subject material and never talk down to the audience. Come Tony Time, this is the show to be reckoned with! A+.
GREY GARDENS
Christine Ebersole has won every award possible for her roles in Grey Gardens. I think they've invented some awards for her to win. Listening to the soundtrack, it is easy to hear why. The infamous story of Grey Gardens is told in story and song, and it plays very well. Christine's transition from Big Edie in Act One to her grown daughter in Act Two is so effortless one would think it were easy.
The best part about this show is that in spite of being based on a documentary, it IS original! It plays like a throw-back to the good, old-fashioned book musicals. And it is quite good. The songs are fresh and alive, and the actors effortlessly breathe life into their characters. A.
A CHORUS LINE (Revival)
Everything you've heard is true -- the ENTIRE montage is here! And it sounds great! All of the actors fully comprehend their characters, and the orchestrations are contemporary enough but maintain the original score's integrity.
Charlotte d'Amboise is breathtaking as Cassie despite what you may have heard or read. Sans guitar and harp, some of the songs sound streamlined, but it is the energy and enthusiasm of the cast that makes this soundtrack a sensation. A-.
This is one of those rare situations when we need to know what the writers had for breakfast the day they collaborated on this brilliant piece of work. The vocals are as frank and naked as the lyrics themselves. The performances are exceptional as are the musicality and etherial vocal arrangements. This could have been just another sob story about teen angst, but these performances express maturity and intelligence about the subject material and never talk down to the audience. Come Tony Time, this is the show to be reckoned with! A+.
GREY GARDENS
Christine Ebersole has won every award possible for her roles in Grey Gardens. I think they've invented some awards for her to win. Listening to the soundtrack, it is easy to hear why. The infamous story of Grey Gardens is told in story and song, and it plays very well. Christine's transition from Big Edie in Act One to her grown daughter in Act Two is so effortless one would think it were easy.
The best part about this show is that in spite of being based on a documentary, it IS original! It plays like a throw-back to the good, old-fashioned book musicals. And it is quite good. The songs are fresh and alive, and the actors effortlessly breathe life into their characters. A.
A CHORUS LINE (Revival)
Everything you've heard is true -- the ENTIRE montage is here! And it sounds great! All of the actors fully comprehend their characters, and the orchestrations are contemporary enough but maintain the original score's integrity.
Charlotte d'Amboise is breathtaking as Cassie despite what you may have heard or read. Sans guitar and harp, some of the songs sound streamlined, but it is the energy and enthusiasm of the cast that makes this soundtrack a sensation. A-.
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