Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking
My review: I hadn't planned on seeing this, but a slow work day and being able to catch an earlier flight gave me an opening in my theatre schedule. While I haven't read her book of the same name, this one woman show written and starring Carrie Fisher is utterly non-theatrical and completely forgettable. I enjoy her writing and still look forward to reading Wishful Drinking, but as a theatre piece this comes off as an ego-driven vanity project. Most of it feels completely unstaged, with Carrie lounging in her pajamas on a living room unit set and talking with (and sometimes fielding questions from) the audience. The highlight for me was when she described her family tree (with the help of a drop down chalk board). The comparison of Eddie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, and Elizabeth Taylor to Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, and Angelina Jolie, respectively, was both humorous and spot on.
Bye Bye Birdie
My review: The Roundabout at its worst! A corny show like this one needs two strong triple threats in the leads and it's just painful to watch John Stamos (miscast) and Gina Gershon (can't sing a note) stumble through this. This is a worst case I've experienced of the Roundabout's seeming desire to cast names over talent. The supporting players don't do much better. The highlight for me was Honestly Sincere, thanks to the truly excellent understudy for Conrad Birdie, and the little boy playing the youngest of the McAfee family as he hilariously imitated the rock star's gyrations. It was the only time the show came alive. The good news: the Henry Miller, Broadway's brand new theatre, is a wonderful house (actually basement) to see a show!
Next to Normal...again!
My review: The third time is a charm! This brilliant show definitely holds up to repeat viewing. Seeing the Broadway version for a second time was a thrill as I noticed so many things in terms of the staging and performances that added to the overall experience. There would be too many spoilers to go into detail. Alice Ripley and the entire cast continue to amaze in this emotional roller-coaster of a show.
A Steady Rain
My review: This is going to make a great movie! On stage though too little is dramatized as Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig narrate the story of two morally deficient Chicago cops and the events that change their lives over the course of a few days of steady rain. Running only 90 minutes, it's still a chore to have to listen so intently to catch all of the twists and turns in the (too?) incredible plot. Brit Craig is more believable is his portrayal, but Aussie Jackman has the meatier role. Can't wait to see this material acted out on the big screen!
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