Archive post: December 2009, NYC

Fela!

My review: This show works well as a performance piece! The nonstop music (and almost nonstop dancing) is infectious, but it don't necessarily dramatize or inform about the life of the man it was written by and whom the show is about. The entire interior of the theatre has been effectively transformed into the Nigerian nightclub where this "concert" takes place. Great performance by Sahr Ngaujah in the title role, one so demanding he only does 5 shows a week. Bill T. Jones in the house (front row house left) and the cast's love for him was obvious.

Finian's Rainbow

My review: What an odd show! Great to finally see it (and hear it with a full orchestra!) though it really is old-fashioned, even for my tastes. Great cast, especially Christopher Fitzgerald as the leprechaun who slowly outgrows his clothes (his costumes were hysterical).

A Streetcar Named Desire

My review: Wow! Other than one scene that I didn't care for the director's choices, this production is thrilling. There aren't enough adjectives to adequately describe Blanchett's Blanche.

Memphis

Me review: Surprisingly (since I had no desire to see it, but one slot left open), I loved everything about this show! Imagine if Corny Collins from Hairspray fell in live with Deena Jones from Dreamgirls, that would be Memphis!

A Little Night Music

My review: This beautiful, very intimate production is definitely worth seeing! The cast is perfect. Catherine Zeta Jones is fantastic and delivers a very moving "Send in the Clowns." I have a feeling she's going to get even better too! Angela of course can stop the show in the middle of a sentence with her perfect line readings!