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FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening

Posted by: mamaleh 09:21 am EDT 03/19/14

I can never dislike FORBIDDEN BROADWAY, but some editions are better than others. The current version, "Comes Out Swinging," has some great bits, notably the updated LES MIZ stuff that reflects current technology (even if it does forget that the new revival does NOT have a turntable), MATILDA, a fun Travolta reference and Marcus Stevens' dead-on Mandy Patinkin number--absolutely hilarious, even though I'd seen it before. Which brings me to why I found this edition only so-so. The other cast members, although energetic, pale next to the brilliance of Stevens. I remember the ONCE bit as much funnier last time around; that's when I realized, although the other cast members are game and amiable, the performers were stronger in 2012.

What's essential in something like FB, among other elements, is pristine enunciation, since the lyrics are what make the show. Only Stevens makes every word clear. I grant a little slack to an understudy who was on last night-- and realize someone who has not seen earlier versions would probably be perfectly satisfied--but I really wish his three co-performers from the 2012 edition were back. The show is still entertaining, though, even with the hoary ANNIE bit that should be mothballed. I will probably go again later in the run when it will likely be sharper.


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re: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening

Posted by: AlanScott 07:18 pm EDT 03/19/14
In reply to: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening - mamaleh 09:21 am EDT 03/19/14

I saw the last edition. It was insanely loud — really painful — and the microphones blocked the performers' faces from where I was sitting (and I'd guess for a lot of the audience). And the few times they stood in front of the microphones and we were hearing them more naturally, it was clear that none of them needed to be miked. So it was very puzzling.

In addition, no one in the cast I saw was a very good mimic. They were all talented, but no one was much good at sounding like other people (at least not the people they were supposed to sound like).

I wonder if I still have my playbill so that I can check to see who was in that cast.


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re: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening

Posted by: PlazaBoy 01:25 pm EDT 03/19/14
In reply to: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening - mamaleh 09:21 am EDT 03/19/14

I really enjoyed this edition. The two women in the cast were unknown to me and I found them both very funny. The Pippin opening was hilarious as was most of act one.

Act two was not as strong in my opinion. I laughed, but not as consistently.

The Sound of Music parody was a highlight for me. As was Le Miz, even though I've seen it many times.

I wish they would retire Annie, Lion King and Jersey Boys. I understand that those titles are most familiar to their audience, but they feel tired.


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re: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening

Posted by: aislestorm 11:50 am EDT 03/19/14
In reply to: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening - mamaleh 09:21 am EDT 03/19/14

The acoustics are awful in that theater. They always have been. And the mike placing doesn't serve the actors well. I had trouble understanding the lyrics as well. Aren't they the whole point of the show?


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re: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening

Posted by: CKDexter 11:44 am EDT 03/19/14
In reply to: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening - mamaleh 09:21 am EDT 03/19/14

Was Scott Richard Foster not in last night? He is from the 2012 cast and did the ONCE bit. I was under the impression he was in this version of FB in addition to Stevens.


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re: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening

Posted by: mamaleh 01:15 pm EDT 03/19/14
In reply to: re: FORBIDDEN BROADWAY Last Evening - CKDexter 11:44 am EDT 03/19/14

He was out last night; his understudy went on.


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