All That Chat - re: Here's Variety

HOME ALL THAT CHAT ATC WEST COAST SHOPPIN' RUSH BOARD FAQS

LOGIN REGISTER SEARCH THREADED MODE

not logged in

Threaded Order | Chronological Order

re: Here's Variety

Posted by:	lowwriter 03:46 pm EDT 08/14/14
In reply to:	Here's Variety - cjmclaughlin10 03:12 pm EDT 08/14/14

I just don't agree with the review at all. There was nothing bland about the first act. It's interesting he liked the most Broadway-style number of the show which ends the first act. I liked it, too, but didn't want the whole show to be that broad. And the movie, which I love, did not exactly have "sharp edges." It was fairly sentimental (and I'm not against that). Frank Rizzo is the critic for the Hartford Courant. I don't always agree with him though I know he does love the theater from reading his columns.

reply to this message \|

re: Here's Variety

Posted by:	Thom915 (Thom915@aol.com) 06:59 pm EDT 08/14/14
In reply to:	re: Here's Variety - lowwriter 03:46 pm EDT 08/14/14

I just feel this show is not yet ready for Broadway although, according to Mr. Weinstein he is well aware of that fact. I wonder too if Jordan isn't still a bit too callow to play an author on the success level of Barrie. His accent was wonderful but he seems to be reading rather than living his lines. He seemed like someone still awaiting his first success. Kelley fared a bit better but the two of them blow their introduction meeting as if they had just left each other backstage rather than meeting someone who they suspect might be a kindred spirit. Not for one moment did I believe she was a grieving widow either. Lines are there in the book (which otherwise needs a lot of work) but the actors haven't found them yet. I found the choreography to be serviceable to quite good but often misplaced. The whimsy in the dinner scene number begins far too early (high kick by the fade haircut wearing butler) as though the whimsy was started by the servants rather than the guests. Poor Carolee Carmelo is left to represent the entire Victorian world. She does a marvelous job at that and could take the risk of becoming even broader perhaps. Michael McGrath is a marvel. The songs as others have mentioned are pretty forgettable. (To be frank I felt the same about the score to Wicked when it opened.)

reply to this message \|

All That Chat is intended for the discussion of theatre news and opinion
subject to the terms and conditions of the Terms of Service. (Please take all off-topic discussion to private email.)