Like much of what I see at 42nd Street Moon, I was unfamiliar with DIHAW, except of course for the title song and, after I heard it, We’re Gonna Be Alright. I’d never seen the source play or film. I went into this thinking Roman Holiday’ish, a free and easy gal enjoying a fun and flirtatious vacation in Venice, boy-meets-girl, and everyone ends up happy and singing. Well, flirtatious yes, fun not so sure. The theme was a bit depressing and I never really bought the characters easy forgiving and forgetting of sexual infidelity. But I also tried to suspend my disbelief and just go with the premise, and on that level the show worked for me. I’m biased though, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad production at 42SM. In addition, I like the larger experience: easy parking in the early evening, two great restaurant/bar options across the street, and the intimacy of the Eureka. I also like the 7:00 curtains they often do, especially for work nights. I was home to Twin Peaks by 9:45. Fairly full house for this first preview. Fun to see Andrea Martin seated right in front of me. She’s in town getting ready to go into the Pippin tour in a few days.
How great to see Emily Skinner, good stage presence and awesome voice, though she was clearly holding back in the small house. Plus, there are no real belty numbers for Leona to let loose. I didn’t care for Leona’s drunken finger pointing at the party, but that of course is an issue with the material, not Ms. Skinner’s wonderful performance. Loved David Naughton and Abby Sammon as the young lovers, you could tell they were in love (but who wouldn’t be attracted to Mr. Naughton…especially in his shorts…what can I say I love tall men), but again, her easy acceptance and forgiveness didn’t work for me (again a problem with the material). Ms. Sammon also seems to have a gorgeous voice and I’d love to her hear belt out a number. Dave Dobrusky was music director and solo accompanist on the piano.
ATC’s own MikeR was delightful. Mike, I’ve now seen you in 4-5 shows, and I always enjoy when you’re on stage. The age difference between Ms. Cone and you was sort of obvious (Ms. McIlhenny is a Cougar!), but you do work great together. Oh yeah, how is your back? LOL
Jonah Broscow is a pure scene-stealer as young Mauro, but not so much so that he becomes an annoyance half-way through Act I. He has a few of the best lines, and is quite a little character. What poise for such a youngster on a stage and audience full of adults.
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