I was there this afternoon, too. And have seen both ladies.
I love what you say about Donna's Dolly really feeling like a flesh and blood woman coming back to her favorite restaurant. Donna Murphy is really such a strong actor, and you can see that she truly makes sense of any of her characters' journeys. It's clear she's a smart woman who does her homework. Her performances are always considerate and serve the whole piece beyond her own star power. It's so refreshing!
Her portrayal of the Witch in Into the Woods really opened my eyes to qualities I'd never seen in the Witch before. For the first time I understood her own issues with her mother, and her deep despair about her ugly curse.
Her "Could I Leave You" was revelatory to me.
I'm obsessed with how she reads "The Letter" on The King and I recording.
Donna's Dolly, checking in with all the different waiters is bliss. You can see that she's a woman who loves human connection - who loves to really make people feel alive. Her con artist meddling is driven by curiosity and the joy of living. It's so exciting to see her individualize Manny, Danny, etc. And her squeals when they jump over the passerelle, ugh, so good!
Also, her eating bit at the top of the courtroom scene landed much better for me. Perhaps bc it felt like it came from a more realistic, grounded enjoyment of the food.
What a treat! Although I must say I feel so "eh" about "I Put My Hand In." I'd much prefer an interpolation of "Just Leave Everything to Me." |
