| I saw it and found it to be an utterly delightful night. It was a lot closer to a reading than an Encores style production, and I don't think the staging was quite as full as we got in their KISS ME KATE production a year ago. It was probably closer to some of the early Encores stagings. There were basic costumes and several modestly choreographed dance numbers, but nothing close to what we'd get with a full production of DAMN YANKEES. But the score is always wonderful and was well performed, and the story, in spite of the much discussed book issues, still works, with the scenes between Joe and Meg being particularly moving. I LOVED Maggie Gyllenhaal's Lola, as did the rest of the audience. Her Lola was sizzling, seductive, charismatic, and altogether dazzling. She sings well. Most of Lola's dancing was cut for the reading, so whether she could play Lola in a full production is uncertain, although she handled the minimal dance movement she was given effectively. Whoopi was Whoopi, bringing her persona to Applegate, which was sassy, spirited, and fun. Her comfort level seemed to grow as the night went on. While not really a singer, she nevertheless brought the house down with "Those Were the Good Old Days." Morrison is a little old for Joe, and his characterization is more serious and troubled than other Joes I've seen. That gives Joe a bit more complexity but a little less charm than I recall, which may add some power to the scenes with Meg. He sings the role well. Victoria Clark, as always, was a wonderful Meg, and Danny Burstein a fine Van Buren. Julie Halston, Annie Golden, and Adreinne Warren were quite winning. Reggie Jackson as the team owner is, to be kind, not an actor, and his line readings were wooden, but it was a nice bit of stunt casting in a small role. All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable night, capped off by a joyous sing along of "You Gotta Have Heart" at the curtain call. I'm very glad I attended this one. |
