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| Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations | |
| Posted by: ARReith1982 12:45 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| I saw Carousel tonight. This is one of my favorite scores and I'm a fan of Renee Fleming! Overall, I loved the show. I had a great time and look forward to seeing it again. A few observations and thoughts: -Is the casting of a black Billy and white Julie a political statement? Or was he cast based on merit? I didn't think Joshua Henry was terrible by any stretch, but I have a hard time believing that he has the voice that'll sustain itself 8x a week as Billy. "Soliloquy" is a tour de force to sing and much of his music requires a classical technique to do it well. I wish him the best! I wonder how they'd handle future replacements. -Renee Fleming is seriously in another galaxy when she sings! She is FABULOUS! Maybe not the best role to showcase her many talents, but she delivers huge! Even being onstage for 8 minutes in Act 1, she still glitters and, IMHO, steals the whole act. At this performance, "You'll Never Walk Alone" almost stopped the show! If the orchestra hadn't started playing, we would've still been clapping. I predict a Tony nomination, if not a win for her. It would be terrific if that happened! -I don't see why people are raving about Lindsey Mendez. I saw her as Elphaba in "Wicked" and she was outstanding. She lacks the angelic purity that Carrie requires. She's too "worldly wise" for my tastes. She also chests her voice too much which only adds to the earthy-ness. -Jessie Mueller also seems miscast. She was a better Carrie in the NY Phil production. She sang beautifully, but, unfortunately, gets vastly overshadowed by Ms. Fleming. I think she's also too young to play Julie. -I loved that in the ensemble numbers Renee Fleming was singing the top notes - even though Nettie is a contralto role! Talk about using your resources wisely!! I recommend seeing this show!! I sincerely hope it does well! Please don't take my "less than popular" observations as something to be offended by. It's just my thoughts and opinions. :) |
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| I LOVE Renee Fleming, but in this 'CAROUSEL' ... | |
| Posted by: flaguy 11:04 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations - ARReith1982 12:45 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Singing: 10 Acting: 3 |
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| re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 10:38 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations - ARReith1982 12:45 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Nettie is not a contralto role. Yes, it’s often sung by weightier voices than Julie and Carrie, but all 3 women have essentially the same range. And there are zero low notes that would really define “contralto.” And in terms of high range, Nettie and Carrie both have to have solid high G’s - while Julie only has to have a G-flat. I’d go along with mezzo for Nettie, in terms of timbre - but contralto just isn’t right. |
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| re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations | |
| Posted by: edinalex 04:35 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations - ARReith1982 12:45 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| A couple of observations - (I haven't seen this production). If the character of Nettie steals Act One of Carousel then the show is in trouble! Also I don't think the character of Carrie, who is naive certainly, is generally thought of as being "angelic". She is quite single minded in her pursuit of Mr Snow and the "normal' family life she dreams of. | |
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| re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations | |
| Posted by: MikeR 10:58 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations - edinalex 04:35 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Exactly. Carrie is no angel. Not at all. And in addition, in Act 2 when Enoch gets more priggish, she gets more rebellious. She tells Julie about going to see a show in New York with Enoch, but they left in a huff because it the women were scantily clad. She sneaks back to see the whole thing the next day (and sees Enoch there as well). And then she reenacts the "scandalous" dance for Julie. | |
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| re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations | |
| Posted by: AlanScott 05:17 pm EDT 04/02/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations - MikeR 10:58 am EDT 04/02/18 | |
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| Yes, and it's important that the more outwardly feisty Carrie marries the conventional-minded Enoch, who can't quite smother her spirits no matter how hard he tries (and perhaps he in fact likes that about her), while the quiet Julie bucks what everyone would tell her, throws security and common sense out the window (the one by which she sits every morning?), and ends up with Billy. And then she stays unmarried for the rest of her life (or at least for the next 16 years). | |
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| Further observations (spoilers) | |
| Posted by: aleck 09:55 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations - edinalex 04:35 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| I saw an early preview of this production and have held back on any comments. But based on the earlier comment, it appears that things have not improved. This is a VERY disappointing production. And I'm not sure what the compelling reason was to mount it. It's not like it has been "re-imagined" or done in a way that enhances the material beyond what I would call an adequate regional production. First, it starts with a great disappointment: There's no carousel! Hello, this is Broadway. Instead you get a confused swarm of people circling around as if on a carousel and then Billy pushes out a single carousel horse to lift Julie onto. The whole idea of that opening is lost. Billy has more sparks flying with Mrs. Mullen than with Julie. This is the case throughout the evening. I don't think the leads ever really click. There is absolutely no chemistry going on here. (I think Jessie Mueller is miscast and not because she is too old or young., She's just wrong.) Beyond the opening scene, the rest of the production looks cheap and poorly staged. They actually resort to using traveler curtains to hide scenery changes. I don't think I've seen a Broadway production that used actual traveler curtains since Michael Bennett introduced full cinematic staging with Dreamgirls. This stiff staging makes the musical look like an antique -- and not refreshed with some new angle or perspective. At least the Lincoln Center production gave us something to look at and despite the limitations of the casting -- namely the poorly sung Billy and the ridiculous thought that the little weasel Fisher Stevens could be terrifying as Jigger(!) -- it had high production values and some interesting staging. (There is a similar issue in this new production with the casting of Jigger, drawing on a NYCB dancer who doesn't exactly project a menacing aura -- although his pirouettes are perfect.) When I saw it, it didn't even look like the staging hasn't been completed. What is the idea, for example, with that static Clam Bake number? And why didn't we get any idea of how many children Enoch and Carrie ended up having. The whole idea of the Carrie/Enoch relationship compared to the Julie/Billy relationship is to contrast conventional marital "bliss" with the unconventional relationship of Julie/Billie. That's completely lost here. The Carrie in this production is a breath of fresh air compared to the other leads, although she plays it closer to Ado Annie than you would normally expect as Carrie. Renee Fleming, who has always been one of the most naturalistic performesr on the opera stage, seems stiff and NOT naturalistic on a Broadway stage. Having a great voice is simply not enough. There is dramatic context here that needs some acting. Visually, the production is not helped by some of the worst costumes I have ever seen. Nothing flatters any of the women. And Billy's costume is ridiculous. The high-waisted, belted pants on Billy makes poor Joshua Henry look short and squat. (Interestingly, the same costume designer has done the costumes for Iceman Cometh across the street and I thought those costumes were among the best I have ever seen for a play with so many characters who need to be delineated in specific ways. Very subtle and effective.) Worse, however, is the choreography. I remember when Justin Peck made his first appearance. It was exciting and "different." We have since found out that his choreographic vocabulary is very limited and that limitation is now on full view in this production. If you have seen one Peck piece, you've seen them all. This limitation is evident throughout the evening at Carousel, although the dancers work very, very hard to put it over. There is NO magic going on with the choreography. The biggest disappointment -- and surprise -- was Joshua Henry. I thought this was going to be the perfect casting. And maybe he wasn't in full performance when I saw the early preview. But he does not command the stage and I think the role is outside his comfortable vocal range. Maybe that awful costume has him girdled in so tightly that he can't get his breath or move comfortably. Whatever is going on, it's hard to believe its the same performer who has been so effective in other roles. All that said, Carousel remains a great work of art, but it's the great book and the even greater music that pulls this along. Take all that away and you have a very dull production that does not come up to a Broadway standard. |
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| I went this afternoon (4/1) and Henry was the event for me. | |
| Last Edit: Delvino 07:42 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| Posted by: Delvino 07:38 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Further observations (spoilers) - aleck 09:55 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| The production is acceptably workmanlike, generic in design (though I think many of Roth's costumes are quite lovely, except for Carrie's mostly unflattering set), and staged as if on the fly. It reminds me of the less interesting productions at Papermill or bigger summer houses, though this doesn't look cheap; just lacking that spark of a unifying design component. The direction just feels like about 8 days of blocking and then choreographed around. That's not good news. So much dance overflows, more than any recent take on this show; but little of it is genuinely thrilling. It's certainly wonderfully executed. But with that glorious score, those melodies, and so many adept dancers, one wants to feel a transcendent moment. Louise's ballet is fine, but it feels repetitive and lacking that same ... kernel of an idea that takes everything up a notch. But I must depart with many on the issue of Henry. I thought his Billy was the event, or perhaps has become the event: there's a reason they now drop the act curtain on his "Soliloquy": it is the moment in the show when you begin to feel "Ah, yes ... Carousel." I suspect Henry has used these or four weeks of previews to quietly build his character. If he was tentative or not sufficiently detailed enough the first week, he's found a grounding for the role. He's tortured and has managed to make even the aggression and violence feel part of his angst-ridden id. I thought the Starcatcher's presence, which many loathe, is starting to pay off. It's the only idea in the show, conceptually, and with Henry finding new layers, the device has some depth. Still, this is the most pallid reading of Julie I've ever seen. Mueller, vocally impressive, seems to disappear as the show progresses, as if the Snows just shoved her out of the way and took over. They should not. They are wonderful, but they could be pulled back a notch, and Mueller given a moment downstage center when we just ... how can I say it ... get to look into her eyes a moment. That sounds silly and easy, but Julie's face is literally missing in action. I wanted to check in with her, to see what she's feeling. She seems to be pushed around, to float backwards into scenes rather than find herself caught up in the action. She never seems to make a real entrance. Small thing, but it's proof of how poorly served she is by the lackluster direction. When she gets to one of my favorite songs, "What's the Use..." she doesn't have much underneath. It just comes out as a pretty concert rendition, no rue or acquired wisdom. Takeaway? I still felt the show's power, because this second act belongs to Henry's Billy as he discovers his daughter. The story is intact, and none of the missteps -- or more accurately -- lack of steps -- ultimately keep us from experiencing "Carousel" after all. Those holding tickets should not dread this production. If you've never seen this iconic show (unlikely to be reading this board), you will still find its magic. If you've seen it, you'll probably be fine skipping it. |
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| re: I went this afternoon (4/1) and Henry was the event for me. | |
| Posted by: lowwriter 08:05 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: I went this afternoon (4/1) and Henry was the event for me. - Delvino 07:38 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| How can Mueller be made so weak in this production? What is wrong with the director? | |
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| She's introduced in quasi darkness, and Carrie is presented as the more important character. | |
| Last Edit: Delvino 10:53 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| Posted by: Delvino 10:51 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: I went this afternoon (4/1) and Henry was the event for me. - lowwriter 08:05 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| It's that basic. The direction refuses to acknowledge that this young woman is Billy's life-altering love. She slips into the story, unobtrusively, rather than arrives. It's telling that no one notices how easily the production turns the story over to Carrie, and how readily Julie loses her agency. Nothing seems self-determined; she is attracted to this man, and then lets fate take over. But we spend too much time trying to figure out which woman she is on the stage. One of the three over the title stars. Lost in the action. Criminal. |
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| re: Further observations (spoilers) | |
| Posted by: ChrisB 01:21 pm EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Further observations (spoilers) - aleck 09:55 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| I was there last night also and I agree with most of what you say. I agree the beginning is a big disappointment and goes on forever!! The ONLY person that Billy appears to have any connection to on that stage was Mrs. Mullin (with an i not e) which is sad, but I'm sure the fact that Jigger, his main acting partner (who is a wonderful dancer) cannot act his way out of a paper bag!! Also those PANTS!!! Just look utterly ridiculous!!! I disagree about Mueller. I like her in the role and thought she had great chemistry with both Lindsay and Renee and sang it beautifully. I loved Lindsay and Alexander (who is in fabulous voice) together, I thought they had great chemistry and Lindsay is indeed a breath of fresh air. I thought Blow High, Blow Low would never end!!!!!!!!!! Just boring! Also agree about Joshua, I have seen him in several things and he has always been wonderful. Here he seems lost and pissed off the whole time. The costumes overall are just horrible! Overall the singing was wonderful but as you say NO magic in this show which is just sad. | |
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| re: Further observations (spoilers) | |
| Posted by: jjhbb340 10:53 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Further observations (spoilers) - aleck 09:55 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Wow-I saw Wednesday's matinee and could not agree more with all of your statements! There's just no magic here! Where was the carousel? I've always marveled at Santo Loquasto's artistry since the 70's-this was first time I felt let down by his work. and I felt the same about the sorry costumes-everything seemed low budget! The dances went on FOREVER-I kept looking at my watch every time a number would begin. And the only actor who impressed me was Margaret Colin as Mrs Mullen-she created a true flesh and blood character;as the show dragged on,I only looked forward to her appearances. The leads had no chemistry at all-I do hope some producer puts Mueller in a comedy after this.Three abused wives in a row are enough! She has such wonderful talents, but none get to shine here!...a giant disappointment all around! | |
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| re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations | |
| Posted by: AlanScott 02:13 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations - ARReith1982 12:45 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| Why would Jessie Mueller be too young? She's 35. Jan Clayton was 27 when she created the role, and Iva Withers, who played far more performances as Julie than Clayton (or anyone else) played, was 28 when she took over from Clayton. | |
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| re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations | |
| Posted by: Delvino 08:47 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Saw Carousel tonight - questions and observations - AlanScott 02:13 am EDT 04/01/18 | |
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| It's impossible for me to fathom Mueller as too young, or too old (which I read elsewhere, startlingly enough). The actor must portray two very different eras of this woman's life persuasively, the only overall requirement. FYI, I'm seeing the show this afternoon. |
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