| Merrily last night | |
| Posted by: BillEadie 10:02 am EST 02/16/19 | |
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| I think I found what I’ve been looking for. I’ve been looking for a production of Merrily We Roll Along that isn’t seriously hampered by its book, that allows the three principal characters to be at least somewhat sympathetic, and gives Stephen Sondheim’s brilliant score its due. And, that’s what Fiasco Theater’s production seems to achieve Fiasco uses six performers, four company members and two others, to tell the story of three flawed, very human, people who meet and become friends at the dawn of a new era - and who do their best to remain friends through thick and thin. Much of what tugs at the friendship is fame and fortune, and while each pursues in a different way, with varying degrees of success, each also has difficulty dealing with how the other two are managing their lives. The performers evoke both the zest for “conquering the world” and the pain created when the world pushes back. And, the audience stays with these folks on their - backward - journey, mainly because the creators have trimmed the book to its bare minimum (though, with an added scene from the Kaufman and Hart original). This trimming allows the glorious score to come to the forefront, instead of supporting the book. What’s gone is not missed, and places that have bogged down in other productions I’ve seen sparkle here (“It’s a Hit,” I’m looking at you). Even “The Blob,” a song I’ve always considered to be a mess, benefits by the small cast treatment (why is a spoiler that I shall not disclose). The one problem that isn’t solved to my satisfaction is what to do with Gussie. Company member Emily Young plays her as a charming but brittle and manipulative villain, and as long as there’s only one of those in the show I think I’m ok with that. I’d like to see Gussie have some redeeming qualities, but perhaps that wish can’t be fulfilled. Initially, this production has a limited run. I’d love to see it find a place to play where more people can see it. Hell, I’d love for this version of Merrily to become the version that is produced going forward. Bill, glad not to be in the storm in San Diego |
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| Next: | re: Merrily last night - Billhaven 04:10 pm EST 02/16/19 |
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