I was also there on Tuesday, and I saw the Encores version as well. In every respect the Broadway version is far superior. I must admit that I was gobsmacked. What an absolutely brilliant production. All the performances were outstanding. And the staging has been improved and tightened into a phenomenal, cohesive, piece of theater. And Sondheim's music and lyrics are performed with a level of clarity, brilliance, and beauty that I do not remember from previous productions. I do not remember a time when I have seen an audience treat every number as though it was a "showstopper". They seemed to embrace not just the song, but the performer who performed the song with all the love and gratitude they could muster. It was an evening in the theater that I will not forget.
As for Cheyenne, IMHO I believe his is a superior performance. Yes Creel may have been funnier, but he was more over the top. Jackson is more centered (and a better singer). And his expressions and acting were funny when they needed to be. I was further amazed by Sara Bareilles, who was just delightful in every scene she was in. She has a lovely voice as well as great comedic chops. |
