So funny to see you bring up Sherie Rene and Norbert, because while I was watching Days of Wine and Roses I immediately thought that Norbert would have been great in it. Not that Brian D'Arcy wasn't, but I can easily see Norbert playing Joe Clay.
I disagree with the assessment that the show's approach to alcoholism is dated. Husbands (and wives) are still hurt when cheated on, addicts are still vulnerable to peer pressure, parents still blame the spouse when a child turns to substance abuse. Nearly everyone blamed Bobby Brown for Whitney Houston's drug addiction, but she had apparently been using long before he came along.
Their daughter is older in the musical than she was in the film, and seeing her take on the manner of an alcoholic's child is a subtle and effective addition to this adaptation, which I liked very much. I hope more people get to see it. |
