Image from www.roundabouttheatre.org

Rating: 4 out of 5 masks

A teen idol musical set in the 60s gets its first revival.

Bye Bye Birdie tells the story of the ultimate teen idol, Conrad Birdie, being drafted to the Vietnam War but not before one final goodbye to his fans and the lucky girl who gets to give him his last kiss.  That last part was planned by his agent and songwriter Albert Peterson and his secretary/girlfriend Rose Alvarez.

I was distracted throughout the show by the downstage track that went between stage left and right.  I understand that in this age of technology there is no or at least little need for stagehands to move scenery and/or large stage props, but the fact that I could actually see the track almost distracted me from the entire show.  The only theory I could come up to explain its visibility is that it seems to be the main track.  I hope they find some way to make it look like the rest of the stage before it opens.

I liked the bright bold colors used in the sets.  The McAfee’s living room and kitchen set looked very realistic, almost like a time warp.  I liked how they had actual sets for scenes that took place at the train station and the school playground.

I thought that the kids were the best part of the show, especially Allie Trimm who played Kim McAfee, the girl that got picked to kiss Conrad.  I was excited to see Trimm, who was in the musical 13 as Patrice.  The musical number “One Boy” was my favorite number in the entire show because the girls sounded so perfect it almost didn’t seem real.  I believed the teen girls who went crazy for their teen idol, from screaming in his presence to serenading him.  “The Telephone Hour”, featuring all of the kids was one of my favorite performance numbers.  You could tell that a great deal of practice that went into coordinating something that could turn out disastrous if not done right.

Image from ?

I thought Bill Irwin as Kim’s dad was the best part of the show in terms of humor.  He was really taking his role as far as he could without making it stereotypical.  Almost everytime he was onstage, I couldn’t stop myself from laughing so hard.  I’m going to make an early prediction that he’ll get a Tony nomination for this part.

I thought that John Stamos and Gina Gershon were ok.  It didn’t occur to me until the end of the show that they were sort of the main characters/storyline, which was a little confusing since the show is called Bye Bye Birdie.

Image from ?

I thought Nolan Gerard Funk was sort of ok as Conrad Birdie.  He was certainly convincing when performing in front of the crowd of teenagers.  Personally I think that if the producers were going to cast the role of a teen idol, they would go for a modern teen idol such as Zac Efron.  It would certainly give kids a reason to see the show, other than at their respective schools.

I was bothered by the end of the show.  I won’t give anything away, but there were two main plot points that weren’t wrapped up.  Also, as I said before, the fact that the Conrad Birdie storyline was secondary to the Albert Peterson/Rose Alvarez storyline almost didn’t make sense.

I would recommend this show to anyone who’s a fan of the show in general, if only to relive the musical numbers.  It would be a perfect show for families as the parents get to remember what it was like to be teenagers and their kids will get to connect with their parents when it comes to worshipping teen idols.

Running time: 2 hours, 20 minutes w/intermission

Image from www.bargaintheatre.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 masks

I have no idea why anyone would see this play.  I mean, it’s not like there’s someone famous in it…

For the few people not familiar with this famous play, Hamlet is about a young prince who discovers that his mother has married his uncle upon his father’s death.  Convinced by his father’s ghost, Hamlet sets a plan to expose his father’s murderer.

My first thought when I saw the play was “Oh my god, did they keep the wall from Mary Stuart (the previous occupant of the Broadhurst Theatre)?”  Of course, once you consider that both productions came courtesy of The Donmar Warehouse, it all makes sense: the lack of scenery, the use of lighting to enhance scenes and the modern dress of the characters.  But once you look past all that, as I tried to, you’ll see something really good.

Since I was acquainted with the modern dress that most of the characters wore in Mary Stuart, I was not as distracted this time around.  Strangely, I think the choice of costumes allowed me to pay more attention to the dialogue of the play.  When you think about it, it could be mildly distracting to look at period-era costumes (or any era for that matter) while concentrating on the play because it almost turns the play into a fashion show.

I liked how they depicted the difference between scenes taking place indoors and outdoors by using a wall-behind-a-wall.  The front wall would occasionally part in the middle to reveal a space that could expand on a scene taking place outdoors or add more to a scene taking place indoors.  There were also a door on either end of the wall to help with scenes that take place in a room.  I wish I could find a picture of it, though.

My favorite scene in the play was when Hamlet staged a play to catch his uncle’s guilt. While most of the stage and the characters’ costumes were in dark hues, the characters for the play-within-a-play (”play”) and their small stage were in white.   While it seems obvious to make the “play” as detached as possible from the play itself, it almost serves as a way of creating a negative of the play that is going on.

I thought that the performances were good, especially Jude Law’s.  I thought his best acting was when Hamlet was acting erractically to throw off suspicion that he was up to something.  I was also drawn in to Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s performance as Ophelia.  I could feel her sadness when Hamlet turns her away and understand her madness when she offers the other characters herbs.

Image from www.trendhunter.com

I would recommend this show to anyone who’s likes Shakespeare.  It’s most appropriate for English and Theatre students as they can discuss the elements of the show afterwards.  Of course, it’s not appropriate for people who can’t sit through a tragedy play, especially one like this, for three hours.

Running time: 3 hours, 10 minutes with one intermission

Some of the shows were performed in costume, most likely due to proximity (Billy Elliot, In the Heights), 3pm matinees (Jersey Boys, The Fantasticks), no matinees (Chicago) and being in rehearsals (Ragtime, White Christmas, Fela!).

The audience appreciated all the shows as they were announced, especially the popular ones like Jersey Boys, which featured a performance by the “Jersey Girls” who sang “Walk Like a Man”.  I had to say, it was a nice change, though I’m sure that there were people who wanted the guys instead.

There seemed to be less people in attendance than last year, most likely due to the US Open.  At the end, when the confetti fell, you could tell that it was just tossed off the roofs of the buildings because they came down in clumps.

 

Thought during Billy Elliot opening - Did they use all 3 Billy Elliots?  I only count two.

Best transition/combination - West Side Story into Guys and Dolls.

Worst transition/combination – Stockard Channing of Pal Joey and Aaron Tveit of Next to Normal.  Disturbing.

Most welcoming ensemble – cast of Hair singing “Let the Sun Shine In” with all the casts of the other shows performing.  By the way, was that David Hyde Pierce onstage?

Best age-related joke – Neil Patrick Harris, pointing out the gap between Jane Fonda’s two Tony nominations, joked that the next time she’ll be seen (or nominated) will be for Blithe Spirit.

Performance I was most looking forward to – “Things are looking up in Dulac” from Shrek.  It was as funny as the first time I saw it.

Most puzzling sight – Cast of Shrek in the audience.  In costume.

Thought that never crossed in anyone’s mind until it was mentioned – James Gandolfini clearing any confusion over being related to Shrek.  Now that’s all I can think about.

Great moment to witness – Angela Lansbury winning her 5th Tony.

First pointless musical number – Mamma Mia.  What the hell are they wearing?  It’s like an outer space disco.

Funniest intro (2nd place )- Will Ferrell going on about being a “Broadway veteran”, reminding us that Waiting for Godot is a French play written by an Irishman and that the correct pronounciation of the play is Waiting for God-ot.  Who knew?

The Felt Like a Long Speech Award – Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey taking turns thanking the world…even after the orchestra played.

Which Matthew Warchus won? – The one that directed God of Carnage.  Though it would have been funny to see if he did tie with himself.

Only thought during Rock of Ages performance – Is the audience holding lighters?

Weirdo moment – Liza’s acceptance speech.  Does she realize there’s a time limit?

Backstage crew moment – Stagehand hands Titus Burgess a mike.  By the way, what’s with all the backstage chatter we can hear?  Shouldn’t the backstage people be on a different frequency than everyone else?

Thought on picture of actor in Our Town – Is that Hugh Jackman?

The Creative Arts Tonys – Hey, where’s the other categories?

Thought when Kate Burton and Lucie Arnaz came out to talk about a Broadway program for kids – What is up with women wearing gigantic bows as part of their dress?

Our Town pic question answered – It’s John Stamos!  Really?

Best Way to Thank Spouse (who probably preferred to stay in seat) – Gregory Jbara, who brought his wife onstage to thank her for being the only parent to their sons in LA while he worked on Billy Elliot.

Most Emotional Acceptance Speech – Karen Olivo who started crying about halfway through her speech.

The What Are They Saying Award – the cast performing Next to Normal.  I get that the musical has a rock score, but don’t you think it would be great to hear the actors?

The Kind of Uncomfortable Lead-In – Neil Patrick Harris, doing a sushi joke before announcing the presenter for Best Leading Actor in a Play.  One wonders what would’ve happen if Raul Esparza won.

What award show is this? – Edie Falco is behind James Gandolfini?  Is this the Emmys?

Best Acceptance Speech (2nd place) – Geoffrey Rush, for saying “funny existential absurdist tragicomedy” at least twice and mentioning the other plays in a French accent.

Most Obvious Representation of Show – Tim Hatley, Shrek costume designer, wearing a green shirt and matching tie.

Funniest intro (first place) – Frank Langella, reminding the Tony nomination committee that he was in a play yet not nominated.  And for giving people the idea that he’s wearing the same suit he wore to the Oscars.

Best Use of Acceptance Speech Time – Marcia Gay Harden, correcting the cameraman who switched the Mary Stuart actresses.

2nd pointless performance – Legally Blonde

Highlight of Jerry Herman tribute – clip of “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” mentions Hello Dolly! and the movie Wall-E.

Best Intro – David Hyde Pierce, describing the characters portrayed by the actresses in the Best Leading Actress in a Musical category and explaining “Yes, I’ve been called a lot of things.” 

Weirdest Acceptance Speech of the Night – Alice Ripley.  Oh where to begin…Why did she scream into the mike?  Why does it sound like a Lifetime Achievement Award speech?  And finally, BFA’s cover more than acting.

Best Acceptance Speech (first place) – David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish who looked geniunely nervous, yet when they began their speech, managed to thank everyone.

Third pointless performance – Jersey Boys.  Though they did do something original by having all the current actors portraying Frankie Valli perform.

Best End of Show recap – Neil Patrick Harris singing to the tune of “Tonight Tonight” and “Luck be a Lady Tonight”.

Best Musical – Billy Elliot  (Though from what I hear Next to Normal could spoil.)

Best Play – God of Carnage

Best Revival of a Musical – Hair (I really wished it would be West Side Story.)

Best Revival of a Play – The Norman Conquests

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical – David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and KIril Kulish Billy Elliot (Give me one good reason why they shouldn’t win.

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical – Josefina Scaglione West Side Story (I know, I know, her chances of winning are slim.  But it could happen.)

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play – Geoffrey Rush Exit the King (I really wanted to put Raul Esparza but I don’t know if anyone will remember Speed-the-Plow as anything other than the controversy that occured during its run,)

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play – Jane Fonda 33 Variations (With actresses from only two other plays nominated, it may lead to a win for Fonda.)

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical – Gregory Jbara Billy Elliot (My emotional favorite is Christopher Sieber.)

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical – Haydn Gwynne Billy Elliot (I also thought Karen Olivo was very good.)

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play – Stephen Mangan The Norman Conquests (I’m not familiar with all the actors in this category, so I’m going with one from the trilogy.)

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play – Angela Lansbury Blithe Spirit (Duh.)

Best Original Score – Billy Elliot (Though Next to Normal might win instead.)

Best Book of a Musical – [title of show] (Oh come on, give this show something.)

Best Scenic Design of a Musical – Guys and Dolls (Although that staircase in Billy Elliot was impressive.)

Best Costume Design of a Musical - Shrek (I was going to put Billy Elliot, but Shrek is more flashier.)

Best Lighting Design of a Musical – Billy Elliot (The next to the last scene is haunting.)

Best Sound Design of a Musical – Billy Elliot (See above.)

Best Scenic Design of a Play – The Norman Conquests (Just taking a guess here.)

Best Costume Design of a Play – Blithe Spirit (It’s the only one I’ve seen.)

Best Lighting Design of a Play – Equus (I didn’t see this, but from the clips I’ve seen the lighting looks good.)

Best Sound Design of a Play – Mary Stuart (Only because it was the only show I’ve seen.)

Best Direction of a Musical – Stephen Daldry Billy Elliot (With all the elements involved in this show, how could he not win?)

Best Direction of a Play – Matthew Warchus The Norman Conquests (He’ll definitely win, either for this or God of Carnage)

Best Choreography – Billy Elliot (The number with the little girls and the riot police was really good.  Weird, but really good.)

Best Orchestrations – Billy Elliot (If it wins for Original Score, it’s a shoo-in here.)

Best Special Event – You’re Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush (Please, oh please, let this win.  Nothing against Liza, but I’m looking forward to Will Ferrell’s acceptance speech.)

Well, there you have it.  Win or lose, it’s going to be an interesting evening for the nominees.  Good luck to all (even those I haven’t picked).

Image from www.newyorkcitytheatre.com

Rating: 5 out of 5 masks

You will never look at Hitchcock the same way again…

The 39 Steps is about a man named Richard Hannay, who goes out in search of some excitement and gets more than he bargains for.  The play stars four actors portraying over 150 roles.

Image from www.playbill.com

There’s not much of a set, which I guess makes sense for this stage adaptation of a movie.  The most consistent part of the set is the brick wall in the background, with various objects brought in by the performers or offstage.  The lighting is what really makes this play, since it makes up for the bare stage by setting the mood of certain scenes.

The costumes were pretty good and realistic.  By combining the costumes with various props and hats, the actors were able to portray many characters.  It was probably the most entertaining part of the play, to watch the performers go in and out of costume.

Image from www.playbill.com

That doesn’t mean the acting wasn’t good.  I absolutely loved it in this play.  I found myself looking forward to what character the actors will portray next.  While I thought all the actors were amazing, I thought that the actor portraying Man #1 was the best.  He had more accents and in my opinion, drew more laughs.  All the actors did an excellent job portraying their characters with drama, yet making it appear more like a comedy.

Image from www.luxechronicles.com

If you don’t know by now, I thought this show is brilliant.  There was never a moment when my mind wandered at all.  It was good to see something that’s supposed to be a drama but be (purposely) a comedy.  I’ve seen it at the Cort and recently at the Helen Hayes, and I was glad to find out that it was pretty much the same.  It’s a play that’s more suited for a smaller stage.

I would recommend this show to teens and adults, especially the Hitchcock fans.  It’s a great show to take someone who’s never seen a Broadway show, because it’s not like anything else on Broadway.  I don’t recommend counting all the roles portrayed onstage as it will take your attention away from the performance.

Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes w/intermission

Image from www.applause-tickets.com

Rating: 4 out of 5 masks

What a way to make a living…yes, I went there.

9 to 5 tells the story of 3 female office workers (Violet, Judy and Doralee) who take revenge on their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical” male boss by holding him hostage, unbeknownst to the rest of the company.  They then decide to enact changes to the office using his name.

Image from cityguideny.com

The sets are pretty basic: the boss’ office, the general office pool, the boss’ house, etc.  There’s nothing flashy about them, which is kinda good for a musical set in the 70s.  There’s an LED backdrop, much like Guys and Dolls, except 9 to 5 uses it more for atmosphere than part of the actual set.

I thought Megan Hilty and Stephanie J. Block were amazing.  It was a little entertaining seeing former cast members of Wicked together again.  I thought Megan was really playing up her character’s “assets” and showing a side of her character the audience wouldn’t expect.  I liked that you could see Stephanie’s character’s growth from a meek new employee to a woman with confidence.

I was surprised when I first heard that Allison Janney was going to be in a musical, especially this one.  I was impressed at how she managed to keep up with her costars.  I thought her character’s storyline, getting frustrated at watching people she trained get promoted above her, was just as realistic as everyone else’s.  However, while I’ll admit she can sing, there were times when I couldn’t hear her as sometimes the ensemble and/or the orchestra would overwhelm her voice.  It was almost like she opened her mouth and no sound came out of it.  Needless to say, I was completely surprised that she got nominated and not Megan Hilty or Stephanie J. Block.

I thought Marc Kudisch was perfect as the boss.  He exuded just the right amount of creepy as his character tried to look up Doralee’s skirt.  He had great comedic timing and you have to admire someone who spends part of the show hanging in midair.

I think the biggest surprise regarding this show is how almost all the songs didn’t sound country.  It really goes to show how talented Dolly Parton is.  I thought the songs that she wrote for each scene were really good, especially Doralee’s song “Backwoods Barbie”.

Overall, I thought this show was really good.  I would recommend this show for older teens and up because of some suggestive content.  It would be perfect for those who are fans of the movie or know what it’s like to work in an office environment and/or for a boss that they would like to exact revenge on.

Running time: 2 hours 30 mins w/intermission

What follows are the random thoughts that I had when I read the Tony nominations (8:30 is way too early)…

It’s pretty spooky how I was kinda accurate in some of my predictions.  Some were a given, like Mary Stuart, God of Carnage, and so on.  It would been more accurate had I seen more shows.  Something to think about for next year.

Allison Janney?!?  Really?  What about the Megan Hilty or Stephanie J. Block (review for this show will be up next week)?  At least Dolly Parton got a nomination (which means we’ll get to see what she’ll be wearing to the awards show). 

I hope the Billy Elliot boys win.  If nothing else than to see how they’ll do the acceptance speech.  Considering the high number of nominations (15), will they be able to feature each of the boys when they do the production number?  Pretty surprising that the actor portraying Billy’s friend Michael got a nomination.  Very pleased that Gregory Jbara and Haydn Gwynne got nominated.

Rock of Ages.  5 nominations?!?!?  Not that I think they don’t deserve a nom, but that’s more than what most people expected.  Especially in the Best Musical and Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Constantine Maroulis).  I guess there’s that many people who love 80s music.  Any win this show gets would be considered a surprise.

Aw, [title of show] only got one nom.  I honestly thought it should get more.  Maybe the Tony producers should ask the cast to host the awards.  I guarantee that it would probably be the most entertaining show in years.  I’m actually laughing just thinking what they would do if Hunter Bell won (or not).

Only 9 noms for Shrek?  I seriously overestimated the show’s impact.  The critics weren’t too into this show, I guess.  I hope they do the “Freak Flag” number or some medley.  You know what, scratch that.  I want to see Christopher Sieber as Lord Farquaad.

Hmm…Pal Joey got 4 noms.  I thought this show was only going to get one considering its reviews.

Yes, the entire cast of God of Carnage was nominated.  Great, now I have to find some way to see this show to figure out who’ll win.  Unless they tie.  Or cancel each other out.

By the way, I have never seen so many multiple nominations in the acting categories.  Eiher that, or I just started paying attention to them.

Gee, Guys and Dolls, Pal Joey, West Side Story and Hair were all nominated for best musical revival.  This category would be more interesting if there were more than 4 musical revivals that opened this season.  It was the same as last season, where it will kind of come down to two shows.

End of thoughts…

Stay tuned for my Tony picks (which will hopefully be more informed the more shows I go to).

Over 40 productions opened this season, but of course not all will be nominated for a Tony.  Of course, that’s my opinion.  The following is a list of all shows that opened, the number of nominations that each production may get and any commentary from yours truly.

1. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy – 0 (Please don’t let this get nominated.)

2.  [title of show] – 3 at least (The creators should get something for book and score and Heidi Blickenstaff for Featured Actress in a Musical.)

3.  A Tale of Two Cities – 1 (The best this show could hope for is a nom for James Barbour.  Sorry, Jill, just going by the reviews here.)

4.  Equus – 1, at least (I’ve never seen this show, but from what I can tell, the costumes look good)

5.  The Seagull – 1, best guess

6.  13 - 2, hopefully (That this show closed early won’t help its chances)

7.  A Man for All Seasons – 1 (At least for Frank Langella)

8.  To Be or Not To Be – 0 (There’s no way this production will get nominated.)

9  All My Sons – 1 (For Best Revival)

10.  Speed-the-Plow – 2, at the most (I think if it weren’t for the whole mercury incident, Jeremy Piven may have a shot.)

11.  Billy Elliot the Musical – 10 at least (Expect it up there with Shrek in terms of total nominations.)

12.  American Buffalo – 0 (Another show that won’t be nominated.)

13.  Dividing the Estate – 2, maybe (I heard it’s good but that was awhile ago.)

14.  Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – 1, at least (The costumes looked good)

15.  Liza’s at the Palace… – 1 (Should be a shoo-in for Special Theatrical Event)

16.  Slava’s Snowshow – 1 (Special Theatrical Event only, I hope)

17.  Shrek – 10 or so (It may tie with Billy Elliot for most noms, though not likely to surpass it.)

18.  Pal Joey – 1 (Best shot is Best Revival.)

19.  Soul of Shaolin – 1 (Special Theatrical Event)

20.  The American Plan – 1 (I don’t remember this show or what people have said about it, so I’m giving it a shot.)

21.  Hedda Gabler – 1 or so (Best Revival is its best shot, I think.)

22.  You’re Welcome America – 1 (I hope this show gets nominated for something.)

23.  The Story of My LIfe – 0

24.  Guys and Dolls - 2 (At least nominate this for costume.)

25.  33 Variations – 2, at least

26.  Blithe Spirit – 2, at least (I will suspect that something’s wrong if Angela Lansbury doesn’t get a nom.)

27.  West Side Story – 3, at least (two words: Josefina Scaglione)

28.  God of Carnage – 4, at least (I haven’t seen it yet, but I think it would be cool if the entire cast was nominated.)

29.  Impressionism – 0 (Sorry, Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons)

30.  Exit the King – 2 at least (I wish I saw this, so I can get a better idea of how many noms it would get)

31.  Irena’s Vow – 2 (For the play and Tovah Feldshuh)

32.  Hair – 2 (I hope they get nominated because I want to see how they would perform on the Tonys.)

33.  reasons to be pretty – 2, at least (Any play that makes an audience member take it seriously enough to yell at an actor onstage gets my vote.)

34.  Rock of Ages – 1, at least (I don’t think I’ll ever see it, but it’s another production I’d like to see perform at the Tonys.)

35.  next to normal – 3, at least (It’s got some really good reviews)

36.  Joe Turner’s Come and Gone – 1, at least (I haven’t seen it, so I’m guessing it’ll be nominated for Best Revival.)

37.  Mary Stuart – 3 (For the women and their costumes.)

38.  The Norman Conquests (trilogy) – 5 or so (It’s this year’s The Coast of Utopia, except funnier)

39.  The Philanthropist – 0

40.  Desire Under the Elms – 1 (It could get Best Revival)

41.  Accent on Youth – 1, maybe

42.  9 to 5 – 5 or so (I think if it weren’t for the reviews, it’d get more nominations and be a strong contender in the Best Musical category)

43.  Waiting for Godot - 5 or so (All the actors could get nominated.)

Information compiled from www.ibdb.com