Hair, which opened on March 31st at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, is about a group of hippies celebrating peace and love in the shadow of the Vietnam War.  It originally premiered at the Public Theatre in Central Park last summer and was so popular that it was extended three times.  It features popular songs such as “Aquarius” and “Let the Sun Shine In”.  It’s the kind of musical that would be perfect for baby boomers nostalgic for when they were young and their children and grandchildren.  I wouldn’t recommend bringing children and caution bringing teenagers since there is nudity and adult language.

Rock of Ages, which originated off-Broadway at New World Stages, is currently in previews and will open on April 7th at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.  It tells the story of Drew, who longs to take the stage and his crush, Sherri, who’s from Kansas.  The story is told through popular 80s hits by bands such as Styx, Journey and REO Speedwagon.  From what I gather, it’s definitely a show for anyone who’s a fan of (and kind of still living in) the 80s.  There’s a seatside liquor service during the show, so I would think twice before bringing any teenagers.

The Toxic Avenger is based on the cult movie of the same name.  It tells the story of Melvin, who after being dropped in a vat of toxic waste becomes The Toxic Avenger with a mission to clean up New Jersey and win the heart of a blind librarian.  It features a score by David Bryant of Bon Jovi.  It premiered at the George Street Playhouse in New Jersey and will open at New World Stages April 6.  It’s only an hour and a half with no intermission.

Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark is about a teenager named Peter Parker who obtains all the abilities of a spider when he’s bitten by a genetically-engineered spider.  Not much is known about this show, other than that it will be directed by Julie Taymor (The Lion King) with music and lyrics written by Bono and the Edge of U2.  It will start performances at the Hilton Theatre on January 16th, 2010 and open February 18th.

Information from www.broadway.com

Image from www.newyorktheatre.com

Rating: 3 out of 5 masks

It’s been awhile since Broadway has seen a new musical that is well, huge.  Huge vocals, sets, storyline, etc.  And with the arrival of A Tale of Two Cities, we have it all.

If you’re not familiar with the story, I would suggest reading the book it’s based on first.  I doubt I could do justice to the book by doing a good summary.  But if you need something, it’s basically one of the most famous love triangles in all of literature set against the French Revolution.

Contrary to my process, I did my research of the show prior to seeing it.  The fact that a Charles Dickens novel is being made into a musical (other than A Christmas Carol) intrigued me.  I was sort of excited to see the set, which I knew would be moved by the actors themselves.  It reminded me of the musicals I saw when I was younger where the sets were moved around by people, rather than electronics.  You couldn’t get anymore “old school” than that.  I liked the backdrop and how it was lighted differently at various moments to help set the scene.  The most interesting was the lighting, especially the “cobblestone” effect onstage.  It really reminds you of when it takes place, although I thought there were a few scenes that really didn’t need it.

Image from www.maninchair.com

I thought James Barbour was excellent.  He was definitely the best of all the actors in terms of presence and singing.  I actually believed his growth and struggle as Sydney Carton.  The other actors were pretty good, expecially Natalie Toro.  I liked that there was some, but not too much, humor in the show as it helps one to absorb the dark subject matter easily.

I was glad I was able to understand the plot and the many characters’ roles.  Unfortunately, not one of the songs stuck with me long after it was over.  I do remember thinking that they were good and each were appropriate to whatever scene they were in.

Considering the subject matter, I would recomend this show only to teens and up.  It’s enjoyable for those who are fans of huge, grand musicals and Dickens.

Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes w/1 intermission

Image via Curtains Musical

Rating: 4 masks out of 5

    I was pleasantly surprised from the opening number to the finale.  I’m a fan of musicals and comedies and the fact that they were paired together with a mystery made it a must-see for me.

     The plot is what ties the whole story together.  It centers on the murder of a despised leading lady during the out-of-town tryout of a Broadway bound musical, which happens to be investigated by a detective who’s a fan of musicals.  It was enjoyable to watch David Hyde Pierce’s character, Lieut. Frank Cioffi, try to juggle a homicide investigation while being starstruck from being around Broadway-caliber performers to his growing attraction to a rising actress.  On top of all this, he adds his two cents regarding the production.

     I loved the scenery, especially for the scenes that take place on the stage of the musical-within-the-musical.  The back of the stage looked believable enough that I actually thought I was watching in the audience of the make-believe theater.  The scenery for the musical-within-the-musical were cheesy and bright and made you wonder with mild horror if a similar production is in the works somewhere.

     Of course, it’s the songs that make a musical what it is, and Curtains has enough to spand a wide range of emotions.  From “What Kind of Man”, the producers’ and lyricists’ lament over their show’s reviews to the perfect comedic timing of “He Did It”.  The songs of the musical-within-the-musical should be noted as well for their cheesiness (hey, it matches the scenery) as for their mildly inappropriate choreography, especially for the number “Thataway!”, which is featured below.

Image via Curtains Musical

     What prevents me from being completely and totally in love with this show is the lack of the one, big defining number.  The kind where if you hear it somewhere you automatically think of the show and start replaying it in your head.  I guess “Show Business” would count but it doesn’t have enough of a “punch” for me.

      Anyone who’s a fan of musicals or ever wished they were in one (especially on Broadway) would love this show.  I would highly recommend this show to people not familiar with what goes on in a musical or have never seen one before live.  I think those who eat, drink and sleep theatre will enjoy the show for its inside jokes.

     Curtains (which closes June 29th) is playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.  Running time: 2hrs, 40mins with a 15 min intermission.

Al Hirschfeld Theatre
302 W. 45th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues)
New York, NY 10036
Phone 866.353.5167