Wow. Legally Blonde. What a way to start a season!
From the moment that the opening number began, we knew it would be a high-energy, fun show, and boy, did they deliver. It ran until 10:45 but that time wizzed right by with singing, dancing, and red bull. Lauren Ashley Zarkin was a terrific lead as Elle, holding the spotlight with amazing ease. Lisa Howard as Paulette and Colt Prattes, the UPS guy nearly stole the show, if it weren't for such great performances all around.
Nikki Snelson, as the defendant fitness guru, still has me in shock over being able to sing and jump rope at the same time.
D.B. Bonds, the leading man Emmett, was lovable and believable.
The greek chorus sorority girls had the whole audience laughing in their seats.
In fact, there was not a scene that went by without laughter and applause, which is a tip of the hat to the cast, crew, and writers.
I will be more than happy to see this show on the Muny stage again!
-No Rain Drops
-Five out of Five
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Shakes in the Park: Taming of the Shrew
Went to see Taming of the Shrew Sunday night on Art Hill.
Beautiful night, perfect weather, and a perfect show!
The 50s/60s feel that they used for the play was a good fit for a fight of the genders. Their Kate was absolutely glorious in making her full of attitude, but not so much that you don't love her.
Bianca was childish and sweet, with big bows and poofy skirts.
Percutcio was practically spastic in his acting, he must've had at least three espressos before curtain.
The cast as a whole was strong, easy to understand, and fully engaged with the theme.
Please go before it goes away!
Beautiful night, perfect weather, and a perfect show!
The 50s/60s feel that they used for the play was a good fit for a fight of the genders. Their Kate was absolutely glorious in making her full of attitude, but not so much that you don't love her.
Bianca was childish and sweet, with big bows and poofy skirts.
Percutcio was practically spastic in his acting, he must've had at least three espressos before curtain.
The cast as a whole was strong, easy to understand, and fully engaged with the theme.
Please go before it goes away!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Muny 2011 Season Preview -Part III
Alright, back to it.
Sorry, I had a crazy last few weeks, but this is the finale of the Muny Previews.
For the last two shows, we've got some classics:
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers
August 1-7
This will be the fifth time for this musical to be at the Muny, and yet another one this season that had Howard Keel star in the theatrical version.
The Muny has put this one on every six years lately, but I can understand why. It allows for a big cast; lots of energetic dancing that takes up the whole stage; and is classical, colourful, musical fun. The trick is finding a male lead that is strong, but still likeable, and a female lead that can hold herself and stand out despite being one stage with seven other actors.
This one is a good show for people who haven't been to the Muny before, because it takes advantage of the space like few shows can. On other stages, SBfSB can seem cramped, but with the real estate available, the brothers and their brides can be more expressive in their movements.
Bye Bye Birdie
August 8-14
For the final show this season, the Muny brings you Bye Bye Bridie for the sixth time in their history. This one is popular for the dance numbers, comedy, and for the chance to utilize the Muny Teens group. The movie version in the sixties starred Dick Van Dyke, Ann Margret, and Paul Lynde.
... okay, personally, this is not my favourite show. Don't get me wrong, I love Dick Van Dyke and all he stands for, but I could never get into this show. The cynical part of me says it did not age well, but then again, perhaps it's snapshot of the late fifties early sixties is perfect for this day and age. It is probably just me.
See, this is why the Muny does such a variety of shows, because there is something for everybody. If you don't like Little Shop of Horrors, then maybe you'll like Birdie, or Legally Blonde instead. The variance is what makes the Muny great. Some directors would look at the large stage with no flys and outdoors as a challenge, but the Muny rises up to it (almost) every time.
I think one of my next posts may be about the better shows I have seen at the Muny, followed by the few times they just came short.
Anyway, I hope that this guide informs you alittle more about this season.
I know I am looking forward to my Thursday nights this summer!
Sorry, I had a crazy last few weeks, but this is the finale of the Muny Previews.
For the last two shows, we've got some classics:
August 1-7
This will be the fifth time for this musical to be at the Muny, and yet another one this season that had Howard Keel star in the theatrical version.
The Muny has put this one on every six years lately, but I can understand why. It allows for a big cast; lots of energetic dancing that takes up the whole stage; and is classical, colourful, musical fun. The trick is finding a male lead that is strong, but still likeable, and a female lead that can hold herself and stand out despite being one stage with seven other actors.
This one is a good show for people who haven't been to the Muny before, because it takes advantage of the space like few shows can. On other stages, SBfSB can seem cramped, but with the real estate available, the brothers and their brides can be more expressive in their movements.
August 8-14
For the final show this season, the Muny brings you Bye Bye Bridie for the sixth time in their history. This one is popular for the dance numbers, comedy, and for the chance to utilize the Muny Teens group. The movie version in the sixties starred Dick Van Dyke, Ann Margret, and Paul Lynde.
... okay, personally, this is not my favourite show. Don't get me wrong, I love Dick Van Dyke and all he stands for, but I could never get into this show. The cynical part of me says it did not age well, but then again, perhaps it's snapshot of the late fifties early sixties is perfect for this day and age. It is probably just me.
See, this is why the Muny does such a variety of shows, because there is something for everybody. If you don't like Little Shop of Horrors, then maybe you'll like Birdie, or Legally Blonde instead. The variance is what makes the Muny great. Some directors would look at the large stage with no flys and outdoors as a challenge, but the Muny rises up to it (almost) every time.
I think one of my next posts may be about the better shows I have seen at the Muny, followed by the few times they just came short.
Anyway, I hope that this guide informs you alittle more about this season.
I know I am looking forward to my Thursday nights this summer!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Muny 2011 Season Preview -Part II
Whew, alot of shows this year.
Actually, there are always seven, but um... yes!
Writing about them in these large chunks makes me rerealise just how much they pack in. Remember they do these shows from scratch, ground up, just for these Muny performances.
Back to it:
Singin' in the Rain
July 18-24
The fifth appearance of this crowd-pleaser, Singin' in the Rain is based off the popular Gene Kelly musical movie of the same name.
Now the weather and the Muny have a bit of a love-hate relationship. Storms have been known to stop numbers in their tracks, or rain-out nights completely. Delays are spent watching the umbrellas pop up from the audience, and the stagehands coming out with squeegies (you need a dry stage for the actors' and dancers' safety.) So why do a show with a scene that calls for rain?
You've got to come and see how they do it. The driest day in July can't stop this rain from coming, and it is now disappointing.
Singin' in the Rain also calls for some other fun theatre tricks, seeing as there are several movie scenes. The Muny has pulled it off well in the past. As long as the three main characters have spirit, energy, and chemistry, this show will be great!
Little Shop of Horrors
July 25-31
The last two shows of each year, the Muny hands out to its audience surveys, to find out what shows they want to see in the next year.
I'm going to be honest: I have put down Little Shop of Horrors every year. So I am very excited to see it grow between the Oaks.
It has been here twice before, last time in 1996, so having not seen it here, I am curious how it is going to look.
Little Shop of Horrors is an off-Broadway musical based on the infamous b-horror movie of the same name. It is a fun show, with Motown music and dark humour. Keep in mind, those who saw the Frank Oz film of the musical, this will have the off-Broadway ending. The Oz film had to change the ending in reviews, because of the limitations of movie audiences, and the lack of a cast bow. I will not give anything more away, but just be prepared for things to seem different.
But, it is another brilliant Howard Ashman musical, heard earlier in the season with The Little Mermaid.
If the Muny brings us strong leads in the Seymor, Audrey, and Dentist parts, along with a well-performed Audrey II puppet, then this show will bring the house....erm.... field down.
Actually, there are always seven, but um... yes!
Writing about them in these large chunks makes me rerealise just how much they pack in. Remember they do these shows from scratch, ground up, just for these Muny performances.
Back to it:
Singin' in the Rain
July 18-24
The fifth appearance of this crowd-pleaser, Singin' in the Rain is based off the popular Gene Kelly musical movie of the same name.
Now the weather and the Muny have a bit of a love-hate relationship. Storms have been known to stop numbers in their tracks, or rain-out nights completely. Delays are spent watching the umbrellas pop up from the audience, and the stagehands coming out with squeegies (you need a dry stage for the actors' and dancers' safety.) So why do a show with a scene that calls for rain?
You've got to come and see how they do it. The driest day in July can't stop this rain from coming, and it is now disappointing.
Singin' in the Rain also calls for some other fun theatre tricks, seeing as there are several movie scenes. The Muny has pulled it off well in the past. As long as the three main characters have spirit, energy, and chemistry, this show will be great!
Little Shop of Horrors
July 25-31
The last two shows of each year, the Muny hands out to its audience surveys, to find out what shows they want to see in the next year.
I'm going to be honest: I have put down Little Shop of Horrors every year. So I am very excited to see it grow between the Oaks.
It has been here twice before, last time in 1996, so having not seen it here, I am curious how it is going to look.
Little Shop of Horrors is an off-Broadway musical based on the infamous b-horror movie of the same name. It is a fun show, with Motown music and dark humour. Keep in mind, those who saw the Frank Oz film of the musical, this will have the off-Broadway ending. The Oz film had to change the ending in reviews, because of the limitations of movie audiences, and the lack of a cast bow. I will not give anything more away, but just be prepared for things to seem different.
But, it is another brilliant Howard Ashman musical, heard earlier in the season with The Little Mermaid.
If the Muny brings us strong leads in the Seymor, Audrey, and Dentist parts, along with a well-performed Audrey II puppet, then this show will bring the house....erm.... field down.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Muny 2011 Season Preview -Part I
Let's talk about the offerings of The Muny this summer.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, the Muny is America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. It's been in Forest Park (of 1904 World's Fair fame,) since the 19teens, and has continued to show professional productions made entirely in-house for over 90 years.
Did you know that a young Archie Leach worked here in 1931? Maybe you'd know him better as Cary Grant.
Anyway, enough gushing about one of my favourite places.
I've been a subscriber there for over ten years, and have seen my share of productions (7 each summer,) so I'd like to do a preview of the upcoming shows this year.
This is the first time this show will be seen at the Muny
Alright, I am only familiar with the movie upon which this musical is based, with Reese Witherspoon and Victor Garber.
Although the song: Bend and Snap is on my Dance on Broadway Wii game.
It has gotten rave reviews, and I am sure that the peppy and pink will translate great on stage. May have to watch the movie prior to seeing it.
The Muny has a Large Stage, and it is Very Important that any production uses as much of the space as possible. (See the failings of The Producers back in 2008, where they used boxed sets on stage. Blech!)
I hope to see sorority girls and Harvard students dancing up the wazzoo all over that space! And their Elle Woods best have a big enough personality to fill it!
Kiss Me, Kate
June 27- July 6
Oh Kiss Me, Kate. What a great Cole Porter musical within a musical based on a Shakespearian play.
The 1953 movie version with Muny Alumni Howard Keel and Ann Miller was fantastic. The show itself was last between the Muny Oaks back in 1991, so it is due a return. (The Muny does repeat popular shows now and then, esp. classics like this one.)
The theatre is an excellent setting for this show, with the front stage and back stage antics able to be on a large set. They may not even need to change scenes too much, depending on their use of the turntable.
Get some strong leads in these roles, and keep some of the Young Bob Fosse choreography, and it will be a hit.
The Little Mermaid
July 6-14
Also new to the Muny.
It is a Muny tradition that one show a year be the "Kids' Show," otherwise known as a show that is more kid-friendly, and marketed as such.
This year is a great choice, with The Little Mermaid being something that can fill the stage well, and have lots of colour and fun. I am planning on bringing my niece to this one, because I am sure it will keep her attention and excitement all the way to the encore.
That, and I am a sucker for Howard Ashman and Alan Menken scores.
I have yet to see the stage version, but the movie itself came out during prime me-as-a-grade-schooler age, and I have seen a few clips on the internet, so I am rather pumped to see how this turns out.
So that gets us through the first half of the season, I will post later on the rest of the preview.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, the Muny is America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. It's been in Forest Park (of 1904 World's Fair fame,) since the 19teens, and has continued to show professional productions made entirely in-house for over 90 years.
Did you know that a young Archie Leach worked here in 1931? Maybe you'd know him better as Cary Grant.
Anyway, enough gushing about one of my favourite places.
I've been a subscriber there for over ten years, and have seen my share of productions (7 each summer,) so I'd like to do a preview of the upcoming shows this year.
Legally Blonde
June 20-26This is the first time this show will be seen at the Muny
Alright, I am only familiar with the movie upon which this musical is based, with Reese Witherspoon and Victor Garber.
Although the song: Bend and Snap is on my Dance on Broadway Wii game.
It has gotten rave reviews, and I am sure that the peppy and pink will translate great on stage. May have to watch the movie prior to seeing it.
The Muny has a Large Stage, and it is Very Important that any production uses as much of the space as possible. (See the failings of The Producers back in 2008, where they used boxed sets on stage. Blech!)
I hope to see sorority girls and Harvard students dancing up the wazzoo all over that space! And their Elle Woods best have a big enough personality to fill it!
Kiss Me, Kate
June 27- July 6
Oh Kiss Me, Kate. What a great Cole Porter musical within a musical based on a Shakespearian play.
The 1953 movie version with Muny Alumni Howard Keel and Ann Miller was fantastic. The show itself was last between the Muny Oaks back in 1991, so it is due a return. (The Muny does repeat popular shows now and then, esp. classics like this one.)
The theatre is an excellent setting for this show, with the front stage and back stage antics able to be on a large set. They may not even need to change scenes too much, depending on their use of the turntable.
Get some strong leads in these roles, and keep some of the Young Bob Fosse choreography, and it will be a hit.
The Little Mermaid
July 6-14
Also new to the Muny.
It is a Muny tradition that one show a year be the "Kids' Show," otherwise known as a show that is more kid-friendly, and marketed as such.
This year is a great choice, with The Little Mermaid being something that can fill the stage well, and have lots of colour and fun. I am planning on bringing my niece to this one, because I am sure it will keep her attention and excitement all the way to the encore.
That, and I am a sucker for Howard Ashman and Alan Menken scores.
I have yet to see the stage version, but the movie itself came out during prime me-as-a-grade-schooler age, and I have seen a few clips on the internet, so I am rather pumped to see how this turns out.
So that gets us through the first half of the season, I will post later on the rest of the preview.
Prelude
When one thinks of the *Great Cities of Theatre,* places that come to mind are New York, Chicago, London, Paris, Veince, even Vegas. However, I would like to contend that there is one place missing from that list:
Saint Louis.
This Hometown City is more than the home of the Blues, the place where Southern Country and Northern Rock meet, where baseball fans are prime, and where there is a big metal Arch on our riverwalk.
We are more than the home of such names as Maya Angelou, Tennessee Williams, Kevin Kline, Chuck Berry, John Goodman, Scott Bakula.
St. Louis has a thriving theatre community.
Growing up here, I have seen, heard, and been involved in theatre from all sides, and believe it is time more attention is brought to it.
Thus, I give you this blog, where I intend to write, comment, exalt and abhor what goes on stage and field here in the Gateway city.
Woot.
Saint Louis.
This Hometown City is more than the home of the Blues, the place where Southern Country and Northern Rock meet, where baseball fans are prime, and where there is a big metal Arch on our riverwalk.
We are more than the home of such names as Maya Angelou, Tennessee Williams, Kevin Kline, Chuck Berry, John Goodman, Scott Bakula.
St. Louis has a thriving theatre community.
Growing up here, I have seen, heard, and been involved in theatre from all sides, and believe it is time more attention is brought to it.
Thus, I give you this blog, where I intend to write, comment, exalt and abhor what goes on stage and field here in the Gateway city.
Woot.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)