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REVIEWS ON PERFORMANCES AND PLACES:
Doubt (Broadway) A perfect play, about nothing, saying little and taking ones breath away due to stunning performances. I returned recently to see Eileen Atkins play the same role that I had previously seen Cherry Jones portray. Ms Atkins is a favorite actress of mine and it was great to see an entirely different, but valid take on this character. It is hard as I cannot fault or say that I preferred either performance. Ms Jones kept you on the edge of your seat with her strength and power, Ms Atkins took you on a roller coaster ride of laughter and horror.
Faith Healer (Broadway)
An incredibly powerful trio of performances. Cherry Jones was criticized for her accent, but although a little confusing, it was not a problem to me. If asked, I would have placed her where her character claimed to ha hailed from. It was either the fault of the writing or the direction that hindered Ralph Fiennes in the last scene and left one a little unsatisfied. I have my own theory of the story, but will not divulge that in case some of you get to see it. However, I needed to stretch, as the point seemed to have been muddied. I have not mentioned Ian McDiarmid. He had the best written scene at his disposal, as well as the most accessible character. However, I do not think that any other actor (living) could have executed this performance with as much brilliance as he did. As an actor, I can only kneel in awe at the precision and grace of these three actors. Stunning. As for the play, brilliantly written, but ultimately failed to tell the story.
Hairspray (Broadway) Revisited What is not to love about this show. This is the third time I have seen it. I sat in the last row of the mezzanine and was still moved and transported. It has heart and energy and I was happy to see Steven DeRossa (from my Irma Vep days) giving a great performance as the father. This show fills me with hope that there are writers out there who can change the world in some way.
Abigail’s Party (Off Broadway) I have a history with this play that began as a television piece when I was still at drama school. Alison Stedman was a former Alumni and created the lead role with her husband at the time Mike Leigh. I volunteered to usher for this and it was good. I saw the understudy for Jennifer Jason Leigh, who I assume was flying off to attend the Oscars in LA. It is hard to gauge a performance with an understudy, because it upsets the symbiosis of the whole. She was great, but her husband seemed to be really pushing. It seemed to translate rather well to the stage. I remember the ending on TV as being a little contrived, where on stage it seemed appropriate for the piece.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Broadway) Fun and stupid, music very unmemorable. Entertaining however. The ticket was free, so a good value.
Spamalot (Broadway) Silly, silly silly. Reminded me of one of those bad British commercial pantomimes, but done extremely well. If you loved Python, this one is for you. I liked Python and this musical. It goes no deeper than that. The ticket was free, so worth the price.
Fiddler on the Roof (Broadway—now closed) What a classic production, beautifully staged and performed. I was happily surprised at the quality of this redo. Harvey was impeccable. A natural with skills that always amaze me. I would like to see him play Richard III.
All Shook Up (Broadway—Now Closed thankfully) What a piece of juke box shit. Nothing redeeming about listening to Broadway voices attempting to sing rock n roll. Ouch and it cost me, so double ouch.
The Tate Modern (South Bank) Great new addition to London and art fanatics. There was a good selection of modern art and views of the river at small reading areas on every floor. Also, there is a view of the pedestrian walkway across the river to St. Paul’s. The walkway that only opened for an hour and was deemed to be unsafe and so remains people free. It was one of several of London’s Millennium failures.
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Everyone has an opinion and it costs so much to go out I do not mind sharing mine. Keep looking for updates. |
