I saw Parade again. I loved it that much, yes I did. I haven't done something like this in literally years but then really there really hasn't been anything here in LA that was that good, that compelling to me and JRB's score is that gorgeous that I can't help but to go. Its a heavy subject matter, sure, but the acting is phenomenal and the music is intricately melodic.
As much as I loved Parade when I saw it in previews, there were some minor issues I had with the show. One of those issues belonged to T.R. Knight. Even though he more than impressed me, I thought his voice wasn't quite there yet...he was a little wail-y when belting, but I heard a definite improvement this time around. I didn't think he struggled vocally to hit or sustain notes as he did earlier on in the run. The other issue I had was in thinking that some of JRB's intricate piano riffs weren't heard (or even being played). I know the show has been tweaked throughout the run and with that I'm sure musically, changes have been made. This time though, I heard every one I expect or wanted to hear.
I am so thrilled that Parade is here in LA...at least until November 15.
Whenever I go to the theater and see something so beautiful, smart & moving the endorphins somehow kick in and I get giddy with excitement. Tonight, seeing Jason Robert Brown's Tony Award Winning Paradeat the Mark Taper Forum was one of those amazing nights. Sure, I happen to think JRB is just a phenomenal talent and I seem to connect to some facet of his work more than with any other composer, but...Parade is really, really, really good. I've blogged about Parade before but this is a newer version of the show that has been downsized from the original production when the show was staged at the Donmar Warehouse in 2007.
I have been impatiently awaiting Paradesince the Taper announced it as part of the 2009-2010 season. This is another show that I never got to see (until now), but discovered and fell in love with it through its cast recording (for which another was made following the Donmar Warehouse production). In the original cast recording, I liked Brent Carver quite a bit as Leo Frank and wondered who might be cast in this LA version. I had no real reaction when I read about the casting of T.R. Knight.
Parade however, was discussed (more than it would have) since T.R. Knight's casting (his first gig post-Grey's Anatomy). A well-known celebrity blogger who I don't particularly care for even discussed it which I guess makes it a "big deal". I had no idea what to expect of Knight though and went into the show with an open mind. After all, if JRB had any say in the casting of his male lead, he wouldn't have agreed to a schlub of an actor with no singing chops, right? For the record, I haven't seen a single episode of Grey's Anatomy, so I didn't have any opinion towards Knight as an actor much less a singer. Knight's performance was actually quite good - he played a cold yet vulnerable & definitely quirky Leo Frank who opened up by the end of the show (its amazing what an intermission can do, huh)? I completely bought into his character and there were moments when I was completely taken with his performance. There were other times, when I realized that belting isn't so much his forte. There were moments during "Come Up To My Office" and "All the Wasted Time" where he was really selling his performance, singing it incredibly and then...he belted and it was actually a little distracting and pulled me out of the moment. For the most part though, he was fantastic!
In addition...what a cast!!! Wow, wow, wow! I recall being impressed when I read the final casting for the show, but I totally forgot until I took a look at the program. The cast boasts: Lara Pulver (who returns to the role of Lucille Frank from the Donmar Warehouse production) who I just loved (and loved more than Carolee Carmello from the Broadway production), Christian Hoff (Tony Award winner for Jersey Boys) who makes evil look so good, Phoebe Strole (Anna from the Broadway production of Spring Awakening), Michael Berresse (director of my personal favorite, [title of show]) who reunited with his A Chorus Line co-starCharlotte d'Amboise (Tony nominee for her role as Cassie in the revival of A Chorus Line) and Davis Gaines (who was a pleasant surprise to see and ended up being my personal favorite from his long run here in LA as the title role in The Phantom of the Opera). I just can't believe what a strong & amazing cast this is! This production with its high energy, amazing voices and ridiculously talented cast, undoubtedly belongs on the Broadway stage...again. Though I've never seen the Hal Prince staged version of this show (and I am quite an admirer of him), I think Rob Ashford did a hell of a job directing and choreographing the show. There was something so perfect about the dancing throughout the show that emphasized and and captured the meaning that I loved and worked so well.
If you have any doubt...check out the clips of the show courtesy of the Center Theatre Group:
The only problem that I found with the show was that it was extremely hard to hear some of JRB's intricate piano riffs. I could hear them so clearly in cast recordings (and even in the clip above) but found them either difficult to hear or heard what I thought were simplified versions of the music tonight. There was also the issue of almost every actor (except maybe Knight and Pulver) who played multiple roles which made the show just a little bit confusing (particularly if you weren't familiar with the storyline). I quickly got over that fact because I thought almost everything else about the show was so strong.
I guess at this point I should also mention that though my enthusiasm is high for Parade, it is a very, very dark show and perhaps it isn't what people think it will be. As stated from Center Theatre Group:
"A shameful event in American history and a poignant love story are at the heart of Parade…[which] follows the true story of the arrest, conviction and lynching of Leo Frank in post-Civil War Atlanta, Georgia. Mary Phagan, a 13-year-old factory worker, has been murdered on the day of the 1913 Confederate Memorial Day parade. Frank, the factory's superintendent and a Jewish outsider, is immediately cast as a suspect. As the media frenzy ensues, with journalists thirsting for news to boost circulations and ambitious politicians seeking votes, Frank — the transplanted Yankee — becomes the scapegoat. His wife, Lucille, passionately works for her husband's release from jail but public hatred continues to rise to a fever pitch. Despite the terrible circumstance, Leo and Lucille find a renewed commitment to each other as well as a moment of transcendent grace in their tragedy."
I knew this going in, I knew that it wouldn't end happily (its not a spoiler, its a tragic historical fact) and I also figured this show wouldn't be for everyone, but the people who were there I assume wanted to be. Yet when after intermission, I saw huge gaping holes in the theater, I was a little bit surprised. Its hard to say what patrons were thinking walking into Parade. I felt like more people returned after intermission when I saw Spring Awakening at the Ahmanson last year (and there were some pretty graphic scenes) particularly when I looked out and saw that the majority of the audience were 60+ years old). An entire second row I think emptied out after intermission and I really, really didn't understand that. I haven't walked out of any show (I might have really wanted to with some shows) but I guess I don't understand how deeply Parade affected some audience members to warrant leaving. Personally, I didn't leave the theater feeling somber and horrified (though I was horrified at the fate of Leo Frank and this tragic story). I left the Taper feeling revived and grateful to be able to support some of the best musical theater I think LA has seen in years!
At the end of the day though, I think it is it fair to say that for me, aside from thinking that Parade was fantastic and grateful for it fueling my theater-deprived soul, seeing Davis Gaines back on stage also brought back some kind of reminiscence of my youth. As much as I adore JRB and Parade, there is also something familiar and comforting seeing Davis Gaines back at The Music Center...which kind of makes me love the show that much more. All and all, this was quite a satisfying evening spent at the theater...partially because of being seated front row center, but mostly because of this amazingly special show.
In the past, I admit that I've been prejudiced against "jukebox musicals" insisting that I could not categorize them as real musicals. I never saw them as being quality theater...really, ever. Being the theater snob I was, I refused to go to anything that I deemed of that quality. Never say never, right? Yes. Well, I have to say, a tide has turned and things have changed because I think I'm a new found fan and supporter of Rock of Ages.
Rock of Ages is no Next to Normal, but it is light-hearted, fun and certainly doesn't take itself seriously. The show stars American Idol Alum Constantine Maroulis and a string of actresses playing the lead female role of Sherry (from the Amy Spanger controversy to its current Sherry, Kerry Butler. Maroulis who despite being known for AI, is a theater boy at heart and always had aspirations for the Great White Way (and was in RENT pre-Idol and got his degree from the Boston Conservatory of Music & Berklee College of Music). Lately, I've noticed the more I prematurely prejudge shows that have gone to the Broad-way, I tend to rediscover them later anyway and see the good qualities, the fun and the need to explore them. So yet again, I will say...I am wrong. I was wrong in thinking Rock of Ages was a poor show and had no respectable qualities.
The show does a great job of writing a story around the songs from hair-bands of the '80s and the actors all seem to be having so much fun with the show.
From the show's synopsis: In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA’s most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of JOURNEY, NIGHT RANGER, STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, PAT BENATAR, TWISTED SISTER, POISON, ASIA, WHITESNAKE and many more. Don’t miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!
Rock of Agesis such a fun show, I can't stop listening to it and I highly recommend it to everyone who wants to be rocked!
When I was in college, I had a great opportunity to intern at a theatre company that really changed my life. As a casual or regular reader of my blog, it is obvious that I am a fan and advocate of the theatre for a multitude of reasons. While I always dreamt of working in the theatre, it wasn't until I began my internship at The Western Stage (TWS) in Salinas, California that I realized just how much I loved it. I worked with some of the most incredible people and I learned what it was like to be part of the process of creating live theatre and the passion, encouragement, patience and people helped lay the foundation for my professional life. I am truly indebted to every person I ever worked with at TWS because every single one of them made me feel safe and encouraged enough to ask questions, to learn, grow, appreciate, understand and love the theatre on a new level.
Today, I received some horrible news about the death of Tom Humphrey, who was the Artistic Director of TWS while I was there. While I didn't work closely or often with him, he was always an encouragement to me either by watching him work, guiding me during an acting workshop or even with just a smile as he passed by. I've always credited every person I worked with at TWS as having a tremendous amount of influence on my life and Tom certainly was one of those people. TWS changed me for the better because every experience, every challenge or frustration, every smiling face, every show became for me, a labor of love. The process of working in the theatre is in all honesty, a cherished experience that I carry with me to this day and I owe that to TWS. I saw how important every member of the company was in creating something that mattered and was enjoyed. The enjoyment of a production was measured by the energy, applause and smiling faces from patrons after every show and witnessing and being a part of that was thrilling to me. Needless to say, the people and experiences at TWS holds a very special place in my heart. Y'all at TWS did something right and I only hope to pass that spark on to my own students -- to encourage them to believe in the magic of the theatre too.
Rest in peace Tom...and thank you for being part of something that made such a significant impact on my life, I will always be forever grateful.
Thoughts during the Tony Awards West Coast Telecast: (yes, I'm going to be THAT person, happily, excitedly and frantically blogging during the show...because I can & apparently I care that much)
Holy Crap! Elton John; Bret Michaels meets Broadway (Rock of Ages); Karen Olivo & West Side Story; Aaron Tveit and Stockard Channing; Dolly Parton; LIZA and Hair (the TRIBE is freakin' AWESOME!!!!) and then Neil Patrick Harris hosting!!!!!!??? The Tony Awards opening number is like Christmas!!! Best opening number I've seen at the Tonys in a long time (and apparently the most expensive)!!! Wow, wow, wow!!!
Despite my own personal opinions about Shrek The Musical, Chris Sieber gave a pretty kick-ass performance.
Angela Lansbury - of course she was going to win (and I'm glad she did)!
Best Original Score (Music & Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (lyrics), next to normal(my prediction & my pick!!! SO HAPPY & SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!! Not happy that they cut off their acceptance speeches though.)
Beautiful dance number to the gang at West Side Story! Though...I kind of think the choreography and score are the best parts of this revival (even though Cavenaugh is hot and Scaglione has a beautiful voice). Sorry.
Its campy, its 80s music fun, they SO don't take themselves seriously and Rock of Ages I have to admit (after purchasing the cast recording) I kind of like. Um, nice crotch shot of Mitch Jarvis. Oy.
If Liza didn't win, I'd be shocked. Glad to see some things are as they should be!
So, Guys and Dolls has never been one of my favorite musicals. The performance of "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat" was good, not great. Still...not my favorite.
Karen Olivo, West Side Story(my pick AND my prediction...and I LOVED her acceptance speech!!!)
Why was Alice off? Wasn't she? I don't care, she's just completely amazing as Diana. This -- I Am The One -- I think is my favorite number in next to normal (and one of the most stressful, I need a drink)! My God, Alice is so AMAZING it gives me chills through the freaking TV (Bobby Spencer & Aaron Tveit weren't too shabby either)! Alice Ripley, you are just phenomenal!
Haha, loved NPH's sushi joke aimed at one actor who pulled out of a certain Broadway show this season. He's a good host, good pick folks!
Aww, Natasha Richardson and all the others who passed during this season. I feel weird mentioning the "In Memoriam," but feel even weirder not mentioning it.
Ok, so this Billy Elliot number...the kid can dance (and the choreography is what I thought it'd be) but still not my favorite. Hmmm, who is playing Elle Woods on tour? Interesting voice.
Awww, congrats to Jerry Herman's lifetime achievement award! So happy to see him!
HAIR!!! Love, love, love the revival! What energy and you an tell how much fun the entire Tribe is having! Love, love, love! How can you not have fun and not smile and love all of them? Sigh. Love!!!
Best Revival of A Musical
HAIR(my prediction & my pick...after hearing the cast recording of HAIR and particularly so after hearing the cast recording of another show I initially though would win)!!! And for the record, I support equality too!!!
Best Leading Actress in a Musical
Alice Ripley, next to normal(my prediction & my pick). Thank goodness! So well deserved!!! Ooh, did anyone see Sutton Foster? That looked a little bit like an annoyed face. Didn't it? A little? Yikes.
Best Leading Actor in a Musical
David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik, and Kiril Kulish, Billy Elliot, The Musical(my prediction. Great acceptance speech by the trio!)
Wow, that's a lotta Frankie Vallisfrom Jersey Boys!
Tomorrow is the Tony Awards and the only awards ceremony I really care about, follow and anxiously anticipate every season. Other than the times I actually see a show, Tony Awards day is my favorite day of theater every year. This season is one of the most exciting, creative and diverse for the Broadway community and I couldn't be more thrilled!
Thank you, Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey for what I think is truly the best new original musical the Great White Way has seen in a LONG TIME.
