The Stage Door

Hair: the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical

2009-03-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

Show: Hair: the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical
Date seen: 3/21/09 Matinee
Understudies: Jay Armstrong Johnson (Claude)

I haven't updated this blog in over a year, but visiting New York this weekend prompted a review- the Saturday, March 21 matinee of Hair was an unforgettable experience, and I decided to spread the love, especially with the opening night approaching.

I was not very familiar with the show going in, as it originated with my mom's generation. I feel, however, that the show is extremely relevant in the time of change that we have right now, and I was moved by the characters as they told this very important story. I also had not seen the production of Hair over the summer, so this was my first experience with the show.

The songs, of course, were classic and executed very well. There was the perfect balance of power ballads and upbeat numbers that made you want to dance in your seat. The cast as a whole worked together so well and brought to the stage a real feeling of love. I could tell as an audience member that they all connected well on stage and off, and they gave the production such a sense of community and pride that by the end of the show, I just wanted to be friends with each and every one of them. The sheer talent in this group is enough to draw a crowd- the voices are spectacular, the acting seamlessly believable.

I saw Jay Armstrong Johnson, an understudy, as Claude. At first glance to my playbill, I was a little disappointed that I would not be seeing Gavin Creel, who I'd heard good things about. But all of my doubts were pushed aside immediately, because Johnson did a fantastic job with the role. It was apparently his first day on, which I could not believe. He was so perfectly cast and brought tons of energy and heart to the role. Will Swenson as Berger was both hilarious and heartwarming, a definite favorite. Caissie Levy, who I'd seen in Hairspray, had great vocals and was a really good fit for the part. I was kept laughing by Bryce Ryness playing Woof, who I saw in Legally Blonde over the summer. He was genuine both in character and as himself when I met him both at the stage door and during the show's finale- which I'll get to a little later. Kacie Sheik as Jeannie was also a great performer, bringing both comedy and seriousness at the right moments. The entire group was fantastic, but the standout to me was Allison Case playing Crissy. Even in group numbers, I found myself watching her because of the energy and passion she gave to every moment of the show. She brought the innocence of the character alive and her perfect rendition of "Frank Mills", the only song from the show I was previously familiar with, was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

I couldn't do a review of Hair and not bring up the nudity, if only for those who are considering that as a factor of whether they should see the show. As a teenager, it wasn't the most comfortable scene, but as an actor, I applaud them for being very tasteful in their execution. It was a powerful moment in the show that I didn't think was awkward or unnecessary; It gave the scene the magnitude it needed. I wouldn't recommend it for young children, of course, but I saw some between 12 and 14 who didn't seem uncomfortable with it.

Of course, there was audience participation. From Berger asking an audience member for money to the cast handing out flyers and flowers as part of their protest, I felt a part of their very energetic and powerful world. I don't want to ruin the ending for those who haven't seen it, but let's just say that "Let the Sunshine In" was the best part of my Hair experience- and was (as I choose to believe) my Broadway debut.

Overall, this is a show that I think is needed right now, and an experience I will never forget. By the end of the last number, I felt so much gratitude towards the cast for bringing the story alive and inspiring the audience. It's a show I would see a million times if I lived in New York, especially because this particular cast has such a sense of ensemble and support towards one another. It is definitely worth the ticket price, for any kind of theatergoer. If you have the chance, take a trip over to the Hirschfeld- it's an experience you will never forget.

You Can't Stop the Beat!

2008-02-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Hairspray

Saw it on: January 11th, 2008

Where: Neil Simon Theatre, Broadway

Understudies: Daniel Robinson (Corny Collins), Nicole Powell (a Dynamite Girl)

First off, a disclaimer: if you have seen the 2007 Hairspray movie from New Line Cinema, it does not do the Broadway production justice. Nothing beats seeing a show live, and seeing Hairspray was definitely a fun, energetic and amazing experience. Hairspray tells a story of Baltimore in the 1960's at the heart of the Civil Rights movement, the plotline filled with stories of integration, love and the discovery that "You can't stop the beat".

Shannon Durig starred as Tracy Turnblad, the energy-filled, determined dancer. Durig was very entertaining and great for the role, her voice fitting the character perfectly. Tracy's love interest, teen heartthrob Link Larkin, was played by Ashley Parker Angel (yes, from the band O-Town). His performance definitely surprised me- I didn't expect much and found him funny, sweet and very in-character. The Von Tussles, Velma (Michelle Pawk, Mayzie in the Original Broadway Cast of Seussical) and her daughter Amber (Ashley Spencer, a finalist in the show Grease: You're the One That I Want) were lovably evil as they plotted against Tracy and her ideas of integration for the Corny Collins dance show (a la American Bandstand). Velma, the racist station manager for the show and former "Miss Baltimore Crabs," is determined to do anything for her daughter to win the Miss Teenage Hairspray Contest. Amber starts the show fighting another battle- keeping her perfect boyfriend, Link, away from Tracy. Seaweed Stubbs, an African-American dancer who befriends Tracy, was played by Tevin Cambell, who has amazing vocals and dance skills. Playing Penny, Tracy's quirky best friend and Seaweed's unlikely love interest, was Niki Scalera, a hilarious actress and powerhouse singer.

Other prominent cast members include Daniel Robinson (an understudy, playing Corny Collins), Darlene Love (Motormouth Maybelle), Susan Mosher (Prudy Pingleton, Penny's controlling mother, among other small roles), and George Wendt (of Cheers fame, playing Edna Turnblad).

Hairspray is filled with energy, fun, hilarity, and rousing musical numbers. The dances are impeccable, the vocals are amazingly harmonized, and each individual character shows off a different personality. Messages of acceptance, following a dream, love conquering all and equality flow through the show and although those messages are deep, the show itself presents them in a fun, exciting way.

Memorable musical numbers include: "Good Morning Baltimore," the opening number, "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now," a hilarious account of rebellious teenagers and their mothers, "Welcome to the 60's," Edna's venture into the heart of Baltimore and a new lifestyle, "Without Love," a ballad sung by Tracy and Link and Seaweed and Penny (the integrated couple that overcomes the racist views trying to pull them apart), and, of course, "You Can't Stop the Beat," the crowd-pleasing finale that spreads energy to the entire house.

Overall, Hairspray is a fun, lighthearted experience that at the same time covers the serious issue of racism and integration. The cast was phenomenal, every musical number brings down the house, and it is impossible not to leave the theatre singing and dancing.

Omigod, you guys!

2008-01-27T19:52:00.000-08:00

Legally Blonde the Musical

Saw the show on: 1/12/08

Where: The Palace Theatre, Broadway

Understudies: Cara Cooper- Serena

When I first heard that Legally Blonde was being turned into a musical, I rolled my eyes and figured it would be a complete flop within the first month. When I listened to the soundtrack, however, I knew I was very, very wrong. Since buying the recording and watching the MTV taping, Legally Blonde has become my new favorite musical. I went to New York mainly to see this show, and if you do get the chance to see it, you will not regret it.

The show's opening number, "Omigod You Guys," starts the show off with a bang with it's heavy drum and guitar introduction, and the immediate energy of the Delta Nu sorority girls gets the audience's attention right from the start. Margot, played by Haven Burton, starts the song off and is then followed by Serena (swing/understudy Cara Cooper) and Pilar (Asmeret Ghebremichael). Although Haven Burton was very good as Margot, I definitely missed having Annaleigh Ashford in the cast. Oh, well, I'm sure she's being recognized rightfully at the Gershwin. The opening number is also the first appearance of Bruiser, Elle's canine companion. He barks on cue and recieves a warm round of applause from the audience, and he obviously steals the scene with the sheer fact that he is adorable. We are also introduced to Elle Woods, played by the amazing Laura Bell Bundy. From the opening number, her talents are obvious, and it is easy to see that the rest of the show will be just as good as the opening. The second number of the show is entitled "Serious," and is a ballad-turned-80's-disco song sung by Warner Huntington III, played by Richard H. Blake. It provides comic relief to the breakup scene between Elle and Warner, but is not one of the memorable song in the show.

"What You Want," the show's third number and Elle's entrance essay to Harvard, is complete with a dance number featuring the entire drumline and cheerleading squad at UCLA and includes the three members of the Harvard admissions committee. This is a big, fun number, and was the right way to go in showing Elle's transition from UCLA to Harvard. Once Elle reaches law school, we are introduced to some of her fellow classmates, Aaron Schulz (Bryce Ryness), Padamadan (Manuel Herrera) and Enid Hoops (Natalie Joy Johnson). The three sing about their road to Harvard ("The Harvard Variations") and we also meet Emmett Forest (the loveable Christian Borle) for the first time. The next number, "Blood in the Water", is sung by Professor Callahan (Michael Rupert). Both "The Harvard Variations" and "Blood in the Water" are well written songs, but are not very memorable. Elle meets Vivienne Kensington (Kate Shindle) and learns that she is Warner's new girlfriend. This causes the girls of Delta Nu to appear in her head as her "Greek Chorus" (because "this is a tragedy, and every tragedy needs a greek chorus!"), and the song "Positive" emerges with amusing lyrics, memorable lines ("Girls, how is this helping? He's not even here! He left while we were shaking junk!") and an entertaining dance break. Elle decides that in order to win Warner back, she must make herself a brunette, which leads us to the Hair Affair salon.

Paulette, played perfectly by Orfeh (of Saturday Night Fever) sings of a redheaded sailor named Brendan in "Ireland" and "Ireland Reprise", and her friendship with Elle begins to evolve. After a party scene where Elle is dressed in the infamous "Bunny Costume" as it was in the film, we are led into "Chip on My Shoulder", a number that moves the plot along, explores Elle and Emmett's growing friendship, and showcases Christian Borle's talents very well. I was especially pleased with this number; it gave Emmett the background and depth that he lacked in the movie. Also, "Chip on My Shoulder" is the first number where Elle and Emmett are given a lot of interaction, and their chemistry together is obvious. By this time, it is close to the Act I finale, although it feels like the entire act has flown by. Closing the act is my personal favorite number of the show, "So Much Better", where Elle sees that she has been chosen to be one of four of Callahan's interns on the Brooke Wyndham trial. "So Much Better" is a fast-paced number filled with key changes, the realization that Elle does not need Warner to suceed, and Laura Bell Bundy's long-held ending note that leaves the audience in awe throughout intermission.

Act II opens with "Whipped into Shape", a number designed to be the workout tape of Callahan's client, exercise queen Brooke Wyndham (Nikki Snelson). This song leaves me in awe every time I watch it: both Brooke and the ensemble do complicated jump rope routines flawlessly as they sing, and I still can't fathom having to belt through the dance as Nikki Snelson does. After meeting with Brooke and recieving a criticism on his appearance from Callahan, Emmett allows Elle to take him shopping (Take it Like a Man). The next number is inevitable: the infamous "Bend and Snap". This song, featuring Serena (Cara Cooper in this production, who did a fabulous job) begins the amusing relationship between Paulette and Kyle B. O'Boyle, the UPS delivery man. The first trial scene is hilarious with a number entitled "There! Right! There!", in which they realize that Nikos, the poolboy (Manuel Herrera) is both gay and European! Unless you've heard the CD or seen the show, you probably wouldn't get that one...

Callahan, Emmett and the interns are celebrating after the trial. Callahan compliments Elle's skills as a lawyer, but after the rest of the group has left, he both kisses and fires her (because she refuses to cooperate by, well, slapping him) and Elle realizes that she was only chosen for her internship because of her appearance. "Legally Blonde", a heartwrenching ballad, is sung perfectly by Laura Bell Bundy. Elle's vulnerability is made clear, and the ending of the song, sung as a duet with Emmett, reveals Emmett's true feelings for Elle through her closed dorm room door. The depression of the ballad is soon forgotten, however, when Vivienne stops Elle in the Hair Affair and convinces her not to leave Harvard "Legally Blonde Remix". This is one of the most well-constructed dance numbers I've ever seen, complete with a joyous Irish dance. I don't know how the cast possibly has the energy to produce a high level dance close to the end of the show, and Kate Shindle's vocals in this number leave the entire audience awestruck.

The trial goes on and we are at the finale too quickly, at Elle's graduation, where Paulette narrates the lives of the principle characters over their past three years at Harvard. Elle then completes her graduation speech by proposing to Emmett, and the entire cast finishes the show off with a reprise of "Omigod You Guys", this time with Elle and Emmett as the center couple.

This show may be fluffy, it may not be the greatest masterpiece in theatre, but it is high-energy, hilarious, heartwarming, and carries messages of feminism, confidence and never giving up. It is the best 2 and a half hours you can spend, and you'll learn that "being true to yourself never goes out of style".

Introduction

2008-01-27T19:24:00.000-08:00

Hello, fellow theatregoers! I started this kind of on a whim. I'm required to review Broadway shows for a newsletter, and I decided maybe I'd post online as well. Basically, whenever I see a show, I'll review it, and occasionally I'll review cast albums (when I won't be seeing a show for a while).

Feel free to comment with your own reviews on the shows I write about, or recommend shows for me to see and/or review. I'm always looking for more theater!

Thanks and enjoy,
Kari