N2N -- v2 & God of Carnage

Got to see some friends, got to see some shows. Life is Good, Broadway is Better.


Next to Normal (revisted)

I know, I know...I only saw this a few weeks ago. Additionally, when I left the theater I wasn't sure if I could see this again as it is emotionally draining. But I found I couldn't stop thinking about it, couldn't stop listening to the cd. The cd kept evoking emotions that it hadn't while in the theater. A deeper understanding, perhaps? (If you haven't heard some of the music, there is a player over on the left where you sample about 10 of the songs. It's purple, so a little hard to miss although you need to scroll down a little. Listen and read.)

So, I lucked into a third row seat and prepared myself for an emotional beating. Wow. The entire cast was simply on fire, so much more intense than when I originally viewed the show. I heard from others that the show was like that for all five shows of the weekend. (Impressing Tony voters, perhaps???) I don't care the reason -- it was a theatrical experience NOT to be missed.

The cast:
Alice Ripley -- I don't know how this woman does this show 8 times a week, especially the two a days! The tears and the emotion flow from her as simply as turnig on your faucet. She is giving the performance of a lifetime...and one that will be a measuring stick for years to come. Granted it is an amazing character to play and she's been at it for quite some time. But still, I am in awe. There are folks that complain about pitch problems she may or may not have, people complain about the quality of her voice. Pooh to them all. Alice Ripley is an amazing actress, and I love every quirk and nuance of her.

J. Robert Spencer -- I am "over" Brian d'arcy James no longer being a part of this show. Spencer's portrayal of the family's patriach has gotten so nuanced and stronger even if the few weeks since I last saw it. I love how his character has become consumed with his wife, although sadly at the expense of his daughter. His pain is more evident and the brave face is an ardently failing mask.

Jennifer Damiano -- 18 years old, 2nd B'way Show. Tony Nominee. I wish I could hate her, but she is so incredibly talented. I was listening to a version of N2N from approx 2 years ago, when the show was off b'way at 2nd Stage. I was astounded to hear how much Jenn's voice has grown and matured in that time. She was captivating.

Aaron Tveit -- First, may I just say, "YUM"? When Aaron appears without his shirt, I am fairly certain I had to catch my breath. And I've seen the man in that form of undress a few times. It's wrong that he's so pretty. But since he is the purest form of energy while onstage makes it ok. *spoiler* Aaron plays a spirit, a soul, a hallucintation, an imagination....how fitting. end of *spoiler* Sadly for many of you that haven't seen the show yet: Aaron is leaving N2N for an out of town stint in the premiere of "Catch Me If You Can" in Seattle. The plan is for him to return early September. Kyle Dean Massey will be his replacement....while I will most likely catch him in August, I do not know his work. He is cuter than all get out as I saw him at the stage door last week while I was waiting for a friend.



God of Carnage -- Tony Nominated for: Best new play and all four actors rec'd acting noms as well. Sadly, my seats are less than stellar. I am in the back half of the mezzanine. (As a side note: I find I am becoming more and more of a seat snob) The actors/directors played NOTHING to the mezzanine.

The play is certainly entertaining....but still lacking something. I still can't figure out what, though. The plot surrounds two couples that have come together to discuss a playground accident. This quickly unravels into an evening of accuasations, confessions, lies and redemption.

I love the actors: Marsha Gay Harden, Jeff Daniels, James Gandolfini and Hope Davis. I LIKE the premise. I even liked the performances...except for Ganolfini, who I couldn't understand about 1/3 of the time. There were moments that were PRICELESS. But for the most part, I just kept thinking: Really? Why? Am I missing the point? There seems to be no reason for these people to be talking about the stuff they are, and certainly no reason to tell us about it.


Next up:
THE TONY AWARDS! I'm not going (don't I wish?) but I am watching. FYI more than 1/2 of the awards will be given out PRE telcast and the only way to see them is on a live feed. PS...not too happy with the format this year. CBS wants less focus on the awards and speeches; more attention on the musicals. Even if they aren't NOMINATED or currently plyaing. Yup...you read that correctly: the TOUR casts of Legally Blonde, The Jersey Boys and some show I have forgotten will be performing at the Tony awards. I GET that the Tonys get a limited audience. I GET that viewership is down -- but it is for ALL award shows. I even GET that CBS wants to make money. But it IS a freakin' AWARD show after all, so let's not make it so obvious that it's simply a multi hour commercial for B'way.


Mary Stuart and a re-visit to Fuerzabruta. The day can't be much more diverse!