The Flying Karamozov Brothers
What a delightuf family show! I would imagine, on a Friday or Saturday night it might be a little less so.
More like a Vaudeville review, this was simply fun. My kids were entranced and wanted more...and now they want to learn to juggle. Got kids under 14, don't miss this one.
Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson -- now on Broadway
"History just got all sexypants."
Nearly the entire cast has made the broadway transfer and the changes seem to work well. There is expanded dialogue...all that I think works well. While I still enjoyed the show immensely, I really feel that the general audience did not...it was a relatively staid audience, that was not sold on the piece. My fear for this show coming to the Great White Way has always been: WILL it find an audience? The theater was pretty full, but not in love and not enthusiastic.
Ben Walker is still the hottest president ever. (Scroll down to see my original review)
I'm not 100% sure that my words can do this production the justice that it deserves. I knew little of what to expect upon walking into the theater. I knew minimal plot: Dealing with the true story of the Scottsboro Boys of being wrongfully accused of a crime that didn't even exist. At the brunt of the story is the racially motivated happenings. A truly horrifying story, that adds to the shame that we as a country still have not come to terms with.
A cast of 13 playing approximatly 30 roles, set in the worlds both of reality and the Minstrel Shows, I sat for 105 minutes in total awe: of the set, of the concept, of the performances, of the actors. And all that is with a lousy seat (only because I was too close and too far to one side)! Joshua Henry is a young (and REALLY attractive) actor to keep our eye on: I suspect his career to be bright and impressive. The ever wonderful John Cullum did not fail to impress once again. But then again, NO ONE in this cast disappointed, not the oldest (Mr Cullum) nor the youngest, Jeremy Gumbs. A note to the Billy Elliot producers: this young man proves something that you seem to ignore: A young man CAN be good at dancing,acting and singing -- no need to just "wink" away two of those three.
One of the most interesting things that keeps me drawn to this show is the amount of personal conflict I felt. There were things that were funny...but should I laugh? There were heroes that were far from perfect...then why root for them? There is plenty to be ashamed of....and yet the work is fascinating. Perhaps these things putting me at odds were a big part of the connection to the piece.
I am personally drawn to stories about race and inequalities so perhaps I am the ideal audience member for The Scottsboro Boys. I like musicals with a message, I prefere intellectual entertainment over fluff, I beleive art can make a difference and this show rises to the occassion on all fronts. It's sophisticated and thoughtful and beautifully crafted.
Please go and see this, It will change you.
