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FORBIDDEN BROADWAY SALUTES CAROL CHANNING 3/23
A one-night 54 below event truly for only the biggest fans of Forbidden Broadway. Both a memorial for the late Carol Channing and a love letter to Forbidden Broadway. Featuring Gerard Alessandrini, Christine Pedi, and Michael West (credited), as well as several other uncredited stars, including the great Donna English. Songs mostly about Carol, including a new one where she reviews the shows of the Broadway season, were mixed in with reminiscences about Channing’s close relationship with the show and its performers. Of course, the number she was actually in, “Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery” was performed. It was a delightful reunion that while it had a sad subject, was really a nostalgic remembrance of Channing and of Forbidden Broadway. It was an event that I know at least left me thinking about a possible next edition. Judging by this event, I’m sure they wouldn’t have trouble filling an audience!
THE CRADLE WILL ROCK- 3/28
A deeply interesting production of a show in all the history books. It is filled with stunningly dramatic and realistic performances. The spare direction by John Doyle gives it an almost alarmingly real feeling. About the corrupt society battle of the rich vs. the poor, we see how the businessmen control everything with money, from the church to the doctors, to their advantage. Meanwhile the working class, represented by Larry Foreman, is struggling, and all of the pro-union protests are being shut down or ignored by the men in power. Interrupted by occasional light songs from the children of Mister Mister, the stereotypical rich boss-type, the show is serious, raw, and interesting in many ways. David Garrison gives a scene-stealing performance as Mister Mister, while Tony Yazbeck reveals an emotional gravitas as Larry Foreman and other characters. Sally Ann Triplett gets to show her slightly off-beat performance style as Ms. Mister, and the show is a relevant warning tale as well as a deep evening at the theater.
SONDHEIM: WORDPLAY:3/30
The greatest writer, some might say, ever. His music sung by some of the finest comedic actors and greatest singers of our time. A perfect concert, with all of Stephen Sondheim’s songs, though out of context, each in its proper emotional setting. Bravo to the director for somehow making it a narrative and knowing exactly when and how to play with the audience’s mood. Melissa Errico’s slow, almost lullaby version of “Send in the Clowns” that carried deeper emotional weight than, in my opinion, the ones on either cast recording, and the elfin Christopher Fitzgerald’s charmingly scandalous “I Never Do Anything Twice” were the highlights of the show. Lesli Margherita also got a great vehicle in “Come Play Wiz Me,” my personal favorite song from Anyone Can Whistle. Lauren Worsham, Telly Leung, and Lewis Cleale all shined as the supporting players in this concert. Leung’s short but endearing “I Guess This is Goodbye” garnered the proper amounts of laughter and sadness. It was truly a memorable evening, perhaps one of the best I’ve ever spent at the theater.
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