An Enemy of the People at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

A new version by Rebecca Lenkiewicz

Directed by Doug Hughes

By Henrik Ibsen

Manhattan Theatre Club's new production of Ibsen's An Enemy of the People is currently in previews on Broadway with a planned opening on 27 September 2012.  Last night I got a chance to check out the show and it certainly was better than the last Ibsen show I saw on Broadway... Roundabout's TERRIBLE production of Hedda Gabler in 2009 (starring Mary Louise Parker.)  First things first, the show began at 7pm which made me nervous that I was in for a 3 hour plus production. Not so! This new version of the play moves quickly and clocks in at just 2 hours.  The play centers on Dr. Stockmann (Boyd Gaines) who discovers that the water in the local baths is contaminated due to poor planning and financial shortcuts taken by his brother the mayor.  Boyd Gaines is terrific in the production and really brings a lot of depth to his performance.  As the impact of his discovery tears the town and his life apart, Gaines never fails to keep your attention.  Originally written in 1882, Ibsen's play still has much to say on the ideas of mob rule, corporate corruption, and the governments that allow and/or facilitate both.  Perhaps MTC also saw parallels to the current debate surrounding fracking in the NYC watershed when they decided to revive this play? In any case, here's a chance to see an Ibsen play that is well-acted, thought-provoking, and only two hours long!

Want to see for yourself? Click here for tickets.

Chaplin at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre

Chaplin is a new musical now in previews at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway.  Yesterday I had a chance to catch a performance and it was pretty good!

Certainly the standout was Rob McClure who does an amazing job as Charlie Chaplin.  His performance is more than an imitation... he brings real warmth and charm to the role.  McClure has a real knack for physical comedy which certainly comes in handy. He sings, dances, and pratfalls to great comedic effect and yet still nails the more dramatic scenes of Act II.

Act II's addition of Hedda Hopper (Jen Colella) and Oona O'Neill (Erin Mackey) finally gives the show some real dramatic tension and Colella and Mackey are excellent in their roles.  Chaplin is an unusual musical in that Act II was the stronger of the two acts.  I really wondered what was going to happen in Act II as it seemed all had been resolved in Act I.  Luckily, the first half closes with HUGE production number that literally had people yelling and cheering.  Definitely a great way to make sure no one leaves at intermission!  Act II was focused on Chaplin's later career, trouble with women, trouble with Hedda Hopper, and eventual banning from the US. In contrast to Act I where Chaplin's insane (but not dead) mother was a constant ghostly presence, the second half of the show gave Chaplin conflicts with people who were actually there in the room.  It definitely took the show from well-funded fluff to interesting musical with heart.  Speaking of well-funded, they spent some serious money on this show and it is well used.  The costumes, set design, and especially lighting were really well done and effective.

So why didn't I love the show? Part of it was the kid who played young Chaplin who just seemed a little empty and lost... I know, I know "He's just a kid!" but he has more stage time than half of the cast and if they could find all of those amazing kids for Billy Elliot then they should have been able to find someone with a little more presence to play young Chaplin.  I am also not a huge fan or admirer of Charlie Chaplin.  I definitely gained more appreciation for him from watching the show, but I think the show really hit home with some of the older members of the audience.  There was an older gentleman sitting near me that I thought might keel over with excitement he was so delighted with the show.  There were a lot of key Chaplin movements, references, and moments that were captured in the show that maybe went over my head, but I don't think this older guy missed a single one.  "This show is like Bring It On for the olds!" quipped my friend.  Maybe so, but there was plenty to appreciate for Chaplin fans and non-fans of any age.

Want to see for yourself? Buy tickets here.

Dejavu Boutique

Dejavu Boutique is located on the Upper East Side just a few doors down from Serendipity III.  Specializing in unique pieces from designers like Vivienne Westwood and Rebecca Minkoff, Dejavu is a great resource for women who are looking to stand out from the crowd.  Speaking of standing out from the crowd, they also sell Mackenzie-Childs including this teapot chandelier:

how whimsical!

While it might not be worth a special trip from Tribeca, it could be a great way to kill some time while waiting for a table at Serendipity!

Dejavu Boutique

223 E 60th Street (between 2nd and 3rd Aves.)

(212) 355-6598 ‎

ilovedejavu.com

Bring It On: The Musical at the St. James Theatre

Bringing it to Broadway only through early October, Bring It On: The Musical is the rare new show to open in the middle of the busy summer tourist season.   The show has already played several cities before coming to New York and is only scheduled for a limited run here in the city.  Since the creative team includes Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights), Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), and Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) I was a little surprised that they would bring the show to Broadway in the summer and for only a limited run.  Obviously these Tony Award winners must have created a big fat turkey of a show if they are bringing it to Broadway this way.  Whatever its flaws, Bring It On: The Musical is definitely not a turkey.  The show is engaging, surprising, and above all, thoroughly entertaining.  Perfect for hard-to-please teenagers and musical theatre fans alike.

Want to see for yourself? Click here for tickets.

Jesus Christ Superstar at the Neil Simon Theatre

Paul Nolan 2012, © Joan Marcus

Do you see that face above?  That blank stare is as close as any company member gets to acting in the latest revival of Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway.  Or as my friend's Russian husband said "Jesus Super Christ".  The show started life as a concept album and I think I would have enjoyed this production more if I only had to listen to it.  These performers can SING... especially Josh Young (Judas) who brings incredible intensity and power to all of his songs.  If you are only listening to a recording the vocals would totally be enough.  Unfortunately, when you are sitting in the theater watching a show you need a little more than good voices to hold your attention.  Director Des McAnuff seems to have decided to solve this problem by loading the stage with giant rolling staircases, flaming torches, tons of lighting instruments, and an energetic chorus of dancers and singers.  All of this swirling action distracts (or is meant to distract) from the fact that there is very little acting going on.  Perhaps figuring out the blocking for those giant staircases kept him from noticing that Jesus was all alone hiding under a staircase when he scream-sings "Don't CROWD me" during the attack of the lepers? My friend literally burst out laughing during this sequence.  Did I mention his face looked basically the same as in the above picture during that sequence? No offense to Paul Young (and his great rock and roll voice) but his Jesus was sorely lacking in charisma.  Much like Godspell earlier this season (starring Hunter Parrish) this is a Jesus that you wouldn't follow to the bodega... let alone build a religion around.

Want to see for yourself? Get tickets here.