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.