La Cage: A Revival (and Performance!) for the Ages

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES

8pm, August 25, 2010

Like Promises, Promises, I went into this show reasonably cold. I knew the story (from The Birdcage), and I knew "I Am What I Am"... but that was about it. Based on the buzz and the duo of leading actors, it was a must-see.

There was not a single moment where I did not believe Kelsey Grammar as Georges. I also don't think there was a single moment where he seemed to be acting - he WAS Georges. If I must nitpick, however, I will say that I'd seen his Georges before, in the form of Frasier. I won't slap the Nathan Lane "one GREAT trick pony" label on him, however, as Frasier and Georges are actually pretty similar roles. Since I don't see that as a problem, I can safely say that I don't have a single problem with his performance.

Douglas Hodge. Like Katie Finneran in Promises, it'd be tough to find something to say about his performance that hasn't been said and repeated ad nauseum before. At times in act one, I'll admit, I thought he was pouring it on a bit strong, but all that changed during "I Am What I Am". His performance of the song was a complete mental breakdown and buildup again, sheer brilliance. He's most certainly not the best singer to have sung the song, but I challenge anyone to find a better acted rendition. I completely understand the acclaim he's received for the role on both sides of the pond, and fully agree that it is a performance for the ages.

Any review of La Cage would be remiss in not mentioning the Cagelles, and this production does not disappoint in that department. Flips, kicks, tapping, vocals, comedic timing, stage presence... all spot-on. If there is a better, tighter ensemble on Broadway right now, I must see it immediately. 

As you can see, this review is a complete rave. I've seen a fair number of the musicals that have opened in the past few seasons one way or another, and this may well be the best of the bunch. Run, don't walk to see this show.

Promises, Promises: Absolutely Charming

PROMISES, PROMISES

2pm, August 25, 2010

I'll start by saying that I have never seen a production of Promises, Promises, nor heard any of the score beyond the title song and "Turkey Lurkey Time", plus both of the songs interpolated into the score for this production ("Say a Little Prayer" and "A House is Not a Home").

From the opening notes of the overture at the top of the show, I was completely and utterly enchanted by this show. While this is not a perfect production by any means, I cannot recall a time when I had more fun in a Broadway theatre. 

Sean Hayes oozes charm as the show's protagonist C.C. Baxter. Reading reviews of his previous stage appearances (both here and in 2008's Damn Yankees at City Center), I was quietly preparing to see a slightly toned down version of Jack McFarland, but was pleasantly surprised to see Jack moments present, but only in appropriate moments (namely when he breaks the fourth wall to address the audience directly). I was also taken back at Hayes's sweet, pleasant vocals; not the strongest voice around, but certainly more than sufficient. Hayes was nominated for a Tony for his work, a well-earned honor in my book.

All leading men need a love interest, and Chuck Baxter is no different. Kristin Chenoweth plays Fran Kubelik, the sweet secretary with a secret with the normal charm we are used to from her. I'll freely admit I am completely biased when it comes to Chenoweth, who I love. To go on would just be me gushing, so I'll go a different route. I'd read much criticism of her in the show, criticism I can now say I do not agree with. Is she an ideal Fran? Probably not. Are there better options? Probably. Sure, I'd love to hear her utilizing her voice to its fullest potential (see: Wicked, The Apple Tree, Candide and others), but she sounds lovely singing the songs of Burt Bacharach here. I have absolutely no complaints at all about Ms. Chenoweth. 

Katie Finneran. What can be said about Katie Finneran? The woman has less than 15 minutes of stage time and walks away making the biggest impression of anyone in the cast. Quite possibly the funniest performance I've seen on a Broadway stage - there's a reason she is the talk of the theatre community.

I don't think there was much to say about the other aspects of the show, production-wise. The direction was pretty decent, nice integration of choreography throughout (understandable with director-choreographer Rob Ashford at the helm). Said choreography was very good, though "Turkey Lurkey Time" was somewhat underwhelming (though only because I'd seen videos of the original choreography - had I not seen that, I'm thinking my opinion would be different). The set was very appropriate, very "retro". Well done, but again, nothing to write home about. 

In all, I highly recommend this production. If you are a fan of the show, either of the stars or good musical comedies, this is definitely the show for you. I hope Sean Hayes & Kristin Chenoweth stick around the musical stage after they depart the show in December!

Scooter & Bentley: "Lemme At 'Em!"

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfzCjZmhblw?wmode=transparent]

This. Is. Incredible.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1fP5mojv-A?wmode=transparent]