Best Tony Moments 2015

1.) Sydney Lucas, Ring of Keys

The little girl is amazing. She obviously possesses an understanding of humanity that exceeds her years. Her performance was raw… profound… moving…

I also loved the camera shots with Beth Malone (Alison) sitting behind Sydney (small Alison) and the final shot of Michael Cerveris (Bruce, father). Very nicely done. 

2.) Kelly O’Hara dancing off the stage

It’s all over Twitter. I suppose I would be dancing too, if it took me six Tony nominations to finally win a Tony. She waited a long time to make that exit. 

3.) Alan Cumming’s shorts. 

A bold, yet effective fashion choice. 

4.) Banter between Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming. 

I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t a big opening number, such as the enthralling 2013 opening number performed by Neil Patrick Harris, but I did enjoy the comical exchanges between the two co-hosts and I definitely appreciated their comedic approach to hosting. They had great chemistry and were fun to watch, like a flashback to when they played Rooster and Lily in the 1999 Annie movie. 

5.) Lisa Howard’s performance (from It Shoulda Been You with Tyne Daly)

Having seen her live, I knew she would knock this out of the park. She was fierce, and yes, she sang “like a big black woman”. If anything or anyone can help this show sell more tickets, it’s this performance. I hope Tony viewers feel the same as I do because I want this show to be around for a long time! 

6.) Fun Home Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori win for Best Book and Best Score. 

In all of Broadway history, Fun Home is the first musical with an all-female writing team to win Best Book and Best Score categories. In other words, we witnessed Fun Home making history tonight! 

7.) Chita Rivera performing Kander & Ebb’s final musical at the young age of 82 years. 

An inspirational sight to see. 

What were your favorite Tony moments???? 

Favorite Performances of 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR to my followers!  At this time of year, I like to reflect on my theatre-going experiences of the past twelve months. In 2014, I had significantly less theatre-going experiences compared to previous years, largely due to my academic responsibilities as I slowwwwwly work toward my PhD in nursing. Fortunately, I was able to see all of the new Broadway musicals prior to the Tony Awards in June, as well as the entire Broadway Series at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC). 

Despite the reduction in my NYC theatre excursions, I would still consider 2014 to be a fruitful year in the theatre! I crossed one item off my bucket list; that is, seeing Cabaret on Broadway, something I’ve been anticipating eagerly since age fifteen! It was thrilling, especially with Mr. Alan Cumming as the Emcee! I also saw Idina Menzel perform on a Broadway stage for the first time in If/Then, which has since become one of my favorite cast recordings. I am patiently waiting for a rather long list of musicals to be revived on Broadway (aren’t we all?)- Side Show has been taken off this list as of last week, and I must say, I am in love with the story and the score. I also learned that I hate boxing but I love Rocky- at least when Andy Karl is singing the role. I saw some “oldies but goodies”, such as the ever-dependable Wicked, Camelot on tour, and Les Miserables on Broadway. And I FINALLY joined the club and saw The Book of Mormon. Yes, it’s been a good year. I cannot complain. 

In celebration of the culmination of 2014, I will list my five favorite performances of the year below. Please comment and share your own theatre-going experiences as well- I would love to hear from you!

1.) Alan Cumming, Emcee, Cabaret

I grew up listening to the 1998 revival cast recording of Cabaret starring Alan Cumming, and when I finally witnessed him in his Tony Award-winning role at Studio 54 in August, it was one of the most thrilling theatrical moments for me. No one embodies the role of Emcee like Alan Cumming. For more comments on Alan’s performance, click here. 

2.) Idina Menzel, Elizabeth, If/Then

I was never a Fanzel (or whatever Idina’s fans call themselves) until I saw her perform in If/Then. Finally, I understand what all the fuss is about after years of hearing shrill, off-key renditions of “Defying Gravity” at her live concerts and listening to under-whelming YouTube videos from her Wicked days. In this more well-suited role, Idina shines. Truly, the role was made for her. (So stop watching YouTube videos and check out If/Then). 

3.) Side Show (the entire production, with special attention to Erin Davie and Emily Padgett as Violet and Daisy Hilton)

I will never understand why the best shows on Broadway close early. Slotted to close on January 4, the revival of Side Show is one of the most poignant and heart-wrenching stories of 2014, with an impressive score by Henry Krieger. Erin Davie and Emily Padgett are outstanding as the Hilton sisters, twins conjoined at the hip who are objectified as a side show exhibit before moving on to vaudeville and movies.   

4.) Andy Karl, Rocky, Rocky

Remember Rocky? I felt that Rocky was under-appreciated by Broadway audiences, especially its mega-talented star, Andy Karl (although he was nominated for a Tony Award!). Rocky had a great book, a catchy score, and the show as a whole had a lot of heart. This character was an ideal role for Andy Karl to showcase his unique talent. 

5.) Alysha Umphress, Hildy, On the Town

I include Alysha Umphress as my fifth favorite performance for three reasons. First, I had no idea who she was before I saw On the Town, and now I’m a big fan. Second, she is Funny with a capital F. Lastly, her riffing is insane. I rest my case. 

Goodbye to 2014 and Hello to many more enjoyable theatre performances in 2015!  Happy New Year, everyone! 

CABARET

BROADWAY
STUDIO 54
August 30, 2014 matinee

When I was fifteen years old, my great aunt took me to see a local community production of Cabaret. Immediately, I fell in love with this show, which was unlike anything I had ever seen in my fifteen years of (somewhat) sheltered life. It was edgy and scandalous, yet it offered a very poignant message. In college, I spent more time listening to the 1998 Broadway cast recording than I spent studying anatomy (priorities). By the time I discovered this gem of a musical, the revival had long since closed…. so I’ve been waiting patiently for another Broadway revival. I’m happy to report that I crossed “see Cabaret on Broadway” off my Bucket List a few weeks ago and it was entirely worth the wait! And to see the immensely talented Alan Cumming reprise his role as the Emcee was just icing on the cake. 

Upon entering Studio 54, I was transported immediately to the Kit Kat Club in 1920’s Berlin. The orchestra seats were set up in likeness of an authentic cabaret with small tables and lamps. “Even the orchestra is beautiful.” The orchestra sat on a platform above the stage, visible to the audience, musicians in full Kit Kat Club attire. Mysterious dancers quietly took the stage, alluding to the story that was about to unfold over the next three hours. The excitement and anticipation in the house was palpable as the orchestra began the opening bars of “Willkommen.” 

A Tony Award winner for his 1998 portrayal of the Emcee, Alan Cumming is still as fabulous as ever, even sixteen years later. The role fits him like a glove. Joel who? His Emcee is satirical, mischievous, and eerily foreboding of a bleak future for the Jews of Nazi Germany. His performance alone renders this production worth seeing. 

Screen star Michelle Williams portrays the seductive British cabaret singer, Sally Bowles. I respect her interpretation of the character, although her Sally was not what I was expecting. Maybe that’s a good thing. She embodied Sally as meek, timid, nervous (bordering on mousy), and vulnerable. Her singing was adequate, which was fine because Sally is not meant to be talented.  I think that I would need to see her performance again to fully grasp her interpretation of the character. I’m still not sure what I think, to be honest. Alan Cumming is certainly the more exciting performer of the two leads. 

Linda Emond and Philip Hoffman (u/s) were heartbreaking as Fraulein Schneider and Herr Schultz. Cliff is not the most intriguing character, but Bill Heck gave a dependable performance. Gayle Rankin is impeccably comical as the sly prostitute, Fraulein Kost. The ensemble was spectacular; their quiet, but conspicuous presence perpetuated the dark, foreboding undertones of the story. Like the story, each character seemed to personify a light, comedic exterior, while harboring a darker side. 

The latest Broadway revival of Cabaret is edgy, provocative, and relevant. I hope you will check it out at Studio 54. Emma Stone will take over as Sally Bowles in November.