La Cage Aux Folles

Wednesday night Michael Marie took me to see the latest incarnation of La Cage Aux Folles here in NYC. The pre-buzz about the show was not good. But the reviews were great. So let's see what we thought, shall we? First off the two leads Kelsey Grammer & Douglas Hodge were wonderful. I totally believe Kelsey was a gay man. And his singing was good. For a show that I think of as a "singer's" show, I'll tell you - neither lead could sing. Well, sing great. But it didn't matter, you loved them. Doug Hodge was phenomenal. He wasn't a Nathan Lane copycat at all. Which is refreshing since the last La Cage's (at the Marquee) was. The director found jokes and laughs in places there never were. I've seen this show several times and I have to say. This is the best version I've ever seen.

The Cagelles were super, their choreography was superb. I really, really enjoyed this show. As for the set, they made the theater into the nightclub with posters of Albin & Georges hanging up in the entrance and we were greeted by one of the Cagelles going in. This show was done really, really well. Should you see it? Hell yes. And if I were you, I'd get my tickets now because after it wins all those Tony Awards - you'll never get in. kiss kiss...

Promises, Promises

Last Tuesday, Mr. Adam took me to see Promises, Promises on Broadway. What did you think of it ryan charisma? Well, I'll tell you...

First off, the show was good. I liked it. I really did. BUT, I thought it went on WAY too long. There are definitely 2 - 3 numbers that could be cut completely. The cast was generally 10 - 15 years too old for their characters, but when this is done evenly I don't mind it so much. The sets were great as were the costumes. Now as for the big brew-ha-ha regarding Sean Hayes' ability to play a straight man. He was fine, and as a matter of fact, he sang so much better than I ever expected. I didn't find myself thinking "oh he's a gay - I don't buy it." He was good and Kristin was great! Should you see this? Sure, it's the kind of show you'd take an out-of-towner to see. Just be ready, this show goes on and on. And on, and on, and on...

The Great American Trailer Park Musical

Well kids, last weekend I went back to Boston to have a mini reunion with my friends from undergrad. We all decided to go see a show. This show - The Great America Trailer Park Musical. How was it? Let's go...

First of all this show is not going to change your life, or make you understand a complex issue nor is it going to feed the starving babies of Africa. It's a fluffy, sweet, comic book style show with as much depth as Carrie Prejean. I thought it was a fun show though, with catchy toe tapping tunes that basically, you won't remember long enough to whistle on your way out of this 90 minute piece of theater. Is that a bad thing? I don't think so. It is what it is. I found some of the lyrics hysterical, and who doesn't like a good joke? Or a great voice for that matter.

The cast was super talented. My favorite was the the greek chorus of three trailer park women (Kerry Dowling, Santina Umbach & Mary Callanan) who made "classless" an art form. Great voices all the way around but special mention to David Benoit whose voice is only getting better & better as the years go by. The show seemed to be a very close copy of the New York off-Broadway production. I don't know if the director didn't have his own take on the show or if reproductions are his "thing", but why bother directing? I would have just sent the cast to see the show in NYC and saved the director's fee. Lack of originality aside, the show still showed up to entertain. It's a great night out if you're having cocktails first. The cast is funny as hell and the show really doesn't ask much of you as it's short. Should you go see it? Yes, well... unless you've already seen it in NYC.

Pride And Prejudice And Zombies

This was quite an experience. This novel by Seth Grahame-Smith took the 1813 classic novel by Jane Austin and made it into a zombie-type book. Well, what did you think ryan charisma? I have to be honest. All the "Jane Austin-ish" writing & proper drawing room etiquette made this book drag on a bit. The zombie part was woven into the original book quite well, and if anything - I wanted more of the zombie hunting and less of the "turn of the century" husband hunting. At times I wasn't even sure I wanted to finish the book. But I'm glad I did. The book does pick up towards the end, but all in all - it's a drag. It really is. I'd say pick this up for a quick read, but you know what - I think this would make a much better movie. So should you read it? No, don't - wait for the movie, apparently they're making one as we speak. kisses!