No Kathie Lee

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Random...

Photo Credit: Jill Rock

Friday, September 13, 2013

2013 National Tour: My Review!

Saw the national tour of Evita on Wednesday, with my mom and sister, and it was amazing! Can I just say, our seats were awesome! I think we sat closer than we were supposed to, but I'm okay with that! As far as the show itself, here's a quick rundown of my thoughts.

Sets were the most beautiful I've ever seen for a production of this show. Ensemble was awesome, and dancing was great. Where the principles are concerned, (though I seemed to be the only one in my party to share this opinion), Caroline Bowman handled the vocals of the amazingly demanding lead beautifully. From the other end, she isn't the best actress. Unfortunately, with only a few exceptions, she failed to deliver. While her performance in the first act was passable, if not good, the second was hard to watch at times. The final fifteen minutes of the show require the ability to unleash raw emotion, and she wasn't capable. As a caveat, I have to wonder if some of her choices were not her own. Just an interesting thought.

Josh Young was the perfect Che! While I am definitely not a fan of the new direction of the character, (from revolutionary Che Guevara in previous productions, to everyman observer since the 2012 Broadway Revival), Mr. Young delivered above, and far beyond what the role requires. His voice makes this notoriously difficult score seem effortless to sing. His acting was on point throughout. A pleasure to watch!

Impressive pipes aside, Shawn McLaughlin's Peron is expendable. Don't remember him showing emotion, or displaying acting chops. Sad to say given the importance of the role, but he was hardly a presence.

The Mistress and Magaldi were great all around! On the whole, even with significant flaws, the show was extremely enjoyable. Would I recommend it? Yes, but if you're attending for performance ahead of vocal ability, I would choose to see Desi Oakley as Eva.

Mixed Emotions...

First off, let me say this is the first finale in years where I truly feel both winners are deserving of the crown. That aside, they weren't my choice. If the competition were judged solely on ability, (I think it should be), Aaron and Jasmine would have run away with top honors. Sometimes, though, not placing first proves best in the long run. Either way, if they choose to stick with it, I have absolutely no doubt that Aaron and Jasmine are going to have amazing careers. Would love to see them as choreographers, and all-stars in upcoming seasons. Speaking of, shortly after the finale went on the air, Nigel announced that the show has been picked up for an eleventh season! So happy!

Congratulations to all! Don't think there's been a season where the final four have worked so hard to earn a place in the finale. Amy is an astoundingly beautiful dancer, with nothing but promise and endless opportunity ahead. Fik-Shun transformed into a very capable, mature dancer as the season progressed, and I think this is only the beginning for him. One of the best seasons yet, and I wait, impatiently, for next.