I started writing my reviews of my new NY trip and realized I never posted the last of my last trip so her goes my update!!!
Official blurb: Willkommen. Bienvenue. Welcome to the Kit Kat Club. Home to an intimate and electrifying new production of CABARET. Experience this groundbreaking musical like never before. The denizens of the Kit Kat Club have created a decadent sanctuary inside Broadway’s August Wilson Theatre, where artists and performers, misfits and outsiders rule the night. Step inside their world. This is Berlin. Relax. Loosen up. Be yourself. London’s hottest ticket is now on Broadway with Academy and Tony Award winner Eddie Redmayne reprising his Olivier Award-winning performance as the Emcee, and introducing Gayle Rankin as the Toast of Mayfair, Sally Bowles. CABARET has music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb and a book by Joe Masteroff – based on the play by John Van Druten and stories by Christopher Isherwood.
My friend’s one sentence review: it was edgy and energetic with outstanding performances by Redmayne and Gayle Rankin. The simple yet vibrant costumes and set lure you into a true cabaret atmosphere and you really feel transported to the tension and tragedy of pre-war Germany.
My thoughts: disclaimer: putting my friends thoughts first because I invested in this show, and therefore I could be considered biased. Nonetheless I will attain to give you my non biased views on the show! I had never seen Cabaret on stage before and I’m glad I finally remedied. This show is all about the immersion. Nothing is subtle its all in and in your face. I really enjoyed the theater changes and how you actually feel as if you are in the cabaret, as well as all the pre show performances. The highlight for me where the performances, Eddy is amazing and i loved his emce. His weird clowny performance is a must see. Gayle is a power house performer her acting is superb, even though her singing might not be my favorite. I actually think that’s probably a summary of the show, its not meant to be pretty but raw, and that it is. Bebe Neuwirth and Steven Skybell where such excellent performances and the emotional center for the show for me. The only performance that i really was not that into was Ato Blankson- Wood, comparatively to the others on stage he just fell a bit flat. The eeriness of the mood of the show was so well handled and the progression was felt and the tension palpable. Side note I really enjoyed the pastel palette of the design its such a great contrast for the evilness occurring.
Official blurb: Oh, Mary! is a dark comedy starring Cole Escola as a miserable, suffocated Mary Todd Lincoln in the weeks leading up to Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Unrequited yearning, alcoholism and suppressed desires abound in this one act play that finally examines the forgotten life and dreams of Mrs. Lincoln through the lens of an idiot (Cole Escola).
my thoughts: I got a ticket for this in the extension, and really had no idea what i was in for just that it had great word of mouth. Long story short its hilarious. It’s absurd but it is laugh out loud funny and you will have a blast. Cole Escola is a revelation for me As the Broadway transfer has been announced , you can also now get a ticket to see it. Can i just say how much I thoroughly enjoy 90 minute shows with no intermission, bring me more of those.
Official blurb: From the Tony Award®-winning director of Hadestown and starring Eden Espinosa, this New York Times Critic’s Pick is a sweeping musical portrait of a woman who changed art and culture forever. Spanning decades of political and personal turmoil and told through a thrilling, pop-infused score, LEMPICKA boldly explores the contradictions of a world in crisis, a woman ahead of her era, and an artist whose time has finally come.
my thoughts: This is a post closing thoughts, as the closing was announced a few days after I saw it and I def took y time posting this. But for historical reference i will immortalize my thoughts. I actually really enjoyed this show. It was not perfect but it was a great night at the theater. The most surprising this is that unfortunately when I went both Eden Espinosa and Amber Iman were out, but I still fully enjoyed it, I can imagine I would have been even more of a fan with them. The songs were great and the dancing was on point. I had some serious qualms for the stage design and there was a def not a lot of consideration for blind spots in certain areas of the theater. My biggest qualm (and this might have had to do with the understudies being in and no costumes available) but the costumes felt flat. Seeing pictures of the show, the costumes I saw were not great, and it boggles my mind that a Broadway show would not be prepared for this. Have costumes for your alternates and understudies. Additionally the name of the game in this show was lack of preparedness, everything ran late and sadly i got to miss the end of the closing song as I had to run to make another show (Which if they would have started somewhat on time and not almost 40 minutes late) i would have made it with great ease. I am really looking forward to the cast album, if it ever comes out to revisit these songs sung by Eden, but Mariand Torres was a great Lempicka in my book.
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