First of all, how exciting is it seeing a big musical at the gorgeous Empire Theatre? And with valet parking? Even more exciting! But let's go on with the show...
One thing we forgot about Guys and Dolls is its length. Let's just say that Guys and Dolls, Jr. at Tuckahoe Middle School felt like the perfect length to us. And even THAT could have been cut down. Obviously this isn't the fault of the performers. It's just a helluva (wahoowa!) long script.
There was some wonderful talent in the show. Who doesn't love Scott Wichmann? He is absolutely amazing and had us laughing from the moment he walked onstage. And his cohorts were pretty amazing, too. The audience couldn't get enough of Jason Marks, and we couldn't get enough of Heath Ledger. I'm sorry, we mean Landon Nagel. Did anyone else see the resemblance? Speaking of look-alikes, we could have sworn we saw Susan Sanford, fresh from California, sporting a blonde bob and performing at the Hot Box Club. Funny.
Jody Ashworth blew us all away with his grumbling bass speaking voice and shockingly high belt. Rachel Abrams was adorable opposite Scott - the audience ate her up, and Rita Markova won everyone's hearts with her portrayal of Sarah Brown. And, we fell in love with Joel Grow when he sang what we think is the prettiest song in the show ("More I Cannot Wish You"). Also, who knew Damon Runyon could act? Floating narrator- cool idea.
Upon entering the theater, we were transported to New York City in the 1950's, thanks to the true-to-life projection projected onto the stage. We were really amazed that they researched the exact shows playing on Broadway at the time: Broadway on the corner of 42nd and Broadway, and Tonight on the adjacent corner. Seriously. Those were the show titles on the "marquees" on the projection. Classic.
But other than that, the set was bright and fun and made us wish that all sewers were technicolor. And had dancing crapshooters inside.
Speaking of dancing crapshooters, "The Crapshooters Dance" was one of our favorite numbers in the show thanks to the ridiculous amount of talent the male ensemble had. Triples and toe-touches and aerials, oh my! Other greats included "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat," (we know, we know, duh that was good; but, high Jason Marks expectations aside, the choreography was actually really perfect for that number), "Luck Be a Lady," "Sue Me," and "Guys and Dolls," ... mainly because that's when it became clear to us how much Benny Southstreet looked like Heath.
So, to all of you who haven't seen it yet and have a few hours to spend at the historic Empire Theatre, try to get rush tickets (hey, we're catering to young people here- rush tickets are much less expensive than the norm!) and go enjoy this wonderful classic! But hurry, this musical closes on the 17th!
1 comment:
What? UVA school spirit? You're not fooling anyone.
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