Give my regards to Broadway
Remember me to Herald Square
Tell all the gang at 42nd Street
That I will soon be there
Whisper of how I'm yearning
To mingle with the old time throng
Give my regards to Old Broadway
And say that I'll be there, 'ere long!
It ought to be mentioned that this is New York part 3.
Four shows later... I'm in love with Broadway, again. It didn't take much, just about five minutes of "Peter and the Starcatcher", and BAM! Head-over-heels, true love, magic. But then, this is Broadway we're talking about, after all, so what did I expect? I've typed up some super short reviews of each show I watched to give you an inkling of the joy I experienced while in the various theaters.
Monday Night: "Peter and the Starcatcher" - phenomenally funny and staged very cleverly with a smaller but well-rounded cast, I would brand it a must see. The first half was very fast-paced and honestly, the whole show was fit to burst with energy. Captain Hook stood out to me because he was *very* talented, especially with his physical acting, and very comical and interesting to watch. A joy for the entire family! Haha
Tuesday Night: "Tally's Folly" - I was the youngest person in the audience by at least twenty years... It did have some more mature themes and extensive dialogue with little action, but once you reach "that age", this two-hander really cracks your egg (reference to the play) and takes you on an emotional roller coaster. Also, Danny Burnstein is spectacular. Loved the play and would buy tickets for the other plays in the trilogy.
Wednesday Night: "Old Hats" - Again, one of the youngest people in the audience! This one was very different from anything else I had ever seen, though: it was a vaudeville slapstick comedy piece made up of unconnected scenes performed by Bill Irwin (Mr. Noodle from Elmo's World) and David Shiner, with transitions filled with Nellie McKay, her music, and an array of her musicians. I recommend to you all shows Irwin and Shiner write/perform and McKay's music, which is full of enchantingly dark-humored lyrics. "If you would sit oh-so-close to me, that would be nice, like it's supposed to be. If you don't, I'll slit your throat, so won't you please be nice?"
Thursday Night: "Matilda" - A show with spirit, ironic humor, and true human kindness. I LOVED "Matilda": the cast was amazing (especially the children in it), the lyrics were witty but not overambitious, the music was full of heart and energy, and the set was AMAZING. And guys, Ms. Trunchbull was played by Bertie Carvel, who is dexterous, masterly, and brilliant; he was definitely a highlight in the show and I'm so grateful that he reprised his role for Broadway because oh my gosh, he's fabulous! I think that this is one of the best new shows, and certainly one of the best new musicals.
Go look for video clips on YouTube,
Scout
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