Broadway Review: Next to Normal

I wanted to wait to see the full original cast before I did my review but my absurdly busy past few weeks have kept me from being able to partake in this again. But rest assured, I will see this show again.

My musical buddy from California has now become my roommate (YAY!!) so I'm hoping my excursions onto Broadway will be more frequent.

I can't believe my luck. I feel like Broadway just can't disappoint me (or perhaps it's my roommate and her good taste in theater). I was so astonishingly moved by this show. I knew it was going to be good, it racked up quite a reputation. I had no idea that I would not only enjoy the show but that I'd feel emotionally connected to every actor on stage. Shamelessly I cried through the entire production but it wasn't until Alice Ripley looked me square in the eyes that I erupted like a snotting volcano. No wonder she has major cred, she lives up to the hype. Ripley was Diana. I'm in love with this woman's performance!

Sadly for me the actors who play the father (Robert Spencer as Dan) and brother (Aaron Tveit as Gabe, my new lover) were not at the show. But luckily for me their understudies Michael Berry and Timothy Young (respectively) were brilliant. Young especially controlled the stage, almost effortlessly as if he were not an understudy. But it wasn't until I heard Young and Berry's father / son duet that I really fell in love. Berry was stiff at times but he still did an amazing job.

(One of my favorite parts!!)

The entire cast (Jennifer Damiano as Natalie, Adam Chanler-Berat as Henry, and the luscious Louis Hobson as Dr. Maddan / Dr. Fine) portrayed their characters extremely well. I really can't say enough how much I enjoyed this show. The music was haunting, the lyrics deep and so meaningful (I sobbed through "Superboy and the Invisible Girl). The on stage band didn't miss a beat. I mean really, what more could you want out of a show?

To see or not to see?

Missing this would be a travesty.

Play Review: Departure Lounge

As I was leaving Twelfth Night I was chatting with some friends about the next play on my list, Departure Lounge with Jonathan B. Wright, of Spring Awakening fame. A man looked up from his blackberry at me as I gushed about my love of Johnny B Wright and all the Spring Awakening kids. He agrees, they are great. So I, thinking he wants to chat and is lonely, say, "I just love that show. My favorite." And he says, "Thank you." It dons on me. I've seen this guy before. It's Steven Sater!! The writer of Spring Awakening!!! Ok I just had to share that with you before I actually get on to my review.


Here's a nice little photo of him.


























I was pretty excited to see Jonathan B Wright in another musical. It looked like it was going to be a good time either way. I'm a huge admirer of the entire cast of Spring Awakening and try to support them when I can.



























The opening to this play I thought, oh well here's a silly musical about a bunch of guys. Oh well. But what I ended up getting was so much more. The entire cast was amazing! Nick Blaemire, Doug Kreeger, Kathleen Monteleone and Alex Tonetta were each talented actors and singers. The music was a blast, the story line engaging (thank you Christopher Gattelli), and the script was full of emotion and friendship, and beauty (thank you Dougal Irvine). Really, this was an amazing play.


There is one scene between Alex Tonetta and Jonathan B. Wright where they are singing a duet about the other. Jonathan is singing about how much he loves Alex, and Alex is singing about how much he hates Jonathan. It's so beautiful! I was tearing up a bit. The emotional depth of that song was by far the best part of the show.






























I'm so lucky that I was able to attend this nice little world of four boys on their way to becoming men. Well done everyone, well done!

Play Review The Bacchae

Be still my heart. Jonathan Groff in Central Park playing Dionysus. Singing. In a leather jacket. For free?? This is too good to be true.

Here, enjoy:


























And not to deprive you of the other yummy lead, here is Anthony Mackie:

















Ok, I'm sorry. Enough with the eye candy. Let's get into the thick of it. Euripides' The Bacchae is a dark and twisted tale of a Greek God with no true understanding of humanity. He desires worship and will stop at nothing to prove his point. He doesn't care if you die or suffer, you will bow to him. It's an interesting story. Jonathan Groff was perfect in his role and wasn't afraid to embrace the character. His psycho laughing and sassy banter with Anthony Mackie's Pentheus was perfect. Anthony Mackie's was able to go from strong and firm, manly; to pretty and feminine. Mind you this isn't a few days apart, he transformed himself emotionally (and physically) in minutes. Pretty amazing if you ask me. The chorus was good at times, but was too long and kept repeating plot lines. By the middle of the show I was ready for Dionysus to strike them down with thunder already. This was definitely a play of monologues, something that you need a very strong supporting cast to pull of, which Shakespeare in the Park definitely had. I realllllly enjoyed this show. Even coupled with an unbearably hot day and the obnoxious photographers sneaking a peak, flashing their light bulbs as we were trying to enjoy the show I still enjoyed myself.

I almost don't want to say this but...

Hey, Christopher Nolan, you looking for someone to at least do Heath Ledger's Joker justice? Well, no need to worry, I've found him. Look no further than Jonathan Groff. He will never be Heath's joker, but he'll do the part justice.


To see or not to see?
Hurry before it's too late! Last show is August 30th. Don't worry too much about the line. I got tickets on Sunday after noon after waiting for only 2 hours. There were still tickets left after all of us got ours.

Play Review: Twelfth Night

I'm about to say something I've said many times that has gotten me in a lot of trouble: I don't care for Shakespeare. There I said it, now leave me alone.








With the above statement made let me tell you that though I may not think the world of Shakespeare The Public's production of Twelfth Night was one of the best plays I have ever seen.

I waited in line from midnight till one in the afternoon to get my tickets for the final performance of Twelfth Night starring Anne Hathaway as Viola, Audra McDonald as Olivia, Jay O. Sanders as Sir Toby Belch, David Pittu as Feste, and Julie White as Maria.































The Public's prduction of Twelfth Night was a bit different from the ones I've seen. I'm not sure if they varied a bit from the script but it seemed to be much more humorous than the other productions I've watched. Then again, perhaps I've just never seen Twelfth Night done properly. Anne Hathaway was amazing! I've always loved her but seeing her on stage was truly a treat, proof that she has talent. Audra McDonald (a noted stage actress as well as Niaomi in Private Practice) blew my mind! She was hilarious. Her body language enhanced her already top notch acting. But my favorite was the David Pittu. He was conniving, silly, witty, and above all sang sooooo beautifully.

Unique to this specific show was some amazing music, and singing! I had no idea Anne Hathaway could sing, and man did she do a great job. I hear rumors they are going to record an album with the music from this play soon. And if they do believe me, I will be listening to it on repeat.

All in all, getting stuck in a downpour for an hour, sitting along 86th and Central Park West all night, shuffling into the park at 6am, being completely sleep deprived (I only took a 20 minute nap), I would do this again, ten times, just to experience those few hours under the stars listening in on and experiencing a beautifully done play. Oh yeah, and the security guard being completely gorgeous and nice didn't hurt either...





To see or not to see?
Sadly, Sunday was the last showing. Otherwise I'm sure if you haven't seen this play I would implore you to wait in line right this moment.


*** I've had less than eight hours of sleep this entire weekend, so please forgive my less than perfect review. ***

Movie Review: Public Enemies

Jonny Depp. Bank robbers. Christian Bale. Billy Crudup. Tommy guns. LUCAS (Rory Cochrane)!! (from Empire Records, in case you some how slept through the 90s).

This is a movie to make the most skeptical critic happy. It had the big Hollywood budget, gang violence to rival The Godfather, and a script to love (with a few cheesy one liners, yes, but hello, this was the 30s). I was on the edge of my seat rooting for the suave and charming John Dillinger the whole way through (especially when he is so gentleman-like). Johnny Depp did Dillinger proud. I wasn't as impressed with the films cinematography and didn't enjoy the p.o.v. switches and the use of different styles of camera work. It did, however, enhance my viewing pleasure in some areas. In one scene the camera work is shaky and looks like a handheld is being used. It feels a little low budget but it made me feel like I was there, like it was real.

I have to give props to all the surprising pop ups including the beautiful Channing Tatum, Emillie De Ravin (you know her from Lost, I love her from Roswell), and Leelee Sobieski (so cute!). Also, I was beyond happy to see Giovanni Ribisi! He wasn't on screen much, but any time I saw that face of his I got excited. He played his quiet character very well.













To see or not to see?
Oh yes, to see. On the big screen, don't wait.

Movie Review: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Dear Michael Bay,
Don't worry this wasn't completely your fault. With a crap script (thanks in equal parts I'm sure, to Ehren Kruger, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci) what more could you have done. I'm sure with credits like The Island and Bad Boys (1 and 2) you are well qualified for a movie like this (poorly written scripts and a lot of things blowing up). But reallllly Michael. Really? Fart humor? Crass robots? Really? That kind of writing I expect for a made-for-tv-1980s-movie. NOT for a huge Hollywood blockbuster. You should have insisted that a better script be written. The fans of Transformers deserve more. I deserve more. I expect more. With the success of 2007's first Transformers movie you are expected to give us something bigger and better, not to take ten steps back and leave us with something that smells an awful lot like that potty humor.

I'm very disappointed, Michael, very disappointed indeed.























P.S. Am I the ONLY person who finds Megan Fox ordinary? Honestly, I'm all about the girl power and for building each other up, but what is the deal with Megan Fox? That voice of hers, that I'm-being-cute-talking-to-a-robot-like-it's-a-puppy-voice. It is the equivalent of nails on a chalk board. Please someone explain to me the draw of Megan Fox (other than her body, please!!).

P.S.S. I still stand by Shia. I will always love him.


To see or not to see?
What does it matter. You'll see it either way.

Movie Review: My Sister's Keeper

Before I review the film I just have a quick note. Though I would have LOVED to see the Fanning sisters play opposite each other (and I honestly believe they would have done an amazing job), I was beyond giddy when I found out that Abagail Breslin was slated to play Anna (the younger sister). Alright then, carry on.





From the beginning I thought this movie was doomed to fail. Cameron Diaz as Sara? Let me get this straight. Cameron is going to play the mother two teenaged children? Just, no. When I heard they were going to make the sisters, Anna and Kate, younger for Cameron I was even more upset. They were playing with fire. They were taking an amazing story and changing the dynamic. BUT-I have to give Diaz props. I was blown away by her abilities. Still beautiful without make-up, she was somehow believable as a tired lawyer-turned-caretaker. Her emotional range was not only surprising but refreshing. I don't know about you but I think the sweet, girly, ditz has been played out by Diaz and I'm grateful that she can stick around doing dramas. She was incredible. Happily, she wasn't even the best part of the movie. Don't mistake me here, I think Abigail Breslin is a very talented young actress and is going to do great things but she is no where near the talent of Sofia Vassilieva. Vassilieva was amazing. I really don't know how else to put it. I was taken aback by her control on screen, her range of emotion, and her quiet beauty. To me, Vassilieva stole the show in an already well acted piece.

I'd like to give a shout out to Jason Patric (as the father), Evan Ellingson (as the brother), and Joan Cusack (as the judge). Well done, supporting cast, well done. I'd like to say shame on you Alac Baldwin for being intolerable and annoying.







Though the movie was amazing, it was not the book. The book far surpassed the movie in story line (yes they were different) and emotional depth. Whether you see the movie or the book first you will find that one will not ruin the other. They differ enough that you can enjoy them both without feeling like you already know what's going on.

To see or not to see?
See, but you can wait to rent it. Read the book first.

To read or not to read?
Read. Go on, you know you want to.

Movie Review: Dedication

I can't help it. I have this crazy love for Mandy Moore. I thought this movie was very well done. I didn't LOVE it love it. But I truly enjoyed it. Billy Crudup did a wonderful job and played the characters neurosis very well. I think it's difficult to play a character who is so completely mad and awfully mean but Crudup did an amazing job of bringing humanity to his character. We easily could have hated Henry Roth. And many times I found myself doing so. But something about the way Crudup played him made me forgive him (especially since Moore's Lucy Reilly could). Mandy Moore did an excellent job (I know, I'm biased) and I find that she really shines on screen. All in all I thought this was a strong directorial debut for Justin Theroux (another actor!). I think when a director is also an actor they can bring a strong asset to their films. And Theroux defiantly has done so.

To see or not to see.
To see.

Movie Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Am I the only person who was unimpressed with this film? It had an over the top budget, a slew of amazing actors, and yet there I sat, bored. I had hoped that the story would live up to the hype. Hoped but didn't think it could be pulled off by a bunch of big Hollywood people. The more money that goes into a film, the more hands that go into the cookie jar (case in point, the Newest Indiana Jones). When Brad Pitt looked like an old man (but was really a young man) he played an old man, not a young man in an old man's body (did that make any sense?). Cate Blanchett was beautiful, but she laked emotional presense onscreen. The acting was flat, aside from the amazing Taraji P. Henson.

The cinimatography was amazing. It was a visually beautiful film, but after all is said and done a flawless script and a few good actors are all a talented director really needs to pull off a moving film (Tom McCarthy anyone?).

To see or not to see?
Meh. Do what you want.

A Little Catch Up

It's been about five months since I've logged into my blogspot account. I've been trying to find my creative outlet in other areas, but bottom line, I really enjoy my little blogspot world. I watch entirely too many movies to give proper reviews to them all but my laptop recently died (blue screen of death) so any ability to enjoy a movie will have to be put on hold. I'm going to try to play catch up with the movie reviews as much as I can. So prepare to be overwhelmed with my cynical reviews.

You asked for it Toni, so here it goes.

Movie Review: The Visitor

So I saw this movie months ago and am just now getting to the review. Please forgive my absence. It's been a long few months. Onward:











As from my previous post I'm a new admirer of Tom McCarthy's. I think I made it pretty obvious that I respect and am awed by him as a director. This did not end with The Visitor. I was blown away by this film. McCarthy once again caught an honest and beautiful portrayal of humans in every day circumstances. And again, his casting was flawless. I think his experience as an actor has made him such a good director and screenplay writer. It's like having a professional wine taster pick out your glass of wine. You know that it's going to be thought out and considered and that you are going to drink one of the best glasses of wine you've ever had.



































I find it interesting that I've seen Richard Jenkins in a ton of movies over the past 20 years yet he's never really stuck out to me. But playing a man who is basically invisible and alone he shinned brighter than I've ever seen him. Not only did Jenkins completely surprise me with the quiet emotion he portrayed but Haaz Sleiman was pure gold on the screen. He was Tarek. Not to be overshadowed by two amazing male leads, the supporting roles played by Hiam Abbass (Tarek's mother) and Danai Gurira (Tarek's wife) only enhanced the cohesive bond of this film. I felt like I was invading someones private life by watching this movie. I have to say it: Tom McCarthy is my favorite director. I'm so sorry Baz Luhrmann.


To see or not to see?
Yes. Go. Enjoy it. Be moved.

Movie Review: The Station Agent

Receiving wide critical acclaim elsewhere, it seems the Oscars yet again disappointed by ignoring the best movie of 2003. Though a new admirer, my admiration for The Station Agent solidifies my love of the "indie" and Sundance film circuit.



I'm beyond stunned that this is Tom McCarthy's first screenplay, and even more amazed that he hasn't been discovered sooner! Though he is a noted actor his ability to write and direct go beyond anything I've seen him in. The ability he has to tell a story of the relationships between people makes me believe that the beauty of honest, organic, cinema is not lost to the big budget, poor acted, Hollywood proto types. I'm now a new and forever fan of McCarthy's (see: The Visitor).





















Peter Dinklage's portrayal of Finbar McBride was probably one of the best performances of the year. I felt every emotion that flickered on his face. I've never seen an actor in such control of their body before. His performance was only enhanced by the remarkable supporting cast. Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale, Michelle Williams... what a beautiful cast.






























I'm not sure how else I can express my dear admiration for this film.

To see?
A resounding yes.

Off-Broadway: Fuerzabruta

In trying to explain what I had just seen I told my friend that Fuerzabruta was an experience for all the senses. I wasn't sure what to expect but I'd heard great things about this show. Every year New York has a 20-for-20 where you come 20 minutes before the show and get tickets for only $20. This promo is a great way to see any off-Broadway show, especially since there is a standard $75 ticket for this show.

I loved everything about this show, and I honestly wished it had been longer. The one and only thing I'd say in regards to a change would be to have a maturity limit. Test out the audience with a few simple questions before allowing them in the room. And here's why: Repeatedly when the water sequence was going on throughout the room you could hear and see boys (who were most defiantly above the 18 age range) poking the performer's crotch. Seriously? Seriously. Other than their lack of common sense, this show was an experience everyone should have (who can handle themselves in a room with women).

After the performers took their bows they moved everyone to the dance floor and the music started banging, and then the water started. It was freezing out, but dancing like a child in the sprinklers on a hot summer day was well worth the cold ride home. I had never felt so free in my life.



Here are a few photos of some of the highlights. The pictures do no justice to the experience.



























Freddy Bosche and me. I kinda was amazed by him... seriously, couldn't take my eyes off of him.



















To see?
Yes, this is an amazing experience.