Newsies
Tons of talk is going around about recent readings of a stage version of the musical movie “Newsies”. Upon hearing this news months ago I became unbearably excited. Newsies is probably my favorite movie of all time. I love it! Here’s a quick bit of info about the film..
Newsies is a 1992 Disney movie-musical based on the newsboy strike in New York during the late 1800’s. The newsboys went on strike in protest of Pulitzer and other “giants of the newspaper world” bumping up prices of papers. It was a failure at the box office, and got horrible reviews, but gained a huge cult following (me!) after it was released on Disney channel and then on VHS and DVD. The film stars Christian Bale, Bill Pulman, and RENT movie actor Aaron Lohr.
I personally got excited about the talks of a staged version because I’ve always wanted it to come to the stage. I feel like if translated to the stage “Newsies” would be a great example of what Broadway (used to be) all about. Foot tapping music, incredible dancing, and a powerful cast. I’m already mentally casting it in my mind, even though casting rumors (*cough* Matt Doyle) have already begun to float around. I think bringing Newsies to Broadway could make a comeback for Disney theatricals.
If I were casting the production I would include Kiril Kulish, Aaron Simon Gross, Tim Young, Matt Doyle, Trevor Braun, David Bologna, Riley Costello, Daniel Quadrino, and Jay Johnson. I think with a couple of “draw” actors, a few newcomers, and a few rising Broadway stars the show could be a hit.
A recent industry reading just took place. I’ve dug around for info on who was involved but all I found was Kyle Dean Massey (Next To Normal). As I said above there’s been tons of talk about Matt Doyle being a part of it. Newsies will probably hit Broadway next season, and I cannot wait! I will be proud to say that I was one of the first “news-girls” (name for fan-girls of the movie). Everybody go out and buy/rent Newsies, sit back, relax and enjoy! Follow me on twitter @Gr8WhiteWayGirl!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Hair Original Revival Cast
I'm a little late in the game for his, but hey I just started the blog! I'm writing this entry based on what I wrote in a journal of show reviews after I saw Hair last summer, with the full original revival cast, and no understudies. It was great. Not fantastic, not incredible, not boring, not good - great. It was in between enjoyable and amazing. I found myself focused a lot of the time on Gavin Creel's horribly fake wig, and the fact that he and Will both look a bit older than I imagined their characters being. A lot of members in the tribe were excellent when it came to audience interacting, but a lot of them were just bad actors. They had cheesy looks on their faces, and a few of them seemed to be trying too hard. Way too hard.
Caissie Levy was lovely - my favorite part of the show. She really put a smile on my face and it was nice to see that she can pull of something so different from Glinda. Kacie Sheik was very funny, and has a wonderous voice. Will Swenson bugged me a bit. Something about him just doesn't scream "Peace loving hippie!". His interaction with the audience at the beginning made me feel awkaward. I loved Bryce and Dionne as well. Allison Case was so fun to watch, and you can tell that she really LOVES her job - or that she's just that good of an actress.
The show made me smile, laugh, and cry a little bit but nowhere's near as much as other shows have. Overall, I think with a few cast tweeks the original revival cast would have been incredible. Was it a good show? Yes. Did it deserve the Best Revival Tony? I prefered West Side Story. It is a good show to brighten up a bad day, but do not bring your grandparents. I must have witnessed 15 grannies get up and leave mid first act. The show itself has beautiful songs, and a beautiful message - and this particular production shows off the songs and message pretty well. 7.5/10 stars.
I can't comment much on the new cast, since I haven't seen them but hopefully I'll get around to it soon. Hair's numbers aren't looking wonderful, and many people are predicting it will survive tourist season and close in September, so if you're choosing over Wicked or Hair for your summer show I suggest Hair so you don't miss it. The cast recording is very upbeat and fun, and highly reccomended. The whole cast was also unbelievably kind at the stage door. Especially Andrew Kober - total cast clown. Must have made dozens of jokes for the fans. I stage doored the new cast and Diana, Kyle, and Ace were probably my favorites at the stage door, as they really seem to enjoy meeting everyone and engaged in conversations with all their fans. I hope you liked my review, and if you see the show I hope you like it. Follow me on here, or on twitter (twitter.com/gr8whitewaygirl) or ask me a question at formspring.me/gr8whitewaygirl. Thanks for reading!
Caissie Levy was lovely - my favorite part of the show. She really put a smile on my face and it was nice to see that she can pull of something so different from Glinda. Kacie Sheik was very funny, and has a wonderous voice. Will Swenson bugged me a bit. Something about him just doesn't scream "Peace loving hippie!". His interaction with the audience at the beginning made me feel awkaward. I loved Bryce and Dionne as well. Allison Case was so fun to watch, and you can tell that she really LOVES her job - or that she's just that good of an actress.
The show made me smile, laugh, and cry a little bit but nowhere's near as much as other shows have. Overall, I think with a few cast tweeks the original revival cast would have been incredible. Was it a good show? Yes. Did it deserve the Best Revival Tony? I prefered West Side Story. It is a good show to brighten up a bad day, but do not bring your grandparents. I must have witnessed 15 grannies get up and leave mid first act. The show itself has beautiful songs, and a beautiful message - and this particular production shows off the songs and message pretty well. 7.5/10 stars.
I can't comment much on the new cast, since I haven't seen them but hopefully I'll get around to it soon. Hair's numbers aren't looking wonderful, and many people are predicting it will survive tourist season and close in September, so if you're choosing over Wicked or Hair for your summer show I suggest Hair so you don't miss it. The cast recording is very upbeat and fun, and highly reccomended. The whole cast was also unbelievably kind at the stage door. Especially Andrew Kober - total cast clown. Must have made dozens of jokes for the fans. I stage doored the new cast and Diana, Kyle, and Ace were probably my favorites at the stage door, as they really seem to enjoy meeting everyone and engaged in conversations with all their fans. I hope you liked my review, and if you see the show I hope you like it. Follow me on here, or on twitter (twitter.com/gr8whitewaygirl) or ask me a question at formspring.me/gr8whitewaygirl. Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Broadwayworld Burns
What is up with the rudeness on Broadway World message boards? Someone starts a thread on something that interests them, or asks a question and another user comments with some smug or obnoxious comment. I'm not going to name names but in the threads I've come across, these attitudes seem to come from the same 5 or 6 offenders. Sometimes they'll just comment sarcastically on a serious thread someone started, or post stupid pictures or clip art. I've seen some intense verbal battles going on, and I'm just wondering what the point is. Why say some of these things to a person you don't even know? Why do people comment on threads they don't agree with e.g. "Perfect For Us: Next To Normal Love Thread" - if you don't love Next To Normal you don't belong there. It's really stupid for people to go looking up definitions of words on dictionary.com and throwing them in people's faces. Maybe I'm taking it too seriously - I've never been the one "attacked" but I am just so sick of people arguing about things that could be argued until the end of eternity. We're theatre people so you'd think we'd be open minded, but you'd be shocked at the rude, sarcastic, and downright attacking remarks you'll find on these message boards. If someone starts a thread asking who people would want in their dream Spring Awakening cast, is it necessary to make comments about how you hate the show, or sarcastic remarks about how Selena Gomez should like totally play Wendla? If you have nothing legit to contribute to a thread, why contribute at all other than you have nothing better to do. We're theatre people, so instead of bashing other people of "our kind" online, why don't we go out and do what we do best - enjoy theatre! Thanks for reading my rants, please comment and share my blog with your friends. You can ask me a question on formspring.me/gr8whitewaygirl and follow me on twitter at twitter.com/gr8whitewaygirl - Have an awesome day!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Next To Normal 4/23/10 Review
I saw the show (again) on Friday, April 23rd for my birthday so here's my little review. I saw 2 understudies - Brian Crum as Henry and Michael Berry as Dr. Fine/Dr. Madden. Overall it was a good night, I've had better nights at the show, and this night's performance was alot better than others in someways, but also a lot worse in other ways. Let's start out with J. Robert Spencer and Alice Ripley. Both are the only two people in the show who I have not seen an understudy or replacement for. Alice, seemed a bit sick as her voice was a little rasper and quiter than usual ,but she sure made up for it in her acting. Everytime I see her her line delivery is new and each performance feels like my first. Her "I Miss The Mountains" wasn't the best I've seen it, but "Didn't I See This Movie" rocked the entire theatre. She definately got alot more laughs from the audience than in past performances, and even I found certain things she did, or ways she said things were a lot funnier.
Bobby was 100% on top of his game, and better than ever. Maybe since he's leaving soon, he's been really motivated to put on an even better show tha n he usually is. After 6 times "I've Been" still makes me cry. His voice, obviously is absolutely incredible, and like Alice he was alot funnier with his lines this time.
Next let's talk about the Goodman children, Natalie and Gabe A.K.A. Jennifer Damiano and Kyle Dean Massey. I saw him back in March, and this time his energy was so much higher. I honestly couldn't believe it was the same actor. His voice was so much more powerful, and loud. Definately is getting close to being as good as Aaron (in my opinion). Kyle Dean's acting has also improved; at the appropriate times his lines were extremely creepy, and like everyone else so far he was 10x funnier than usual. He was absolutely incredible, and even kept me excited during my two least favorite songs, "I Dreamed A Dance" and "There's A World". I can't wait to see him again.
Jennifer's voice was nice as usual, but they really need to turn up her mic. We all know she can belt like crazy and everything, but her mic always seems to be lower than everyone else's on stage. Does anyone else notice that? Her acting was good, but unlike everyone else, her performance hasn't seemed to have changed or grown since I last saw her in January. I think she's incredible and all, but she really seems to be getting bored with her role. And although it's a great character, can you blame her? 3 months at 2nd stage, 2 months at Arena Stage, and now a year on Broadway. I love the song, but how many times can you sing "Superboy and The Invisible Girl" without throwing up? I don't blame her for getting bored with the role, but if she is then I think she should leave. Maybe she had an off night, but at curtain call she was twirling her hair around her finger, glaring at the audience, and pouting - not a smile in sight. I've met her at the stage door and she's polite- but she really came across as a diva, and all my friends immediately dubbed her as obnoxious.
Now for my 2 understudies. Michael Berry as the doctors - very different from Louis. Like, VERY different, good, but again VERY different. They're vocal styles really contrast. I've heard a lot of people say that he's much better as Dan, and after hearing him sing I definately see that. A few minor lines were flubbed but nobody who's never seen the show would have noticed. He was funny, but again in a very different way from Louis. It was like seeing Dr.Fine and Madden as two completely new characters. I enjoyed it, it was just....different.
Now, for Brian Crum as Henry. Holy crap. This guy is incredible. I almost like him better than Adam Chanler-Berat, but I can't see him as Gabe. At all. His Henry was absolutely amazing. Like Louis and Michael his and Adam's voices are very different. Brian's seems a lot more traditional musical theatre. He had a stronger "Perfect For You" than Adam, and his chemistry with Jenn was 7/10. Not as bad as I expected. Brian's line delivery was absoluely hysterical, after 6 times you'd expect Henry's jokes to get old, but I still cracked up. The next time Adam has a planned absence I think I'll be there, although it felt strange seeing Henry's costumes on someone else, if that makes sense.
At the stage door Alice as always was very gracious. She might just be putting her incredible acting skills to good use, but she really does seem to enjoy meeting (the respectful) fans after the show. Bobby as always was very sweet, and talked to my friends and I for a good minute or so after taking a picture. He actually reconized me - maybe from the stage door, but I'm guessing more so from a picture of a friend and I with him that I sent through fan mail asking him to sign just a few days prior. He greeted me with "Hey sweetie, welcome back." My friends got a kick out of it.
Michael and Kyle Dean were very nice to everyone at the door, and like Alice really seemed to enjoy it. Kyle Dean wished me a happy birthday and gave me a hug, but the best part was when he greeted us with "Hey y'all." I loved his video blogs. Brian was really engaging at the stage door, asking everyone how they liked the show and if they've seen it before and if he did Henry justice - which everyone assured him he did.
After waiting until around 11:10 Jenn still hadn't come out the stage door so we left. I was a little dissapointed, but I understand not wanting to do that every night. A couple of people around us however were making sarcastic comments like "Oh she never comes out, she's too good for this." and "She needs to drop the attitude." I very politely told them that out of the 3 times prior to that night I'd seen Jenn she always came out the door and signed, took pictures, and was sweet. They rolled their eyes as if they didn't believe me. I hope Jenn was just having a bad night.
Also at the stage door I waved down Ariana Grande and Graham Phillips who were there with Frankie Grande, waiting for Adam Kantor (temporary u/s for the week). They were really sweet and posed for a picture and chatted with us for a moment. Since I love RENT I basically jumped on Adam Kantor, I hope he doesn't think I'm a freak. He was really nice, and talked to me for a few seconds about my RENT obsession and took a picture. Those 3 made up for Jenn's lack of an appearance. Overall, an enjoyable night. Go see this show if you haven't!
Bobby was 100% on top of his game, and better than ever. Maybe since he's leaving soon, he's been really motivated to put on an even better show tha n he usually is. After 6 times "I've Been" still makes me cry. His voice, obviously is absolutely incredible, and like Alice he was alot funnier with his lines this time.
Next let's talk about the Goodman children, Natalie and Gabe A.K.A. Jennifer Damiano and Kyle Dean Massey. I saw him back in March, and this time his energy was so much higher. I honestly couldn't believe it was the same actor. His voice was so much more powerful, and loud. Definately is getting close to being as good as Aaron (in my opinion). Kyle Dean's acting has also improved; at the appropriate times his lines were extremely creepy, and like everyone else so far he was 10x funnier than usual. He was absolutely incredible, and even kept me excited during my two least favorite songs, "I Dreamed A Dance" and "There's A World". I can't wait to see him again.
Jennifer's voice was nice as usual, but they really need to turn up her mic. We all know she can belt like crazy and everything, but her mic always seems to be lower than everyone else's on stage. Does anyone else notice that? Her acting was good, but unlike everyone else, her performance hasn't seemed to have changed or grown since I last saw her in January. I think she's incredible and all, but she really seems to be getting bored with her role. And although it's a great character, can you blame her? 3 months at 2nd stage, 2 months at Arena Stage, and now a year on Broadway. I love the song, but how many times can you sing "Superboy and The Invisible Girl" without throwing up? I don't blame her for getting bored with the role, but if she is then I think she should leave. Maybe she had an off night, but at curtain call she was twirling her hair around her finger, glaring at the audience, and pouting - not a smile in sight. I've met her at the stage door and she's polite- but she really came across as a diva, and all my friends immediately dubbed her as obnoxious.
Now for my 2 understudies. Michael Berry as the doctors - very different from Louis. Like, VERY different, good, but again VERY different. They're vocal styles really contrast. I've heard a lot of people say that he's much better as Dan, and after hearing him sing I definately see that. A few minor lines were flubbed but nobody who's never seen the show would have noticed. He was funny, but again in a very different way from Louis. It was like seeing Dr.Fine and Madden as two completely new characters. I enjoyed it, it was just....different.
Now, for Brian Crum as Henry. Holy crap. This guy is incredible. I almost like him better than Adam Chanler-Berat, but I can't see him as Gabe. At all. His Henry was absolutely amazing. Like Louis and Michael his and Adam's voices are very different. Brian's seems a lot more traditional musical theatre. He had a stronger "Perfect For You" than Adam, and his chemistry with Jenn was 7/10. Not as bad as I expected. Brian's line delivery was absoluely hysterical, after 6 times you'd expect Henry's jokes to get old, but I still cracked up. The next time Adam has a planned absence I think I'll be there, although it felt strange seeing Henry's costumes on someone else, if that makes sense.
At the stage door Alice as always was very gracious. She might just be putting her incredible acting skills to good use, but she really does seem to enjoy meeting (the respectful) fans after the show. Bobby as always was very sweet, and talked to my friends and I for a good minute or so after taking a picture. He actually reconized me - maybe from the stage door, but I'm guessing more so from a picture of a friend and I with him that I sent through fan mail asking him to sign just a few days prior. He greeted me with "Hey sweetie, welcome back." My friends got a kick out of it.
Michael and Kyle Dean were very nice to everyone at the door, and like Alice really seemed to enjoy it. Kyle Dean wished me a happy birthday and gave me a hug, but the best part was when he greeted us with "Hey y'all." I loved his video blogs. Brian was really engaging at the stage door, asking everyone how they liked the show and if they've seen it before and if he did Henry justice - which everyone assured him he did.
After waiting until around 11:10 Jenn still hadn't come out the stage door so we left. I was a little dissapointed, but I understand not wanting to do that every night. A couple of people around us however were making sarcastic comments like "Oh she never comes out, she's too good for this." and "She needs to drop the attitude." I very politely told them that out of the 3 times prior to that night I'd seen Jenn she always came out the door and signed, took pictures, and was sweet. They rolled their eyes as if they didn't believe me. I hope Jenn was just having a bad night.
Also at the stage door I waved down Ariana Grande and Graham Phillips who were there with Frankie Grande, waiting for Adam Kantor (temporary u/s for the week). They were really sweet and posed for a picture and chatted with us for a moment. Since I love RENT I basically jumped on Adam Kantor, I hope he doesn't think I'm a freak. He was really nice, and talked to me for a few seconds about my RENT obsession and took a picture. Those 3 made up for Jenn's lack of an appearance. Overall, an enjoyable night. Go see this show if you haven't!
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog! I'm Gr8WhiteWayGirl, and if you couldn't tell from the name I'm a girl who loves Broadway. Like many theatre fans, I hope to one day be one of the lucky ones up on the stages, but for now I'm just a die hard fan!
Follow me on twitter at twitter.com/gr8whitewaygirl where I'll re-tweet important Broadway news, and make quick comments about Broadway related things that I'm not devoting a whole blog to. I figure that every week I'll make write an update on the events of the week, and I'll also blog once a week on a specific topic, and I'll also blog everytime I see a show or go to an event. I'll write as much as I need to! I know this intro blog is pretty sucky, but please stay tuned and tell your friends, and follow me on twitter!
Follow me on twitter at twitter.com/gr8whitewaygirl where I'll re-tweet important Broadway news, and make quick comments about Broadway related things that I'm not devoting a whole blog to. I figure that every week I'll make write an update on the events of the week, and I'll also blog once a week on a specific topic, and I'll also blog everytime I see a show or go to an event. I'll write as much as I need to! I know this intro blog is pretty sucky, but please stay tuned and tell your friends, and follow me on twitter!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
