A revival of My
Fair Lady,
book and lyrics by Alan
Jay Lerner,
music by Frederick
Loewe, based
on George
Bernard Shaw's
play Pygmalion,
is a spectacular production. The sets by Michael
Yeagan are
marvelous to look at, and the music, under the
direction of Ted Sperling, is
a joy to hear. The lyrics are clever. The cast
acts wonderfully, under the direction of Bartlett
Sher.
The singing is another matter. Many cast
members have weak voices, although Lauren
Ambrose is
fine as Eliza Doolittle, and her acting is
superb. All work energetically to bring
the brilliant musical to life. The choreography
by Christopher
Gattelli is, some
times, bizarre, especially in the second act Get
Me to the Church on Time.
It seems to be a scene from a burlesque show,
with transvestites. I am sure Shaw would be
turning in his grave. The original production in
1956, with the incomparable Rex
Harrison,
the magnificent Julie
Andrews and
the legendary music hall British actor, Stanley
Holloway, which
I saw, was unforgettable.
A revival of The
Seafarer, by Conor
McPherson,
at the Irish Repertory Theatre, is one of the
best productions of the theatre season. The cast
of five brilliant actors is directed expertly
by Ciaran
O'Reilly.
A mysterious stranger (Matthew
Broderick)
(photo below) visits
a dilapidated home where two brothers (Andy
Murray and Colin
McPhillamy)
live outside Dublin on Christmas Eve. Two other
guests (Michael
Mellamphy and Tim
Ruddy)
drink and play cards with them. It is a
marvelous production, and the acting is simply
magnificent. I enjoyed every minute of it. I
also enjoyed the opening night party which took
place at a wonderful pub Crompton Ale House, 159
West 26th St. where we congratulated the superb
cast and the director and playwright. Among the
guests enjoying the fine hors d'oeuvres and
drinks were Sarah
Jessica Parker, J. Smith Cameron and Kenneth
Lonergan.
The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players
presented Ruddigore
or The Witch's Curse,
libretto by William
S. Gilbert,
music by Arthur
Sullivan,
at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College.
Artistic Director Albert
Bergeret
directed the cast and conducted the orchestra.
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The story is silly, about a noble family under a curse,
but the enthusiastic cast perform delightfully to the
wonderful lyrics and sparkling music. The opportunity to
see and hear the lovely operettas is thanks to Albert
Bergeret. I enjoy everyone of his productions.
I returned to Tuscany Steakhouse, 117 West 58th St, for
a tasting evening. Again delicious food and wine. You
will enjoy your visit.
I photographed the four female members of the cast of Unexpected
Joy, music by Janet
Hood, book & lyrics by Bill
Russell, and they performed two selections from the
show. I look forward to opening night on Thursday, May 3
at the York Theatre.
I attended the announcement of the 2018 Drama League
Award Nominees by Harriet
Harris and Julie
White (photo
below) at Sardi's restaurant, 234 West 44th St, The
awards will be held at the Marriott Marquis Times
Square, 1535 Broadway, on Friday May 18
One of the most delightful events is the Irene
Sharaff Awards at the Edison Ballroom. It is the
24th Annual Presentation, and I have had the pleasure of
attending everyone of them. Travis
Halsey, Fritz Masten, Holly Hynes and Zack
Brown received awards, and there was a special
memorial tribute for Karinska created
by Suzy Benzinger.
The film of Balanchine's favorite costume designer was
magnificent, and brought back many memories of the
lovely memories I have of the New York City Ballet
beginning in 1951, when as a student at New York
University, I attended a dress rehearsal of Symphony
in C. For the past 40 years I have reviewed the
company, and it is one of the greatest joys in my
professional life.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,
Parts One and Two, by Jack
Thorne, is based on an original new story by J.
K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John
Tiffany, at the Lyric Theatre, opens on April 22. My
review will appear in next week's column.
A revival of Travesties, by Tom
Stoppard, at the American Airlines Theater, opens on
April 24. My review will appear in next week's column.
Summer, The Donna Summer Musical,
book by Colman
Domingo, Robert Cary and Des
McAnuff, songs by various composers, at
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, opens on April 23. My review will
appear in my next column. |