But anyway, I saw Promises, Promises last week and I thought it would be nice if I did my own review...
Um two words...HI-LARIOUS. seriously. Sean Hayes had a wonderful comedic presence and was absolutely adorable. The NYTimes critic (critic should be read as: d-bag) said something along the lines of him not being able to pull off a strong romantic masculine lead blah blah blah he seemed more like a loving brother. Well first off, that review was obviously written by A MAN. Romantic leads don't always have to be Mr. Macho thank you very much. The "brotherly" quality Sean Hayes projected made you root for him. He was the sweet meek and mild guy you root for as the big guys push him around!
On to Kristin Chenoweth...*DISCLAIMER* I am IN LOVE with this woman, so it is hard for me to be objective, but I shall try. I will start by admitting that I would have preferred to see her in the fun comedic roles she is so genius at playing, especially since it was the first time I was seeing her live. I think this is where the phrase "miscast" is being thrown around. But let me say that I don't think it is possible for Kristin to be miscast. She knocks any role out of the park, this show being no exception. I think the word people are looking for is "disappointing" maybe? Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed her performance and thought she did a fantastic job. She maintained a very healthy balance of being depressed without coming off as whiny. I ached for her and sympathized with her character deeply. I think everyone knows how it feels to be blindly optimistic about a relationship, but at the same time you know in the back of your head it is never going to work out. Kristin portrays that inner conflict wonderfully. Vocally, she is a goddess. While waiting for her at the stage door, this wonderfully kind man summed it up perfectly. "Those songs didn't have much to them, but man, did she make them her own!" It is true, her songs were not the surging numbers like we are used to from her (i.e. Popular, Glitter and Be Gay) but she proved, she is the master at taking any song and mastering it's orchestrations to make it as melodious as humanly possible. It was also interesting to hear her sing predominantly in her lower register. (Although, I, unlike many, would have been DELIGHTED to hear her pull out a signature Cheno note, but alas there is a time and a place.) All in all, I thought she was wonderful, and her chemistry with both Sean Hayes and Tony Goldwyn was perfect. I also thought Tony Goldwyn's performance was great. He was just enough of an ass without being over the top.
But the absolute best part of the show was Katie Finneran. Oh my goodness. I don't even know how to put into words the comedic genius that this woman possesses. Her performance lasts for only two scenes, but I promise, you will be laughing hysterically through both scenes, and you will be talking about her walking out of the theatre. Her drunken witty banter with Sean Hayes never ceases hilarity, and their dance break had me in tears. I wish she wasn't up against Angela Lansbury for the Tony, or she would be a lock for sure. I'm sure Angela is superb per usual in ALNM, but I will be pulling hard for Katie.
As for the rest of the show, I have no complaints. Rob Ashford's choreography was excellent per usual. I was initially disappointed as many were when I heard that "Turkey Lurkey Time" wasn't the original choreography. I am a huge Michael Bennett fan. But in hindsight after watching an old youtube clip and seeing the new version live, I am glad they made the change. The original choreography, to me, was obviously crafted to suit the strengths and style of Donna McKechnie. Her dance style is so unique that I don't think it would suit other types of dancers well. The new choreography is just as exhilarating. Being in college and having seen many a drunken party, I thought the dance number portrayed the escapades of a drunken group spot on haha! Overall it was quite fun, and I absolutely LOVED the transition to that scene! Also LOVED the barrel rolls in the basketball number, very impressive.
Overall I give the show a B+. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to go back and see it again and again! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys musical comedy. It is a fluffy piece, but who ever said fluff was a bad thing! :) Brought it down from an A because in a few numbers the dancers didn't quite seem perfect at all times during a couple numbers. But they did just open about a week and a half prior, so I'm sure they will improve with time! Also, I have high standards when it comes to the dancing. However, Sean Hayes should be enough to get you to want to see this show. He is a master at his craft! If he isn't enough, then Katie Finneran added in should seal the deal! Plus, watching the incredible KCheno do her thing was absolutely inspiring and entertaining in itself. She is the epitome of a seasoned pro.
and now this is back to sounding like a love letter. But that is all. Yay! My first review is complete. It is very rambly, and for that I apologize.
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