"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
Thanks. I think I will go for Joshua's performance. And maybe will be surprised by the rest. Again, I wasn't being snarky I just don't get it re: Sutton. It is a popularity that baffles me.
I'm so happy this show is getting the positive reviews it deserves. Like some noted during the previews, the book does drag a bit at times even though it's only 100+ minutes, but the songs really got me on this one.
For those still on the fence to whether go see it or not, go now! Even if you're not a fan of Sutton (though she's fabulous in this role), pretty much the entire ensemble is top notch. Congrats to the entire cast and crew for opening night!
I saw Violet a few weeks ago and I must say it was a bit underwhelming! The performances were wonderful especially Joshua Henry, Alexander Gemignani, and Sutton, but the show as a whole left me thinking that it could have been better. My biggest issue with the show is the book. I didn't believe the love triangle that developed between Violet and the two soldiers. I also found Violet's belief that the pastor will fix her scar a bit unbelievable because she is a very bright and practical person. That said I did liked the show overall and it's good that the show got such good reviews.
I felt the same way, HBP. Not only does that sentence ring quite sexist, but (at least to me) rings false as well. Leading Actress in a Musical is, to me, nearly always the most packed category of the Tony’s, year after year.
Happy to see all of these great notices. Can’t wait to see the show in June!
It's interesting the contrast between the critic reviews and some of the ones on here. It's a very simple story, which is why a lot of people on here got bored I guess. But, the performances, the music, the beautiful lighting design made it seem very exciting, at least to me.
I am so happy to see that that just about every critic feels as I do, just a wonderful little show, like reading a beloved novel, but with some really great tunes to carry the story along. To the posters that stated they are not Sutton Foster fans read the reviews that stated "Sutton Foster reinvents herself". Sutton is multi talented actress if ever there was one, and yes this is a must see in every sense of the word. I know where I'll be on Tony's Tuesday.
Sutton Ross - I agree wholeheartedly with you. Just saw Violet last night and I was thoroughly charmed by the energy of the performers. The story may be simple, but it's heartfelt and honest and had some fantastic songs to journey with it.
If I remember correctly, when it first premiered, many were comparing it as to a modern day Wizard of Oz. Girl goes to a healer to fix her and meets all these great people along the way and finds out that all along she's fine the way she was.
I've always at least enjoyed Sutton Foster. She was good in CHAPERONE, and miscast (IMHO) in ANYTHING GOES, but I appreciated her efforts. But anyone who can make a fart song work, like she did in SHREK makes me realize that she's a gifted actress. VIOLET sealed the deal. This shows some honest to goodness range and skill - such understated perfection!
But anyone who can make a fart song work, like she did in SHREK makes me realize that she's a gifted actress.
I adore Sutton in everything she does, anyway, (and am consistently awed by her talent), but I just needed to add my vehement agreement to this sentence. I don’t think I have ever laughed at a fart joke in my life (just not my humor), but, to this day, just thinking of Sutton going through that song (particularly her “tipping the hat” moment) makes me laugh.
It's a shame this show is not extending. I thought with its positive reviews it would have easily ran at least a couple more months. Oh well. Sad I have to miss it.
I finally got to see this last night. I'm sorry I missed seeing Ben Davis' performance; For me, Levi Kreis is a weak link in an otherwise wonderful performance. Joshua Henry is outstanding. I've always liked Sutton Foster, but this performance is something very special.