"Toot sweets toot sweets" aka my Chitty review...

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 2:36am

Alright, here goes: Don't read this if you don't want any spoilers.
I HAD THE BEST TIME! It was soooo much fun. Yes, the story is a bit lame. It's for children. And what can I say, I felt seven again. I'm just going to break it down into actors and their characters.
Oh, real quick. Someone had mentioned they wanted a good and proper Overture. Well, it was probably just me, but it seemed to last FOREVER! I mean it was loooooong. So, who ever that person was, they should be happy. Alright, now on to the actors and the characters they play...
Damn, one more thing! I just wanted to say how amazed I was to see the show go so smoothly. Congrats to the crew for doing such a wonderful job.

Kevin Cahoon-So, first off. My absolute favorite character in the show is the Childcatcher. He is so cool. If I were a child, he would scare the ****e out of me. But as I am an adult, I find him extremely sexy. Ah yes, what can I say. I've always been into the whole whiteface thing. He's sadly not in the show very much, but when he is, I am a *very* happy person. I didn't know so much the wonders of Kevin Cahoon before tonight. I had only heard he was one talented mofo. But I can now certainly say, he IS one talented mofo. He has one number. It's "Kiddy-Winky-Winkies" and it is brilliant. I can't imagine Mr. Richard O'Brien's performance to be any better. And I ADORE me some Mr. Richard O'Brien. So I met Kevin afterward. He is the sweetest guy ever, and absolutely adorable in person. I think Gregory Maguire should write a novel about the Childcatcher through his eyes. Hell, I'd read it.
*************SPOILER*************
Towards the end of the show, when "the good guys take over", they put the Childcatcher in a net and raise him up over the audience to the control room at the top of the theatre. It was so neat. The crowd ooohed and ahhhhhed on that one...

Robert Sella and Chip Zien: I'm putting these two actors in the same group because there charactars are side kicks. You never see the one without the other. Their characters are the strangely lovable Boris and Goran. First of all, Chip Zien is a living legend in my book. I have had a crush on him for quite sometimes, and seeing him on stage tonight was such a thrill. And Robert Sella. I was really anticipating him as an actor becuase he was the Emcee in Cabaret. They are unbelievable. Their comedic timing was perfect, and they play off of each other so well. Again, I love the white faces. They have a number called "Act English" that almost killed me." Robert, is great on the spot too. In the very beginning of the show, Truly's motorbike thingy malfunctioned and wouldn't ride off stage. Robert, who is on stage at this time with Chip says "let me help you with that good lady" and proceeds to push it off stage. It was hysterical. Then, he adds another line that I didn't quite get because the audience roared with applause. So cute.

Erin Dilly who is Truly Scrumptious. Okay, I didn't really like Erin Dilly as much as the girl who's on the London Cast Recording. Erin doesn't have as good of a belt. But, that actually works because Raul Esparza is not nearly as vocally strong as Michael Ball. But more on him later. I really liked how they made Truly in the show a stronger woman than she was in the movie. Maybe stronger isn't the best word choice. I guess I'm trying to say, she wasn't as froo froo. I was really looking forward to "Doll on a Music Box", and it was adorable. And Raul as a rag doll... But yes, more on him in a second...

Marc Kudisch as Baron Bomburst. I have seen Marc in more shows than any other actor. I love his nice thick baritone voice. It's very near perfect. At times, his charactar reminded me of Mr. Graydon in Millie. Perhaps it's because they are both spoiled. Who knows. Anyways, he is absolutely hysterical. I'm convinced now this man could play any role. In the show, he has this obsession with toys, and in particular this teddy bear. It was crazy. And, I have two words for you. "Bombie Samba". I howled throughout this number. Well first of all, Marc is dancing in this very strange pair of pants. And he's a nice big guy. And well, it was funny. His facial expressions are priceless. Especially in the number called "Choochie Face". ****Spoiler**** It's a number he does with the Baroness, and the costumes are red and black. And well, Mr. Manly Man himself, Marc Kudisch, is wearing a corset. And, he wears it well... Again, I had the same exact problem with Marc's character as I did with Kevin's. Neither one of them are on stage enough. They are both such great characters, and there parts are sadly, minimal.

Philip Bosco played Grandpa Potts. He was lovable. That's going to have to do for now.

Chitty-I hate to say it, but I was impressed with the flying car. It's done so well.

The dogs- The dogs are absolutely precious. Tonight, one of them liked the limelight a little too much, and the trainer had to drag it off stage. A diva was born.

And...

Raul Esparza fondly known as Cactus Potts. Well, I really didn't know what to expect from him. I was even afraid to speculate. For those of you who were wondering if he could pull this off, he can. Not only does he pull it off, but he convinces you every step of the way. He CAN be a daddy. And he's a great one at that.
However, I'm proud to say the man still struts on stage. He has such a confidnece on stage that I don't see very often. His numbers all have somewhat of a big finish as my friend points out. I was most looking forward to the "Hushabe Mountain" number. It was great. I say this with all the love and respect... he isn't Michael Ball. His voice isn't as strong on this song as I would have liked for it to have been. *ahem* Could that be from the smoking, yes, I think it could! Of course , when it really mattered he pulled through for a great finish. The refrain was perfect. All the power it needed, but still able to be such a beautiful soft lullabye.
The number of his that I actually enjoyed the most was the "Doll on a Music Box/Truly Scrumptious" duet. His voice was like soft velvet, and he sung it with such emotion. Something he has quite a talent for. When he tells Truly he loves her in the song, I got a knot in my throat. He is such a great actor.
I am also to say that Raul has brought to this character, some of the same things he had for Phillip. There are times when he does the graveling *very hard to understand gravel thing* that Phillip always did. The "you brought me diayyyymonds" kind of growl. And, surprisingly enough, it works just as well here as it did in Taboo. He also brings a lot of Phillips attitude to the character. Honestly, he plays Cactus as kind of a ****e head. The man is hard headed and stubborn. He doesn't want to be told he's wrong, and has a hard time admitting it when he is. And that reminded me of Phillip. Yet, all the while, he manages to make the character this extremely lovable and truly good man. Please excuse the expression. In a word, he is perfect.
There is a lot of dancing. In "Me Ol'e Bamboo" there is a scene where he steps over the bamboo stick, puts it in between his legs, and says "ow". Ha ha, it's cute. Sadly, there is no actual leaping over them like there is in the movie. You know, the way Dick Van Dyke jumped over the brooms in Mary Poppins. It is still heavily involved on Raul's part, and I was watching him trying to catch his breathe after the number. He was exhausted.

As am I after writing this review...
This show isn't the crap I was expecting it to be. It is a bit lame, but the actors in this show play their parts so so well. "It's fantasmagorical!" The whole bit with the Childcather is stunning. It's a cool show. And it's not like Raul is pulling the whole show like I thought it would be. The actors are going to do a fine job of sharing that task. Thank god, that will make things a bit easier for Mr. Raul Esparza. I think this is going to be quite the hit.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 2:48am

YES. I AM SO BLOODY EXCITED. *bounces forEVER*

Thanks so much, this post put such a smile on my face. I keep having to remind myself what a cast they have... the Cabaret alum, Kevin, THE Kudisch... in addition to my Raúl. *sigh*

I'm glad it's not totally ridiculous, anyway. I mean, it's going to be one hell of a lot of cheese, I'm certain, but at least it's not terrible.

Raúl. Man. Sounds like he did it. *sings (from L5Y)* (shh, I'm really wide awake...) I am so proud of you, baby.....
Okay, but in all seriousness, I can't wait to see him do all of these things. Truth be told, this will be the first time I see him live in a musical. The dancing, the flying, the fatherliness, the attitude, the GROWLING (BEST THING EVER) and the costuming... all of it... CAN NOT WAIT. And you called him Cactus!

Rock on, Raúl. Shake. It.

Three weeks. Not that long, right?

ETA - when you get a chance, could you just touch a little bit on things that could use improvement and such, since it was the first preview?

Updated On: 3/28/05 at 02:48 AM

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 11:15am

Really, it was the most fun I've had since Cabaret and Taboo!


I will say this, the production went surprisingly smooth. They've got everything figured out, and I think they have it just the way they want. It is exactly like the London production. The only thing they might try to work on is the transition from scene to scene. Sometimes they sort of dragged on, but that can be expected witha first preview.

[MagicToDo82]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 11:19am

Wow, I'm so excited to see this next time I'm in NYC! Yay for Raul!

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 11:23am

Oh, you will love it! And, his entrance is gonna make you go nuts!

[insomniak]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 11:35am

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I still can't imagine Raúl being so goofy, but it would seem that it's possible. Worried that his voice is going, though... And yes, Marc Kudisch has a gorgeous voice. Do those two ever sing together?

[insomniak]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 11:35am

I'm glad you enjoyed it. I still can't imagine Raúl being so goofy, but it would seem that it's possible. Worried that his voice is going, though... And yes, Marc Kudisch has a gorgeous voice. Do those two ever sing together?

[Johnnytoc]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 11:37am

Awesome review. Can't wait to see it!

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 11:47am

Yes, I'm worried about his voice. For the most part you couldn't tell. But, like I said for "Hushabye Mountain", I was expecting it to be slightly better. Sadly they do not share a song. There is this really hot scene where Raul practically jumps him, though.

I don't know. Raul manages to make it in a way, not goofy. I don't know how, but everything (well, almost everything) he does seems to have a purpose.

[Jwei123]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:05pm

wonderful review...thanks!! glad you enjoyed it.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:16pm

*sighs* Me too. I was so nervous while I was sitting there waiting for the curtain to rise. I kept thinking "oh please let this be good. please let this be good."

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:18pm

Raul jumps Marc? My life just got so much better.

This entrance = muy happy.

Oh! Vital question. So, on the website, there are costume sketches. Does he wear that suit with the wings and the goggles? Please say yes.

[Jwei123]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:19pm

..our lives depend on the costume with the wings!!!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:20pm

My life depends on weirdness. And people who make goofiness muy caliente.

Okay, I promise I'm done with the Spanglish.

... maybe.

[aliceripleysnumber1]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:23pm

I can't wait to see this!! One question..You had said that you are worried that Raul's voice is going.... What's wrong with it? Are you talking about a temporary loss, or is it something serious? I often wondered about his voice in Rocky doing Riff-Raff....He was doing some serious strange vocal things with his voice. I don't know if it has anything to do with what you are saying or not. All I know is that when I was watching him play that I was like...my throat would be near bleeding if I worked it like that! Anyway, he's an amazing performer, and I hope things are okay with his voice!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:25pm

He smokes, number one. Number two, he bruised some vocal chords or something in Taboo. You'd have to ask a singer, but I'm assuming it's from all of the screaming and growling he does, and some kind of flaw in his technique. He can do a lot with his voice, but he may end up hurting himself if he isn't careful.

... singer's opinion's, anyone?

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:25pm

LOL! I love the spanglish!
Yes, he does. It's just after the Musicbox scene. Marc says "what else does this toy do?" and well, Raul is a tad bit shorter than Marc (gotta love it) and just leaps on him.
Actually, it just occured to me that Marc leaps on someones back too. I'll be damned. Lots of leapage.


And no, I'm very sad to say the flying suit didn't appear. That costume is right out of the film.

[Jwei123]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:26pm

smoking will kill your voice.
bruising vocal chords require surgery (I had to get it )

rest is NEEDED!

[aliceripleysnumber1]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:28pm

See that's what I thought..I'm a singer, and I know that if I did those strange sounds with my voice, I wouldn't last very long. I suppose if he trained his voice the right way, possibly...if there is a right way to scream and growl! I don't know, it just sounds painful! But then again, most female singers would probably think that when Alice does the "WHERE IS MIIIIIINE!" in Side Show that she would be hurting too, but she seemed fine. I guess it all depends on the elasticity of your vocal chords!

[Jwei123]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:30pm

Some people can scream for long periods of time, and be ok (Idina has screamed through all her shows, and she still has a voice)

others, it hits them REALLY quickly, and really hard.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:32pm

I love the growling, but if it's bad, make him stop!

Leapage. Effing brilliant.


No wings.

[Jwei123]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:33pm

<~ sad penguin

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:35pm

And I'm just the girl for a singer's opinion...

I think Raul is wonderful. I think he's perfect, but, at the same time, I think he's a moron. This smoking thing drives me nuts. I don't care who you are. I hate it. Raul, I love you. But it makes me want to kick the **** out of you.

Anyways, the sceaming and growling he does is all in the back of his throat. It's like sending a massive tornado to them. The vocal chords are fragile. With Rocky, I can imagine he was on constant vocal rest when he wasn't on stage. The man should take up ASL. Maybe that's why he reads a lot!

I still say his voice has greatly improved. I think he's learned a lot, and grown vocally. He's also taking better care of himself. *Minus the smoking!*

And all though there is more singing in this show, it's more the "correct" style. And I'm torn by that. Because I love me some Rocky Horror! I would just rather his voice stay in tact for the next thirty years.

But really, it's not that bad. He's a genious, and like I said. His refrain of Hushabye Mountain was on par with Michael Ball's. It was just the before part that was lacking.

Updated On: 3/28/05 at 12:35 PM

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:37pm

No wings. But that doesn't mean he can't fly!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 3/28/05 at 12:45pm

But the wings are goofy and insane. I LIVE for goofy and insane.