FOAnatic sees THREEPENNY

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 2:55am

Being a novice to Brechtian methods, I went into this show expecting some aspects of the show and performance to go over my head.

To start off, I think this is Scott Elliot's best piece of direction. His concept and methods have staged a stunning revival.

I particularly enjoyed the "announcements" before each scene and the start of the show itself. It reminded me of an Elizabethan acting troupe traveling the country performing their show in different cities. The stage itself, being completely bare (with exception to some costume racks and a lighting fixture) at the very beginning of the show plays into this concept well. The actors walking on stage are actors. They face the audience plainly and announce what they are about to see. Very straightforward.

I enjoyed the minimalistic sets because it really strips the piece down to its bare components, and forces it in the audience's face. Nothing is sugar-coated. The neon lights announcing where the scenes were taking place served as enough of a basis for the audience to know where they were and even allow them to make their own interpretation of what the setting looks like in their mind.

Much like the basis of the show itself, I feel this production truly honors what THREEPENNY's intentions have always been. It's a true account of how the world is and operates today. This revival stands strong as if to say to the audience: "Here is my show. It's what I am. It's the truth. And I'm not going to take it easy on you."

I think THREEPENNY is a top contender for Lighting Design this year. I really enjoyed it.

My only complaint would be with the song pacing. Maybe it's because I was in the very last row, but I feel some of the songs were really rushed and you really had to strain to make out the words. Maybe this is a sound issue. Maybe some of the cast needs to work on their diction. But it just needs a little fine tuning.

As for the performances:

Alan Cumming: A fine lead performance from him. As many have said, he does fall into Emcee mode every now and then, but I can tell he's trying hard to distance himself from that character. His Macheath is very cold and strong, but he really gets to show his vulnerable sign during the song where he asks for the audience's forgiveness. It was a moving and heart-wrenching performance. Will he win Best Actor? I don't think so. I still feel the race is between JLY and Cerveris.

Cyndi Lauper: All I have to say is: WELCOME TO BROADWAY! Her Jenny is absolutely fantastic. Her Brooklyn accent adds a gritiness to Jenny that I've never seen done before. Lauper has proven that she can act on film and on stage. When she steps on the boards, the woman dominates. Her "Solomon Song" sent a chill up my spine and she looks like she's having a ball on stage. I can only imagine what her Mrs. Lovett would have been like had she been cast in SWEENEY. I think Lauper's a lock for a Featured Actress nomination.

Ana Gasteyer: This being my first time seeing Ana perform live, I went in with only the reviews of her past performances to go by. And the woman lives up to everything that's been written about her. She has an amazing voice and her acting is top-notch. Her Mrs. Peachum is a no nonsense, go behind your back woman who will do anything to make sure she comes out on top. Do NOT get in this woman's way. She will eat you alive. Her "Ballad of the Overwhelming Power of Sex" rattled the walls.

Jim Dale: A fine, fine actor. His Mr. Peachum oozes wit and elegance and will not be defied, even by Macheath himself. He has money and he knows how to use it to his advantage. Dale is a force to be reckoned with. His comic timing is spot on and he has the most fun musical numbers in the show. And the man can dance.

Nellie McKay: I had heard people speak of her as the weak link in this show when it first began previews. Well, she must have been working hard to improve because I found her Polly to be pitch-perfect in every department. She is able to make the quick transition from naive/virginal Peachum's daughter to the ruthless Mrs. Macheath while still showing signs of insecurity when she meets Lucy. The girl can act and her "Pirate Jenny" was very strong. It's painfully obvious that she loves being up on stage.

Brian Charles Rooney: Some may disagree with me, but I found him to be the funniest member of the cast. His comic timing on his lines kept the audience in stitches. His Lucy is sassy, vengeful, witty, obsessive and a downright diva. And, what a voice! "Lucy's Aria" gained the most applause of the evening. A brilliant performance and I can see a possible Featured Actor nomination. It's possible. He won't win it. But I can see him getting a nod.

Wallace Shawn's translation is very modern. It would need to be in order to strike a chord with people in the 21st century society. Although I happen to enjoy previous versions of "Pirate Jenny" lyrics, Shawn's book and lyric translation is raw and unforgiving. I felt his message to the audience was: "Here's how it is. You don't like it? Tough."

THE THREEPENNY OPERA is possibly the most truthful piece of theatre I've ever seen. It shows how society has not changed in the least. Money can still buy you freedom. The guilty can still go unpunished for their deeds. Some people will still betray their best friends for the right price. You need permission to do everything in this country...even beg! And the good girls still want the bad boys.

I think Brecht and Weill would be proud of this version. It continues to push people's buttons and test the nerves of everyday citizens by forcing them to deal with harsh realities and see elements of themselves in characters of THE THREEPENNY OPERA.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 3:06am

I am so glad you enjoyed it!

Cyndi rules all.

I do think Rooney is one of the funniest in the cast!

I think a major problem is that the lyrics aren't as poetic as they should be in the songs...so I think actors have trouble keeping up with the diction, tempo, etc. (Not their fault...)

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 3:12am

I agree with much of your review, especially Cumming, Lauper, etc. The also agree that most of the lyrics are lost - I was in the front mezz and I could only make out about half of the bloody lyrics. I liked Ana Gasteyer and her voice, but I felt her acting was a little too SNL at times. I need to see this show again, I'm sure it's changed immensely since the first preview.

I also love the lighting - the best lighting in a musical this year, by far.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 3:14am

Yes. I had a heart attack in the front row with all the strobe lighting during THE ARMY SONG!


What do we all think about the
And a ship out of nowhere lyric?

Updated On: 4/15/06 at 03:14 AM

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 3:19am

Hate it. It bothered me.

"And a ship, a black freighter" will always have a special place in my heart. I was pretty disappointed with McKay's delivery of the song - it should be given to Lauper - but I'm sure she's gotten better.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 3:22am

Good. I thought I was alone on that...

Even the Donmar "Ship in the harbour" would have been better.

The minute she said it I was a little upset.

Cyndi would have been great (they should do the double version - everyone likes that song anwyay)!

I thought, though, that Nellie did a great job with it.

The only weird thing was her "HA" in the JEALOUSY DUET. It was a weird note.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 4:09am

I saw the show early on, and I really, really hated Nellie...I don't know, she just seemed completely wrong for the role, and her voice just failed her. Maybe she HAS improved. But when I saw her, I was thoroughly disappointed. It saddens me to think how AMAZING Cyndi's "Pirate Jenny" would be... But I'm seeing the show again, and I'll give her another chance.

I wholeheartedly agree about Cindy and Rooney. Theirs were the most memorable performances (and neither make significant appearances until Act II!!).

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 4:10am

Rooney isn't in the Moritat scene, right?

At least we get Cyndi singing that...too bad it isn't a solo!

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 4:16am

Yeah, Rooney's not in Act I at all...Cindy is. And I agree- she's so fantastic in Moritat, you just keep HOPING to see more of her, which you don't get until Act II (but then...wow)

By the way, what are we doing up so late?!
Updated On: 4/15/06 at 04:16 AM

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 4:17am

I loved when I saw it she broke to yell at someone with a ringing cell phone!

It was priceless, she brought down the house.

Man...I hope she plays Lovett!

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 4:24am

I LOVE the Patti, of course...

But, man , I would LOVE to see Cindy play Mrs Lovett in this production!! She'd be FANTASTIC!

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 7:36am

"And a ship, a black freighter" will always have a special place in my heart.

Even the Donmar "Ship in the harbour" would have been better.


I think they should've used the lines from the 1976 translation ("And a ship with eight sails, and its fifty guns loaded...") personally.

Great review, Foa!

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 8:09am

I would love to see it again as soon as I make some freakin money. I've been rushing things like crazy recently so I've tapped myself out.

That being said, I agree that "And the ship, a black freighter" as MUCH more powerful lyrics. When I saw Bea Arthur perform this song in "Just Between Friends," it was so eerie I was shaking.

I can only imagine what Lauper would do with it. I think I would have wet myself. But McKay handles it quite nicely. I think it's the translation I have the most problem with.

I wish Lauper and Rooney made appearances in Act I. I loved, loved, loved how the opening number was staged. I thought it was brilliant. And Cyndi does a fantastic job of welcoming everyone in. But, I fear it's too late into previews to make any drastic changes, like giving her a new number.

(Also, the entire cast could not be more gracious to people. I admit I did stage door this time, only because I have a love in my heart for Ms. Lauper that demanded I meet her just once. And McKay is sweet as can be, as well.)

I think we should all go see it again together.

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 12:49pm

The more I read and listen to this show, the more I love it. I really must see this again!

I agree that it is unfortunate that Cyndi doesnt really show up until Act II. For me, she completely stole the show. The woman is amazing! I also love the opening as well. The part whn the lights shine out at the audience and rise up is so spectacular!

Also a little minor note: When I saw this I sat in row C and I kept hearing the motors that made the curtains open on the side. Dif anyone else notice this or does anyone know if they have managed to quiet it a bit? (It really wasnt a big deal, I am just curious)

Oh, I also forgot that I love the fact that you can feel the subway wiz by under you every 20 minutes or so. It is strange, but I felt it added to the grittiness of the show so well. :)

Updated On: 4/15/06 at 12:49 PM

[creasemouse]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 2:39pm

Are there any photo's of the show?

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 4:41pm

Oh, I also forgot that I love the fact that you can feel the subway wiz by under you every 20 minutes or so. It is strange, but I felt it added to the grittiness of the show so well. :)

Same with CABARET.

Are there any photo's of the show?

Unfortunately, no. The Roundabout doesn't really give their new productions their own websites. And they hardly release any production photos.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 5:14pm

There ARE production photos on the roundabout site.

http://www.3pennyonbroadway.com/

Top right it says "Photo Gallery"

That's where it is for all roundabout shows!

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 5:17pm

And, this is officially my retarded day.

[dirty rotten guy]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 5:20pm

Dont worry, I would never have seen that either.

Thanks for the link!

Updated On: 4/15/06 at 05:20 PM

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 5:21pm

S'alright.

The photos aren't great.

Nellie doesn't look good in any of them.

And where're are pictures of Lucy!?

[ihearttheatre]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 5:23pm

I'm glad I wasn't the only one who had trouble understanding the lyrics! (we were in the cheap seats)

This was my first experience with Brechtian style. It took be awhile to really get into it, but by the end I was completely enthralled. I *loved* the neon lights/sets.
Updated On: 4/15/06 at 05:23 PM

[creasemouse]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 6:30pm

excellent, thank you for the photo's.

i think they look cool, i wish i could aford the flight to ny

[little_sally]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 6:43pm

Great review. I see this show on Wednesday and couldn't be more excited.

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 6:47pm

I hope you enjoy it little_sally!

[BSoBW2]

Posted: 4/15/06 at 9:17pm

P.S. Yes, Rooney et al are in the opening number onstage.

The only one not on stage during Mack the Knife is Macheath.