Baltimore/Washington Backstage- December 30, 2006

For the final column of the year, I'll discuss my recent trip to Broadway as well as some must sees.

Saw the much talked about "The Little Dog Laughed" at the Cort Theatre. This has made many top ten lists.I can't see why. This was a huge success Off-Broadway and should have stayed there. When much of the time you have actors speaking to the audience, I don't find this enjoyable. You can expect a Tony nomination for Best Actress for Julie White who is quite a comedic actress. I got a real kick seeing both Tom Everett Scott and Johnny Galecki "in person". Scott played the leading role in the short-lived television TNT drama "Saved". Galecki has a small but funny role in the TBS comedy which I've recommended to many, "My Boys". You can see the few episodes of this funny show on www.tbs.com.

There are two Broadway musicals making most top ten lists and they both also have come via Off-Broadway. The first "Grey Gardens" I mentioned a few weeks ago. This would NEVER make my top 10 list. The only reason to see it is the wonderful starring role by Christine Ebersole.

The other musical getting much buzz is "Spring Awakening" and I LOVED this. The basis for this musical about sexual awareness is an 1891 German drama by Franz Wedekind.This daring musical has an infectious score by composer Duncan Sheik and lyricist/bookwriter, Steven Sater, a superb cast of future Broadway stars but also features veterans like Tony winner Stephen Spinella ("Angels in America") and Christine Estabrook.You may recall Lea Michelle (Wendla) from the original cast of "Ragtime" where she played the daughter of Jewish immigrant Tatah. Well, she has grown up and has a stunning voice. I remembered John Gallagher, Jr. (Moritz) from his wonderful role in Broadway's Tony winning Best Play "Rabbit Hole". Returning to Broadway from the short-lived "In My Life" is Jonathan Groff (Melchior) who is making his mark as a future star. I loved the ode to "Sweeney Todd" when Groff enters the stage from a rear door. The entire cast and ensemble are superb

I had great expectations about seeing the highly respected Bill T. Jones as choreographer and his work is brilliant.You will marvel at the incredible lighting by Kevin Adams, and the sound by Brian Ronan makes every note and word clear. The clever set design is by Christine Jones ("The Green Bird").The dark costumes by Susan Hilferty add to the intrigue. Kudos to Director Michael Mayer who many may recall from "Triumph of Love" at Center Stage.

A special mention to Music Director Kimberly Grigsby who last did "The Light in the Piazza". What a change this must be for her. From the lush orchestrations of "Piazza" to this great rock score. You can observe Grigsby (keyboards) and the rest of her terrific band who appear in the back of the stage. They include Thad DeBrock (guitar), George Farmer (bass), Trey Files (drums), Benjamin Kalb (cello), Oliver Manchon (violin/guitar) and Hiroko Taguchi (violin). They are also part of the show in a big way and are fun to observe.

 
You can read BWW's review by Michael Dale which was just posted today. You can also see a wonderful video highlight of the show on this web site. For more info and to see and hear highlights, go to the show's website: www.springawakening.com.

Due to its subject matter, this show certainly is NOT for everyone. But, if you want to see something different and challenging, head to the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. I hope to see it again from the $35 seats ON the stage.

Why not try the "Spring Awakening" CD which is #4 on the Billboard Top Cast Album charts. For a review of the CD, see Steven Suskin's great summation dated December 24 on www.playbill.com.

 

For dinner before or after "Spring Awakening", I suggest "Da Marino", a lovely Italian restaurant next door at 220 W. 49th Street (www.damarino.com).  Try their specialty, chocolate pasta!!! And save room for their amazing desserts.

Each year I look forward to the Kennedy Center Honors which CBS televised on Dec. 26. This year the theater world was represented with a glowing tribute to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.  After a short review of Webber's life, there were performances from "Jesus Christ Superstar", Josh Groban singing "Music of the Night" ("Phantom of the Opera"), Christine Ebersole (certain to be a Tony nominee for "Grey Gardens") singing "As if We Never Said Good-Bye" ("Sunset Boulevard"), and an electrifying performance by Elena Roger who is an Argentine actress who is getting rave reviews in London playing Eva Peron in "Evita". This was the first chance for American audiences to witness the talents of Roger who I'm sure will be coming to Broadway in the not-to-distant future. She not only has a terrific voice but is a great dancer as well.The show-stopper, however, was the legendary Betty Buckley who won a Tony for her role in "Cats". She was joined by Sarah Brightman in the anthem "Memory" but it was Buckley whose voice shook the rafters and caused Webber to become teary-eyed.

 
You only have until the end of 2006 to see the lovely Arena Stage production of "She Loves Me". What a great way to celebrate New Year's Eve which will be its last performance.

Why not make it a double-header at the Arena Stage since "Noises Off" recently opened there as well. It is one of the funniest plays ever written and features a wonderful cast. It runs to January 28. 202-488-3300 or www.arenastage.org.

As I mentioned in last week's column, Center Stage is offering the deal of the year New Year's eve with two shows for the price of one. Remember baseball double-headers? Well, following the 7:30 Dec. 31 performance of the delightful Rodgers and Hart musical, "Boys from Syracuse", the talented cast will then present a sixty minute cabaret performance followed by free champagne and dessert. If you've seen the show already, you know how talented this cast is. You can still attend just the cabaret for only $10. Look at this space for a full report.You have until January 14 to see this ambitious and entertaining musical. 410-332-0033 or www.centerstage.org.

Also congratulations to Center Stage for receiving a grant of $45,000 to support their production and for community outreach for Alice Childress' "Trouble in Mind".To whoever applied for this grant…a job well-done. Just imagine how many tickets need to be sold to make $45,000!!

Must continue to remind readers of the Bay Theatre Company of Annapolis' production of "A Man of No Importance" which runs till January 13. Do not miss this musical set in Dublin. 410.268-1333.

Don't forget to take the kids to the Olney Theatre Center to see the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "Cinderella". Kids are half-price!!! You have till January 7. 301-924-4485.

The Kennedy Center continues until January 7 with the Tony winning "A Light in the Piazza". Do not miss this terrific production. 202-467-4600.

Congratulations to Everyman's Artistic Director, Vince Lancisi, for being the only theater professional mentioned in the Baltimore Sun's Editorial homage to poetry on Christmas Day.

I mentioned the big Open House at the Signature Theatre in last week's column. But…I LOVE to report on FREE theater. Circle the week-end of January 13 and 14 for the opening of their new space in Shirleyton Village, Arlington, VA. For FREE: Tony nominee Emily Skinner, Tony nominee Euan Morton, "Into the Woods", eight different cabaret performances, and master classes. Free ticket distribution for select events begins the day of the event at 11:30 a.m. at the new box office. Visit www.signature-theatre.org for more information and a complete schedule of events.  Did I mention this all FREE!!!

 

And if you are one of the few who have never seen the musical "Chicago" LIVE, take advantage of the one week engagement at the Hippodrome starting January 2 and ending Sunday, January 8. Tony winner Melba Moore heads the cast as Mama Morton. 410-837-7400.

Wishing all my readers a Happy New Year!!

cgshubow@broadwayworld.com

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