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Go-Gos musical HEAD OVER HEELS will open at Broadway’s Hudson this summer |
I had to scroll way back to find this thread so clearly I'm late to the party. Actually, I was going to skip the party altogether until a buddy invited me on Wednesday to go tonight. And let me just say . . .
I'm f'ing glad I did! 
What a fun rockin' evening at the theater. Yes, yes, take it for what it is. Very much reminded me of the stage production of Priscilla. Campy fun that doesn't take it itself serious. It helps to go in with the expectation of just having fun. (Of course a few "Curse of Gingers" cocktails at Gingers in the Financial District helped.
Just got home and here are some random thoughts from a very tired brain:
The two numbers I enjoyed the most -- Heaven...Earth and Mad About You -- are no Go Go's songs, but from Belinda's solo career.
They need to trim about 10-15 minutes from each act, and especially Act 1. It ends with a wonderful performance of Vacation by Mopsa on the Isle of Lesbos with a backup chorus of mermaids. Great number, great visuals. The curtain drops and I'm half-way out of my seat to beat the rush to the restroom. Not so fast. There is another -- or was it two -- book scenes before the act ends with .. hmm ... I don't recall the number.
Often you hear about created a Tony for ensembles. This ensemble deserves it. They give 150%, great movements and just a joy to watch. In fact I found myself watching them more then the principals. It's my honor to name these outstanding performers: Amber Ardolino, Yurel Echezarreta, Ari Groover, Tanya Haglund, Gregeroy Liles, Samantha Pollino, Justin Prescott, Rocardo A. Zayas. Bravo!
Spencer Liff's choreography for the ensemble is exceptional. It would be easy in a piece like this to exaggerate and go over the top. He doesn't, but he has created enough uniqueness to really be memorable. He'll definitely get a Tony nom and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if he gets the win next June.
The songs blended well with the book and didn't feel forced in or shoehorned. I always about jukeboxes: "Oh, my, I could use a vacation!" followed by the open beat of "Vacation," that kinda thing. Great job blending the songs.
The Old English, Shakespearean language needs to go. My buddy and the delightful lesbian couple next to us agree. Too hard to understand, and doesn't add anything.
I adore Rachel York and I'd pay premium orchestra seating to listen to her read the phone book. I've had the pleasure of meeting her a few times thanks to a former co-worker. Bummed she had a small supporting role. Can someone please write this woman a show already!
The band -- OMG the band! Hidden behind a backdrop they are revealed during the curtain all to thunderous applause. I noticed something. During exit music everyone -- except me and a handful of others -- stay until the end. Tonight only a couple people left. Everyone hung out to enjoy their playing and gave them a final enthusiastic round of applause. The all girl musicians are Kimberly Grigsby, Jane Cardona, Ann Klein, Bess Rogers, Catherine Popper, Dena Tauriello. My only criticism is the band often drowned out the singers. I loved their sound so the volume and bass were awesome, but we need to hear and understand the actors too. Fortunately I still know the GG's lyrics by heart; someone who doesn't might be very confused.
Most of the musical numbers have great energy and grab your attention. The book scenes, eh, not so much. Could be becuase of the Old English.
Andrew Durand lovingly steals a few scenes. Wonderful comic, good but not great singer, but a real pleasure to watch.
Outstanding lighting effects on stage and throughout the theater. Felt like being in a disco and really draws you in, makes you feel more a part of what's happening on stage.
Set pieces are cheap looking as others noted here. They're more than cardboard-looking, but not much. Yet they worked for me. I viewed this almost as a comic book, so cartoonish set pieces are fine with me.
I think this will find a home on Broadway. It may take some stunt casting. I don't own a TV and don't watch Drag Race so I wasn't familiar with Peppermint, but everyone else knew her. Will it have a long run. No, but I don't think anyone expects that. But if it can bring some fun and joy to our world -- and paychecks for actors, musicians, and crew -- for a season or two, go for it!
Closes Sunday so you have three more chances to see it. Balcony was 1/3 full so easy to get tix.
**Edited to add . . . Meant to give a shout out to the projections during Peppermint's first number. Takes place in a cave or lair or some sort, and the projections are alive with snakes writhing around. Very cool effect, almost subtle, and a bit hypnotic.
joined:4/26/16
joined:
4/26/16
Posted: 4/17/18 at 5:19am