Jarethan
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/10/11
#1Ogunquit Singing in the Rain
Posted: 7/9/23 at 1:13am
Earlier this evening, I saw the show in Ogunquit. I was not particularly looking forward to it, because I had not liked the production at the Uris (Gershwin) a thousand years ago, well around 35 - 40 years ago. To my surprise, I loved it, although I felt that the first 20 - 30 minutes could have been tighter, although it was still entertaining.
The main reason for my loving it (much more than other productions I have seen) was the leads. All four were just marvelous.
I had never heard of Max Clayton until I read about him when he went in for Hugh Jackman last year. I remember thinking that I would be upset if I paid for Jackman and saw an understudy. When I finally did see MM, I enjoyed it more than other productions I have seen because of the two leads, both of whom gave real Broadway star performances. (I do remember thinking that Hugh really looked old, but I did not get to see it until late in the engagement).
Well Max Clayton gave the performance and had the charisma of an old-time Broadway star, and I can now imagine that he must have been terrific as Harold Hill. We was absolutely wonderful, dancing spectacularly, singing beautifully, and charming the whole audience with his smile. I really hope he gets an opportunity to lead a new musical one of these days because I can't think of any relatively recent male musical performance that I enjoyed as much as his (I did not see NPH, because I had zero interest in seeing Hedwig).
Christian Probst -- with whom I was totally unfamiliar -- could not have been bettered as Cosmo, nor could Kate Loprest as Lina Lamont. Probst's singing and dancing were great, and his Make Em Laugh was a highlight. Loprest made so much more of an impression than others I have seen in the role...had she not had Clayton and Probst as co-stars, she definitely would have stolen the show. Chiara Trentalange was fine as Cathy Selden, singing and dancing excellently. My only hesitation from giving all-out praise was that she didn't seem quite as sweet and innocent as I expected; still, she was very talented.
This revival -- early pacing issues aside -- convinced me that it is time to give serious consideration to reviving the show, which I have read here is being considered. I have been attending Ogunquit a couple of times a season for at least the last 15 years, and I have never seen the audience reaction to a show and its performers come even close to the enthusiasm this audience demonstrated. They loved it and could not get enough of the performances. Many of the numbers were true show-stoppers. I am sure that a great director will think of ways to tighten the exposition scenes. No doubt they will not give the role to Clayton, but I sure wish they would.
Its only open for another week, but if you're in the neighborhood, you should really consider it.
#2Ogunquit Singing in the Rain
Posted: 7/9/23 at 2:48pm
As I said in a previous post, Clayton would have been a Broadway star in another time. What a wonderful leading man he makes!
Dollypop
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#3Ogunquit Singing in the Rain
Posted: 7/9/23 at 2:53pm
I saw Clayton in THE MUSIC MAN and he outshown every other actor I've seen play the role down through the years. In my opinion, he was the definitive Harold Hill.
"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)
#4Ogunquit Singing in the Rain
Posted: 7/9/23 at 8:55pm
Dollypop said: "I saw Clayton in THE MUSIC MAN and he outshown every other actor I've seen play the role down through the years. In my opinion, he was the definitive Harold Hill."
Echoed entirely. Almost too damn good. Saw the show three times and my favorite was when it was Max and Sutton.
They/them.
"Get up the nerve to be all you deserve to be."
Voter
Leading Actor Joined: 5/19/20
#5Ogunquit Singing in the Rain
Posted: 7/9/23 at 10:09pm
Saw the matinee today and loved the first act! I left at intermission because had to get on the road back to NJ but I’m sure the rest of the production was going to be fantastic. This could definitely do well on Broadway if they polish things here and there. The performance that I attended today was nearly sold out.
