Sunday, June 23, 2013

Mr. F Reviews ... Unbroken Circle

This, amazing, show had more emotion than Texas has Republicans. The first act of Unbroken Circle by James Wesley will have your laughing out loud in your seat. With quick wit and amazing humor, supplied suddely by Eve Plum (as June) and in a fun-snarky way by Annika Larsen (Edna), this play keeps you panting for more. It isn't until the second act that you realize that Wesley has been preparing you for an amazing emotional journey. With shocking revelations and unforeseen epiphanies this show will leave you with much to talk about on the trip home. See it today and you will still be talking about it tomorrow!



Quick Notes:


  • Who Should See It? Everyone ages 14 and up (some adult material is presented)
  • Best part of the show? The writing in general
  • Actor/Actress?  Suzanna Hay (as Ruby) (such emotion)
Report Card
Cast: A
Set Design: B
Lighting: B+
Direction: B-

Monday, April 15, 2013

Mr. F Reviews .... The Nance

WOW! Douglas Carter Beane has really outdone himself this time.  It's as if this part was made for Nathan Lane!  This beautiful and hilarious story tells of Chauncey Miles (Lane) and his love of men and burlesque.  There is an emotional struggle that only Beane can walk you through.   With amazing direction (Jack O'Brien) and an unbelievable set (John Lee Beatty) this is the play to see on Broadway!

Quick Notes:

  • Who Should See It? Everyone ages 14 and up (some adult material is presented)
  • Best part of the show? Nathan Lane and the incredible Set
  • Actor/Actress?  Nathan Lane
Report Card
Cast: A
Set Design: A++
Lighting: A+
Direction: A

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Mr. F. Reviews ... Hands on a Harbody

A true American Musical, Hands on a Hardbody will keep your head bobbing and your feet tapping.  With incredible music and a mega-talented cast, Hardbody leaves something to be desired in means of the story-line.  While I appreciate the main focus (a bunch of people with their hands on a truck to win it) the secondary storyline (a suffering dealership) was weak and, in my opinion, not needed.  Overall one heck of a show!

Quick Notes:

  • Who Should See It? Anyone with a southern twang
  • Best part of the show? Music
  • Actor/Actress?   Jon Rua (as Jesus)
  • Best Song? I'm Gone


Report Card
Cast: A+
Set Design: B
Lighting: B
Music (songs): A+
Orchestra: B+
Direction: B
Choreography:  B+

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Mr. F. Reviews .... Cinderella

Take everything you know about Cinderella and put it to the side ... don't throw it out (it's a great story!)  The new production of Rodgers and Hammersteins tale of Cinderella has opened on Broadway and it's the classic story for a modern audience.  I greatly enjoy modern musicals, that's why I was nervous (at first) to hear that Cinderella was finally coming to Broadway.  Don't get me wrong I love the classics too, but many shows just don't relate to modern audiences.  This version of Cinderella, with new book by Douglas Carter Beane, will make both the young and the young at heart happy.

In this new version Cinderella doesn't just make Cinderella take charge of her own life, but also help those around her including the Prince!  The best thing about the new book is the new depth and appreciation it gives to each of the primary characters.  We've always thought of the prince to be a strong-handsome young man who is looking for love -- but there is so much more to him.  The prince, played well by Santino Fontana, learns to care about the world, rather than just himself (thanks to Cinderella).

The cast does a fantastic job with the R&H music and book.  Victoria Clark as the Fairy God Mother truly touches your heart and her magic lives on for hours once the show is over.  And although I would love to see Ann Harada's character a bit more, she is hilarious and adds the modern humor we desire for.  One of the biggest shocks you will find in the new story is the relationship between step-sister, Gabrielle (Marla Mindelle) and Jean-Michel (Greg Hildreth).  It's a nice touch and takes away some of the anger we usually have for Cinderella's family.

The big story of the night is the beautiful Laura Osnes (Cinderella).  I would like to say "She was born to play this role", but having seen her in Bonnie and Clyde (as Bonnie) I can now just say "She was born to be on Broadway".  This girl can take any show and make it worth it!  She finally has been given a chance to prove her star power!

Quick Notes:

  • Who Should See It? Everyone ages 6 and up (while I think younger kids would enjoy it - 2 1/2 hours is a long time!)
  • Best part of the show? Scenic and Lighting design are amazing
  • Actor/Actress?  Laura Osnes (I want the cast recording now!)
  • Best Song? In My Own Little Corner (although I can't stop singing 10 Minutes Ago!)
Report Card
Cast: A+
Set Design: A
Lighting: A+
Music (songs): A
Orchestra: A+
Direction: A-
Choreography:  A

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Display Your Playbills


So, one of the best parts about going to see a show or being in a show is the memories you bring home with you.  And what a way to remind yourself of a great time than the program or Playbill from a show!  For me, I like to frame each of my Playbills from Broadway (and Off-Broadway) shows!!  I also frame the programs from shows I've worked on.

Here's how I do it:
  1. I use certificate frames (the ones for diplomas, etc.) from Dollar Tree (yes, they are only $1). They measure 8 X 10½", which is perfect for 2 Playbills to fit! [Buy them here]
  2. I take two Playbills (programs) and place them together in the center.  I usually try to theme them is someway that makes sense to me!  Like Lysistrata Jones and Sister Act are together because they are written by the same guy!  Or maybe just in the order you saw them.
  3. You could also buy some cool scrap book paper and cut to fit the frame.  You could put the Playbill in one side and your ticket stub on the other side.  It's an easy and cheap way to display your Playbills!
Playbill also sells some really cool frames, they are more than the $1 mine cost, but they are of excellent quality and are REALLY cool!  [Buy them here]

See you Down in Front,

Mr. F.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Mr. F. Reviews .... Chaplin!

Rob McClure is a star!  There I said it ... now only continue reading if you REALLY want to know what I think if this musical about the 'Little Tramp' Charlie Chaplin.

O.k. I warned you ... the Chaplin musical opens with Charlie on a tight rope, which I think is symbolic of the entire show, which walked a fine-shaky-uneven line with me.

The musical tells the story of the amazing career of Charlie Chaplin, who revolutionized film and, to be honest, entertainment as we know it.  The musical doesn't seem to meet many of it's goals.  First in book by Thomas Meehan and Christopher Curtis which is weak at best. The show seems to jump from a 'documentary' feel (with 'scene' shots directed at the audience) to story-telling to embracing the audience in the story.  The best way to describe the script would be 'uneven'.  Now, I'm not saying that there isn't potential in the book - I just don't think it's 100% ready.

The music and lyrics by Christopher Curtis also fall short for me.  There are some nice tunes that almost embrace the story, but I feel fall short of what they intend to do.  Same as the book - I think the music has great potential but isn't quite there.

The musical does achieve one goal - education.  I learned a lot that I didn't know about Charlie Chaplin (I didn't know much to be honest).  I walked away from the show with an understanding of the Little Tramp - so, I guess the book/music wasn't a complete waste.  Maybe I just need to see/hear it over and over a few more times.

The highlight of this show is the unbelievably talented cast!  They are just remarkable!  Lead by Rob McClure, who deserves a Tony Nom no matter how well the show does, the cast works their tails off from curtain to curtain with, what I will call, some of the best acting in a musical I have ever seen.  A big congrats goes to director/choreographer Warren Carlyle, who did a great job with the material.

Another highlight of the show is the scenic design by Beowulf Borritt and costumes by Amy Clark.  The show is visually stunning from lights on up!  (well, I guess down)


Quick Notes:

  • Who Should See It? Chaplin fans, anyone who enjoys black and white, pop-culture/history buffs
  • Best part of the show? The cast and scenic design
  • Actor/Actress?  Hands Down - Rob McClure who embraced this character for all he's worth!
  • Best Song? The Life That You Wished For
Report Card
Cast: A+
Set Design: A+
Lighting: A
Music (songs): C
Orchestra: B+
Direction: A
Choreography:  A



Sunday, August 19, 2012

Mr. F. Reviews ... Dogfight

Well, after the exceptional review Mr. B. gave about Dogfight (read it here) I thought I would go check it out.  Nothing like the last minute! (literally the day before it closes).  Well, just as Mr. B. said - Dogfight is a remarkable musical.  Not since Next to Normal, have I been brought on what I like to call an 'Emotional Roller-coaster' like this!  The book is witty and funny with lots of emotion.  The two stars of the show Lindsay Mendez and Derek Klena are spectacular as Rose and Birdlance, respectively.

The entire cast does a remarkable job.  Both Nick Blaemire and Josh Segarra are at the top of their game playing the supporting 'bees' in this show.  The set design by David Zinn is perfect and features a turntable where sets flow on with ease and work well with the choreography by Christopher Gattelli.

The music and lyrics, by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, tell their own story and help to move not only the story but add to the emotional impact of the performance.  The only negative, and if you know me you know the #1 thing I go to a show for is -- Lighting!  While I think the lighting was great most of the times - there were many shadows on actors faces leaving them in the dark at times.

Dogfight closes today, August 19, but let's hope it makes a transfer to Broadway!

Quick Notes:

  • Who Should See It? Anyone! It's a great show for teens and adults.  Great story and great historical references!
  • Best part of the show? The cast is incredible!
  • Actor/Actress?  Of course, Lindsay Mendez!  But really, the whole cast is spectacular!
  • Best Song? Come to A Party
Report Card
Cast: A+
Set Design: A
Lighting: B+
Music (songs): A-
Orchestra: B+
Direction: A
Choreography:  A-