REVIEW: "The Addams Family" in New York, NY

Performance: Wednesday, March 17^th @ 8:00pm

Location: Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, New York, NY

I could not have asked for a better end to my theatre run in New York. The Addams Family, a brand new musical based on Charles Addams “Addams Family” cartoons, left me literally in pain from laughter! This new musical is still in previews and a number of changes have been made since its premiere in Chicago. This show explores the consequences of Wednesday falling in love with a “normal” boy. Be prepared for the normally abnormal antics of the family we have all come to know and love through the television show and Addams' comics.

The Lunt-Fontanne theatre could not be a better venue for this show. Its walls are lined with electric candleabras, setting the mood. The sets are bigger than life and even the large red curtain seems to have a life of it's own, as it contorts in ways I have never before seen in order to show the audience what is meant to be seen -- not to mention the tassle that falls to the ground and immediately runs away on its own "two feet". The artistic direction and choices make it impossible not to love the atmosphere this show creates.

Nathan Lane (Gomez) and Bebe Neuwirth (Morticia) embody the spooky couple, leaders of the household. Lane's comedic timing and over the top portrayal are nothing less than perfect, while Neuwirth's unforgettable voice and sleek appearance bring Morticia to life once again. The only thing better than listening to Neuwirth sing is hearing her sing AND watching her dance. Her dance number in "Tange de Amor" in the second act practically brought the house down then and there. I've never seen any actress who can make dancing look so effortless.

Another outstanding performance came from Krysta Rodriguez (Wednesday). Rodriguez is not a new name to Broadway. She appeared in the original casts of both In the Heights and Spring Awakening. She brought not only a booming, beautiful voice, but laughter to the Wednesday's growing pains. I was greatly impressed by her performance and I feel confident that we will see much of her in the future.

A musical based in reality this is not. If you are looking for a thought-provoking, let's discuss over coffee musical, you won't find it here. But if you are looking for fun, laughter, and outstanding comical and musical performances, this is your show! There are still many weeks to enjoy the family!

REVIEW: "A Little Night Music" in New York City

Performance: Wednesday, March 17^th @ 2:00pm

Location: Walter Kerr Theatre, New York, NY

I’m embarrassed to say that I almost passed up the opportunity to see A Little Night Music during my three day stay in Manhattan. How can anyone pass up a Sondheim in good conscience? I was pleasantly surprised to find myself in the second row, close enough to reach out and touch the stage.

Who knew one could find so much humor in infidelity, though humor there was. Initially my motivation for seeing the show was to not miss out on the opportunity to see Angela Lansbury on Broadway. With her long and coveted career on Broadway, she is a presence. While I enjoyed her portrayal of Madame Armfeld, I was far more taken by Catherine Zeta-Jones (Desiree Armfeld) and Leigh Ann Larkin (Petra).

Zeta-Jones was both sultry and full of grace. I enjoyed her burning quips, but even more her sense of vulnerability during Send in the Clowns. She flawlessly stitched together the face of Desiree Armfeld. Both she and Larkin embraced the free spirited nature of these women.

Larkin’s performance brought a smile to my face from the moment she spoke her first line. All you had to do was look into her eyes to see the mischief. She was free spirited, dramatic, but not overly dramatic and just plain fun! I thoroughly enjoyed the life she brought to Petra.

I, in no way, want to ignore the overall cohesion and talent of this cast. There was not a misstep from start to end and I left the theatre with a smile on my face and even a few tears in my eyes.

I am now very interested to see what the Indiana University Theatre Department does with this show, as I will see their production the first weekend in April. While I don’t think it would be fair to compare the two casts, I welcome the opportunity to take in A Little Night Music one more time.

REVIEW: "A View From the Bridge" in New York City

Performance: Tuesday, March 16th @ 7:00pm

Location: Cort Theatre, New York, NY

A burnt orange/brown, depending on the lighting, Brooklyn city street began to tell the story before it even began. The simulated moonlight meant a sliver of a reflection of the Brooklyn bridge could be seen against the side of the building. It has been 17 years since I found myself in New York City, on Broadway and I was prepared to allow the cast of A View From the Bridge to take me wherever they wanted to.

While very familiar with many of Arthur Miller's plays, I realized that my familiarity has come only from reading them. I have never had the opportunity to experience one on the stage. A View From the Bridge follows a path of obsession taken by longshoreman Eddie (Liev Schreiber), since his niece Catherine (Scarlett Johansson) has grown up in he and his wife, Beatrice's (Jessica Hecht) care. (All seen to the right) When two cousins come to stay with them, as illegal immigrants, and love blossoms between Catherine and Rodolpho (Morgan Spector), Eddie is barely able to contain his rage.

I was immediately drawn in by Louis (Robert Turano), a local lawyer, and the narrator of the play. In many way, Louis represented the voice of reason and reality within the chaos that slowly builds. He presented a steady and strong voice that led me to want for the next part of the story. In fact, it was the natural ease of the actors and actresses that allowed reality to melt away, so that we might all glimpse through the small hole in the wall as the silent observers.

There was a clear chemistry between cast members and the transformation of Johansson and Schreiber into niece and uncle was seamless. Johansson was barely recognizable with her long brown locks and thick New York accent, while Schreiber commanded the stage, at least a foot taller than Johansson. This made for an added visual dynamic of the power Eddie held over Catherine. In addition to the story, I appreciated the glimpse into life in Brooklyn during the 1950's. The evidence of a truly remarkable production is when you realize your natural ability to empathize with each of the character, as people.

A View From the Bridge was a wonderful introduction back to Broadway in New York City. The show is in the final 3 weeks of its run. If you are ready to be swept away to 1950's Brooklyn for a couple of hours, don't miss this show!