QUICK TICKET- Shows of the "Lazy Period"

Picasso had his blue period, I had my lazy period. I stopped writing my blog from October '09, to just last week. That's about 5 months of no Broadway...as if. My laziness only extended to new blog posts, not going to actual shows. Please. I was lazy, not dead! So I figured, I would provide reviews of what I saw during my blog hiatus, since some of these shows were good...and others not so good. Here we go....

STILL OPEN:

NEXT TO NORMAL - Alice Ripley stars in this Tony award winning musical about a family dealing with mental illness. I'm gonna be honest here and say I went into this show thinking that I was going to hate it -- but low and behold, I actually liked it. Granted it is not for everyone, it is definitely a little offbeat...but the performances are great and the songs will win you over. Yeah, it's depressing, but it's also funny (there were definitely moments when I thought, "Am I going to hell for laughing at this?"). There are plenty of discounted ticket offers for this show, so if you are looking for something like you have never seen before, and are willing to take a leap of faith, I would check it out. 3.5 Tickets

Next to Normal is playing at the Booth Theater. http://www.nexttonormal.com

MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL - David Bryan is quickly becoming one to watch on Broadway. Who is he you ask? You know him as the curly headed keyboardist of Bon Jovi, but he is also churning out great musicals on Broadway - first with The Toxic Avenger Musical, now with the soulful Memphis. Memphis takes place in the 1950s and is the story about two people - Huey, a white DJ, and Felicia, a black club singer, their love for music and each other. Think a more dramatic Hairspray. Montego Glover is the standout as Felicia, and I hope to see more of her on Broadway. Chad Kimball is pretty great as Huey, however sometimes the character bordered on weird and/or annoying. The whole cast gives 110%, so I think you would definitely enjoy this show despite the fact it may be a bit formulaic, and a little uneven. (The beginning sometimes drags, whereas the last act flies by and stuffs in so much.) The music is great, and if you are not tapping your feet, and humming some tunes when the curtain falls...well, your heart is black and you have no soul. 3.5 Tickets

Memphis the Musical is playing at the Shubert Theater. http://www.memphisthemusical.com

ROCK OF AGES - If you cannot stand Constantine Maroulis, stop reading this now. For those that are still with me, Rock of Ages is a thinly plotted, musical head bang about " a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world" who meets a guy working in a bar in 80s Los Angeles who "won't stop believin'" that he too will become a rock star. Throw in some ridiculous minor side plots, and you have the mess of the musical that is Rock of Ages. Don't get me wrong, I love 80s hair band metal as much as the next guy, ( I even own a copy of Monster Ballads) but this show was just noise, leather, and f-bombs. Half the time I couldn't hear what anyone was saying, and the other half of the time I wish I couldn't hear them, as the girl ensemble singers mutilated "Kiss Me Deadly" among others. (Apologies to Lita Ford.) The intentions are there, but in the spirit of this show, they just couldn't get it up for me. OUCH. 1.5 Tickets

Rock of Ages is now playing at the Brooks Atkinson Theater. http://www.rockofagesmusical.com/broadway.php

RACE - Did he or didn't he? That is the question among many others in Race, a drama about a pair of lawyers defending a wealthy white businessman accused of raping a black woman. Essentially you get to eavesdrop on their debate about whether this man is guilty or innocent and since this is is written and directed by David Mamet, it is one high energy, thought provoking conversation. James Spader and David Alan Grier are awesome as the attorneys, but Kerry Washington has a tendency to overact as their new legal assistant. Overall, if you like a show that will leave you with more questions than answers, I would give Race a shot. 3 Tickets

Race is playing at the Ethel Barrymore theater through June 13th. http://www.raceonbroadway.com

CLOSED:

These shows have closed, but some were so great, I really needed to give them a shout out.

Brighton Beach Memoirs - Neil Simon, need I say more? The best play I had seen in awhile, or maybe ever. I was depressed for a week when they announced it was closing. 5 Tickets.

Oleanna - This show couldn't close fast enough in my opinion. I blame Julia Stiles. It would have gotten zero tickets, if it wasn't for the sheer fact that it was so irritating and annoying I couldn't stop thinking about it. 1 Ticket.

The Understudy - A limited Roundabout Theater production, this show starred Mark Paul Gosselaar (awesome), Julie White (awesomer) and Justin Kirk (awesomest). Aside from my newly discovered attraction to the ex- Zach Morris, this show also proved to be an awesome character piece that definitely entertained. 3.5 Tickets

The Starry Messenger - Matthew Broderick was OK, if not unconvincing as the lead, in this drama about an astronomy teacher and a mid life crisis love affair. Kieran Culkin was great as one of his students, however the highlight of this show for me was standing in the lobby next to Kate Winslet and Victor Garber. OMGEE! 2.5 Tickets

A View From the Bridge - A great revival effort, with excellent performances by Scarlett Johansson and Liev Schreiber. This was a limited run, and I wish that they would have extended it so more people could check it out. 4 tickets.

The Miracle Worker - A truly moving play about Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. Alison Pill, who, in my opinion is one of the greatest young actresses on Broadway today was great as tough as nails Annie, and Abigail Breslin was impressive as Helen. Great performance by my long time love Matthew Modine as well. Just couldn't bring in the crowds though. Your loss. 3.5 Tickets.

All About Me - Dame Edna + Michael Feinstein = a funny mess. 3 tickets.

UP NEXT: A Behanding in Spokane

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilovememphis/4497718046

Lend Me Some Money So I Can See This Show Again!!

I like to laugh. Who doesn't? I also obviously like Broadway. (Duh.) So when a play comes to town that is actually funny AND chock full of awesome talent, I feel as though I need to shout it from the rooftops...or at least write about it in my blog. I know, I have been gone awhile, the blog business is a tough gig...but we can all thank Lend Me a Tenor for giving me the motivation to write again. So see this show....NOW!

WHAT IS IT ABOUT

Lend Me a Tenor is a farce about the opening night of the Cleveland Opera and the wacky hijinks that ensue when the leading man, the greatest tenor in the world...well, let's just say "becomes otherwise engaged". Think – a really funny episode of Three’s Company set in 1934, without Jack, Janet and Chrissy, but with Tito (Anthony LaPaglia), Saunders (Tony Shaloub) and Max (Justin Bartha).

WILL I LIKE THIS SHOW?

YES! Well, if you have a sense of humor. It’s a farce – so it is loaded with mistaken identity, double entendre, slapstick and physical comedy…all that good stuff. The whole cast is AMAZING. Particularly Tony Shaloub (Monk) as the Opera company’s sharp tongued producer, Saunders and Justin Bartha (The Hangover) making his Broadway debut as the persistent assistant Max. To quote the New York Post’s rave review, “Justin Bartha doesn’t just make his Broadway debut, he dynamites the door open.” Yes. He is that good. I also really loved Jan Maxwell as Maria, the Tenor’s distrusting wife. This revival of Ken Ludwig's 1989 Tony nominated play is also directed by Stanley Tucci, who can pretty much do no wrong in my book.

IS THIS SHOW APPROPRIATE FOR KIDS?

13+ seems about right, due to mild sexual humor. Maybe a really smart 12 year old would like it too.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW?

The show site gives all the info you will need – http://lendmeatenoronbroadway.com/

WHERE IS THIS SHOW PLAYING...AND WHAT IS THE THEATER LIKE?

Lend Me a Tenor is at the Music Box Theater in the heart of the theater district. I sat in the left mezzanine. There is a lot of action all over the stage, but I found that minor things to the extreme left of the stage were difficult to see. Try getting seats more towards the center. It's on the smaller side of theaters however, which lends itself very nicely to watching a play….especially one where everyone is laughing.

Music Box Theater
239 W.45th Street (between Broadway and 8th)

Show Times: Tuesdays @ 7PM, Wednesday - Saturday @ 8PM, Wed & Sat @ 2PM, Sunday @ 3PM.

ANY CHEAP TICKET OFFERS FOR THIS SHOW?

Playbill.com, Broadwaybox.com, and Theatermania.com
Tickets for as low as $69.50 during the week and $74.50 on weekends. You need to be a member to access the deals – but it’s free to join!

WHAT DO YOU RATE THIS SHOW? (OUT OF 5 TICKETS)

(4 tickets)

UP NEXT: A Behanding in Spokane

QUICK TICKET - STILL LIFE

Still Life is a play that focuses on a photographer who has lost her way and the man who helps her find it. Along the way it preaches lessons like, "don't take life for granted", "don't dwell on the past" and "no one likes a cokehead D-bag" It's an enjoyable play that should hold your interest, just don't expect anything mind blowing. It's a lot of stuff you have seen before, done by a pretty good cast that are fun to watch. Sarah Paulson (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip) is Carrie Ann, the photog that just can't pull the trigger, and Frederick Weller (In Plain Sight) is Jeffrey, the (cute) trend-analyst who lends a hand. Particularly notable is Matt Rauch as Terry who brings douchebaggery (yes, that is a word) to the next level.

My Quick Ticket take...think of the show like a digital point and shoot camera. It has good features, and will take a decent pic, but if you want a great shot, there are better cameras out there.

Still Life is at the Lucille Lortel Theater through November 1st.
$45 tickets available on Playbill.com

WHAT DO YOU RATE THIS SHOW? (OUT OF 5 TICKETS)

(2.5 TICKETS)

Photo Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelrolph/ / CC BY 2.0

Damn...That's a Good Donut!

Going to a play is hit or miss. I can usually tell within 10 minutes if I am going to like it, or if I am going to want to flee the theater at intermission. If I like a show, after 5 minutes I am hooked. I like the characters I have been introduced to, and I want to learn more about them. If I don't like the show I am pretty much going to get an expensive nap in an awkward position. With Superior Donuts, not only was it love at first scene, but I also craved Dunkin Donuts for about a week.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Superior Donuts is a dark comedy...maybe even a dramedy...that revolves around Arthur Przybyszewski (played by the always phenomenal Michael McKean) a divorcee, ex hippie (he dodged the draft) and proprietor of Superior Donuts, a run down donut shop in Chicago's uptown neighborhood. Arthur is someone who is used to being on his own, and he claims to be happy that way. Enter Franco Wicks (played by newbie Jon Michael Hill, who gets my vote for a Tony nom) an ambitious, fast talking, aspiring writer (...and college dropout) who is in need of a job and has some ideas on how to make Superior Donuts, more reflective of its name.

Without getting too sappy, and giving too much of this great play away, Superior Donuts is about the power of friendship and what happens when two people from vastly different backgrounds, realize they aren't that different after all.

WILL I LIKE THIS SHOW?

I think anyone with a heart and sense of humor will thoroughly enjoy this play. Honestly -- and maybe this makes me a dork (something that I do not deny) -- when this play was over, I just was overwhelmingly happy, and not because visions of chocolate frosted donuts were dancing in my head. I was just really enchanted by the storytelling. Playwright Tracy Letts (who also wrote the amazing August: Osage County) really has an knack for creating characters that you can relate to, even though their circumstance may be completely unique....you feel like you could be watching the lives of real people.

It also doesn't hurt that the cast is amazing. Aside from Michael McKean, and Jon Michael Hill, as the lead roles, Yasen Peyankov as Max Tarasov, and Kate Buddeke as Officer Randy Osteen make up a stellar supporting team.

This show is like a good donut...enjoyable, sweet, and leaves you wanting another one.

IS THIS SHOW APPROPRIATE FOR KIDS?

Honestly, no. It's not intended for children. There's a bit of foul language and violence. I would recommend it for 13+

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW?

This site gives all the info you will need - https://www.broadwaysbestshows.com/shows/superiordonuts/index

WHERE IS THIS SHOW PLAYING...AND WHAT IS THE THEATER LIKE?

You can find Superior Donuts at the Music Box theater in the the heart of the theater district. I sat in the mezzanine and had no issues. It's on the smaller side of theaters which lends itself very nicely to watching a play.

My two complaints about the the theater: 1) Disappointingly, they do not sell donuts in the lobby. 2) It's right across the street from "A Steady Rain" starring Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig...which gets out earlier than Superior Donuts. The night I saw it, you could hear the screams of adoring fans waiting for these two actors at the stage door. It was a little annoying.

Music Box Theater

239 W.45th Street (between Broadway and 8th)

Show Times: Tuesdays @ 7PM, Wednesday - Saturday @ 8PM, Wed & Sat @ 2PM, Sunday @ 3PM. Tickets on sale through March 2010.

ANY CHEAP TICKET OFFERS FOR THIS SHOW?

Ask, and ye shall receive....

• Save almost 40% at Broadwaybox.com. For shows through 11/25/09. http://broadwaybox.com/


• 50% off tickets for selected performances through 11/8/09 at theatermania.com (with free membership.) http://theatermania.com/

WHAT DO YOU RATE THIS SHOW? (OUT OF 5 TICKETS)

(4 tickets)

Up Next: Still Life

Photo attributed to: D. Sharon Pruitt

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/ / CC BY 2.0

John Stamos in Bye Bye Birdie...Put On A Happy Face!

I, Alicia, being of sound mind and body, do hereby promise to be loyal, courteous, steadfast and true to John Stamos, and the United States of America, both indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Before I type anything else, let me get this out of the way. John Stamos is hot. I wanted to say that first, because for many of you that is the only reason you need to see Bye Bye Birdie. John Stamos in a fitted suit and a skinny tie. Oh, and he occasionally sings a song or two. Done and done. But for those who need a little more convincing, I have taken the liberty to review the show in detail - so read on.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Bye Bye Birdie takes place in 1960, and is the story of Albert Peterson (John Stamos), a timid momma's boy who also happens to manage the career of the swoon-worthy teenage pop star, Conrad Birdie (Nolan Funk - great name, right?). Conrad, however has been called off to war, and Albert sees this as the perfect opportunity to cause a media frenzy that will leave him with enough money in his pocket to retire from the music biz and potentially settle down with his feisty secretary, Rose Alverez (Gina Gershon, who is actually really good once you get past the whole not being remotely Spanish at all thing.). Rose, eager for Albert to, as Beyonce would say, "put a ring on it", comes up with the perfect publicity stunt, which involves sending Conrad to the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, where he will receive his last kiss before going overseas from fan club president Kim McAfee. Big city, rebellious, bad boy rockstar meets apple pie, small town America...and hilarity ensues!

WILL I LIKE THIS SHOW?

Ask yourself this question...do I like old-school, irreverent musicals?...and you will have your answer. If you liked shows like Hairspray or Grease, there is no reason you wont like Bye Bye Birdie. If you aren't a fan of musicals, well...just stop reading now.

This is only the second time Bye Bye Birdie has been on Broadway, and the last time Dick Van Dyke played Albert, with Chita Rivera as Rose back in 1960...so the cast has quite legendary shoes to fill. Not to mention the movie version that also starred Dick Van Dyke with Ann Margaret as Kim McAfee is the stuff of legends.

That being said, it is a perfectly enjoyable production with a very competent cast. In fact, one of the things I enjoyed most about this show is that all of the actors are age-appropriate. All the teens in Sweet Apple, are in fact...teenagers. Gabrielle Carteris' need not apply. There are no 28 years olds trying desperately to appear 15. These kids are the real deal. The whole ensemble is high energy and make for some of the greatest numbers of the show. I looked forward to their songs more than, dare I say, the ones that involved....John Stamos. Now, I know I said that he was hot, but that doesn't translate to a stellar performance (it does help a little). He wasn't bad, he was actually pretty good...it's just that some of the other performances are so spot on, you really don't care that John Stamos isn't on stage that much. Stage and screen actor Bill Irwin, in my opinion, steals the show as the zany Mr. MacAfee, and Albert's mother Mae Peterson, played by Jane Houdyshell practically makes your forget that John Stamos is standing right next to her.

IS THIS SHOW APPROPRIATE FOR KIDS?

Hells yeah! Bring the whole family...mom, dad, grandma, aunts, uncles. If it were a movie it would be rated PG. (Speaking of movies, Variety has reported that Alan Shankman, who brought us the remake of Hairspray, is bringing "Bye Bye Birdie" to the big screen in 2011. Zac Efron as Conrad Birdie? Discuss.)

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW?

You can find more out more about Bye Bye Birdie, at the official site: http://www.byebyebirdieonbroadway.com/home

WHERE IS THIS SHOW PLAYING?...AND WHAT IS THE THEATER LIKE?

Bye Bye Birdie is playing at the newly restored Henry Miller's Theater. In an attempt to preserve the historical landmark, they kept the original facade, and built the brand new theater behind it. Pieces of the original theater are used as decoration throughout the new theater, and provide a bit of the old, with the new. It also boasts having EXTRA women's restrooms, 22 to be exact, which is apparently three times the amount required by code. (Any woman who has had to use the restroom during the 15 minutes intermission knows this is a huge deal.) It is also Broadway's first green theater, meeting the environmental standards of the United States Green Building Council. If you would like to know more about the restoration and all of the green details, check out this article in the NY TIMES : http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/04/theater/04Green.html?_r=1

Obviously since the theater is new, all of the seats are comfortable, and designed with lots of leg room. I sat in the first row - center mezzanine, and the view was awesome! The entire mezzanine is not that large -- but very steep...so the views are good all around. In a crazy twist, when you enter the theater...you are at mezzanine level...you need to walk downstairs to be seated in the orchestra section.

HENRY MILLER'S THEATER

124 W. 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036 (between Broadway & 6th Avenue)Performances: Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri @ 8PM -- Wed @ 2 -- Saturday @ 2 and 8PM -- Sunday @ 2PM

ANY CHEAP TICKET OFFERS FOR THIS SHOW?

Of course there is! Try these:

• Seasons of Savings has up to 45% off on select tickets. Offer expires 10/15/09, check out http://www.seasonofsavings.com/shows/on_broadway for more details
  


• Save over 35% on select seats with Playbill. (Free membership required.) http://www.playbill.com/club/offers
  


• Broadway Box...$76.50 f0r orchestra seats http://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/bye_bye_birdie_nyc_tickets.aspx
  


• Check out theatermania.com and save over 30% for performances until 11/25/09. (Free membership required. http://www.theatermania.com/


• Are you Conrad Birdie's biggest fan? Enter the Bye Bye Birdie contest and win 2 orchestra tickets...just by spreading the word and proving your undying love. http://www.byebyebirdieonbroadway.com/contest

WHAT DO YOU RATE THIS SHOW? (OUT OF 5 TICKETS)

(3.5 Tickets)

UP NEXT: Superior Donuts

Toxic Avenger….you had me at Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore

When I get to a show, one of my rituals is reading the Playbill. I like to know who is in the show, ("Wow, a lot of these people were on Law and Order.") I like to see where the show is set, if there is any intermission, etc. But, to be honest, for a musical, I don't like looking at the song list. I just feel like it ruins the surprise, call me crazy. However, at my recent trip to The Toxic Avenger Musical, my theater going friend insisted on reading the song list...and sharing it with me. "There is a song called Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore" she shouts. WHAT?! So, naturally, my interest was piqued...and against my usual M.O. I looked at the other songs..."Evil is Hot", "All Men Are Freaks"...I hated knowing what was in store, but at the same time, I knew that I would love this show...damn you Toxic Avenger...you had me at Bitch/Slut/Liar/Whore.


WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

For those not into cult films, The Toxic Avenger is based on a low budget, yet highly entertaining 1984 B-movie of the same name (minus the musical). The musical revolves around New Jersey resident, Melvin Ferd the Third (Nick Cordero). In his quest to rid the Garden State of toxic waste (and nasty smell), Melvin gets transformed into a hero of sorts when he falls into a vat of green ooze. Throw in a blind librarian (a really impressive American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo) as the love interest, a corrupt New Jersey government official (the amazing Nancy Opel) as the villain, add a hysterical rock-n-roll soundtrack (music and lyrics by David Bryan of Bon Jovi...HELLO!), and you have the Toxic Avenger Musical.

WILL I LIKE THIS SHOW?

Let's put it this way -- if you do not like this show, you are either Amish, a zombie, or a member of the Duggar family (ouch, was that mean?). Now granted, this show is a great blend of sarcasm-raunch, and contains mostly low brow, gross-out, "make fun of blind people" humor, there is the potential to not enjoy yourself, if you have high moral standards when it comes to entertainment and are for the most part boring.

When I say I laughed so hard, I cried, I am not exaggerating. This is a fun show. Be prepared to laugh -- a lot. This show does not take itself seriously, and neither should you. HOWEVER, you should take the performers seriously...because the entire cast is amazing. Aside from the main players that I mentioned above, Demond Green as "black dude" and Jonathan Root as "white dude" play almost every other character on the show and offer some of the most laugh-inducing moments of the performance.

IS THIS SHOW APPROPRIATE FOR KIDS?

Probably not. There is foul language, sexual situations (albeit humorous ones) and some flying dismembered body parts, so taking anyone under 13 will probably not win you any "Parent of the Year" awards.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS SHOW?

You can check out the official Toxic Avenger Musical site here: http://www.toxicavengermusical.com/ and if you really have some hot, toxic love, you can go to the official fan site here: http://www.toxiefans.com/

HAS THIS SHOW WON ANY AWARDS? (....because that matters to me.)

2009 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Off-Broadway Musical

WHERE IS THIS SHOW PLAYING? ...AND WHAT IS THE THEATER LIKE?

The Toxic Avenger Musical is playing at the New World Stages, a great modern theater complex, right in the heart of midtown. The theater is relatively small, and there is not a bad seat in the house. Most seats are considered orchestra. All seats have ample leg room, and have a good view of the stage. There is a small, two row mezzanine referred to as the "Tox Box", which according to the Toxic website, "offers an exclusive area overlooking the stage that allows you to relax while you rock out at The Toxic Avenger, with two drinks INCLUDED in the ticket price."

New World Stages has a TONY ( Time Out New York...for those not into acronyms) lounge which offers drinks that they proudly boast, "you can bring into the theater". True story: a very buzzed woman was in front of me for The Toxic Avenger Musical --she gave toxic love a whole new meaning. CLASSY!

NEW WORLD STAGES

340 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019

Performances: Mon, Wed, Friday at 8PM -- Saturday at 4 and 8PM and Sunday at 3 and 7:30PM

ANY CHEAP TICKET OFFERS FOR THIS SHOW?

Buying tickets straight from Telecharge with no code, will run you $51.50 - $71.50...but who plays full price? I mean really??! Try taking advantage of these offers:

• Playbill.com has an offer for $45 tickets through 9/30 (you must be a Playbill.com member, but it is free and easy to register). www.playbill.com/club/offers


• If you join the Toxie Fan Club for free, you can get a code for $45 tickets. www.toxiefans.com/main/authorization/signUp


• Broadway Box - $35 tickets http://www.broadwaybox.com/


• Student Rush tickets - $25 tickets - These are based on availability, a limited number of seats will be sold on the day of the performance for only $25. Box office only. Valid student ID required. 2 tickets per ID, cash only.

WHAT DO YOU RATE THIS SHOW? (OUT OF 5 TICKETS)

(4 Tickets)

UP NEXT: Bye, Bye Birdie