The Full Monty

The Full Monty

October 23, 2009 8pm

Riverside Community College, CA

The last time I saw a production at this theatre, it was Man of La Mancha and my friend's boyfriend had a role in the show. Last night I saw The Full Monty because my friend's friend had a role in the show.

Both productions have been just below par in this touted 'Off Broadway Series' production. This show only ran for one weekend and there were some huge distractions. Most importantly the vocal quality of some of the actors/actresses left quite a bit to be desired. Not just a scoop or a bit off pitch at times. Every time there was harmony required of any kind the cast just couldn't get it together. Luckily my friend's friend brought the house down in his role of 'Horse'. He is a dynamic personality and this role was perfect for him.

I can't imagine seeing this show without knowing someone in the cast. The quality was just not high enough to recommend it if you aren't personally invested in someone who is on stage. There were quite a few people who walked out once they figured out what the premise was. They did inform my friend when she bought the tickets that the show was rated 'R'. I would imagine that a lot of older people come to this theatre for a cheap evening of live entertainment. Well, the old saying is still true...you get what you pay for.

Evita

Evita

Thursday, October 15, 2009 7:30pm

Azusa Pacific Univ., CA

Finally saw a live production of Evita. Have the Cast Recording and saw the movie with Madonna when it came out and loved it.

It was a very enjoyable evening. While still a college theatre, APU consistently puts on good productions with quality music at the forefront of every musical. The girl who played Evita was wonderful. She had a gorgeous voice and put everything she had into the role. The same can be said for the actor who played her husband, Pres. Peron. The two of them were definitely the high part of this show. The actor who played Che was good, he danced well, but he was a bit sharp at times.

There was an overall sound of yelling the songs that the whole cast had. They most likely were instructed to give it that tone, but all it did was make everything sound the same.

I would recommend any production at APU. They have a nice facility and their shows are exceptionally well done college performances.

Parade

Parade

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 8pm

Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles

This show was amazing!! I'm so glad to finally see this musical by Jason Robert Brown. What a wonderful composer.
All I had heard about this was that it starred TR Knight from 'Grey's Anatomy'. Turns out he has an extensive Broadway resume. I was surprised to find out that Christine d'Amboise and Christian Hoff and Michael Beresse were also in this show. These are big Broadway stars who've recently starred in 'A Chorus Line' & 'Jersey Boys'. The talent in this production is absolutely top notch. A new face that completely blew me away was Laura Pulver. She's done a lot of stage work in the UK apparently and her voice is absolutely amazing.
This production is Broadway ready right now. Someone take this cast to NYC!!
If you're in LA, go see this show!!