The Jon Blog

It's the last midnight!

Tonight, I saw the new Broadway revival of "Gypsy," after which I went to the final "Pork" at the Lure. I can't believe it's closing.

"Gypsy" was fine. The two biggest problems are 1: Jerry Robbins' estate and 2: Bernadette Peters.

I wish the estate had let the creative staff have a bit more leeway in the production; you could tell that their hands were tied. This doesn't compare at all to Mendes' work on "Cabaret." He really took the show and turned it around and pointed out so much of the grit and grime of that world and that time; but you can tell that he was not allowed to do that for this version of "Gypsy."

The supporting cast is strong (although as Louise, Tammy Blanchard seems to be channelling Millie for a portion of the evening, at least in the looks department), and my favorite number, "All I Need Now Is The Girl" did not live up to my expectations. The strippers are a lot of fun, and "Gimmick" was great. But there is no chemistry between John Dossett and Bernadette. When he finally walks out on her, it's like "about time already!"

Bernadette is a wonderful performer. I sincerely hope that she's able to find the character of Rose. Because as it is, right now, she's Bernadette up there. Sure, she's giving 100%, but she's giving her all - as Bernadette Peters. Not that watching Bernadette Peters is boring, mind you, but she just doesn't seem like what I imagine Mama Rose is. You don't get the sense that she knows what Mama Rose is.

At the end, the applause felt... obligatory, as opposed to last night, at "Nine," where it was a thorough, heartfelt ovation. "Nine," oddly enough, has some directorial issues of its own. It is not as tight as it could or should be, and David Leveaux actually manages to allow Laura Benanti to get lost on the stage. I thought that was against the laws of theatrical physics, but I guess when you let Chita Rivera dance and you let Jane Krakowski wear a rhinestoned flesh colored miniskirt, Laura's demure skirt melds into the background a bit too much.

Did anyone else who saw the show find the water as distracting as I did? I mean, it was beautiful, but it really took away from the other stuff that was going on as it was pooling and swirling. It made a lot of noise, and you just sort of had to wonder about how they got it there. I mean, it sort of makes sense, with everything being set in a spa and all, but still...

Anyhow, not too much to say about the evening at the Lure. I had fun. I met a few cute guys, including a cast member of "Urban Cowboy." We had a really interesting, albeit short, conversation about the play. I said, truthfully, that everyone in it is obviously working their asses off, and it would have been nice to see what they could have done if they'd been given good material to work with. I meant it as a compliment to him, as a performer, and I think he took it that way. I also met a really interesting guy who's a stage manager. We didn't click in any sexual way, but we had a great conversation. It was really weird, all these guys were running around with their cocks out, and we were discussing college, the hankie code, the various cities we've lived in, and the war in Iraq. We shook hands and exchanged numbers. I hope that he and I will become friends; the potential seemed to be there this evening.

Posted by Jon at April 10, 2003 05:13 AM