Last night I did a rare thing in the exceedingly expensive world of Broadway theater-going; I went to see a show for a second time. After going to "Xanadu" with Michelle a few weeks ago, I was quick to tell anyone that would listen what an enjoyable 90-minutes it is. When I was leaving the theater last time I was on the phone with David and I could tell by his voice that he was doubtful, to say the least, of the merits of the show I was beaming about.
For a final night out in the "Summer of Nick," I can't imagine a better ending than the insanity that is "Xanadu." Armed with two of my favorite boys, we took our seats in the front of the mezzanine for what has quickly become one of my favorite theater going experiences that I can remember. It's not Shakespeare, but it is laugh-till-you-cry funny from beginning to end and a perfect summer diversion. However, I'm unwilling to just write it off as summer fluff because as far as satirical theater goes, you won't find anything quite like this. Seeing the show for the second time allowed me to watch the chorus a little more closely and realize how perfectly layered all of the action is on stage at all times. While someone is standing center stage making you howl with laughter, there is almost always someone standing upstage who is performing some feat of comedic genius. It is tightly directed but you can tell the cast all has freedom to embellish. Choosing from a gold-mine of 80's dance moves, the choreographer Dan Knechtges, has created zany dances that perfectly compliment the infectious pop-rock score. There is also more accent work packed into this 90-minutes than I've seen in years of theater going, however crude and ridiculous it is. Australian is the prevailing dialect and it never looses its humor when delivered by the vocal powerhouse Kerry Butler, who has never been better.
The cast is one of the hardest working and most committed I have seen on stage recently and this viewing contained a couple of important differences. Cheyenne Jackson, the tall dreamboat of a leading man with piercing blue eyes, was back in his post as Sonny, which meant that Curtis Holbrook could resume his post as one of the Muses. He was a perfect addition and between him and Andre Ward they practically bounce around as much as the light shining off of the many disco balls.
I never thought I would be saying this three months ago when I received a discount flyer, but I'm pretty sure I might have to go back to "Xanadu" for a third time. After seeing the reaction of David and Nick, I can't wait to expose my next victims to this great evening! GO! GO! GO!
IN OTHER NEWS:
I'll be flying back to Montana this afternoon but will do my best to post some SYTYCD thoughts ASAP (so many acronyms!) Jess and Michael will be joining me in the smoky mountain air for the next few days so blogging MIGHT be a little slow!
ALSO:
"Ranting Details" had its biggest day ever yesterday with over 600 visits! Thanks for the support everyone and SPREAD THE RANT!
I love watching shows multiple times! Multiple viewings never take away from my favorite show, it only gets better and better. Ensemble watching is one of the fun things about it.
Jackie Hoffman is hilarious, I would love to see this show almost just for her! I haven't seen this show but really want to. I would never have guessed, from the plot to the program cover, that this is a show I would ever want to see. :)
Posted by: jolene | August 15, 2007 at 08:35 AM