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eirenicalFirst the brief weight loss update: another 2 lbs. down this week and we are on a roll! :D That's a total of 41.8 lbs. gone. That's a five year old boy. O_O That's a lot of weight. In another 1.4 lbs. I will have lost 20% of the total weight I was carrying when I started this thing. ^_^ Yay!
And now on to what you came here for... or not. ^_^
OK... so, trying to approach this objectively is going to be darned near impossible, so I'm not even going to try. I acknowledge, right up front, that I went into this performance with every preconceived notion possible. I was also too churned up emotionally to notice even half the things I wanted to. And you know what? That's OK. ^_^
First things first: Hair is still Hair. Old cast, new cast, concert-in-the-park cast, community cast... it doesn't matter. It's still a wild ride and it still makes me feel. Feel what? Feel everything, man. ^_^ From laughter and joy to tears and sorrow to swelling, irrational anger. It's an emotional roller coaster and it always will be. And I adore every damned second of it. No one performer (or two or three) can ruin that. Being in that theatre again, watching this show, was like coming home.
That being said, let's take a closer look. ^_^ And please keep in mind, this is all strictly my own opinion and has been colored by the opposing forces of a) still being depressed over the loss and consequent breakdown of the original revival cast, b) still being shocked and depressed that in one week Hair will be gone from the Al Hirschfeld and c) being ashamed of myself for resenting the new cast so much that I didn't see them sooner... and the thought that perhaps we, as fans, let the Starshine Tribe down in some way by not filling their audience the way we ought to have. Again, strictly my own thoughts -- it's my journal, that's what it's for. *g*
Stand out performances:
1. Paris Remillard!!! Literally two days before the show, I was commenting to![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
iscreamlouder, asking if it was wrong of me to wish that Paris Remillard was going to play Claude on Friday. I had always wanted to see him play Claude -- he is unbelievably talented, has an amazing voice and is so very pretty. ^_^ ((And he's the one who gave me daisies the first time I went to see the show on January 24th. ^_^ Plucked a double set right off the bunch and handed them right to me. *coughs* Pardon the fangirl moment. O_O)) But I always had this conflicting issue of never wanting to miss Gavin Creel in the role. Hmm... problem. So, nothing against Kyle Riabko, but as I had no real pressing desire to see him (just no real attachment), and I did have a rather strong desire to see Paris in the part... *shrugs* ^_^ Especially as now, I wouldn't have to miss Gavin to see Paris. Score! :D
So, we get to the theatre and we're making our way through the line in the outer lobby whenmsorange21 pokes my shoulder and points out the understudies board. Paris was playing Claude!!! My poor little heart gave one massive lurch, tripped into a rapid, pitter-patter beat of pure joy and didn't let me down off that high until... well... *sweatdrop* ...hasn't happened yet. I'll let you know. ^_~
Anyway, he was worth every second of the wait. Right off the bat, I was shocked and pleased by his performance. He has a powerful, beautiful voice and a much stronger stage presence than I would have assumed. As a person (at stage door, anyway) he always seems a little shy, unassuming, very sweet. ^_^ And his tribe character is like that, too. Very loving, very sweet, a little cuddly. His Claude? Holy Moses. Totally different ball game. Also totally different from Gavin Creel's Claude -- and that was what made him so spectacular.
||--------*pause for side note* On the whole, that was what I noticed was lacking in much of the new cast. Too many of them were just trying to copy what made their predecessors successful. Unfortunately, those are some awfully large shoes to fill and in most cases it just can't be done. No one else will ever be Will Swenson, Sasha Allen or Kacie Shiek (to name only a few O_o). The actors/actresses who were the most successful in their roles were the ones who didn't create pale imitations of those who'd gone before. They took the parts and made them their own. And you know what? Because of that, I was able to love them for themselves, not resent them for who I wished they were. So major props to every one of them! *end pause*--------||
*picking back up* Gavin's Claude always made you feel like he was about to break into a million pieces, like his bonds with his Tribe were all that held him together. He was led by his Tribe instead of the other way around and he held them together by his need for them. And he always seemed so very lost. And that was why I loved him. Every time I watched him fall apart piece by piece on that stage, every time I saw him lose piece after piece of himself with each scene until he finally goes a little mad at the end, breaking apart completely... I cried. I wanted to grab him up and wrap him in cotton, tuck him somewhere safe away from the cruel world. (*coughs* My fanfiction notwithstanding. ^_^) That was Gavin's Claude (and presumably still is ^_^).
Paris's Claude is another man altogether. ^_^ Right out of the starting gate, he's a stronger man. He seems to know a little better who he is. He's a bit of a brat (just like Gavin's Claude), but he's aware of it and plays it up to the hilt. He's stronger in his convictions -- the few he has. And this Claude isn't led by his Tribe. He leads them. It comes across loud and clear that they would follow him to the ends of the Earth and beyond -- not because he needs them to keep himself whole, but because they couldn't do any less if they tried. He's that charismatic a force.
And, again, because Paris took that part and made it his own, I didn't resent him for not being Gavin. Of course, as noted, I was predisposed to liking him to begin with, but even if I hadn't been, this still would have made me love him. ^_^ And his singing was spot-on. He has a very rich, beautiful voice, both for singing and speaking. I am so very glad I got to see him play Claude. If I knew he was going to get to do it again, I might even try to see it one last (really, this time!) time. ^_^
Wow... that... hrm. That took me a lot longer to say than anticipated. Maybe I should write this up as a series of entries instead of just the one... *sheepish grin* Anywaymovingonnow.
2. Number two has to be Jason Wooten as Woof. I went into this performance knowing nothing about him but that my friends adored him and he wasn't Bryce. I was conflicted, but willing to be resolved. ^_^ I needn't have worried. He was another actor that didn't try to be his predecessor. He just tried to be his character. And you know what? He succeeded. ^_^ Bryce's Woof was very shy, very self-deprecating... and really... I know this sounds bad, but he reminded me of Eeyore. O_O A lot. Don't get me wrong -- I loved Bryce (still do!) and adored his Woof, but he always seemed like he was a cocker spaniel that someone had left out in the rain. Just a little pathetic. In my head, that's who Woof was. Even when I saw Jay Armstrong Johnson play him, that's who he was.
Not Jason Wooten. ^_^ From the moment he opened his mouth and said his first lines -- hell, from the moment he made his first facial expression -- I already knew that his was a very different Woof. Bryce's Woof always had a sense of humor around him... but you got the feeling that it was because everyone was laughing at him, not with him, and it wasn't by his own choice. Jason Wooten's Woof? *snickers* Noooooot so much. In his case, people might still have been laughing at him, but it was because he was provoking the laughter. Again, a stronger character -- not so much a soaked cocker spaniel... more a goofy yellow Lab. ^_^
The other thing you notice right away is that when Bryce's Woof claims to not be a homosexual, you kind of half believe him. He chases after all the girls and there's nothing particularly effeminate about him. He's just shy. Jason Wooten's Woof, on the other hand... comes across differently. When he claims he isn't a homosexual... you don't believe him at all. Period. XD His gestures are very effeminate and elaborate in a very well-cultured, old money sort of way. I even caught myself wondering if his background included some rich Upper East Side parents who'd kicked him out and disinherited him. ((Oooo... fic idea... *slaps hand* Bad. Stop that. Finish the one you have started first. O_O)) There was one scene in particular that stood out to me to characterize the difference. At one point, Woof says to Dionne, "Hey Dionne... I'll walk you home...?" And she responds with an arched brow, "To 125th St.?" Bryce's Woof looked at her with those sad puppy eyes as though by saying that, she'd rejected him and crushed his hopes -- like he really would have walked her that far, but knew she had only said it because she didn't want him coming home with her. Jason Wooten's Woof? *snerts* Not so much. After her line, he looks at her for this long considering moment and you can almost hear the unvoiced line, "Oh, hell, no. So not worth it." Then he all but sniffs and flips his hair before abruptly doing an about face and walking off to find someone else. The comedic timing on that was priceless! And you definitely got the feeling in that scene that it was not Woof who'd been snubbed... it was Dionne. *snickers* There were many other moments like that, but that was the one that stood out the most as defining. ^_^
And as an actor and singer, he's also got some serious chops. Beautiful voice, more classic theatre than Bryce Ryness, but that is not exactly a bad thing. ^_^ Needless to say after this long speech, but I'll say it anyway -- loved him. :D
3. Josh Lamon as Dad and Margaret Mead. As Dad he was good, nothing special or unique, but good. Where he really stood out, though, was as Margaret Mead. Again, taking a slightly different track from Andrew Kober, he made the part his own. He didn't have as much room to do it in, either, which made it all the more impressive. For example, when Crissy pulls her "she's going to sing" line, Andrew Kober makes a shooing motion. Josh Lamon gave her this sweet, gentle, understanding smile... and booped her nose! XD Complete with "boop" sound effect! Overall, his Margaret was a little gentler, a little sweeter, a little less aloof and outspoken... *pause* ...a little more feminine, really, in a 50's housewife sort of way. ^_^ A wonderful performance and a very sweet man, too! ^_^
4. Diana DeGarmo as Sheila.
||-------*pause for rant/explanation* OK. Here's where I may get coconuts thrown at me. Firstly, I didn't have much hope for Diana DeGarmo or Ace Young and it has nothing to do with them as performers. It has to do with my automatic dislike and scorn for anything and anyone related to American Idol. *sigh* Ace Young's was the first and last season I ever watched... and I watched it for Taylor Hicks (well, and Chris Daughtry and Katharine McPhee), because he was different and I didn't really believe he would win. Of course, in the end he didn't... because who's heard from him since? Stupid public. At least we got to keep Chris Daughtry. ^_~ *end rant*--------||
So, I figured she'd been brought in because she was a name and nothing more. Then again, I didn't really like Sheila as a character, so I didn't really care. That's partly Caissie Levy's fault. The first time I saw Hair it was with Jackie Burns in as Sheila's u/s... and she was phenomenal and I adored her -- the actress and her Sheila. So, when I saw it the next two times with Caissie... I noticed that her Sheila was a little different. A little more holier than thou. A little too perfect. And it grated on my nerves, because people who act like that are often anything but. They hold the people they love up to ideals and then throw tantrums when their ideals aren't met, often taking it out on the very ones they love who failed to live up to those unrealistic expectations. And Caissie's Sheila does that -- to Claude, to Berger... to everyone, really. But that's her Sheila. And the fact that I did dislike her so strongly has nothing to do with Caissie Levy's performance -- she was spectacular -- if anything, it's that she portrayed her character too well. So, again, I was predisposed to disliking her not because of Diana DeGarmo... but because of Sheila, herself.
And here was where I got my first big shock of the night. I found myself liking Sheila. O_O Diana's Sheila was a little more human, a little more imperfect, a little less holy. And here was the moment that clinched it for me: When Berger ripped the shirt, then hid it behind his back and Sheila asked him, "Why did you do that?" and he says, "Do what?" Instead of motioning sadly at the shirt with a disappointed look and saying, "That," Diana's Sheila points stiffly at it, her whole body resonating unholy fury and all but shrieks, "Thaaaaat!!!!!!!!!!!" a la Kate in Kiss Me, Kate/Taming of the Shrew. *snickers* It was perfect. This was a Sheila that I could relate to. Because she could get outright mad and didn't act so much like a martyr, it was easier to forgive her when she (the character) did those few things that made me want to punch her. She wasn't perfect. She's human. She isn't supposed to be. And for making me like Sheila when every instinct in me was fighting against it, I have to give Diana DeGarmo major props. As a singer there were moments I loved her and moments I could tell she was pushing her voice just a little too hard, but I do have to say this: she put her all into every single moment that she was on that stage and I loved it. ^_^
And as a person? All I have to say is this: of just about everyone who came out the stage door, she took the longest to get down the line because she was actually pausing to converse with just about everyone. Not just for a quick exchange but to actually converse. And she was very down-to-Earth, didn't even stay back to hide behind the partition. Just came right on down the line to mingle with everyone. Very sweet. ^_^ So, I'm unexpectedly a convert. Who knew?
5. Rachel Bay Jones as Mother and Buddhadhalilama. OK, slight cheat here... She's old cast for me. I never got to see Megan Lawrence in the part -- she was gone before the first time I saw the show so Rachel Bay Jones is the only "Mother/Buddha" I've ever known. And she was just as wonderful last night as she was every other time -- in many instances even better. Adore her scene with Claude about wearing her beads and changing his trousers... not to mention the moment when he points out the audience to her and she looks up horrified, clutches the robe around herself and says meekly, "Oh... hello... ^_^" (And yes, I meant to put the smiley within the quote. I swear she makes that face. ^_^) And her Buddha is just flat out adorable. Especially the bit where she cracks herself up with the "have a bad trip" line. :-D Love her and so glad she was still in it. ^_^
6. Antwayn Hopper as Darius Nicho-- I mean Hud. ^_^ Really, the man looks enough like Darius with that wig on that they could be twins. You know what, though? Even with what little he had to work with, he did give the character a little of his own spin. And it was his first time understudying the role, too! His Hud was just as brazen and just as sensual, but he was even more alpha-male than I remember Darius' being -- and that's saying something. And his voice... my G-d, it was like aural, liquid chocolate. *_* Fantastic job. I would never have realized that it was his first time in the part if I hadn't known it. ^_^
*deep breath* OK. Next category.
Routine performances (nothing bad, but nothing special):
1. Ace Young as Berger. OK.msorange21, we're going to have to agree to disagree. I didn't think he was horrible. I didn't think he was great, but he wasn't horrible. ^_^ *hands over the coconuts, then ducks*
I'll explain. He had his moments when he was cute and believable. He had his moments when his singing was very nice. But Ace Young has two major problems and they both revolve around trying too hard. The first (and I remember this from the season of American Idol that I actually watched) is that he tries to vocally be something he isn't. He has a very beautiful voice and an almost heartbreaking falsetto. There was a love song he did that season that just about made me cry. That is where his vocal strength is. Where it is not? He is not a rock and roll singer. But he'd obviously rather be. That means he pushes his voice to do things that it doesn't naturally want to do... and that does not always come out beautiful. -.-;;; Once or twice in a song I heard his falsetto come through in an unexpected spot and I about cheered. When that happened -- by accident or design -- he was taking those songs and making them his... and I preferred it that way. ^_^
Second problem? Will Swenson is a G-d damned hard act to follow. I have a feeling that the only reason Steel is having an easier time is a) Gavin Creel and his stunning ability to build a believable rapport with his stage partners and b) We already love him for being Steel. ^_^ Ace Young? Doesn't have a Gavin Creel. And he isn't Steel Burkhardt. The problem, though, is that he missed the boat a little. Instead of trying to be Berger... he's trying to be Will. And no one, but no one, can be Will Swenson... unless they're Will Swenson. That kind of crazy can't be copied. It's unique and it's pure Will. When Will Swenson pulls that kind of crazy on stage, it's tempered by his obvious love for his Tribe. When his Berger screws up, you can tell that deep down he knows he fucked up and he wishes he hadn't, but at the same time, he has no clue how it happened or what the hell he should do to fix it. Obnoxious isn't the only layer to his Berger, and only because it's Will Swenson can he pull that off -- playing the obnoxious to the hilt and letting everything else come through on the subtle underlayers. (On a side note -- Exactly how much longer until Priscilla? *whimper*) Ace only copied the surface details. As a result, Berger came off as obnoxious and extremely young... and a little one dimensional. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, maybe he was just thrown by playing opposite Paris instead of Kyle Riabko. *shrugs* I'll never know and that's kind of a shame.
And as a person? Another real class act. ^_^ Though he stayed behind the partition, he also spent as much time with each person as they wanted, just chatting and taking pictures. Very sweet and accommodating. ^_^ Like I said, I don't think he was flat out bad, I just think the part and the circumstances (good gracious, would you want to follow Will Swenson? O_O) didn't allow him to do any better than what he did. I think it comes down to the fact that this wasn't exactly a perfect fit as a part for him, both vocally and circumstantially. Now, if he were to get a part in a more classic Broadway show like, say, playing Phantom? Where he could put that sexy, romantic falsetto of his to good use? I believe I'd pay to see that. ^_~
2. The only Crissy I've ever known: Vanessa Ray. The shame of it, though? She just really wasn't on that night. I was kind of saddened by that. Maybe the blonde hair threw me? I don't know. Just something wasn't as special about her performance that night. She was just as cute as usual, just... I don't know. Like I said, nothing really bad... but also nothing really stand out spectacular, either. She was just there.
3. Catherine Brookman as lead of the Black Boys Trio (Megan Reinking's track). OK -- mainly just wanted to mention that she has a powerhouse voice, even if she was practically channeling Megan Reinking, both in appearance and in character. Good Lord, they even have the same body type. O_O Except for the fact that her hair was a little shorter and more wavy than curly, it almost felt like watching Megan. *shrugs* But the interesting bit and why I wanted to mention her in particular... proof that replacing a cast member does replace a character in the Tribe. Megan's Tribe name was Suzanne. Catherine's was Kelly. I thought they'd gotten it wrong until I realized that no... they didn't. She's just playing a different character. It was interesting to me. ^_^
Performances I didn't appreciate so much:
1. Jeannette Bayardelle as Dionne. Acting-wise? Just fine. Vocally? Oh dear. If I can tell you're going sharp? And your vibrato is varying almost a half step from itself? Yeah... no. As Dottie Hensen said to her sister Kit... "Lay off the high ones." Shrieking isn't pretty when you speak and it sure as hell isn't when you sing. Sorry... but after Sasha Allen's smooth, dulcet tones... this was not really a welcome change. O_O The ironic thing was that in the lower octave, her voice was actually fairly pleasant. "White Boys" was actually pretty nice. For that matter, "Aquarius" was good until she hit that intense part at the end. And that bit at the be-in scene where she starts up the refrain of "Aquarius?" Hauntingly beautiful. It was when she headed into the over-the-top land of the high notes and elaborate riffs... something just wasn't right. O_O
2. Annaleigh Ashford as Jeanie. *sigh* Oh dear. Another hard act to follow. Kacie Shiek is so unique both as an actress and as a singer that, like Will Swenson, she's impossible to copy. And vocally, that's what Annaleigh tried to do. Couldn't quite pull it off. Kacie Shiek's Jeanie is the vocal equivalent of a character actor and not everyone can manage that kind of singing and still make it pretty. Again, that's something uniquely Kacie. Can't be copied. Sorry.
But the part that ultimately I took issue with, ironically enough, is that when it came to Jeanie's character she did put her own spin on it. And I had the same problem with her Jeanie that I do with Caissie Levy's Sheila -- I really didn't like the direction she took Jeanie in. It was a perfectly valid viewpoint... I just didn't like it. Kacie's Jeanie was a strong, protective Earth-mother. Her ditziness was more due to a stronger connection to the astrophysical than the practical and, in spite of proof to the contrary, a real innocence about the world and its people. A true child of light. Annaleigh's Jeanie was... well, a blonde. O_O I can't put it any differently than that. Her ditziness felt more like true cluelessness, not spirituality, and the underlying strength to her character was gone. She nearly busted out crying in every scene she was in. In a way she took on a similar role to Gavin's Claude -- she wasn't the glue holding the Tribe together with her own strength and force of will like Kacie Shiek's Jeanie... she was holding them together because they knew they needed to keep an eye on her or she'd wander out into traffic. Again, like Caissie Levy's Sheila, I'm not sure it was really Annaleigh Ashford that I had a problem with there. It's just that the way she built Jeanie's character made her into a character that I couldn't connect with or relate to. If I met this Jeanie on the street, I probably wouldn't end up her friend, because I just didn't like her. She grated on my nerves. *shrugs* Ultimately actor's choice. Just didn't work for me.
People I was sorry I missed:
1. Nicole Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, White Boys Trio, and the girl who tells the audience that Claude is from Flushing. Nooooooooooooo! Nicole, where were you??? You and Paris were two of my major reasons for wanting to see the show once more! O_O Hopefully this means you're moving on to something just as big and just as good? Well... at least I got to see you at Bryce's concert last month. ^_^
Overall thoughts:
This cast is not our original revival cast. There's no way they ever could be. But that shouldn't have made such a difference. I don't know when the show was originally slated to close, but the fact that it happened so unexpectedly leads me to think that it wasn't this soon. The shame of it is that there were some really great moments in this show and this Tribe and I can't help but wonder if the transition had been handled differently, if it might not have turned out better. Maybe if they hadn't taken the whole cast. Maybe if they'd transitioned more slowly, one at a time, (like with Vanessa Ray and Rachel Bay Jones) it wouldn't have been such a shock and maybe we could have kept this show a little longer.
Maybe, maybe, maybe. If, if, if.
The truth is, we'll never know. We'll never know if given a chance this Tribe could have been something just as great as the one we love, now in London. In another week, they're going to be gone and the Al Hirschfeld will be empty until the next show comes along to brighten its stage. A chapter is ending, the book is closing. But not forever. No story as lasting and soul-touching as this one can stay unread for long. Someday, some time in the future, someone will open that book again and we'll all open our hearts to let the sun shine in once more. In Central Park? At the Public Theatre? Maybe at the Al Hirschfeld. Who knows? I don't. But I do know one thing. The next time round, I'll be there for every beautiful, love-spreading, blissed out second of it.
Peace.
And now on to what you came here for... or not. ^_^
OK... so, trying to approach this objectively is going to be darned near impossible, so I'm not even going to try. I acknowledge, right up front, that I went into this performance with every preconceived notion possible. I was also too churned up emotionally to notice even half the things I wanted to. And you know what? That's OK. ^_^
First things first: Hair is still Hair. Old cast, new cast, concert-in-the-park cast, community cast... it doesn't matter. It's still a wild ride and it still makes me feel. Feel what? Feel everything, man. ^_^ From laughter and joy to tears and sorrow to swelling, irrational anger. It's an emotional roller coaster and it always will be. And I adore every damned second of it. No one performer (or two or three) can ruin that. Being in that theatre again, watching this show, was like coming home.
That being said, let's take a closer look. ^_^ And please keep in mind, this is all strictly my own opinion and has been colored by the opposing forces of a) still being depressed over the loss and consequent breakdown of the original revival cast, b) still being shocked and depressed that in one week Hair will be gone from the Al Hirschfeld and c) being ashamed of myself for resenting the new cast so much that I didn't see them sooner... and the thought that perhaps we, as fans, let the Starshine Tribe down in some way by not filling their audience the way we ought to have. Again, strictly my own thoughts -- it's my journal, that's what it's for. *g*
Stand out performances:
1. Paris Remillard!!! Literally two days before the show, I was commenting to
iscreamlouder, asking if it was wrong of me to wish that Paris Remillard was going to play Claude on Friday. I had always wanted to see him play Claude -- he is unbelievably talented, has an amazing voice and is so very pretty. ^_^ ((And he's the one who gave me daisies the first time I went to see the show on January 24th. ^_^ Plucked a double set right off the bunch and handed them right to me. *coughs* Pardon the fangirl moment. O_O)) But I always had this conflicting issue of never wanting to miss Gavin Creel in the role. Hmm... problem. So, nothing against Kyle Riabko, but as I had no real pressing desire to see him (just no real attachment), and I did have a rather strong desire to see Paris in the part... *shrugs* ^_^ Especially as now, I wouldn't have to miss Gavin to see Paris. Score! :DSo, we get to the theatre and we're making our way through the line in the outer lobby when
msorange21 pokes my shoulder and points out the understudies board. Paris was playing Claude!!! My poor little heart gave one massive lurch, tripped into a rapid, pitter-patter beat of pure joy and didn't let me down off that high until... well... *sweatdrop* ...hasn't happened yet. I'll let you know. ^_~Anyway, he was worth every second of the wait. Right off the bat, I was shocked and pleased by his performance. He has a powerful, beautiful voice and a much stronger stage presence than I would have assumed. As a person (at stage door, anyway) he always seems a little shy, unassuming, very sweet. ^_^ And his tribe character is like that, too. Very loving, very sweet, a little cuddly. His Claude? Holy Moses. Totally different ball game. Also totally different from Gavin Creel's Claude -- and that was what made him so spectacular.
||--------*pause for side note* On the whole, that was what I noticed was lacking in much of the new cast. Too many of them were just trying to copy what made their predecessors successful. Unfortunately, those are some awfully large shoes to fill and in most cases it just can't be done. No one else will ever be Will Swenson, Sasha Allen or Kacie Shiek (to name only a few O_o). The actors/actresses who were the most successful in their roles were the ones who didn't create pale imitations of those who'd gone before. They took the parts and made them their own. And you know what? Because of that, I was able to love them for themselves, not resent them for who I wished they were. So major props to every one of them! *end pause*--------||
*picking back up* Gavin's Claude always made you feel like he was about to break into a million pieces, like his bonds with his Tribe were all that held him together. He was led by his Tribe instead of the other way around and he held them together by his need for them. And he always seemed so very lost. And that was why I loved him. Every time I watched him fall apart piece by piece on that stage, every time I saw him lose piece after piece of himself with each scene until he finally goes a little mad at the end, breaking apart completely... I cried. I wanted to grab him up and wrap him in cotton, tuck him somewhere safe away from the cruel world. (*coughs* My fanfiction notwithstanding. ^_^) That was Gavin's Claude (and presumably still is ^_^).
Paris's Claude is another man altogether. ^_^ Right out of the starting gate, he's a stronger man. He seems to know a little better who he is. He's a bit of a brat (just like Gavin's Claude), but he's aware of it and plays it up to the hilt. He's stronger in his convictions -- the few he has. And this Claude isn't led by his Tribe. He leads them. It comes across loud and clear that they would follow him to the ends of the Earth and beyond -- not because he needs them to keep himself whole, but because they couldn't do any less if they tried. He's that charismatic a force.
And, again, because Paris took that part and made it his own, I didn't resent him for not being Gavin. Of course, as noted, I was predisposed to liking him to begin with, but even if I hadn't been, this still would have made me love him. ^_^ And his singing was spot-on. He has a very rich, beautiful voice, both for singing and speaking. I am so very glad I got to see him play Claude. If I knew he was going to get to do it again, I might even try to see it one last (really, this time!) time. ^_^
Wow... that... hrm. That took me a lot longer to say than anticipated. Maybe I should write this up as a series of entries instead of just the one... *sheepish grin* Anywaymovingonnow.
2. Number two has to be Jason Wooten as Woof. I went into this performance knowing nothing about him but that my friends adored him and he wasn't Bryce. I was conflicted, but willing to be resolved. ^_^ I needn't have worried. He was another actor that didn't try to be his predecessor. He just tried to be his character. And you know what? He succeeded. ^_^ Bryce's Woof was very shy, very self-deprecating... and really... I know this sounds bad, but he reminded me of Eeyore. O_O A lot. Don't get me wrong -- I loved Bryce (still do!) and adored his Woof, but he always seemed like he was a cocker spaniel that someone had left out in the rain. Just a little pathetic. In my head, that's who Woof was. Even when I saw Jay Armstrong Johnson play him, that's who he was.
Not Jason Wooten. ^_^ From the moment he opened his mouth and said his first lines -- hell, from the moment he made his first facial expression -- I already knew that his was a very different Woof. Bryce's Woof always had a sense of humor around him... but you got the feeling that it was because everyone was laughing at him, not with him, and it wasn't by his own choice. Jason Wooten's Woof? *snickers* Noooooot so much. In his case, people might still have been laughing at him, but it was because he was provoking the laughter. Again, a stronger character -- not so much a soaked cocker spaniel... more a goofy yellow Lab. ^_^
The other thing you notice right away is that when Bryce's Woof claims to not be a homosexual, you kind of half believe him. He chases after all the girls and there's nothing particularly effeminate about him. He's just shy. Jason Wooten's Woof, on the other hand... comes across differently. When he claims he isn't a homosexual... you don't believe him at all. Period. XD His gestures are very effeminate and elaborate in a very well-cultured, old money sort of way. I even caught myself wondering if his background included some rich Upper East Side parents who'd kicked him out and disinherited him. ((Oooo... fic idea... *slaps hand* Bad. Stop that. Finish the one you have started first. O_O)) There was one scene in particular that stood out to me to characterize the difference. At one point, Woof says to Dionne, "Hey Dionne... I'll walk you home...?" And she responds with an arched brow, "To 125th St.?" Bryce's Woof looked at her with those sad puppy eyes as though by saying that, she'd rejected him and crushed his hopes -- like he really would have walked her that far, but knew she had only said it because she didn't want him coming home with her. Jason Wooten's Woof? *snerts* Not so much. After her line, he looks at her for this long considering moment and you can almost hear the unvoiced line, "Oh, hell, no. So not worth it." Then he all but sniffs and flips his hair before abruptly doing an about face and walking off to find someone else. The comedic timing on that was priceless! And you definitely got the feeling in that scene that it was not Woof who'd been snubbed... it was Dionne. *snickers* There were many other moments like that, but that was the one that stood out the most as defining. ^_^
And as an actor and singer, he's also got some serious chops. Beautiful voice, more classic theatre than Bryce Ryness, but that is not exactly a bad thing. ^_^ Needless to say after this long speech, but I'll say it anyway -- loved him. :D
3. Josh Lamon as Dad and Margaret Mead. As Dad he was good, nothing special or unique, but good. Where he really stood out, though, was as Margaret Mead. Again, taking a slightly different track from Andrew Kober, he made the part his own. He didn't have as much room to do it in, either, which made it all the more impressive. For example, when Crissy pulls her "she's going to sing" line, Andrew Kober makes a shooing motion. Josh Lamon gave her this sweet, gentle, understanding smile... and booped her nose! XD Complete with "boop" sound effect! Overall, his Margaret was a little gentler, a little sweeter, a little less aloof and outspoken... *pause* ...a little more feminine, really, in a 50's housewife sort of way. ^_^ A wonderful performance and a very sweet man, too! ^_^
4. Diana DeGarmo as Sheila.
||-------*pause for rant/explanation* OK. Here's where I may get coconuts thrown at me. Firstly, I didn't have much hope for Diana DeGarmo or Ace Young and it has nothing to do with them as performers. It has to do with my automatic dislike and scorn for anything and anyone related to American Idol. *sigh* Ace Young's was the first and last season I ever watched... and I watched it for Taylor Hicks (well, and Chris Daughtry and Katharine McPhee), because he was different and I didn't really believe he would win. Of course, in the end he didn't... because who's heard from him since? Stupid public. At least we got to keep Chris Daughtry. ^_~ *end rant*--------||
So, I figured she'd been brought in because she was a name and nothing more. Then again, I didn't really like Sheila as a character, so I didn't really care. That's partly Caissie Levy's fault. The first time I saw Hair it was with Jackie Burns in as Sheila's u/s... and she was phenomenal and I adored her -- the actress and her Sheila. So, when I saw it the next two times with Caissie... I noticed that her Sheila was a little different. A little more holier than thou. A little too perfect. And it grated on my nerves, because people who act like that are often anything but. They hold the people they love up to ideals and then throw tantrums when their ideals aren't met, often taking it out on the very ones they love who failed to live up to those unrealistic expectations. And Caissie's Sheila does that -- to Claude, to Berger... to everyone, really. But that's her Sheila. And the fact that I did dislike her so strongly has nothing to do with Caissie Levy's performance -- she was spectacular -- if anything, it's that she portrayed her character too well. So, again, I was predisposed to disliking her not because of Diana DeGarmo... but because of Sheila, herself.
And here was where I got my first big shock of the night. I found myself liking Sheila. O_O Diana's Sheila was a little more human, a little more imperfect, a little less holy. And here was the moment that clinched it for me: When Berger ripped the shirt, then hid it behind his back and Sheila asked him, "Why did you do that?" and he says, "Do what?" Instead of motioning sadly at the shirt with a disappointed look and saying, "That," Diana's Sheila points stiffly at it, her whole body resonating unholy fury and all but shrieks, "Thaaaaat!!!!!!!!!!!" a la Kate in Kiss Me, Kate/Taming of the Shrew. *snickers* It was perfect. This was a Sheila that I could relate to. Because she could get outright mad and didn't act so much like a martyr, it was easier to forgive her when she (the character) did those few things that made me want to punch her. She wasn't perfect. She's human. She isn't supposed to be. And for making me like Sheila when every instinct in me was fighting against it, I have to give Diana DeGarmo major props. As a singer there were moments I loved her and moments I could tell she was pushing her voice just a little too hard, but I do have to say this: she put her all into every single moment that she was on that stage and I loved it. ^_^
And as a person? All I have to say is this: of just about everyone who came out the stage door, she took the longest to get down the line because she was actually pausing to converse with just about everyone. Not just for a quick exchange but to actually converse. And she was very down-to-Earth, didn't even stay back to hide behind the partition. Just came right on down the line to mingle with everyone. Very sweet. ^_^ So, I'm unexpectedly a convert. Who knew?
5. Rachel Bay Jones as Mother and Buddhadhalilama. OK, slight cheat here... She's old cast for me. I never got to see Megan Lawrence in the part -- she was gone before the first time I saw the show so Rachel Bay Jones is the only "Mother/Buddha" I've ever known. And she was just as wonderful last night as she was every other time -- in many instances even better. Adore her scene with Claude about wearing her beads and changing his trousers... not to mention the moment when he points out the audience to her and she looks up horrified, clutches the robe around herself and says meekly, "Oh... hello... ^_^" (And yes, I meant to put the smiley within the quote. I swear she makes that face. ^_^) And her Buddha is just flat out adorable. Especially the bit where she cracks herself up with the "have a bad trip" line. :-D Love her and so glad she was still in it. ^_^
6. Antwayn Hopper as Darius Nicho-- I mean Hud. ^_^ Really, the man looks enough like Darius with that wig on that they could be twins. You know what, though? Even with what little he had to work with, he did give the character a little of his own spin. And it was his first time understudying the role, too! His Hud was just as brazen and just as sensual, but he was even more alpha-male than I remember Darius' being -- and that's saying something. And his voice... my G-d, it was like aural, liquid chocolate. *_* Fantastic job. I would never have realized that it was his first time in the part if I hadn't known it. ^_^
*deep breath* OK. Next category.
Routine performances (nothing bad, but nothing special):
1. Ace Young as Berger. OK.
msorange21, we're going to have to agree to disagree. I didn't think he was horrible. I didn't think he was great, but he wasn't horrible. ^_^ *hands over the coconuts, then ducks*I'll explain. He had his moments when he was cute and believable. He had his moments when his singing was very nice. But Ace Young has two major problems and they both revolve around trying too hard. The first (and I remember this from the season of American Idol that I actually watched) is that he tries to vocally be something he isn't. He has a very beautiful voice and an almost heartbreaking falsetto. There was a love song he did that season that just about made me cry. That is where his vocal strength is. Where it is not? He is not a rock and roll singer. But he'd obviously rather be. That means he pushes his voice to do things that it doesn't naturally want to do... and that does not always come out beautiful. -.-;;; Once or twice in a song I heard his falsetto come through in an unexpected spot and I about cheered. When that happened -- by accident or design -- he was taking those songs and making them his... and I preferred it that way. ^_^
Second problem? Will Swenson is a G-d damned hard act to follow. I have a feeling that the only reason Steel is having an easier time is a) Gavin Creel and his stunning ability to build a believable rapport with his stage partners and b) We already love him for being Steel. ^_^ Ace Young? Doesn't have a Gavin Creel. And he isn't Steel Burkhardt. The problem, though, is that he missed the boat a little. Instead of trying to be Berger... he's trying to be Will. And no one, but no one, can be Will Swenson... unless they're Will Swenson. That kind of crazy can't be copied. It's unique and it's pure Will. When Will Swenson pulls that kind of crazy on stage, it's tempered by his obvious love for his Tribe. When his Berger screws up, you can tell that deep down he knows he fucked up and he wishes he hadn't, but at the same time, he has no clue how it happened or what the hell he should do to fix it. Obnoxious isn't the only layer to his Berger, and only because it's Will Swenson can he pull that off -- playing the obnoxious to the hilt and letting everything else come through on the subtle underlayers. (On a side note -- Exactly how much longer until Priscilla? *whimper*) Ace only copied the surface details. As a result, Berger came off as obnoxious and extremely young... and a little one dimensional. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, maybe he was just thrown by playing opposite Paris instead of Kyle Riabko. *shrugs* I'll never know and that's kind of a shame.
And as a person? Another real class act. ^_^ Though he stayed behind the partition, he also spent as much time with each person as they wanted, just chatting and taking pictures. Very sweet and accommodating. ^_^ Like I said, I don't think he was flat out bad, I just think the part and the circumstances (good gracious, would you want to follow Will Swenson? O_O) didn't allow him to do any better than what he did. I think it comes down to the fact that this wasn't exactly a perfect fit as a part for him, both vocally and circumstantially. Now, if he were to get a part in a more classic Broadway show like, say, playing Phantom? Where he could put that sexy, romantic falsetto of his to good use? I believe I'd pay to see that. ^_~
2. The only Crissy I've ever known: Vanessa Ray. The shame of it, though? She just really wasn't on that night. I was kind of saddened by that. Maybe the blonde hair threw me? I don't know. Just something wasn't as special about her performance that night. She was just as cute as usual, just... I don't know. Like I said, nothing really bad... but also nothing really stand out spectacular, either. She was just there.
3. Catherine Brookman as lead of the Black Boys Trio (Megan Reinking's track). OK -- mainly just wanted to mention that she has a powerhouse voice, even if she was practically channeling Megan Reinking, both in appearance and in character. Good Lord, they even have the same body type. O_O Except for the fact that her hair was a little shorter and more wavy than curly, it almost felt like watching Megan. *shrugs* But the interesting bit and why I wanted to mention her in particular... proof that replacing a cast member does replace a character in the Tribe. Megan's Tribe name was Suzanne. Catherine's was Kelly. I thought they'd gotten it wrong until I realized that no... they didn't. She's just playing a different character. It was interesting to me. ^_^
Performances I didn't appreciate so much:
1. Jeannette Bayardelle as Dionne. Acting-wise? Just fine. Vocally? Oh dear. If I can tell you're going sharp? And your vibrato is varying almost a half step from itself? Yeah... no. As Dottie Hensen said to her sister Kit... "Lay off the high ones." Shrieking isn't pretty when you speak and it sure as hell isn't when you sing. Sorry... but after Sasha Allen's smooth, dulcet tones... this was not really a welcome change. O_O The ironic thing was that in the lower octave, her voice was actually fairly pleasant. "White Boys" was actually pretty nice. For that matter, "Aquarius" was good until she hit that intense part at the end. And that bit at the be-in scene where she starts up the refrain of "Aquarius?" Hauntingly beautiful. It was when she headed into the over-the-top land of the high notes and elaborate riffs... something just wasn't right. O_O
2. Annaleigh Ashford as Jeanie. *sigh* Oh dear. Another hard act to follow. Kacie Shiek is so unique both as an actress and as a singer that, like Will Swenson, she's impossible to copy. And vocally, that's what Annaleigh tried to do. Couldn't quite pull it off. Kacie Shiek's Jeanie is the vocal equivalent of a character actor and not everyone can manage that kind of singing and still make it pretty. Again, that's something uniquely Kacie. Can't be copied. Sorry.
But the part that ultimately I took issue with, ironically enough, is that when it came to Jeanie's character she did put her own spin on it. And I had the same problem with her Jeanie that I do with Caissie Levy's Sheila -- I really didn't like the direction she took Jeanie in. It was a perfectly valid viewpoint... I just didn't like it. Kacie's Jeanie was a strong, protective Earth-mother. Her ditziness was more due to a stronger connection to the astrophysical than the practical and, in spite of proof to the contrary, a real innocence about the world and its people. A true child of light. Annaleigh's Jeanie was... well, a blonde. O_O I can't put it any differently than that. Her ditziness felt more like true cluelessness, not spirituality, and the underlying strength to her character was gone. She nearly busted out crying in every scene she was in. In a way she took on a similar role to Gavin's Claude -- she wasn't the glue holding the Tribe together with her own strength and force of will like Kacie Shiek's Jeanie... she was holding them together because they knew they needed to keep an eye on her or she'd wander out into traffic. Again, like Caissie Levy's Sheila, I'm not sure it was really Annaleigh Ashford that I had a problem with there. It's just that the way she built Jeanie's character made her into a character that I couldn't connect with or relate to. If I met this Jeanie on the street, I probably wouldn't end up her friend, because I just didn't like her. She grated on my nerves. *shrugs* Ultimately actor's choice. Just didn't work for me.
People I was sorry I missed:
1. Nicole Lewis as Abraham Lincoln, White Boys Trio, and the girl who tells the audience that Claude is from Flushing. Nooooooooooooo! Nicole, where were you??? You and Paris were two of my major reasons for wanting to see the show once more! O_O Hopefully this means you're moving on to something just as big and just as good? Well... at least I got to see you at Bryce's concert last month. ^_^
Overall thoughts:
This cast is not our original revival cast. There's no way they ever could be. But that shouldn't have made such a difference. I don't know when the show was originally slated to close, but the fact that it happened so unexpectedly leads me to think that it wasn't this soon. The shame of it is that there were some really great moments in this show and this Tribe and I can't help but wonder if the transition had been handled differently, if it might not have turned out better. Maybe if they hadn't taken the whole cast. Maybe if they'd transitioned more slowly, one at a time, (like with Vanessa Ray and Rachel Bay Jones) it wouldn't have been such a shock and maybe we could have kept this show a little longer.
Maybe, maybe, maybe. If, if, if.
The truth is, we'll never know. We'll never know if given a chance this Tribe could have been something just as great as the one we love, now in London. In another week, they're going to be gone and the Al Hirschfeld will be empty until the next show comes along to brighten its stage. A chapter is ending, the book is closing. But not forever. No story as lasting and soul-touching as this one can stay unread for long. Someday, some time in the future, someone will open that book again and we'll all open our hearts to let the sun shine in once more. In Central Park? At the Public Theatre? Maybe at the Al Hirschfeld. Who knows? I don't. But I do know one thing. The next time round, I'll be there for every beautiful, love-spreading, blissed out second of it.
Peace.
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no subject
Date: 2010-06-20 08:42 pm (UTC)I haven't seen the show since back in March, but even in Ace's first performance I didn't think he was awful awful. Trying too hard, yeah, and vocally a little weird in some spots, but I loved his yellow shirt scene and I can't remember what it was now, but there was something that he did that I remember loving in the second act as well...it might have been during the invisible man scene. He definitely wasn't my least favorite of Bergers (He was better than Ryan Link, for one, though Ryan also had some moments I loved. I liked him better than Bryce, who just seemed kind of overly pissed through all of Act II, and I really wish I'd seen Steel a second time later in the run, because the one time I did see him, I really didn't like him in the role).
Aw, Hair. I need to try to get over there and see the show one more time this week!
no subject
Date: 2010-06-21 12:45 am (UTC)Yes -- Paris was awesome! :D Still on that pitter-patter rush two days later. ^_^
I think the problem with Berger's part is that Will Swenson just left such enormous shoes to fill. He, Ace and Bryce are the only ones I've seen do it and I'm a die-hard Bryce fan. ^_^ The time I saw Bryce in the role he didn't seem overly pissed in Act II, he was playing it more heartbroken and angst-ridden. And being a diehard Claude/Berger fanatic, that suited me just fine. ^_^ I actually had a whole separate report (http://rchan.livejournal.com/74247.html) on that one back when I saw him in February. ^_^ As for Steel, I wish I'd seen him -- especially as he's apparently doing a fabulous job over in the UK -- but I had the same problem with Berger understudies as I did Claude... I never wanted to miss out on seeing Will Swenson. *sheepish grin*
Makes one wonder... if we packed the house at every show, would it make a difference? In my heart I know it wouldn't, but still... *wistful sigh* ...is it wrong that I want to see it once more, too? Even though I said this was the last time? I hope you get to see it again!
...and it prompts you to write more fic... *whistles innocently*
You know... just saying... ^_^
no subject
Date: 2010-06-21 01:34 am (UTC)I'm pretty much totally okay with a variety of Claudes. I have a harder time with new Bergers, because of the whole enormous shoes thing. I think it also helps that by the time I saw Gavin in the role a bazillion times, I'd already seen two Claudes before him who I also loved, so I wasn't quite as attached to one specific person's performance there.
I liked Bryce overall, but when I remember back to his perf. as Berger, the first thing that always comes to mind is how he was kind of bizarrely pissed off during the red flag scene, angry yelling "What's going on, man!?" at Claude. (When I think back on Ryan Link's performance, the first thing that I always remember is how during the last yipping scene, everyone was bent over banging their knees, and he was standing up, already searching for Claude and Sheila, and I LOVED that and found myself wishing that Will would incorporate that tiny detail every time I saw it afterward.)
I'm sort of kind of working on fic, currently, that is somewhat related to the show (*rcoughpcoughf*) but I'm not sure if it's actually going anywhere. It very well might be one of those things that sits unfinished on my hard drive forever
no subject
Date: 2010-06-21 02:04 am (UTC)I can see that, though for me, Gavin is the harder one to replace. Then again, he was the only person I saw in that role (until I saw Paris on Friday) and with every time I saw him, I got a little more attached.
And it's interesting how two people can see the same thing and interpret it completely differently. ^_^ I know exactly the scene you're talking about with the red flag. When I heard him say that line, it didn't come off as angry to me. It came off as desperate. He'd just spent three days searching the city for Claude and when he finally finds him, Claude is giving away all his prized possessions. Berger is pretty sharp when he wants to be, so I figured that he, amongst the whole Tribe, knew why Claude was doing what he was doing. Thus I figured that the desperation/anger was directed at the situation and the thought that Claude might be giving up. It was actually one of the moments that prompted me to love Bryce's interpretation. *chuckles*
Re: Ryan Link -- Aww... that does sound nice. ^_^
Fic...? *eyes coughing* *blinkblink* Oh, reeeeeeeally...? *rae* That might be fun... ^_^ I don't think I've ever read anything of yours I didn't like, so I'm willing to try anything of yours at least once. ^_^ O_O Which reminds me, I'm not sure I ever got around to commenting on "The First Move"... O_O Oops. Bad me. Especially considering how many times I've re-read it. *sweatdrop* *coughs* Anyway... what I'm trying to say is that I selfishly hope it cooperates. ^_^
no subject
Date: 2010-06-21 02:20 am (UTC)I'm glad you like The First Move!
And hey, you don't really have to wait to see if i finish this to try it once
no subject
Date: 2010-06-21 02:55 am (UTC)Like I said -- two people seeing the exact same scene on the exact same day and coming away with two polar opposite interpretations. *smiles* He does have some awesome chemistry with Gavin, though. ^_^ And you know what? Like I said in the post... it's OK for not all of his acting choices in that role to work for you. Not everyone has to like every actor or every character or feel the exact same way about them. I'm certainly not offended by someone having a difference of opinion. ^_^ I feel the same way about Caissie Levy's Sheila. I love Caissie Levy and I can recognize that she does a fabulous job with her role... but there's something about her Sheila that just doesn't work for me. ^_^ So, I get it.
Yeah... really need to comment on that... O_O Not tonight though. Just not coherent enough. ^_^
*wanders over to click on the link* *pause* *blinkblink* *_* Oh dear Lord, I love you so much right now. O_O
*eyes clock* So much for getting to sleep early... ^_^