Trivial Pursuit - Broadway Edition

 Your wish is our command...Broadway Games are back, so let's get started! How good are your trivia skills?  Here's a throwback to Trivial Pursuit. All of the original categories are here: geography, entertainment, history, arts & literature, science & nature, and sports and leisure. And all of the questions are theater-related. We tried to make them range from easy to challenging. Look for the answers at the bottom of next Monday's entry!

BROADWAY GAMES:

Trivial Pursuit

Card #1:

Card #2:

At This Theater: The Lyceum

Over the years, I've had the privilege of seeing ten different productions at Broadway's oldest continuously operating theater (opened in 1903), the Lyceum.  This theatre Of all the theaters on Broadway, I think I've seen the widest variety of shows - from new plays and musicals to revivals of both, from classic revivals to daring new productions. It is also the theater that was home to one of my absolutely favorite musicals and home to one of the single worst productions I've seen in any venue, Broadway and beyond!

AT THIS THEATER:

The Lyceum

Mike and I have been all over this theater - from the front row of the orchestra to the back of the balcony, and various locations in between. There are terrific views from the center of all three levels, of course, but the theater isn't wide, and even the extreme sides aren't too bad. That said, we avoid the balcony if at all possible. It feels like it's a mile from the stage - the upward angle is pretty steep. To add insult to injury, the floor is uneven. Very disconcerting, especially if you struggle with heights! But the biggest drawback to the balcony is the stairway to get there. It is steep and the steps are uneven marble, worn in places from more than a century's worth of patrons making the climb.

Shows Seen There:

Favorite Shows (to date)

5. The Nance

The Lincoln Center production won Nathan Lane another Tony and introduced audiences to Jonny Orsini. The cast was loaded with talent and the production was opulent. 

4. Steel Magnolias

This revival of the beloved off-Broadway play by Robert Harling, featured a who's who of actresses, including firecracker Delta Burke, Lily Rabe, Frances Sternhagen, Marsha Mason and Christine Ebersole. Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion.

3. The Visit

A musical by Kander and Ebb is always cause for a trip to the theater, and The Visit is my favorite kind of musical: dramatic, tuneful and provocative. Challenging from start to finish, I was riveted. Chita Rivera and the late, great Roger Rees were brilliant. The show should have had a much longer run.

2. Venus in Fur

Talk about riveting, this two-person play was a tense affair, featuring Nina Arianda and Hugh Dancy giving two of the finest performances I've ever seen.

1. The Scottsboro Boys

Another great Kander and Ebb musical that was waaayyy ahead of its time, and was brilliant in every respect. The horrifying themes and sometimes shocking staging made for a rich, ultimately satisfying evening of theater. John Cullum and Colman Domingo were standouts in a company of standouts, but it was Joshua Henry's deeply felt performance that was an honor to witness.

CD Review: & Juliet Original Broadway Cast Recording

I find myself in an unusual position with this cast recording: I have not yet seen the show preserved here. Nonetheless, & Juliet's OBCR is full of pop tunes from recent decades (all written by wunderkind Max Martin), is worthy of review from purely a music point of view. That said, I reserve the right to adjust my assessment after I see the show in a couple of weeks. 😎 Grade: A

What I Liked: 

So, where to start? Well, given that it's a jukebox musical...

1. The familiarity of the songs, coupled with the theatricality of the orchestrations and vocal arrangements. There really isn't a weak song in the 29 tracks on the disc, and unless you live under a rock or a hundred years old, chances are you have heard most, if not all, of them. If all of these recent decades of jukebox musicals have taught us anything, it's that such familiarity is a double-edged sword. They can get messed up by significantly changing lyrics, or the sound of the song being almost unrecognizable. They can also be a problem if they aren't changed at all, with no attempt to match the show they are in. Conversely, a creative arrangement and clever, natural use within the context of a production can be excellent. To that end, with recent shows like Head Over Heels, and more significantly, Moulin Rouge!, the jukebox genre has evolved into something more substantial. Fortunately, the "score" of & Juliet excels on all fronts in these regards. Orchestrators/arrangers Bill Sherman and Dominic Fallacaro have done a wonderful job of keeping what we know and upping the ante with dramatic strings, tempo changes, and vocals that must threaten to shake the walls of the Sondheim Theatre nightly. One thing is clear without even seeing the show: the musicians and ensemble are working their asses off from curtain to curtain!

2. The principal cast is uniformly superb. An amazing blend of seasoned Broadway veterans, London transplants, and first-timers, the entire company is truly diverse. Their energy can be felt through the ear buds or speakers. As I expected, Stark Sands, Betsy Wolfe and Paulo Szot are magnificent, treating each song as if it were a Sondheim (or Kander & Ebb, etc.) piece. They belt and emote and exude joy. Then there's the utterly charming West End star, Melanie La Barrie, who, as Juliet's nurse threatens to take over the whole show! And just from the recording I cannot wait to see all of this new Broadway talent - Philippe Arroyo, Ben Jackson Walker, Justin David Sullivan and the star of the show, Lorna Courtney. I am trying very hard not get too excited...

3. The standout numbers.  Here are the songs that are so vibrant and theatrical, I can just tell that the live staging of each must be spectacular and emotional!

• "I Want It That Way" - Betsy Wolfe, Stark Sands & Company
• "Blow" - Betsy Wolfe, Lorna Courtney, Melanie LaBarrie, Justin David Sullivan, Nicholas Edwards & Company
• "I'm Not a Girl/Not Yet a Woman - Justin David Sullivan & Lorna Courtney
• "I Kissed a Girl" - Philippe Arroyo, Justin David Sullivan & Company
• "Since U Been Gone" Lorna Courtney & Company
• "Roar" Lorna Courtney & Company

The CD:

• 16 page booklet with full credits and more than a dozen full color production stills (by Matthew Murphy). Note: the image above is the booklet's centerfold.
• Has a Parental Advisory label - there's a little bit of swearing, mostly in P!nk's "Fu**ing Perfect."
• There's a bonus track of "Since U Been Gone" featuring Lorna Courtney and Kelly Clarkson.

2022 - 2023 Show Logos: Into the Woods and 1776

 Okay, fellow logo fans! These two are for you.

With both Into the Woods and 1776 set to close up shop on Sunday, we wanted to be sure to take a closer look at their key art. It makes sense to double up, not only for timeliness, but also because they are the first two of the season's big revivals. First up, 1776. 

I'll admit at first glance, I wasn't all that impressed by it. I looked to me like a cheap knock-off of the original, with a "revolutionary egg" overlapping an austere 1776. It is a fine line between plain a image and icon. Then, I looked into it a bit more, and there's much more to this one.

There's the color choices: the bold, imposing numbers in a deep red, reminiscent of power, blood, and, of course, revolution. But how about that dark purple background? A mix of red and blue? I don't think so. How about that in terms of gender/sexuality on the non-binary pride flag, "Purple: Represents those whose gender identity falls somewhere between male/female or is a mix of them." (Source: University of Northern Colorado Gender and Sexuality Resource Center) Purple figures prominently in several such flags. Both are perfectly aligned with the casting and thematic point of this production.

And, finally, a close up look at that egg - a reminder not only of the original production, but of where we started as a country - reveals the flag-waving, patriotic arm is that of a person of color. All-in-all its simplicity reveals a much deeper meaning. Much like the production it represents. Grade: A

Now, Into the Woods:

Let's talk about the colors first, again. Is there anything more eye-catching in the visual cacophony of the Times Square area that bright red? A smart back ground color that, in this case, also serves to heighten the other colors used. Black, yellow and white all stand out against this red.

Visually, the imagery perfectly represents the show and this specific production. Stylized theatricality is the hallmark of this revival, represented by the mysterious barren trees (like on the set) that morph into the folds of a red theater curtain. Then of course, a familiar fairy tale character - Little Red Ridinghood - tells even newbies to this classic what it's about, as she steps behind the curtain into the light. Even the font used for the title - smartly bright white - is both bold and plain, which also mirrors this version of the Sondheim classic. Grade: A

FRIDAY: CD Review: & Juliet

Our 2023 Theatrical Resolutions

It's a new year and it's time for a reset and fresh start, right? While both Mike and I surely have personal goals for 2023, today we thought we would share our theater related resolutions. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Jeff: To see more plays and see more shows at a variety venues.

Every year, I hope to see every musical (new or revival) that opens on Broadway. More often than not, I manage to accomplish that goal. Unfortunately, time and money prevent me from seeing more. This year, I am hoping to expand my theater-going to include more plays. Further, I'm looking forward to taking a fuller advantage of the plentiful regional theater in my area. Already, I am working on this with tickets secured for Broadway and regional productions, both non-musical and musical productions!

Mike: To revisit and spend more time listening to my cast recording collection.

I can verify that Mike has a fair sized collection of such recordings. Talk about a variety, too. From classics to rarities, Broadway and beyond, and current to vintage, he has a lot to choose from. And you, readers, may just benefit from all of this!

Jeff: To catch up on my reading.

I have a growing collection of theater-related books. Deep dives into specific shows, a series of volumes on the history of Broadway theaters, books about the late, great Stephen Sondheim, and more are sitting in a stack in my living room. This is the year that pile gets smaller!

Mike: To organize (and clean!) my show magnet collection.

The man has amassed an enormous number of magnets - hundreds - over the years. It's a visual history of his love of theater. Like most of us, he throws them up on the refrigerator and there they sit, sparking fond memories each time he opens the door. This year, they get taken down, organized and cleaned up!

Want to share YOUR theater resolutions? Please find us (and follow) on Twitter (@jkstheatrescene), Instagram (@jkstheatrescene), or hit the comment link below and leave us a message there! 

COMING UP ON WEDNESDAY: LOGOS: Into the Woods and 1776

COMING UP ON FRIDAY: CD Review: & Juliet

2022 in Review: Our Favorite Broadway Productions

 2022 in Review:

Our Favorite Broadway Productions

(2 Categories + Final Wrap-up)

We were fortunate enough to see 13 different productions on Broadway in 2022; these are the shows we considered in all categories for our favorites this year: 1776, A Strange Loop, Almost Famous, Funny Girl, Girl From the North Country, Into the Woods. Kimberly Akimbo, KPOP, Paradise Square, Some Like It Hot, and The Music Man. We also saw these shows from previous years for a second time, and considered them only in categories where things have changed: Company and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. We made our lists separately - so below you'll see where we agreed, plus performances we each just had to include! How did we compare to your favorites? Leave a comment below, or catch up with us on Twitter or Instagram! (@jkstheatrescene for both)

FAVORITE NEW BROADWAY MUSICALS

WHAT WE SAID: "I've said before that after nearly 40 years of Broadway shows, it takes a bit more to give me that feeling of true exhilaration and bliss of seeing an exceptional show. Almost Famous had me walking out of the Jacobs Theatre on the proverbial cloud. It's that good. No "almost" about it." Grade: A+

WHAT WE SAID: We didn't write up a review at the time (won't make that mistake again!). But we were both completely swept away by the human drama unfolding before us. By turns mesmerizing and jaw-dropping, we were captivated by every aspect of the entire production. Grade: A+

WHAT WE SAID: "For all intents and purposes, the great Victoria Clark is really a teenager. Her ability to navigate a labyrinth of emotions with the most specific of details and larger than life gestures is inspiring. This is a brilliant performance, more than award-worthy.

There is a moment just seconds before the final blackout that wordlessly captures the utter joy of life. You laugh and smile knowingly. Then it hits you. Kimberly is getting older.  Laughter through tears, indeed." Grade: A+

FAVORITE BROADWAY MUSICAL REVIVAL

WHAT WE SAID: Mike: "This production stood out for giving us a classic show, in its original form, performed by first-rate singers and musicians - basically, Encores' stock in trade. There have certainly been other productions with more impressive sets and evocative concepts, but that would be at odds with the purpose of this production." Jeff: "Broadway is all the better for this bare bones, perfect-as-it-was Encores staging. No one involved in the transfer made the mistake of pumping it up for the Main Stem. Like Chicago before it, Into the Woods is a perfect jewel, polished to its brightest potential. What a shame it won't be around longer." Grade: A

2022 IN REVIEW: WRAP-UP

First, it felt great to have some semblance of normalcy in our ability to attend live theater again. True, we wish we could have seen much more - especially plays. Still, what we did see was a return to the thrill of Broadway, with a wonderful diversity in types of musicals, subject matter, and casting. The Great Bright Way still has a way to go, of course, but hopefully it is headed in the right direction.

Second, was is great to see the warm greetings and support given to understudies and swings. Though I can't recall ever seeing a truly unworthy performance by anyone listed on one of those little white slips of paper, this year was an unparalleled success in that department. Again, we must give a shout out to Nikki Renee Daniels, Alisa Melendez and Patrick Park. BRAVO and thank you! 

Finally, we are just so glad to be back! We hope you'll enjoy seeing us with new content every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Here's to a great 2023!

Here's our 2022 tally of honors - including kudos for all 13 shows we saw this year!

Kimberly Akimbo - 15

Almost Famous - 12

Girl From the North Country - 12

Into the Woods - 10

Some Like It Hot - 10

Paradise Square - 7

1776 - 6

KPOP - 6

The Music Man - 5

Funny Girl - 4

A Strange Loop - 4

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - 3

Company - 1

2022 in Review: Our Favorite Broadway Writing, Design and Direction

 2022 in Review:

Our Favorite Broadway Writing, Design & Direction

(11 Categories)

We were fortunate enough to see 13 different productions on Broadway in 2022; these are the shows we considered in all categories for our favorites this year: 1776, A Strange Loop, Almost Famous, Funny Girl, Girl From the North Country, Into the Woods. Kimberly Akimbo, KPOP, Paradise Square, Some Like It Hot, and The Music Man. We also saw these shows from previous years for a second time, and considered them only in categories where things have changed: Company and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. We made our lists separately - so below you'll see where we agreed, plus performances we each just had to include! How did we compare to your favorites? Leave a comment below, or catch up with us on Twitter or Instagram! (@jkstheatrescene for both)

FAVORITE NEW BROADWAY SONGS

Jeff & Mike:

"Let It Burn" from Paradise Square 

Music: Jason Howland; Lyrics: Nathan Tysen & Masi Asare

Mike:

"Great Adventure" from Kimberly Akimbo

Music: Jeanine Tesori; Lyrics: David Lindsay-Abaire

"Memory Song" from A Strange Loop

Music & Lyrics: Michael R. Jackson

"You Could Have Knocked Me Over with a Feather" from Some Like It Hot

Music: Marc Shaiman; Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman

Jeff:

"Better" from Kimberly Akimbo

Music: Jeanine Tesori; Lyrics: David Lindsay-Abaire

"A Darker Shade of Blue" from Some Like It Hot

Music: Marc Shaiman; Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman

"Everybody's Coming Together" from Almost Famous

Music: Tom Kitt; Lyrics: Cameron Crowe & Tom Kitt

FAVORITE PRODUCTION NUMBERS

Jeff & Mike:

"How to Wash a Check" from Kimberly Akimbo

Music: Jeanine Tesori; Lyrics: David Lindsay-Abaire

Direction: Jessica Stone; Choreography: Danny Medford

"Molasses to Rum" from 1776

Music & Lyrics: Sherman Edwards

Direction: Jeffrey L. Page & Diane Paulus; Choreography: Jeffrey L. Page

"Some Like It Hot" from Some Like It Hot

Music: Marc Shaiman; Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman

Direction & Choreography: Casey Nicholaw

Jeff:

"Amerika (Checkmate)" from KPOP

Music & Lyrics: Helen Park & Max Vernon

Direction: Teddy Bergman; Choreography: Jennifer Weber

"Blast Off" from KPOP

Music & Lyrics: Helen Park & Max Vernon

Direction: Teddy Bergman; Choreography: Jennifer Weber

"Duquesne Whistle / Señor (Tales of Yankee Power) / Is Your Love In Vain? / License to Kill (Reprise)" from Girl From the North Country

Music & Lyrics: Bob Dylan

Direction: Conor McPherson; Movement: Lucy Hind

"Fever Dog Bows" from Almost Famous

Music: Tom Kitt; Lyrics: Cameron Crowe & Tom Kitt

Direction: Jeremy Herrin; Choreography: Sarah O'Gleby

"Marian the Librarian" from The Music Man

Music & Lyrics: Meredith Willson

Direction: Jerry Zaks; Choreography: Warren Carlyle

FAVORITE SHOW LOGOS

Jeff & Mike:

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

A Strange Loop

Mike:

Girl From the North Country

Kimberly Akimbo

Jeff:

Almost Famous

Into the Woods

FAVORITE PROJECTION DESIGN

Jeff:

Peter Nigrini KPOP

Rae Smith Girl From the North Country

Mike:

David Bengali 1776

Lucy Mackinnon Kimberly Akimbo

FAVORITE LIGHTING DESIGN

Jeff & Mike:

Natsha Katz Almost Famous

Mike:

Jiyoun Chang KPOP

Jeff:

Mark Henderson Girl From the North Country

Jen Schriever A Strange Loop

FAVORITE COSTUME DESIGN

Jeff:

Gregg Barnes Some Like It Hot

Toni-Leslie James Paradise Square

Rae Smith Girl From the North Country

Mike:

Andrea Hood Into the Woods

Emilio Sosa 1776

FAVORITE SCENIC DESIGN

Jeff & Mike:

Santo Loquasto The Music Man

Scott Pask Some Like It Hot

Jeff:

Rae Smith Girl From the North Country

Mike:

David Zinn Kimberly Akimbo

FAVORITE BOOK OF A MUSICAL

Jeff & Mike:

Cameron Crowe Almost Famous

David Lindsay-Abaire Kimberly Akimbo

Conor McPherson Girl From the North Country

FAVORITE SCORE OF A MUSICAL

Jeff & Mike:

Almost Famous

Music: Tom Kitt; Lyrics: Cameron Crowe & Tom Kitt

Kimberly Akimbo

Music: Jeanine Tesori; Lyrics: David Lindsay-Abaire

FAVORITE CHOREOGRAPHY OF A MUSICAL

Jeff & Mike:

Warren Carlyle The Music Man

Casey Nicholaw Some Like It Hot

FAVORITE DIRECTION OF MUSICAL

Jeff & Mike:

Jeremy Herrin Almost Famous

Conor McPherson Girl From the North Country

Jessica Stone Kimberly Akimbo

COMING FRIDAY: Our Favorite Broadway Productions of 2022