The Color Purple - An Amazing Journey

I had the privilege of seeing The Color Purple last night at Proctors. I missed out on the Broadway production, luckily I had a second chance. The Color Purple is beautifully crafted and it soars to great heights. The story is uplifting and serves as a valuable reminder of how “people are making life harder for other people”, in the end we are all the same and The Color Purple stresses the importance of acceptance and tolerance.

The most notable aspect of this production was the cast; the talent on that stage is at times awe-inspiring. The songs are quite memorable and the lighting design was striking. The story is also of great importance, and I commend the book writers for focusing on the journey of this amazing woman. If you have some time, go to Proctors this weekend and see this show, you won’t regret it.

Did you get your tickets?

Wicked flies into Schenectady in December, did you get your tickets? If you want to go, get your tickets now, it seems like tickets are selling very quickly. A snapshot from the Proctor's box office shows limited seats available for many of the performances. It's not very often that such a big blockbuster show makes it's way into town so don't miss out! 

Also, don't forget to make your dining reservations in Downtown Schenectady, they have some great places to eat! Make them now so you don't end up being shut out! I myself have tickets and dinner reservations!

Next to Normal - A Review

Next to Normal, winner of 3 Tony Awards is a stroke of brilliance. Currently playing on Broadway at the Booth Theatre, Next to Normal is an emotional roller coaster where poignant songs and emotional story-telling meet soaring performances and brilliant design. One question, why this show wasn't the winner of a few more Tonys, especially "best musical"? With all that award nonsense aside, Next to Normal is one of the best musical experiences in recent memory. This show does not sacrifice substance for style, the primary focus is the story and the music, design and cast frame that story to perfection, a rare feat these days.

Alice Ripley is a tour de force as Diana, I can't get over how brilliant she was in this show. I feel honored to have seen this fine leading lady in top form. Kudos to the rest of the cast for their exquisit performaces. The show is designed and directed to perfection and the music and lyrics were catchy yet meaningful. The book (the most important element) is powerful and witty.

Next to Normal is theater at it's best. Broadway is once again changed and I wish we could see more shows like this produced on Broadway, To sum it up, this show is daring, un-apoligetic, heartfelt, candid, funny, disturbing, moving...the list could go on...

I dare you to find another musical currently playing on Broadway which holds up to the words listed above. Head to the Booth now, you will not be disappointed.

Next to Normal
The Booth Theatre
Performance: 2009.08.29 2pm

Next to Normal

Pure brilliance! A must see! Full review is coming up!

Passing Strange

Over a year ago I experienced a musical theater experience like no other; “Passing Strange”.  Like any live performance, the memories of that matinee or evening will eventually fade.  The true test however, is how long it takes for them to fade.  In the case of Passing Strange, they continue on for me.  The music, the talent, and most importantly the words…  Passing Strange is a beautiful and stirring musical journey through life that everyone can relate to.  The show is worthy of a lifelong run, but Broadway being what it is, this show closed well before its time, luckily it continues beyond the stage. 

Available on-demand via Time Warner, the story and words of Passing Strange are alive and well.   I can’t recommend this “movie” enough.  The show holds up very well on screen and that is a testament to the shows creators Heidi and Stew and the cast that told this story every night at the Belasco.  If you have some spare moments and want a true cinematic/theatrical experience order this film and immerse yourself into Passing Strange.  You will not be disappointed.  “Listening is waiting…”