New York Holiday trip- My 8 shows in 4 days

[florida theatre kid]

Just some quick thoughts on the shows I was able to see during my annual New York Trip!

-The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Wednesday, December 26th, 8 p.m.
This show is definitely one of the most fun on Broadway with an incredible cast who obviously loves what they do! Everyone worked so well as an ensemble, but I have to say Stephanie J. Block and Jessie Mueller really were the two who blew away. Mueller nailed everything about Helena, and Block has never been in finer form. Her "Writing on the Wall" was out of this world. I also loved the Opium Ballet sequence; Shannon Lewis has to be one of the most talented dancers on Broadway. The only complaint I have about the show was the sound - oh my gosh there were times when everything was so drowned out by the orchestra I couldn't understand a thing. Has anyone else had this issue at Studio 54? Still a wonderful evening of theatre and I hope it gets the extension it deserves.

-Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Thursday, December 27th, 11 a.m.
I had never been in the city at Christmas time, so I finally took advantage of my chance to see the Rockettes. I'm glad I did, but I think it was a once in a lifetime thing. It is called the Spectacular for a reason - it is a spectacle that was almost slightly ridiculous to me. The Rockettes were amazing, but different costumes and different sets with every scene was kind of overwhelming. However, it's one of the world's most famous holiday traditions and I'm glad I got to see it.

-Nice Work If You Can Get It
Thursday, December 27th, 2 p.m.
I don't remember the last time I walked out of a show feeling this happy. I loved everything about it. I know there has been debate over Broderick's performance, but I honestly found him perfect. Kelli O'Hara is stunning, and Jennifer Laura Thompson and Judy Kaye both have the most wonderful comedic timing. Jeffrey Schecter was on as Cookie at this performance and I can't imagine anyone better. The ensemble is SO SO good - but can I say Kristen Beth Williams has to be the most watchable ensemble member on Broadway! I have seen her 3 years in a row, and in each show, your eyes just go to her. Wonderful show and will highly recommend it to everyone!

-Alvin Ailey
Thursday, December 27th, 8 p.m.
If you have never seen Ailey let me just tell you to GET YOUR BUTT to one of their performances! It was one of the most unreal things I have ever seen. It blows me away dancers like this exist in the world. For $27 you can't beat this!

-Bring It On
Friday, December 28th, 2 p.m.
I loved this show for exactly what it was. I found the book hilarious, and while the score was obviously slightly (meaning incredibly) cheesy, I still loved every second. The cheerleading stunts really blew me away. Taylor Louderman is a star, Kate Rockwell was hilarious as Skylar, and Neil Haskell....well we know. The entire cast was great. I almost skipped out on this one and I'm very glad I was able to see it before it closed.

-Once
Friday, December 28th, 8 p.m.
I was disappointed walking up to the theatre seeing both Kazee and Milioni were out, however, 2 minutes into the show, any worries went away. Ben Hope and Laura Dreyfuss were both phenomenal as Guy and Girl, especially Dreyfuss. She really, really blew me away. A lot. Her voice was incredible and her characterization of girl was perfect. "The Hill" was gorgeous. Bravo to her - I hope to see her take over the role one day. But Once is an ensemble piece, and this ensemble proves second to none. I felt so incredibly fulfilled after this show. It's easy for shows to be over hyped, but Once lived up to it's hype, and then some.

-Evita
Saturday, December 29th, 2 p.m.
I had never seen a production of Evita, and although I have heard MANY mixed reviews (and some flat out pans) about this production, I decided to give it a try. Well, turns out it was not as tragic as I was expecting. The problem for me was the leads just don't have the star power required for these roles. Christina DeCicco, while a beautiful singer, did not demand the stage the way Evita should. Same with Martin. I felt the production to be the strongest during the ensemble numbers. I thought Rob Ashford's choreography was very strong here, particularly in "I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You." Max Von Essen and Rachel Potter shined in the smaller roles over the leads. I found the production great at times, but see where the faults lie.

-Newsies
Saturday, December 29th, 8 p.m.
Another show I just walked away from beaming and humming tunes all the way home. The book wasn't the greatest, but the score and INCREDIBLE ensemble make this an incredibly memorable night on Broadway. There's really nothing to say about the dancing that hasn't been said. All of the Newsies are stars, and Corey Cott has what it takes as Jack Kelly.

[vegas2]

Congratulations on a successful trip. It sounds like you made good choices for yourself. When you have to travel from afar for your theatre fix, it's important to get your money's worth.