On The 20th Century: A mad-cap musical comedy farce, billed as a comedic operetta because of its overly operatic tone in music. Originally written for Madeline Kahn in 1978, this is the first ever Broadway revival. The story involves the behind-the-scenes relationship between Lily, a temperamental actress and Oscar, a bankrupt theatre producer. On a luxury train traveling from Chicago to New York, Oscar tries to cajole the glamorous Hollywood star into playing the lead in his new, but not-yet-written drama, and perhaps to rekindle their romance. Starring Kristin Chenoweth, Peter Gallagher, Andy Karl and Mary Louise Parker.
Quick & Dirty: There are some fairly obvious reasons that this show hasn't been revived for 37 years, but there are some great songs, hilarious scenes, crisp choreography, and an unparalleled cast pushing this train into the station. While the play isn't my favorite, it is entertaining and the performance is stunning, a career highlight for Kristin Chenoweth, who dazzles, stuns, and amazes.
My Thoughts:
To be honest I invested heavily into learning the music of this show before I saw it, because I already knew it would take an acquired taste. I love Madeline Kahn so it was pretty easy to motivate myself. There some gems in the score such as 'Veronique', 'I've Got It all', 'Never', 'Babette', and the theme song. But many of the songs simply repeat the same words, exhibited in 'She's A Nut'. So realize the score has gems, but not every song is a home run.
The farce can be tricky to pull off, but this production's timing is so tight and quick, it is pulled off masterfully. Even when it is obvious the material is dragging, this stellar cast serves it up better than is to be expected. In all it's a great cast performing nice material. The meatiest part is that of Lily Garland, played by Ms. Chenoweth, and serves up one of the most captivating and impressive performance I have ever seen on a stage.
This is a perfect pairing of requirements for a role and a performers strengths. Although Kristin has had roles created specifically for her (Glinda in 'Wicked'), this is the role she was born to play. A comedic part with lavish melodrama, accompanied with lots of operatic gymnastics and belting while dancing. She does so effortlessly, without a hitch, all while making it look so easy and natural. Never has such hard work been made appear so easy, especially in such a large role that can stand almost toe-to-toe with Evita.
Chenoweth's supporting cast are all great and sell each number, line and joke well. The only problem is the script is good, not great. So with a good score, a good script, and an amazing performance, I would say this a do-not-miss production. You will never see a better production of this material - ever.
Quick & Dirty: There are some fairly obvious reasons that this show hasn't been revived for 37 years, but there are some great songs, hilarious scenes, crisp choreography, and an unparalleled cast pushing this train into the station. While the play isn't my favorite, it is entertaining and the performance is stunning, a career highlight for Kristin Chenoweth, who dazzles, stuns, and amazes.
My Thoughts:
To be honest I invested heavily into learning the music of this show before I saw it, because I already knew it would take an acquired taste. I love Madeline Kahn so it was pretty easy to motivate myself. There some gems in the score such as 'Veronique', 'I've Got It all', 'Never', 'Babette', and the theme song. But many of the songs simply repeat the same words, exhibited in 'She's A Nut'. So realize the score has gems, but not every song is a home run.
The farce can be tricky to pull off, but this production's timing is so tight and quick, it is pulled off masterfully. Even when it is obvious the material is dragging, this stellar cast serves it up better than is to be expected. In all it's a great cast performing nice material. The meatiest part is that of Lily Garland, played by Ms. Chenoweth, and serves up one of the most captivating and impressive performance I have ever seen on a stage.
This is a perfect pairing of requirements for a role and a performers strengths. Although Kristin has had roles created specifically for her (Glinda in 'Wicked'), this is the role she was born to play. A comedic part with lavish melodrama, accompanied with lots of operatic gymnastics and belting while dancing. She does so effortlessly, without a hitch, all while making it look so easy and natural. Never has such hard work been made appear so easy, especially in such a large role that can stand almost toe-to-toe with Evita.
Chenoweth's supporting cast are all great and sell each number, line and joke well. The only problem is the script is good, not great. So with a good score, a good script, and an amazing performance, I would say this a do-not-miss production. You will never see a better production of this material - ever.
For one last example why she should win the Tony this year check out this full song:
