There are some movies that just sing to you. While you are watching them, the characters seem to cry out "Please, write me a song!". I believe that Ghost is one of those films. Why then, did Ghost: The Musical fail miserably? In this case when the characters cried out "Please, write me a song!", they should have been more specific.
As most of us probably know, Ghost follows the story of Molly, an Artist, and Sam an investment banker. Sam is brutally murdered within the first 20 minutes, and sets out on an after death quest to solve his murder and protect the woman he loves from those set out to do her harm. Along the way he enlists the help of phony medium Oda Mae Brown, who turns out to be more than the fake she always thought she was. It's a love story that has very human, relate able characters.
Unfortunately, the music is terrible. That statement is a little bit unfair. The music is actually not terrible. Glen Ballard, has composed the music and lyrics, with lyrical assists from Bruce Joel Rubin and Dave Stewart (of the Eurythmics). If these songs existed on a different plain, say, the radio, then they would be catchy if not forgettable tunes. The trouble is that barely any of the music fits the moment in the show that it was composed for.
When characters in a musical start to sing, whatever comes out of their mouths should stylistically fit the emotional mood of the scene. This is hardly, ever the case with the characters in Ghost. Some of the music is in fact entirely unneeded.
Having a score that isn't write for the show is one of the problems, the largest problem, however there are others. The "special theatrical effects" are at times breath taking, but for the most part the entire stage is mucked up with bright lights and ridiculous staging. Matthew Warchus, who is usually a smart director, has staged things so chaotically that at times it doesn't even make sense.
The actors are all very capable, they have lovely voices and are doing the best they can with the material that has been given to them. Da'Vine Joy Randolph is of course the stand out as Oda Mae Brown. She is the only actor who comes close to matching the memory of the person who came before her on screen.
Which leads us to another problem. This is a film that is still exceptionally fresh in peoples minds. It's an iconic film, with iconic performances from some of America's favorite actors. Whoopi Goldberg, Demi Moore, and of course Patrick Swayze. While it's certainly not fair to compare those performances with their stage counterparts, it's also not fair to say that they are not in our minds as we are watching the play. It was just too soon for audiences to accept new interpretations of these performances.
Of course, if the book and the music has been wonderful none of these other things would have mattered. Ghost: The Musical closed on Broadway at The Lunt-Fontaine Theater on August 18, 2012 after 136 performances. The show is still playing on London through the month of October. No national tour has been announced.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Porgy and Bess
There are very few pieces of theater that continue to stir up controversy, even 75 years after it originally premiered. Porgy and Bess is one of those always controversial pieces of American Theater. Technically an opera, Dianne Paulus and Suzan-Lori Parks set out to created a slimmed down, intimate version of George and Ira Gershwin and DuBose and Dorothy Hayward's four hour opus.
From the outset of this announcement the criticism came. After a lengthy interview with the new creative team, and leading lady Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim sent a letter to the New York Times condemning them for their arrogance. None the less, the newly titled The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess arrived on Broadway. Reviews and ticket sales were strong, prompting an extension of the originally limited engagement. It was still limited, just a little expanded. The show went on to win 2012 Tony Awards for Best revival of a musical, and of course Audra McDonald's record Breaking 5th Tony award.
I had the pleasure of seeing the production two weeks before it was scheduled to close. Unfortunately, Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier were both out at the performance I attended. Their understudies were extremely talented, and more than capable.
The simple set design by Riccardo Hernandez was effective for the most part, though at times it failed to live up to the scope of the music and the moment. Costumes, by former Project Runway contestant Esosa, were lovely, and perfect for each character on catfish row. Christopher Akerlind was able to transport you with his lighting design. Much of the shows "scene changes" were accomplished with simple changes in light rather than actual moving of scenery.
I must confess I am not familiar with all four hours of music in this epic Gershwin Opera. I am not able to make any comparisons, however, I can say that Ms. Paulus and Ms. Parks adapted a well told story. There did not seem to be any holes or gaps, and each character was well developed. Though it did seem as though the role of Bess was given too little to sing.
That brings me around to the main attraction. Audra McDonald was a true revelation in the role of Bess. From the moment she stepped onto the stage she was absolutely mesmerizing. Her vocals were impeccable, and you are reminded at once of her Julliard training. In addition to being expertly sung, Audra McDonald brings an emotional depth and disparity to the role of Bess. It was truly a joy to watch.
Nikki Rene Daniels, Joshua Henry, Philip Boykin, Natasha Yvette Williams, and Bryonha Marie Parham all shine in their supporting roles. Nikki Rene Daniels is heart breaking as Clara, and Natasha Yvette Williams splits your sides as Mariah. Equally heart wrenching is Ms. Parhams haunting rendition of "My Mans Gone Now".
This production of The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess closed on Broadway on Sunday September 23, 2012 at The Richard Rogers Theater. A national tour is reported to kick off in 2013. There has been no word yet on specific dates or casting, but it's well worth checking out. Spike Lee has also expressed interest in directing a new film version, though no official announcement has been made, nor is it clear if it would be a new adaptation, or a film version using the current Broadway model. Either way, a two disc cast album exists and is well worth a listen!
From the outset of this announcement the criticism came. After a lengthy interview with the new creative team, and leading lady Audra McDonald, Stephen Sondheim sent a letter to the New York Times condemning them for their arrogance. None the less, the newly titled The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess arrived on Broadway. Reviews and ticket sales were strong, prompting an extension of the originally limited engagement. It was still limited, just a little expanded. The show went on to win 2012 Tony Awards for Best revival of a musical, and of course Audra McDonald's record Breaking 5th Tony award.
I had the pleasure of seeing the production two weeks before it was scheduled to close. Unfortunately, Norm Lewis and David Alan Grier were both out at the performance I attended. Their understudies were extremely talented, and more than capable.
The simple set design by Riccardo Hernandez was effective for the most part, though at times it failed to live up to the scope of the music and the moment. Costumes, by former Project Runway contestant Esosa, were lovely, and perfect for each character on catfish row. Christopher Akerlind was able to transport you with his lighting design. Much of the shows "scene changes" were accomplished with simple changes in light rather than actual moving of scenery.
I must confess I am not familiar with all four hours of music in this epic Gershwin Opera. I am not able to make any comparisons, however, I can say that Ms. Paulus and Ms. Parks adapted a well told story. There did not seem to be any holes or gaps, and each character was well developed. Though it did seem as though the role of Bess was given too little to sing.
That brings me around to the main attraction. Audra McDonald was a true revelation in the role of Bess. From the moment she stepped onto the stage she was absolutely mesmerizing. Her vocals were impeccable, and you are reminded at once of her Julliard training. In addition to being expertly sung, Audra McDonald brings an emotional depth and disparity to the role of Bess. It was truly a joy to watch.
Nikki Rene Daniels, Joshua Henry, Philip Boykin, Natasha Yvette Williams, and Bryonha Marie Parham all shine in their supporting roles. Nikki Rene Daniels is heart breaking as Clara, and Natasha Yvette Williams splits your sides as Mariah. Equally heart wrenching is Ms. Parhams haunting rendition of "My Mans Gone Now".
This production of The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess closed on Broadway on Sunday September 23, 2012 at The Richard Rogers Theater. A national tour is reported to kick off in 2013. There has been no word yet on specific dates or casting, but it's well worth checking out. Spike Lee has also expressed interest in directing a new film version, though no official announcement has been made, nor is it clear if it would be a new adaptation, or a film version using the current Broadway model. Either way, a two disc cast album exists and is well worth a listen!
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