Leap of Faith

        With this post - I finally finish off the 2011-2013 theater season! There are still some shows that opened last season that I haven't yet seen (Once and Nice Work) and shows that unfortunately had to miss (The Mountaintop, Bonnie and Clyde, and William Shatners Solo show). The last show to open in the previous Broadway season was Alan Menken, Glen Slater, Warren Leight, and Janus Cercone's Leap of Faith.

       Leap of Faith is based on the Steve Martin film of the same name. They story concerns a faith healer who comes to a small Midwestern town with big promises so long as the local residents open their hearts and minds (and wallets) to the lord. This show got a really bad rap, and some not so great reviews when it opened April on the final day of Tony eligibility. It was certainly not the best musical I've ever seen, but it was still a great show with some wonderful music. So, why didn't people like it?

     Leap of Faith seemed troubled from the start. There was a long gestation period before the show finally had an out of town tryout in LA in 2011. After that initial tryout, many changes were made both to the show, and to the creative team. A new director and choreographer were brought on board, as well as new design elements. In addition, the lead female role was combined with one of the smaller male roles - and other minor characters were dropped or refined as well.

    When American Idiot vacated The St. James sooner than anyone had thought they would, the producers of Leap of Faith jumped on the chance to get the show in before the close of Tony voting season. This was a mistake because the show wasn't ready for Broadway yet. The initial plan had been to come in during the fall of 2012 after another New York area reading of the revised material. This would have given the show a bit more time to find it's footing.

   Then there is the fact that Leap of Faith was never any ones favorite Steve Martin film, or film in general for that matter. The movie was a box office flop when it premiered in the early 90's. All that meant was that there was a lot the authors could improve upon.
     
       In a smaller, more intimate house the show also may have played better. The St. James seats over 1600 people, and if you are in the rear mezz or the balcony, you are mighty far away from whats happening. This is fine for a big show (like The Producers, which played the St. James for over 5 years). A smaller, more intimate story like this one, however, may have connected better with audiences in a theater that was only maybe 1200 seats.

   The cast was, for the most part, wonderful. Raul Esparza was great as Jonas Nightingale. Kecia Lewis-Evans, Leslie Odom, Jr.,  and Krystal Joy Brown were all fantastic in their roles as well. Jessica Phillips was fine as the sheriff/love interest Marla McGowan, and Kendra Kassebaum was underwhelming as Sam Nightingale, Jonas's sister. The chorus of townspeople/gospel singers was absolutely superb.

   Leap of Faith did manage to get a Tony award nomination for Best Musical, and I think that there ticket sales may have improved from their Tony award performance (had the show been open at the time of the broadcast) but unfortunately the show had already closed by that time. Someday there may be a cast album released of the show. I doubt that it will work it's way much into the public lexicon of oft produced shows. The score is worth a listen though, and if an album ever exists with the original Broadway cast, it's worth hearing for the great performances by the aforementioned company members.

    Leap of Faith closed on Broadway at the St. James Theater on May 13, 2012 after 19 performances. I look forward to the 2040 City Centers Encores! concert staging!