If you're a theatre kid, chances are you sang the title of this blog post in your head (or if you're like me, you sang it out loud). And if you're not a theatre kid, you probably think I'm insane for saying so.
Well without further ado, here's my review of the infamous Phantom of the Opera.
Phantom explores the ever so intangible love triangle that never fails to bring audiences to tears. When the Phantom of the Opera suddenly captures performer Christine Daae, her partner, Raoul is determined to save her. The show follows an operetta structure; however, is not considered to be an opera and is deemed as a musical. It is widely known to be the most popular musical on Broadway at the moment and currently holds the title for Broadway's longest running musical (27 years).
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but this show wasn't my favorite. I know, I know. It's an extraordinarily unpopular opinion. Phantom has beautiful songs and amazing actors, but it's just the story that doesn't really touch me too much. It's a lovely story, but watching it for two hours kind of bored me. If it wasn't for being in the presence of Norm Lewis and being incredibly familiar with the music, I probably would've really disliked it. You'll learn from me that my favorite types of musicals are the ones where there's a big dance number, a large ensemble, and a quirky leading couple. Phantom had none of those. That doesn't make it a bad musical, though. In fact, I would recommend Phantom to anyone. I really think that Phantom is a show for everyone- it just wasn't my favorite.
However, Norm Lewis was incredible. I mean I've heard him sing before (Les Mis anniversary, Porgy and Bess, etc), but hearing the man sing in the same room as me is a dream. I'm serious, if you get the chance to see Norm Lewis live- take it. It's an unforgettable experience. Lewis was better than the cast recording and holds the title of the first "African American Phantom". I've seen a lot of videos of other Phantoms and I think it is safe for me to say Norm Lewis is my favorite and probably the best one out there. Lewis came to my school for a Q&A not too long ago and said that the Phantom was his dream role and he can't believe he's living his dream (Lewis). It is so visible through his performance that Norm Lewis is doing what he loves with people that he loves. He also made sure to tell us that it is not all rainbows and butterflies playing the Phantom. Doing it eight times a week is physically and emotionally draining and it's hard not to call out for a day and let the understudy go on. For me as an aspiring Broadway actress, that was like fuel. I love hearing about the challenges of the show on and offstage. That is what inspires me to keep going. Even with all of the challenges of being the Phantom, you can tell Norm Lewis truly loves his job which is wonderful to hear as both an audience member and an actor.
The music, of course, was outstanding. Majority of you are probably familiar with at least one of the songs. And if you're not, then familiarize yourself! You don't have to love theatre to appreciate beautiful music. Just like I don't have to absolutely love the show to appreciate it's quality. The band was amazing. I used to be a band kid back in middle school and ever since then I've been obsessed with hearing Broadway cast bands. If a band can give me the chills, it's a good band. I clearly remember getting the chills more than once during Phantom (and rightfully so).
In context what I'm trying to say is that Phantom really was wonderful, it just wasn't my favorite. However, I strongly recommend it to you all. It's a beautiful piece of theatre that let's you appreciate a different type of show tunes as well as witness a beautiful love story.
3 out of 5 rikdastars
Until next time!
-Rikki
Friday, December 26, 2014
Book of Mormon - 8/23/14
Since I'm starting my reviews from the shows I've seen since I've began college, I'll begin with Book of Mormon.
As a theatre kid, it's almost imperative to know all of the lyrics and harmonies to "Hello", also known as the opening song to the incredible show that came to be Book of Mormon. I for one knew the song front and back, yet had no information further about the show besides the fact that Benji from Pitch Perfect was in it (but we'll get to him later). I had wonderful orchestra seats that probably cost half of my college tuition; however, the money was more than worth it.
Book of Mormon is one of those shows that has you laughing from the moment you enter the theatre until the moment you leave the theatre. The show explores two, especially different Mormons on their mission to none other than Northern Uganda, Africa where they are forced to convert people during the reign of a brutal warlord. With it's title being a biblical reference, of course I had my speculations as to if I would enjoy the show or not. As someone who doesn't rely much on religion in their daily lifestyle, I wasn't sure if I would find the humor to be comical or even if I would understand it. Yes, the comedy was definitely farcical and had a main target, but the way it was structured both praised and belittled Mormons in the best way. It was dirty, it was silly, it was satirical, and it was absolutely, incredibly genius. I hope someday that I could write something so intelligent.
One of the most intelligent connections, I believe, was the correlation between sex and religion. Especially in Cunningham and Nabulungi's song, "Baptize Me." The lyrics in the song literally say that Cunningham is going to baptize someone (Nabulungi) for the first time, yet in context, it means that he is going to have sex with her. I thought that this song was genius. Besides being absolutely hilarious, it combined two extraordinarily different things. One is heavily done in the Mormon religion while the other is often looked down upon.
The actors in the show had extremely great comedic timing, which is something that I admire heavily as a comedic actress. All theatre kids glorify the original cast (Andrew Rannells and Josh Gaad) which is definitely viable because they're outstanding. I was really upset that I never got the chance to see them in action in this show (still am) but I was taken back when I realized how great Nick Rouleau and Ben Platt are. They share this certain, undeniable chemistry onstage that just brings a smile to your face.
Nick Rouleau just has that quality about him that makes him so likable, even though his character is very pompous and overbearing. He played this incredibly rude character and still made the audience fall in love with him, which is was every good actor strives for. Even if the show is awful, if an actor intrigues the audience, they did something right. Besides being a great actor, Rouleau is also so wonderfully kind. It's hard to put into words how captivating his smile is and how genuine his thank you's are when you tell him what a great job he did. You can tell that he is living his dream, and that just makes me so warmhearted.
Everyone knows Ben Platt for his role as Benji in Pitch Perfect where he plays the nerdy outcast. In Book of Mormon, he almost plays the same character, except this time, a lot more empowering. I usually really despise when actors play the same role in every show or movie that they book. I really admire when an actor is seasoned and as an aspiring actress, that is what I yearn to be. Yet, with Ben Platt, it completely worked and I think I would've been disappointed if he played the character any differently. He definitely did his job in putting himself into the character which is extremely important for an actor to do. I'd have to say my favorite part of Ben Platt's performance was how he consistently mispronounced Nabulungi's name. It was absolutely hilarious and from a performer's point of view, left a lot of room for improvisation. Based on what is popular throughout society, you could easily change around the words to get a laugh out of the audience. I don't necessarily know if it was him that made that up or if it is written in the script, but I think Platt did an excellent job.
Moreover, I absolutely loved this show and I would recommend anyone to see it. It is truly a show that I believe everyone would enjoy. Most importantly, I left the theatre feeling something. Something incredible that I cannot describe. That is what people come to the theatre for, and this show definitely provides you with a great feeling.
5 out of 5 rikdastars
Until next time!
-Rikki
As a theatre kid, it's almost imperative to know all of the lyrics and harmonies to "Hello", also known as the opening song to the incredible show that came to be Book of Mormon. I for one knew the song front and back, yet had no information further about the show besides the fact that Benji from Pitch Perfect was in it (but we'll get to him later). I had wonderful orchestra seats that probably cost half of my college tuition; however, the money was more than worth it.
Book of Mormon is one of those shows that has you laughing from the moment you enter the theatre until the moment you leave the theatre. The show explores two, especially different Mormons on their mission to none other than Northern Uganda, Africa where they are forced to convert people during the reign of a brutal warlord. With it's title being a biblical reference, of course I had my speculations as to if I would enjoy the show or not. As someone who doesn't rely much on religion in their daily lifestyle, I wasn't sure if I would find the humor to be comical or even if I would understand it. Yes, the comedy was definitely farcical and had a main target, but the way it was structured both praised and belittled Mormons in the best way. It was dirty, it was silly, it was satirical, and it was absolutely, incredibly genius. I hope someday that I could write something so intelligent.
One of the most intelligent connections, I believe, was the correlation between sex and religion. Especially in Cunningham and Nabulungi's song, "Baptize Me." The lyrics in the song literally say that Cunningham is going to baptize someone (Nabulungi) for the first time, yet in context, it means that he is going to have sex with her. I thought that this song was genius. Besides being absolutely hilarious, it combined two extraordinarily different things. One is heavily done in the Mormon religion while the other is often looked down upon.
The actors in the show had extremely great comedic timing, which is something that I admire heavily as a comedic actress. All theatre kids glorify the original cast (Andrew Rannells and Josh Gaad) which is definitely viable because they're outstanding. I was really upset that I never got the chance to see them in action in this show (still am) but I was taken back when I realized how great Nick Rouleau and Ben Platt are. They share this certain, undeniable chemistry onstage that just brings a smile to your face.
Nick Rouleau just has that quality about him that makes him so likable, even though his character is very pompous and overbearing. He played this incredibly rude character and still made the audience fall in love with him, which is was every good actor strives for. Even if the show is awful, if an actor intrigues the audience, they did something right. Besides being a great actor, Rouleau is also so wonderfully kind. It's hard to put into words how captivating his smile is and how genuine his thank you's are when you tell him what a great job he did. You can tell that he is living his dream, and that just makes me so warmhearted.
Everyone knows Ben Platt for his role as Benji in Pitch Perfect where he plays the nerdy outcast. In Book of Mormon, he almost plays the same character, except this time, a lot more empowering. I usually really despise when actors play the same role in every show or movie that they book. I really admire when an actor is seasoned and as an aspiring actress, that is what I yearn to be. Yet, with Ben Platt, it completely worked and I think I would've been disappointed if he played the character any differently. He definitely did his job in putting himself into the character which is extremely important for an actor to do. I'd have to say my favorite part of Ben Platt's performance was how he consistently mispronounced Nabulungi's name. It was absolutely hilarious and from a performer's point of view, left a lot of room for improvisation. Based on what is popular throughout society, you could easily change around the words to get a laugh out of the audience. I don't necessarily know if it was him that made that up or if it is written in the script, but I think Platt did an excellent job.
Moreover, I absolutely loved this show and I would recommend anyone to see it. It is truly a show that I believe everyone would enjoy. Most importantly, I left the theatre feeling something. Something incredible that I cannot describe. That is what people come to the theatre for, and this show definitely provides you with a great feeling.
5 out of 5 rikdastars
Until next time!
-Rikki
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