My overall impression
This show gave me ALL THE FEELS!!!!!
I’ve always loved Ahrens and Flaherty- and have wanted to see this show ever since I had heard of it. Sadly, this show is not done often (along with some of my other favorites- also ensemble- feel-tastic shows), and I was excited to see that it would be playing in hollywood while I was in town! This show most definitely did not disappoint!
The ensemble played off of each other fantastically- the individual characters as separate interesting beings as well as the entire group as a cohesive unit. It is apparent that the group was well-rehearsed, well-directed, and well-chosen (kudos to the director and stage manager). The direction and design worked very well for the diagonal-thrust setting. As a musician (and mostly, flute player), I was highly impressed with the fantastic ability of the “pit” to play the music with such fluidity and emotion- both as individual players (specific congrats to the flautist for not making me wince… ever. That’s meant to be a high compliment), and as a group. Ever actor was well-suited for their part, and performed splendidly- so much so, that I doubt I will ever see such perfection in these characters by another performance (that’s a dare to all you other theatre companies out there!!).
I know it’s impossibly late for a review to be written for this show…. but I found my card for the show packed away and decided better late than never…. :)
