Bear Bones

Bearing in Mind by Kevin Thomas 

So know that you have the ways to get the tickets. What should you see?

Here are some mini-reviews -

IN THE HEIGHTS
As mentioned earlier, it started Off Broadway. And that's always a good sign. That means it played at a smaller theatre and people liked it so much, it had to move to a larger theatre. This is a really nice story about a close-knit Hispanic community dealing with life's struggles, loves and journeys. In many ways, it's an old-fashioned tale with traditional Broadway style songs. But what gives it an edge, is the lead actor and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda also has some rappy, hip hop songs which was at first surprising to hear on a Broadway stage, especially right after a more traditional love ballad. So this show should please both the Broadway traditionalists and their friends who were kind of forced to go because "they don't like musicals." This show is very deserving of its 13 Tony nominations including Best Musical, Actor, Supporting Actress Olga Merediz (she was amazing) and Score.

http://www.intheheightsthemusical.com/media.html
http://youtube.com/watch?v=DSTjRUMfOKI

PASSING STRANGE
At the Tonys, this will be "In the Heights" biggest competition for Best Musical. This show is more edgy with a big rock sound with a little gospel influence. It's also staged like the recent "Sweeny Todd" and "Company" in which the actors are also the musicians and the sets are very minimal. I am one of the rare people who hated the "Sweeny Todd" staging a few years ago. I was so disappointed in that show as it was hard to hear the romance of songs like "Joanna" when someone is walking on the stage blowing a tuba. In fact, I almost skipped "Passing Strange" for that reason. But I am so glad I didn't. Everyone in this show can really sing. And the songs were fresh, hip, funny and poignant. I didn't mind that our lead actor Stew was talking to us while playing the guitar. It felt right with this show. If you want to step out of the traditional Broadway musical zone, you should really check out "Passing Strange." This is the musical to see with people who hate musicals! It's part story, part rock concert and completely entertaining. Nominated for seven Tony Awards, it is a really strong contender with supporting actor Daniel Breaker. But Stew, nominated for 4 Tony Awards himself for all of his contributions to the show, should not go home empty-handed either. It's his life story, his songs and his show.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=RCDPPgmcbF0

XANADU
A fan of the movie, simply for cult reasons and not because I thought it was good, I was not that interested in seeing the musical version of the film as I am kind of tired of the trend of taking movies and turning them into musical. And the material here certainly wouldn't be worth of my $100 - even if half-priced! But when I went to Manhattan in January, I thought what the heck. I LOVED IT! I knew from the beginning when two of Zeus' daughters on roller skates were guys, I'd love it. And, since I hadn't read anything, I didn't know it would be so tongue-in-cheek. It makes fun of the movie and doesn't take it seriously at all. And our leading actress, Kerry Butler, who was great in  "Hairspray" and "Little Shop of Horrors" (and even on the soap opera "One Life to Live") was so funny with great timing (and voice) that I was blown away! I kept my fingers crossed that she'd be nominated for a Tony (and the best actress in a musical is the hottest category this year) that I jumped out of my seat when she was - and the show's also nominated for best musical. But I am so memorized by Kerry in this show that I even want her to win the Tony! But she's up against Patti Lupone in "Gypsy." Not to take away from the fact that Kerry carries the show, her supporting cast is also amazing, especially Mary Testa and Jackie Hoffman as her jealous sisters. Too bad they didn't get Tony nominated as well. And the score you already know. It's the same songs from the movie plus a few others from ELO and Olivia Newton-John.

http://www.xanaduonbroadway.com/sizzle2/

CRY BABY
Another John Waters movie that makes it to Broadway (like "Hairspray") is "Cry Baby." Nominated for best musical at the Tony Awards this year and I have no idea why. It's an okay show with some really good dancing. But it's no "Hairspray." And, "Young Frankenstein" is a far better choice for best musical, and that show was overlooked. If you must see "Cry Baby" please don't spend more than half price. This show doesn't have enough "Hairspray" qualities; in fact, it doesn't take long before it goes kind of limp.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=d3aephKPdiw

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
This is a far better choice for the best musical nomination over "Cry Baby." It's still not flawless, but it's really a lot of fun. It's taken liberties with the movie version but those only enhance the show for the live theatre. And this show as the cast of all casts - several popular stage performers - Roger Barth (from "The Producers" and  TV's "Desperate Housewives"), Andrea Martin (a Tony nominee for this show), Megan Mullally (a Broadway performer before she went to "Will & Grace") and Sutton Foster (Tony winner for "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and nominee for "The Drowsy Chaperone" and "Little Women"). Yes, the movie version is better but this is great fun and very much worth consideration.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4stM89917zY

Most shows have websites, YouTube videos or MySpace pages.  See you on the aisle!