Best Theatre Experiences of 2011

Only a couple days left in 2011. It's been a wonderful, busy, and life-changing year for me. I started my graduate degree in arts administration while working full-time, saw more shows this year than I've ever fit into one year before, and discovered friends who love theatre as much as I do along the way. I followed my heart in 2011, and I'm amazed at where it led.

There's been a lot of articles about the top 10 theatre moments in 2011, and I've been inspired to reflect on my own "top 10" as a result. I've been so fortunate this year in the realm of theatre that I found this exercise excruciating. I'm a terrible critic since I tend to love at least some part of everything I see. I'd rather let people know about all the great moments and reedeeming values even the shows I don't love as much as others have.


The Theatre Junkie's Top 10 Theatre Experiences of 2011

1. Les Miserables Both in the West End and on Tour for the 25th Anniversary Production in the U.S.
Anyone who knows me has some understanding of just how much I love this show. It can't be anything but number 1 for me. It's the show that got me into theatre and shaped my life. Why was it so special in 2011? For starters, I had the pleasure of seeing three talented Jean Valjeans: Alfie Boe, J. Mark McVey, and Joe Tokarz. Each special and worth seeing. I had a blast getting to know both the West End and US Tour cast pretty well in September and October. As this is a huge ensemble show, every person plays a key part, and both the casts I saw were spectacular. They put their hearts into their performances every night, and I was touched every time I saw the show.

2. “We Beseech Thee” in the Broadway Revival of Godspell
I hadn't seen Godspell until it came to Broadway this year, but I am so thankful it did. I thoroughly enjoyed myself the entire show, especially during Nick Blaemire's big number "We Beseech Thee." Check my earlier blog post for more details. I think most people who've seen the show can agree that the choreography in this number is impressive. Plus, the tune is pretty catchy too.

3. Marc Kudisch’s Cabaret, What Makes Me Tick
In an effort to expand my theatre attendance and involvement this year, I attended my first cabaret at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, and I chose to see Marc Kudisch. I couldn't have been more astounded by his song choices, range, and personal stories. Based on the audience reaction, I don't think I was the only one in awe and inspired. After his cabaret, I explored what makes me tick, and wrote a subsequent blog post about my findings. He's got quite a resume and quite a voice. With any luck, I'll see him in a Broadway show next year.

4. Next to Normal National Tour
Considering Next to Normal is one of my favorite shows (after Les Mis of course), I was pleased to hear a national tour would be coming my way and include Alice Ripley. I saw it as many times as I could and each time was fantastic. As there are only six people in the cast, each role is vital. This tour was very well cast. My favorite character, Henry, was played incredibly well by Preston Sadlier. I was so happy to see Jeremy Kushnier, Emma Hunton, and Asa Somers in the cast as well. Electrifying music. A real, honest story. It truly is a feel-everything musical.

5. Phantom of the Opera in the West End with the 25th Anniversary Cast
Not only did I get to see the first musical I ever saw for the third time live this year, but I got to see it in its original home complete with leads fresh from Les Mis. John Owen-Jones, Katie Hall, and Killian Donnelly were a fabulous trio (although parts were a little strange to watch since John and Katie previously played father and daughter). I had never seen a non-touring production of Phantom and it had been well over a decade since I saw the show, so I was overwhelmed by the music, costumes, scenery...pretty much everything.

6. War Horse in the West End and at the Lincoln Center
I have to give Matt Doyle some credit here since when he took on a lead role in the Lincoln Center production, I was finally determined to see this show. I was blown away by the cast, the story, the music, and, naturally, the puppetry. I always knew I would enjoy this play, but I didn't realize how much. I made a special point to see the show while I was in London, knowing the production varied from the Broadway version. I also made sure I caught the original cast again before several cast members leave next year. Not that I don't think the next cast will be great, but being attached to the current cast, I didn't want to miss my chance. I recommend seeing this play. It won the Tony for Best Play, and this remarkable show definitely deserved it.

7. The Return of Oklahoma to Arena Stage in D.C.
One of my wishes from 2010 was that I could see Oklahoma again at Arena Stage. Then, Arena Stage decided to bring back the show with several members of the original cast :o) Instead of seeing this show only once, I got see it six times, five this past year. You don't usually hear people describing Oklahoma as exciting, but this production was. The cast was ideal. The direction and choreography were superb. If this production happens to make it to Broadway next year, go see it!

8. Sutton Foster Performing “Anything Goes” in Anything Goes on Broadway
The first Broadway show I ever saw was Annie and Sutton Foster happened to be in the cast. She was also the first Eponine I ever saw in Les Mis when I was six. So...we have a history, and I am very fond of her. She's insanely talented. A genuine triple-threat. When I heard she was going to be starring in Anything Goes, the show was placed at the top of my must-see Broadway shows list. She didn't disappoint and earned antoher Tony. The highlight of the show for me is the show's title song "Anything Goes." What a great moment!

9. Aerial Sequence During the Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark Finale
I've seen Spiderman three times, and each performance was different. However, one of the more consistent parts of the show is the aerial fight between the Green Goblin (Patrick Page) and Spiderman (Reeve Carney), which is currently the show's finale. When performed without any glitches, the scene is mesmerizing and you can see what Julie Taymor had in mind for Spiderman on Broadway. It's thrilling for all ages.

10. Jan Maxwell Singing “Could I Leave You?” in Follies at the Kennedy Center and on Broadway
This moment practically made my jaw drop. Jan Maxwell's peformance was stunning. The whole show was beautiful and I loved the entire, star-studded cast, but this part was the highlight for me. WOW.


Honorable Mentions

1. Alexandra Silber’s Cabaret, London Still, at the Kennedy Center
2. Matt Shingledecker, Adam Chanler-Berat, and Annaleigh Ashford as Roger, Mark, and Maureen in Rent Off-Broadway
3. Euan Morton’s Portrayal of Leo Frank in Parade at Ford’s Theatre in D.C.
4. Equivocation at Arena Stage in D.C.
5. Hairspray at Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia


What a year. There were so many other shows and theatre-related concerts that I would have loved to see live, but I didn't get the opportunity to. Theatre is "in the moment" and it's impossible to see everything everywhere unfortunately. Looking forward to what next year has to offer!

~LBD

Musical Theatre Quote of the Moment: "Even if you're little you can do a lot, you mustn't let a little thing like little stop you." ~ Matilda

One Day More!

It's been a while since I've written...but a LOT has been going on. The highlights are: I officially started graduate school for an MS in arts administration, and I traveled to London, New York City, and Philadelphia. The best part is that come tomorrow, I will have seen 15 shows this month. New record!

In London, I managed to see 10 shows in 8 days, including Phantom of the Opera, War Horse, Ghost, Richard III, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Wizard of Oz, and Les Miserables. A wonderful, eclectic mix of shows. It was an ideal vacation.

Phantom of the Opera surprised me. I was lucky to see it with its 25th Anniversary Cast, starring John Owen Jones as the Phantom, Katie Hall as Christine, and Killian Donnelly as Raoul. Naturally, I was pleased to see a cast full of Les Mis alums. The show is truly stunning. The lavish music, set, and costumes have delighted audiences for a quarter of a century. When the chandelier rises as the show begins, you know you're in for a treat. I'd only seen touring productions in the past, and even then, I hadn't seen the show live in about 14 years. Nonetheless, the show will always hold a special place in my heart since it was the first musical I ever saw. This production made me realize why Phantom of the Opera is still on Broadway. It continues to amaze audience members, including me, after 25 years.

Another spectacular production I saw was War Horse. I was determined to see the show again in London even though tickets seemed impossible to get. While I had an odd view from a balcony, the resulting back ache was worth it. The show is quite different from the Broadway version. Even though the main storyline remains entact, the means of getting there is a bit different. Firstly, there is only a Song Man, no Song Woman. I really missed the Song Woman. The Song Man was incredible; I'd just been accustomed to hearing a woman's voice too. Secondly, when I read the play, I noticed the use of foreign languages in the story - cheifly German and French. However, on Broadway, the whole story is presented in English. This is not the case in the West End produciton - the show incorporates French and German where it should be used. Lastly, some of the subplots of the story, especially int he second act, were very different. Either way, the main characters - Joey and Albert - still melted my heart. I think the whole audience was practically in tears by the end of the show.

I also saw a very technically stunning show while I was in London - Ghost. I don't think I've ever seen as much technology incorporated into one show. Spiderman may have come close, but I think this show had more technology displayed in it. For the must part it worked, but at times, it was a bit distracting. I especially enjoyed the way the elements of Sam as a ghost were incorporated into the musical. I also appreciated the show's music, sung beautifully by Richard Fleeshman (Sam) and Caissie Levi (Molly).

Even though I could write a novel about the fantastic shows I saw in London, I'll move on to my personal favorite: Les Miserables. The show was the first show I saw this month on September 3, and it will conclude my month tomorrow, September 30. I don't think I will ever not want to see this show. The music, story, characters, themes, etc. get me every time. This time was particularly special, largely because Alfie Boe (Jean Valjean) and Matt Lucas (Thenardier) were in the cast. Alfie Boe's voice reverberated throughout the entire theatre. I've never felt Jean Valjean's words so strongly, so powerfully. Truly inspired performance. Meanwhile, I've never appreciated Thenardier's parts as much as when Matt Lucas performed them. Typically, you don't see actors ad lib in well-renowned shows, like Les Mis, but he did and pulled it off. I also must mention Caroline Sheen (Fantine) and Liam Tamne (Enjorlas) since their performances struck me as well. Caroline Sheen is already a well-established actress, but Liam Tamne is rather new to the scene. I predict he's going to be as huge as Ramin Karimloo in the future, especially since his voice is just as magical.

Upon returning from London, I had a brief trip to New York City, where I saw Mary Poppins, Spiderman, and Rent. Even though I've seen them all before, I'd never seen Mary Poppins on Broadway. That was a standout performance since it starred the original Mary and Bert, Laura Michelle Kelly and Gavin Lee respectively. What a treat! I love to hear the voices of those on the original cast album when I can. I'm still hoping to hear the original Jean Valjean, Colm Wilkinson, sing live one day.

Tomorrow, the final day of September, I'll conclude my month at Les Miserables. Talk about ending on a high note! I've seen the tour before, but some of the cast has changed, and I am looking forward to seeing a new take on the characters. I can't quite believe that in "one more dawn, one more day, one day more" September will be over. This memorable, musical-filled month has been inspiring.

~ LBD

Musical Quote of the Moment: “Take my love, for love is everlasting" ~ Les Miserables