Margie and I went to the Actors Fund performance of A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. I had read more than a few negative responses about this production on theater websites, but I found it largely satisfying. It took me a little while to get used to Catherine Zeta-Jones's husky voice and sometimes throwaway delivery. Some of her choices seemed inappropriate--such as nearly slapstick reactions--but those were likely the director's touches. Her singing was OK, nothing more. But I enjoyed Aaron Lazar as the egomaniacal dragoon and the male lead, Steven Buntrock, was also quite good. The score remains one of my favorites of Sondheim's.

Saw Alfred Molina (looking scarily hulking with a shaved head, much as he did in PRICK UP YOUR EARS), Brian Stokes Mitchell and Chelsea Clinton, who looked surprisingly petite.

This amused me: Since I had just missed a bus, I decided to go to the stage door. When CZJ came out, I told her I enjoyed the show and wished I could get to A FINE ROMANCE. She told me, "I started that, you know." Here's the funny part: CZJ then said, "You know, Hugh Jackman's doing it, too." Does my interest in Hugh show on my face? I almost laughed aloud; that was unexpected. She was gracious and signed numerous playbills. Angela Lansbury, who was so delightful in the show, sneaked out another door. Can't blame her; it was well past 11 p.m., and she'd just done her ninth show of the week. Not bad for 85, eh?

Ellen

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mamaleh,

Ellen, you're amazing to have the energy to log on and report after your extended commute home -- I got home a bit before midnight and I think I was climbing into bed by 12:15, LOL.

I thought this was a lovely production, the stars were surrounded by an excellent supporting cast. Thank goodness the couple in front of me did not like the show: after whispering through much of the first act, they opted to leave before intermission. Since the gent was broad and literally had a block shaped head, this much improved my sight lines.

Brian Stokes Mitchell stood at the back of the orchestra chatting with many folks -- the man radiates charm and charisma -- even while on crutches. Poor fellow: knee brace and one of those post surgery boots, I wonder what happened to him?

Margie

I've sat behind blockheads, too, Margie--though not usually literally, LOL. Good thing it wasn't Molina--yeeks, he reminded me of the "thing" from GOONIES.

Ellen

I also went that night but only saw Stephanie Powers, I think. Saw the 1st act from row N and the 2nd act from the front row - traded seats with a friend. I continue to think, which I first realized after seeing the movie of CHICAGO, that Michael Douglas is a lucky man. CZJ seemed like she was "perfection" as the song says. The costumes were beautiful, the wigs good (unlike Present Laughter which had the ugliest wigs ever in a show) and Ms. Lansbury was wonderful, but what was with her white face makeup? I was so glad to see the show since wearing out several copies of the album.

Sorry we didn't notice you there. I didn't see Powers but read that she was indeed in the audience.

Funny, all evening I thought we were seeing the full original revival cast--after all, there were no little white slips in the playbill--and then at the stage door, a young man announced, after CZJ, Aaron Lazar & H. Hendlicka left, that "Mr. Buntrock will be coming out soon, but Miss Lansbury has already left." Turns out understudy Stephen Buntrock had gone on for Alexander Hanson (as Frederick), and I hadn't so realized. I guess no announcement was made because they figured no one came to see him. Actually, I had been curious to see him and thought I had--until disabused of that faulty notion later.

Did either of you know?

Ellen

Ellen - my Playbill did have the cast change white sheet. Stephen Buntrock looked so much like an actor from Guiding Light - Robert Newman who played Josh Lewis - I had to look at the Playbill several times to confirm it wasn't him.

I guess some playbills had them and some didn't.

Weren't white-powdered faces in vogue at certain periods in European history, especially for mature ladies? That could be the reason for the ghostly makeup.

It's still a good show, isn't it? I saw the original as a grad student and loved it. I brought my very thin '73 playbill (so few ads!) to the Imperial one day for Beth Fowler to sign. She was one of the original lieder singers.

Ellen

For those of you who already saw A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC with Catherine Zeta Jones and Angela Lansbury and were wondering if it warranted a re-visit with Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch, the answer, for me, was a resounding YES!! The production went from a lovely experience to a mesmerizing one to be counted among my top favorites.

I went in expecting I would prefer Bernadette's Desiree over CZJ's (and I did), but I was a bit stunned when Stritch's Madame Armfeldt obliterated Lansbury's performance for me! Peters and Stritch looked and felt to be a better match as daughter and mother as well. They both bring a bit more earthiness to their roles. Brava to them both!

Regarding all the accolades for Bernadette's rendition of "Send in the Clowns" -- including reviews and comments acclaiming it as the definitive interpretation of a much covered Sondheim song? True, every superlative comment about it is true. I've heard it performed a number of times, and have always liked it, but this was the first time it brought tears to my eyes and chills down my spine. I was close enough to see Bernadette's eyes tear up -- when she went to wipe her cheek, it was for real.

Margie

Thanks for your re-review, Margie. Sounds like it's one to see again.

How was Alexander Hanson as Frederick? I don't believe we saw him last time.

Ellen

Alrighty! I think I'm sold for my 9/24th weekend! I didn't think I wanted to miss the chance to see Bernadette. Thanks for the confirmation!

Jennifer

Jennifer, you know about Broadwaybox.com, I assume. It contains the current discounts. A reminder, just in case.

Ellen