Category Archives: Broadway

The Book of Mormon (seeing it a second time)

The Book of Mormon (seeing it a second time)
Book Music and Lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone
Choreography by Casey Nicholaw
Directed by Casey Nicholas and Trey Parker
Eugene O’Neill Theatre
September 12, 2023
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

This was my second time seeing this show – – but this time almost a decade separated my first time seeing the show and my recent visit.Β  As I recall, the first visit, this musical was so naughty, edgy, and avant guard.Β  My how times have changed.Β  Now, some ten years later, it has joined the ranks of other β€œtourist shows” with its tables of β€œmerch” sold in the lobby.Β  It’s β€œnastiness” now is handled with no more than a small reminder on the ticketing site that it does contact some adult language. Β  What I noticed with this recent version is how much the production has missed Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells.Β 

The Cottage (seeing it a second time)

The Cottage (seeing it a second time)
Written by Sandy Rustin
Directed by Jason Alexander
The Helen Hayes Theater
September 10, 2023
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

When I first saw The Cottage, is was an incredible overflowing farce with joy in every moment.Β  This time through the light was a bit dimmer.Β  I am not sure if it was because it was my second time through or if it was more to do with the show.Β  My guess is that after a few dozen performances between my two showings – – they worked out all of their funny moments and knew which ones work without effort and which ones they have to work more.Β 

The Cottage

The Cottage
Written by Sandy Rustin
Directed by Jason Alexander
The Helen Hayes Theater
July 13, 2023
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

The Cottage was a simply fabulous evening in the theater. It has been a long time since I have seen a full-fledged farce in New York City. Everything about this show worked. The set was gorgeous and more than gorgeous, it had many fun farcical features that the cast exploited every moment that they could.  For example almost every prop on stage became a cigarette lighter – – every single item. The casting was right on point. Eric McCormack and Laura Bell Bundy made for a perfect couple to spar back and forth  – – – and every supporting actor down to the very smallest role all made a wonderful contribution to the story.  

Goodnight, Oscar

Goodnight, Oscar
Starring Sean Hayes
Written by Doug Wright
Directed by Lisa Peterson
Belasco Theatre
July 12, 2023
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

Goodnight Oscar packed one hell of a punch last night. I knew going in that Sean Hayes would be able to deliver all the comic moments of the show with aplomb. He is so good at those small sarcastic comments and finding a punch line to every single moment. I knew that the comedy would be great, but I was wondering if the night was going to hold any more to it. I am so glad to say it did. The show did start off a little slow and a lot of exposition was needed to take us back in time to the late fifties.  It was important to understand the Jack Paar show and its tendency to bring celebrity guests on its show and exploit them for the sake of ratings.  

Alex Edelman Just for Us

Alex Edelman Just for Us
Written and performed by Alex Edelman
Directed by Adam Brace
Hudson Theatre
July 11, 2023
Production website
πŸ’‰πŸ’‰ out of 5.

Most of the time when I go to New York to see shows, I purposely don’t do any research on the show. I like to be surprised. I like to have that experience for the first time.  I held true to that in seeing Just for Us. I didn’t know a thing about the show other than it was a one-man presentation. It didn’t take me long to figure out that this was going to be stand-up comedy routine in a much, much larger space. I have seen this kind of format a few times before and it has worked – but at times the space fought the performance. This show felt to me like it was begging to be in a smaller space.  I can only imagine what fun it was to see this piece when it was in various small clubs and experimental places around the world. I’m sure it had to be something to experience.