How to Dance in Ohio Book and Lyrics by Rebekah Greer Melocik Music by Jacob Yandura Choreographed by Mayte Natalio Directed by Sammy Cannold Belasco Theatre December 6, 2023 Production website 💉💉 out of 5.
Of my 10 shows that I saw on this trip I was most looking forward to seeing How to Dance in Ohio, but it was my least favorite show. I was so excited to witness a show that brought the inclusion of a cast of individuals who were self-identifying as people with autism. I thought it a great chance to give voice to people who would not normally be seen on Broadway. But, as the show made clear, no special exception, was to be given to any of them. They were going to be judged – – in fact, they wanted to be judged, on their own merits – – and it just didn’t work.
Gutenberg! the Musical! Book, Music, and Lyrics by Scott Brown & Anthony King Directed by Alex Timbers James Earl Jones Theatre September 20, 2023 Production website 💉💉💉💉 out of 5.
In the style of Laurel and Hardy, Burns and Allen, Abbott and Costello – even Beavis and Butt-Head – comedy runs better with pairs. Guttenberg is no exception. Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells proved their comic chops in Book of Mormon – in my opinion – it was the marriage of their comic strengths that launched the decade + run of The Book of Morman. Josh and Andrew would be funny if you just charged them with reading the phone book.
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 💉💉💉 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. As I recall, the first visit, this musical was so naughty, edgy, and avant guard. My how times have changed. Now, some ten years later, it has joined the ranks of other “tourist shows” with its tables of “merch” sold in the lobby. It’s “nastiness” now is handled with no more than a small reminder on the ticketing site that it does contact some adult language. What I noticed with this recent version is how much the production has missed Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells.
The Cottage (seeing it a second time) Written by Sandy Rustin Directed by Jason Alexander The Helen Hayes Theater September 10, 2023 Production website 💉💉💉💉 out of 5.
When I first saw The Cottage, is was an incredible overflowing farce with joy in every moment. This time through the light was a bit dimmer. I am not sure if it was because it was my second time through or if it was more to do with the show. 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.
The Cottage Written by Sandy Rustin Directed by Jason Alexander The Helen Hayes Theater July 13, 2023 Production website 💉💉💉💉💉 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.
