Comments on: Carnival!

By: L. Busse

L. Busse — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 01:31:05 +0000

This production made me feel old, tired and wishing I had spent my Saturday afternoon in the sunshine rather than inside the Kennedy Center. The ringmaster appeared uncomfortable, Lili’s version of naivity was impossible to believe and excuse me? Carrot Top??? The one outstanding and memorable performance was by Michael Arnold, Jaquot. With just a little modern day twist to the story….he should have been portrayed as the puppetmaster of the other characters, since he seemed to be the only living actor living his role. All others just puppets.

By: Paula Y. Bickham

Paula Y. Bickham — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 01:40:33 +0000

This one didn’t really bowl me over. It was sluggish, with what seemed as parts, or something, missing. But there were PARTS of it I liked. The puppets (Carrot Top, Horrible Henry, Marguerite, and Renardo) were wonderful, and the puppet theaters were beautiful. I practically found myself enjoying the puppets moreso than I did the people. Some of my favorite human characters were Jacquot -always had hope regardless of the circumstances surrounding him. It seemed things perked up or tended to thrive in his presence, unlike the other characters who postured in that “it’s all about me” tedium, which got old quickly. Then there was “Schlegel” the impressive ringmaster who walked tall, in control, commanding, and demanding as he barked orders. Loved the Pony Dancer costumes, and “Yum Ticky Ticky Tum Tum” sung by Lili and the Puppets. The orchestra was awesome. I believe this was the same orchestra that did the American Ballet Theatre’s “Othello” this past January at the Kennedy Center.

By: Jenna

Jenna — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 06:40:10 +0000

What a piece of garbage- the production was pretty beautiful to look at- but in the end I was just left thinking why in the world was that necessary? What a waste of money. All the musicals they could have produced and they picked Carnival? Why? And Peter Marks called it the best in years. Excuse me Mr Marks but did you see Mame? Certainly not amazing, but at least a good musical. Both had their problems- both had a lead actress who was not up to the part. The difference here was that the Lili was just flat out boring. I must say you were dead on about Natascia, Gary. It’s as if whenever she left the stage the show went with her. Found myself constantly turning to my boyfriend and asking when is she coming back. In the end I was left with a very poorly written musical, a great design, a mediocre lead at best, and Natascia Diaz- brilliance among the garbage.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 23:03:39 +0000

Very good review Gary. You saw the show just as I did. It definitely was not one of my more memorable theater experiences. Not the worst show I’ve ever seen, but certainly not the best.