http://dctheatrescene.com/2009/05/05/tony-2009/ Washington DC's Liveliest Theater Website Sat, 26 May 2012 05:10:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 http://dctheatrescene.com/2009/05/05/tony-2009/comment-page-1/#comment-8606 will-smith-but-not-that-guy Tue, 05 May 2009 16:53:20 +0000 http://dctheatrescene.com/?p=6168#comment-8606 It's ABOUT time the superiority of DC Theatre was recognized nationally! It’s ABOUT time the superiority of DC Theatre was recognized nationally!

]]> http://dctheatrescene.com/2009/05/05/tony-2009/comment-page-1/#comment-8604 D.M. Jackson Tue, 05 May 2009 16:22:44 +0000 http://dctheatrescene.com/?p=6168#comment-8604 This play touched such a chord in me that after reviewing its world premiere at Arena in 2007, I caught the production at San Diego’s LaJolla Playhouse and submitted a follow-up review. Now having seen it THREE times (of course I couldn’t miss Jane Fonda), I can honestly report that nothing beats the original Arena production. Yes, the NY production is a must see, is an excellent role for Fonda who does a great job, and has the star power to fill seats. But Mary Beth Peil who played the role of the musicologist was more subtle and nuanced in relaying the conflicting emotions, with tender spots that peeked through the crusty exterior, while Fonda in comparison is more angularly tough throughout. Plus, when Peil, a concert soprano sang in the trio, time just stopped, it was that achingly lovely. Neither subsequent production offered that, or the subtle incorporation of choreography symbolizing movement as part of life. Even the original young couple played winningly by Laura Odeh and Greg Keller outperformed star-studded Colin Hanks – again, star power does not always mean the best performance. Still, the Tony nominations validate my fascination with this magical piece, and confirm that the Washington metro theater scene is second to none. Congrats to all. This play touched such a chord in me that after reviewing its world premiere at Arena in 2007, I caught the production at San Diego’s LaJolla Playhouse and submitted a follow-up review. Now having seen it THREE times (of course I couldn’t miss Jane Fonda), I can honestly report that nothing beats the original Arena production. Yes, the NY production is a must see, is an excellent role for Fonda who does a great job, and has the star power to fill seats. But Mary Beth Peil who played the role of the musicologist was more subtle and nuanced in relaying the conflicting emotions, with tender spots that peeked through the crusty exterior, while Fonda in comparison is more angularly tough throughout. Plus, when Peil, a concert soprano sang in the trio, time just stopped, it was that achingly lovely. Neither subsequent production offered that, or the subtle incorporation of choreography symbolizing movement as part of life. Even the original young couple played winningly by Laura Odeh and Greg Keller outperformed star-studded Colin Hanks – again, star power does not always mean the best performance. Still, the Tony nominations validate my fascination with this magical piece, and confirm that the Washington metro theater scene is second to none. Congrats to all.

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