Academy Award Prediction/Rant Time!!by Randi / February 21, 2015
Parks & Recreation, the best comedy series ever, ended this past week, and I’ve only just stopped crying long enough to gather my thoughts. We had seven wonderful (well, six wonderful; the first was decent as it found its footing (remember when Tom was serious and sullen?)) seasons of hilarity and love as we watched the greatest comedy ensemble of all time gel and grow together. Every single player was indispensable and at times the funniest member of the team. Parks gave us an endless supply of amazing quotes, stories, and ideas, as well as a cast of characters both larger than life and so much a part of our lives.
The finale somehow wrapped everything up nicely while still being incredibly funny and giving us extremely exciting glimpses into the characters’ futures, one by one. It achieved this by flashing forward from their present day (2017) to little scenes taking place 6 years later, 15 years later, and nearly 30 years later, making last season’s 3-year jump forward look like child’s play.
We start in the Parks Department office, with everyone gathered in 2017 to say goodbye before Leslie, Ben, Andy, and April move to D.C. Leslie is recapping the gang’s greatest hits, yet she’s still reviewing Parks projects from 2005, hence the crew’s unbridled boredom. Two things before we go to our first flashforward, Donna’s. One: The guy who comes in about the broken swing said it’s been broken for three months. Also, he was in a suit, and looked hella creepy, like he was the understudy for the main killer guy in “The Heat”. Why didn’t anyone ask him why he waited 3 months? Did anyone else think (until the end, when it was obvious she didn’t) that Leslie hired him to give the gang a final project? Of course, even if she didn’t, someone else could have. Two: The muffins in the P&R office are ENORMOUS. Pawnee 4 eva.
Donna
First, Of COURSE Donna wouldn’t get kicked out of En Vogue. She kicked THOSE bitches out. And of course she would have been in the top ten on Italy’s Got Talent. But serving on a Nascar pit crew? I don’t see her getting dirty.
Next, how awesome did Retta make Donna over the years? She went from a cheeky background worker to one of the biggest arbiters of taste on TV and in real life. I’m so glad that she ended up with Joe, who is pretty much the best guy ever except for Ben. Keegan Michael Key should have been on the show more. He’s adorable and I’m such a fan.
Seeing Donna happily married, kicking ass in real estate and making tons of money that she used to treat both her self and her husband’s self, felt so real and so right. Underneath all the shallow interests of material things and pop culture, it’s so true that Donna is the kind of generous and awesome person who would start an educational foundation to combat awful budget cuts in public schools. ‘Teach Yo’ Self’ is so freaking wonderful and I love that we got to see Donna and Joe do something so incredible together. Also, I’m kind of ambivalent about Seattle, but if they actually built a giant haystack around the Space Needle, to try and hide it? COOLEST PROJECT EVER.
Notes:
We start in the Parks Department office, with everyone gathered in 2017 to say goodbye before Leslie, Ben, Andy, and April move to D.C. Leslie is recapping the gang’s greatest hits, yet she’s still reviewing Parks projects from 2005, hence the crew’s unbridled boredom. Two things before we go to our first flashforward, Donna’s. One: The guy who comes in about the broken swing said it’s been broken for three months. Also, he was in a suit, and looked hella creepy, like he was the understudy for the main killer guy in “The Heat”. Why didn’t anyone ask him why he waited 3 months? Did anyone else think (until the end, when it was obvious she didn’t) that Leslie hired him to give the gang a final project? Of course, even if she didn’t, someone else could have. Two: The muffins in the P&R office are ENORMOUS. Pawnee 4 eva.
Donna
First, Of COURSE Donna wouldn’t get kicked out of En Vogue. She kicked THOSE bitches out. And of course she would have been in the top ten on Italy’s Got Talent. But serving on a Nascar pit crew? I don’t see her getting dirty.
Next, how awesome did Retta make Donna over the years? She went from a cheeky background worker to one of the biggest arbiters of taste on TV and in real life. I’m so glad that she ended up with Joe, who is pretty much the best guy ever except for Ben. Keegan Michael Key should have been on the show more. He’s adorable and I’m such a fan.
Seeing Donna happily married, kicking ass in real estate and making tons of money that she used to treat both her self and her husband’s self, felt so real and so right. Underneath all the shallow interests of material things and pop culture, it’s so true that Donna is the kind of generous and awesome person who would start an educational foundation to combat awful budget cuts in public schools. ‘Teach Yo’ Self’ is so freaking wonderful and I love that we got to see Donna and Joe do something so incredible together. Also, I’m kind of ambivalent about Seattle, but if they actually built a giant haystack around the Space Needle, to try and hide it? COOLEST PROJECT EVER.
Notes:
- Who do you think runs Middle Korea?
- April is pregnant in this very first flash forward.
- “The school cut the math club – and – math.” Prescient.
Craig
Craig singing in Tom’s Bistro two years later is so perfect. I love that he and Typhoon end up together only because Craig reluctantly said, ‘Okay fine ugh.’ Ahhahaha. And Horatio Sanz married them! Ron as Typhoon’s best man was ridiculous but it still made me cry. I’m so glad that after Ron’s barber died he was able to forge this unlikely yet perfect friendship with Typhoon based on their shared hatred of Europeans.
Craig was underused in this past season, not given opportunity to be nearly as hilarious as his first few episodes on the show, when he gave us such gems as “That was so spot on, I need to go lie down for 45 minutes. NO, AN HOUR. A GOOD HOUR”, and of course his rant on behalf on Donna about different kinds of lawn: “Yes, I have a disease, it’s called caring too much??? And it’s INCURABLE!!” At least we are getting more Billy Eichner in real life, where he is exactly the same as Craig but louder.
Did you catch that the champagne Typhoon and Craig were served on that ridiculously sick airplane when they were way way old was Jean-Ralphio label? Looks like he got out of TaJIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIkistan alright!
The Sapersteins
Speaking of, his faked death and insurance scam plot with his sister Mona Lisa (who’s the worrrrrrrrst) was absolutely PERFECT.
They are such awful people and it’s totally believable if not downright obvious that they would do such dumb things after we leave them.
Poor Jean-Ralphio loved Leslie the whole time, as we knew. I almost feel bad for him but not because he’s a terrible person. Whom I love. His final scene with Leslie may have been his best ever. “Will you do me one final solid…of pretending to be my wife for an insurance scam BUT THEN WE FALL IN LOVE FOR REAL?!” Hahaha I died. His face at that last part was too sweet, and then of course he ruined it by continuing: “Also can I have a pair of your gym socks it’s not for anything weird it’s just a fetish I have.” Cutting immediately to his grave after Leslie says “I hope you have a long and happy life” was super dark (and hilarious), so I’m glad that he was watching his ‘funeral’ from behind a tree with Mona Lisa and they were faking the death for, yes, an insurance scam, planning to use the money to build a casino in TaJIIIIIIIIIIIIkistan which would probably be a huge failure. But we know from Craig’s way way future that Jean-Ralphio ends up having a winery so SHA-BOOSH! for him. I hope he’s fluhusshhh with cahashhh.
April & Andy
I love how even when Andy is at his dumbest (“Shotgun!” “We’re taking the elevator.” “I GET TO PUSH THE BUTTONS! I called it!”), she always has his back (“HE CALLED IT.”). Their relationship is, like every relationship on this show, so lovely and feels so real. I am going to miss them. I really liked seeing them in D.C. still hanging out with Leslie and Ben. When we shoot to Halloween in the near future, did you notice that one of the trick-or-treaters that Andy opens the door to was dressed as Chris Pratt’s character from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’?? How adorable is that! I’m glad we got to see Janet Snakehole, Burt Macklin, and little Champion again, even though there wasn’t enough Champion. Poor little guy is old now! “I have to ask, how many legs did the dog have when you found him?” This is still one of my favorite quotes from the entire series because, even though Ben says it, it says so much about Andy. (I also love that Chris Pratt apparently suggested that Andy’s cause of death would be being locked in a hot car. True.)
The only non-perfect thing about the entire episode was the ‘discussion’ about having children between April and Andy. Even though we already saw that April was pregnant in the first flashforward (Donna’s), their decision to have kids felt rushed. Or really nonexistent. It was very April to have her be totally on board with the stretch marks, weird veins, and puking, but not for the child part. However, her mind seemed made up against having kids; she did not seem just “on the fence” as they said. They should have made her seem more undecided, rather than so against kids, so that her eventual pregnancies don’t seem so wrong for her. It felt really strange to hear her say pretty decidedly that she didn’t want them, and then see her having one.
When we do see April in labor, I forgot that Dr. Saperstein was already an established character so for a second I thought having Henry Winkler as the ob/gyn was a reference to Friends, when the guy who delivers Phoebe’s triplets thinks he’s the Fonz. Everything makes me think of Friends! (The Parks finale was 10x better. Than any finale.)
Notes:
- SANDRA DEE O’CONNOR. Unbelievable costume! Doing it next year.
- CONES OF DUNSHIRE 2! “Gameplay magazine called it ‘punishingly intricate’.”
Tom Haverford
Tom’s meeting with his investors was so good. I love that his investors are Ben, Ron, and Donna, and that during business hours he refers to Ben as Accounting Nerd. “I’m a Congressman, man, can you at least call me Ben?” “No can do Accounting Nerd.” And OF COURSE Ben recommended adding calzones to the menu. Perfect touch!
After the complete combustion of Entertainment 720 and the downward trajectory of the initially promising Rent-A-Swag, it felt kind of strange that Tom was all of a sudden very successful. So having him fail on a larger scale than ever, only to really find success by exploiting/writing about failure, was a genius and super appropriate move.
Tom watching his depressing documentary (that he made himself!) was pathetic but typical, and he looks really cute in glasses. I’m glad that he and Lucy seem happy together despite his failings (“who knew the country would run out of beef?” Um doesn’t everyone realize this?) And it was wonderful to have Tom parlay his business failures into a successful writing and speaking career talking about failing. I loved that his 7 types of successful people were all named and modeled after the main cast members. Tear. I’m happy that he finally (I assume) gets to meet the love of his life, Kendrick Lamar.
Notes:
- The best is later on when the gang reconvenes in Pawnee and Ron says, “Tom. I took the quiz in your book. I am a Ron.” And Ben says, “Last time I took it I was a Tom!” Cue Tom’s super concerned face: “What? No! Take it again! I gotta recalibrate the quiz.”
- “What do we definitely NOT want to be?” Hundreds of audience members: “A GARRY!”
- “I had to sell my pocket square collection! Where are people’s eyes gonna be drawn to?!”
- Jerry: “I’m here with my two best friends, Leslie Knope and Tom Haverford.” Cue Tom busting into hysterical laughter.
Garry Gergich (Jerry, always)
Poor Jerry has been the victim of so much abuse during the entire series, from having his name frequently changed on him and no one ever wanting him around to being the only person Leslie Knope was mean to. All the harm just bounced off of him, but we always felt bad for Jerry even though he never felt bad about any of it. Luckily, the end of the show gave Jerry his Susan B. Anthony, like the end of Ocean’s 13 giving the airport slot wins to the poor tortured hotel reviewer. Jerry, interim mayor of Pawnee, was elected to the office officially, and then continued to be reelected for pretty much the rest of his life.
He lived to be 100, surrounded by his beautiful children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and of course his beautiful wife Gayle (Christie Brinkley), who, in a hilarious move by the show, never aged. He died in his sleep, and his funeral allowed for several amazing things: a) a later-in-life reunion by the gang, b) the 21 stamp salute, c) his tombstone to be spelled wrong, and d) MOST IMPORTANTLY – a chance for us to see Secret Service agents guarding Old Lady Leslie and Old Man Ben!!!!
Notes:
- Brandi Maxx becomes councilwoman! Ahhhh!
- ONE OF THEM WAS PRESIDENT!!!!!! OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG BEST. SHOW. EVER.
Ron Swanson
In 2022, Ron spontaneously decides to resign as chairman of Very Good Building & Development Co., telling his many brothers (they’re all brothers!) not to get emotional and to give him whatever severance is fair. On the advice of accountant Ben, Ron diversifies his fortune by selling some gold and becoming, naturally, the majority shareholder of Lagavulin. He comes to Leslie at his personal crossroads, when he’s unsure what to do with the rest of his life, and it’s a lovely moment that he comes to her for help. Leslie of course will know what to do, and she just makes some calls and gets him the job of Captain Park Ranger of the Pawnee National Park, the perfect decision. Ron as big boss park ranger of the park they saved together, just yes. I love that Leslie shot down all of Ron’s doubts quickly and when he finally accepted she said “Oh I already accepted for you. I still know how to forge your signature!” As Ron breathes in his new life and canoes out into the lake, they play what we know is Ron’s favorite song ‘Buddy’. That was just mean. So many tears even on the third viewing. Just perfect.
Leslie & Ben
When their segment opens, the ‘nice house’ they are in is the White House, correct? So Biden is president in 2023? I think that’s when it was. Second term? Amazing. Also I loved Dr. Jill’s hot pink dress. I think Mindy Kaling has worn it. The DNC person approaching Leslie about running for governor of Indiana was immediately topped by the appearance of Jen (Kathryn Hahn), the greatest and most realistic political character on modern TV. She is the best. I really wish she met Jean-Ralphio. Can you imagine how amazing they’d be together?
So, what a perfect problem to give our heroes, having to decide which one of them should run for governor when they were both qualified. I like that Ben pulled the car over when they were having an important conversation so he could devote his attention to it. I adore. Leslie naturally made a pros and cons list on their home white board, and the lists were identical for each of them. They meet the whole gang back in Pawnee and plan to run the question by everyone because OH MY ANN’S HERE! YOU GUYS! ANN’S HERE! Leslie’s unbridled joy as she pushes Ben away Elaine-style to get to Ann is my favorite. But how long has it been? Please tell me they haven’t been separated for almost a decade?!
I don’t even remember what brought everyone back to Pawnee for this reunion, but it was one of the best scenes, mostly because Ann and Chris (my absolute favorite) were back, and because we saw little duos break away to talk. Leslie and Chris went into an office so Leslie could give Chris a new list of amazing things to call Ann, since the best he could come up with on his own was comparing her to a ‘nutrient-rich chia seed’ and beautiful Ann is used to the most unique and jaw-dropping of compliments. The new ones include: “Ann, you rainbow-infused space unicorn.” “Ann, you beautiful sassy mannequin come to life.” “Ann, you opalescent tree shark.” In like a 10 second scene, Chris managed to say ‘literally’ and became afraid of a new health threat: “Aren’t you afraid that thing will give you cancer?” “Well now I am.” And I love that we saw Ben and Ann talking for like 2 seconds about Cones of Dunshire and Ann looked SO bored!
I was rooting for Leslie and Ben to decide that Leslie should run for governor, so when she said let’s flip a coin to decide I got nervous. But of course super perfect Ben thought about how much he freaking loved her because who doesn’t and realized how great she is and so he decided for them that she’d run. Cut to about 12 years later, when Leslie, speaking to a graduating class at Indiana University, refers to her two terms as their governor. TEAR. She won! Twice! And the whole gang is in the audience! Screw students’ 4th relatives! But OMG the Dean announced the creation of the Leslie Knope Library! Ahahhahahahahaha! Leslie mutters under her breath, “a fucking library?” How they managed to fit so many inside jokes in this hour is just astounding.
Notes:
- ANN’S DAUGHTER IS NAMED LESLIE. Did you catch that? That’s the sweetest thing ever.
- “Ben will be running my campaign because he’s a super genius and he’s got a tight compact little body like an Italian sports car.”
So this was the best finale maybe of all time, yes? It was a genius move to just hint at the presidency, and to leave it vague whether it was Leslie or Ben. I love that you can pick who you want, but obviously it was Leslie because come on! Best ever! Leslie killed us with this line: “That’s all I want, all of these people in the same place at the same time.” US TOO.
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Audra McDonald at Madrid’s Teatro Real: She Ran Spain
A most unnecessary thing in this world is to ‘review’ anything Audra McDonald does. She’s the greatest singer in the world and one of the most effective actors. Any time she opens that goddamn fabulous trap of hers, it’s going to be the greatest sound you’ve ever heard. So, we’re not really going to review last weekend’s concert at Madrid’s Teatro Real; we are just going to gush about it. Because that’s all you can do when Audra performs.
I’ve had the ridiculous good fortune of being able to see Audra perform live every year since 2001, when I attended a master class for high school students that she held during the opening season of Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center. I remember she mentioned “my friend Julie Andrews” and I was like this is the coolest person ever. That night, we all got to attend her concert, and minds were blown like balloons. I remember hearing for the first time the incredibly fun songs “Bambalele” and “I Double Dare You” (both on her album “Happy Songs”). I’m pretty sure she sings the latter at every concert, and with dern good reason. It is SO FUN, and she clearly enjoys singing it. Also, it includes the lyric “You seem to think that half aloof is better than none”, which I adore.
I’ve had the ridiculous good fortune of being able to see Audra perform live every year since 2001, when I attended a master class for high school students that she held during the opening season of Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center. I remember she mentioned “my friend Julie Andrews” and I was like this is the coolest person ever. That night, we all got to attend her concert, and minds were blown like balloons. I remember hearing for the first time the incredibly fun songs “Bambalele” and “I Double Dare You” (both on her album “Happy Songs”). I’m pretty sure she sings the latter at every concert, and with dern good reason. It is SO FUN, and she clearly enjoys singing it. Also, it includes the lyric “You seem to think that half aloof is better than none”, which I adore.
When her 2015 tour was announced, only one European date was on the list – in Madrid. It’s a mystery to me how Madrid got sandwiched between Florida and North Carolina. Did the Teatro Real seek her out? Did she have private business already bringing her to Spain? Were there just good flight deals? It makes no sense! Since I’m in London, going to Madrid was easy enough and so worth it. In her Spanish debut, Audra may have given her best concert performance yet.
I assumed the concert would be sold out, because it’s Audra, until husband was like, “Um, we’re in Spain; do they know her??” and I got nervous. But that was dumb, because who doesn’t know Audra?? The 7 or so enormous levels in the Teatro were all very full, and I couldn’t see a single open seat in the orchestra. Duh.
She began, as she does, by walking out and immediately singing her first number, without addressing the audience. I love that she is so baller that way. She began with Kander & Ebb’s “Sing Happy”, from a show that is actually called “Flora, the Red Menace”, which sounds like a period piece. The other kind. It’s an okay song, extremely repetitive, but she made it great. Afterwards, she addressed the audience in hilariously bad Spanish, thanking everyone and saying how excited she was to be there. I got nervous that the whole show would be in broken Spanish. It was easily understandable basic Spanish; that’s not the point. But the best part of Audra concerts is her storytelling, so personal and touching and lovely. Luckily, her little speech ended with “well from now on I’ll be speaking in English the rest of the night, because Spanish for me is a disaster.” However you say that in Spanish. It was adorable. Her stories were noticeably abridged because she tried to speak in more basic English so more people could potentially understand. Nice of her!
The lineup that followed included a mix of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Sondheim, more Kander & Ebb, and lots of other legendary composers of Broadway classics. She of course sang “I Double Dare You”, continuing her streak, and another super old song called “My Buddy” that she does often. In her intro to “My Buddy”, she mentions how she came upon a war veteran singing this song outside her favorite restaurant in NYC. (She didn’t mention this time that that favorite restaurant is Chipotle; I guess she knew they don’t have them in Spain. I really wanted to shout to the whole theatre “She’s talking about Chipotle hahahah!”.) The sad story of another homeless war veteran, reinforcing how shittily the USA treats them, is lightened somewhat by her promise to sing the song in the same key the vet sang it in, leading you to expect her to sing it quite low, only to laugh when it’s super high. She does say doing it in the same key is “impressive, for one of us.” I love that.
I assumed the concert would be sold out, because it’s Audra, until husband was like, “Um, we’re in Spain; do they know her??” and I got nervous. But that was dumb, because who doesn’t know Audra?? The 7 or so enormous levels in the Teatro were all very full, and I couldn’t see a single open seat in the orchestra. Duh.
She began, as she does, by walking out and immediately singing her first number, without addressing the audience. I love that she is so baller that way. She began with Kander & Ebb’s “Sing Happy”, from a show that is actually called “Flora, the Red Menace”, which sounds like a period piece. The other kind. It’s an okay song, extremely repetitive, but she made it great. Afterwards, she addressed the audience in hilariously bad Spanish, thanking everyone and saying how excited she was to be there. I got nervous that the whole show would be in broken Spanish. It was easily understandable basic Spanish; that’s not the point. But the best part of Audra concerts is her storytelling, so personal and touching and lovely. Luckily, her little speech ended with “well from now on I’ll be speaking in English the rest of the night, because Spanish for me is a disaster.” However you say that in Spanish. It was adorable. Her stories were noticeably abridged because she tried to speak in more basic English so more people could potentially understand. Nice of her!
The lineup that followed included a mix of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Sondheim, more Kander & Ebb, and lots of other legendary composers of Broadway classics. She of course sang “I Double Dare You”, continuing her streak, and another super old song called “My Buddy” that she does often. In her intro to “My Buddy”, she mentions how she came upon a war veteran singing this song outside her favorite restaurant in NYC. (She didn’t mention this time that that favorite restaurant is Chipotle; I guess she knew they don’t have them in Spain. I really wanted to shout to the whole theatre “She’s talking about Chipotle hahahah!”.) The sad story of another homeless war veteran, reinforcing how shittily the USA treats them, is lightened somewhat by her promise to sing the song in the same key the vet sang it in, leading you to expect her to sing it quite low, only to laugh when it’s super high. She does say doing it in the same key is “impressive, for one of us.” I love that.
One of my favorite moments was when she sang “Stars and the Moon”, Jason Robert Brown’s song from “Songs for a New World”. Although I am the world’s biggest proponent of everyone shutting the f up during shows, I couldn’t help cheering when she talked a bit about Brown, one of my favorite composers. She mentioned that he won Tonys for last year’s “The Bridges of Madison County” and I kind of shrieked with glee. She also said he has a new show on Broadway now called “Honeymoon in Vegas” and it took all my strength ALL OF IT not to yell I KNOW AUDRA I SAW IT A FEW WEEKS AGO I’M SO COOL. I have to remember that her concerts are not opportunities for conversations. Anyway, “Stars and the Moon” was the first song I ever heard Audra sing, and so it has a very special place in my heart. I almost cried, I was so happy to hear it live. It’s a sad song about a woman who shuns love on multiple occasions in pursuit of more material gains, only to realize once she has all the material nonsense she wished for that she will never find real love again. What an idiot.
Thinking back on the playlist, I want to call every single number a highlight. Except for an almost boring lullaby here and there, there were no weak points. The absolute standout by far was that she shared her Tony-winning performance of “Summertime” from Gershwin’s “Porgy & Bess”. She sang without the microphone, as it was in a high enough operatic register for the audience to hear it well without the mic, and with only light piano accompaniment. It was pretty much the most astounding vocal performance you could ever hope to hear.
Here is a video of Pohgy’s Tony performance so you can hear a bit of Audra and then listen to Normy sing “I Got Plenty O’ Nothin’” because I love it. Also his voice breaks because you can’t warm up well before Tony performances and it’s adorable if unbelievably embarrassing for him.
Another highlight was Audra’s take on “Moments in the Woods” from Sondheim’s “Into the Woods”, and she mentioned several times that the movie starring Meryl Streep was now playing. The Baker’s Wife is notorious for being the most difficult and important role in “Into the Woods”, and this song of hers exemplifies that. It’s a delicate balance between humor and poignancy and regret, and Audra, even though this was just a concert, acted all of this perfectly. Just so impressive. Why is she never in Sondheim shows?
One song that she thankfully didn’t sing in character was “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret”. Although Sally Bowles is pretty much the #1 role actresses want to play in their careers, her songs cannot be sung well in the play, because Sally is supposed to be a pretty crappy singer in the Kit Kat Klub. (You can currently see this being well played (terribly sung) by Emma Stone on Broadway.) It’s a shame, because Sally’s songs are so phenomenal, none more so than “Maybe This Time”. It’s her one moment of hope and resolve in the whole show, and the song is so powerful even though it’s not beautifully sung. Well, Audra gives all of musical theatre a huge gift by doing this song in concert, where she’s free to sing it out of character and thus beautifully. Just Jesus H it’s the best. I love how, in this video of her singing it a few years ago, the audience applauds when it recognizes the opening bars; everyone is that excited to hear this song sung as powerfully as it can be outside the confines of the character.
One song that she thankfully didn’t sing in character was “Maybe This Time” from “Cabaret”. Although Sally Bowles is pretty much the #1 role actresses want to play in their careers, her songs cannot be sung well in the play, because Sally is supposed to be a pretty crappy singer in the Kit Kat Klub. (You can currently see this being well played (terribly sung) by Emma Stone on Broadway.) It’s a shame, because Sally’s songs are so phenomenal, none more so than “Maybe This Time”. It’s her one moment of hope and resolve in the whole show, and the song is so powerful even though it’s not beautifully sung. Well, Audra gives all of musical theatre a huge gift by doing this song in concert, where she’s free to sing it out of character and thus beautifully. Just Jesus H it’s the best. I love how, in this video of her singing it a few years ago, the audience applauds when it recognizes the opening bars; everyone is that excited to hear this song sung as powerfully as it can be outside the confines of the character.
It’s no secret how much I love sing-along moments in fun songs – Berthe’s “No Time At All” in the recent “Pippin” revival, “Wig In A Box” in “Hedwig” – as long as they are kept brief, so I loved when Audra asked the audience to sing along with her in “I Could Have Danced All Night” and then after a few choruses said “Okay hush it’s my solo.” She is hilarious! She did mention Julie Andrews, of course, whose version is the most well known, but she didn’t call her “my friend Julie Andrews”, so that was a let-down. Maybe they aren’t friends anymore because of “The Princess Diaries” or something.
Proving how wonderful an actress she is, the most impressive parts of the concert were her most moving, emotional songs. Along with “Summertime”, a notable song in this category was “Go Back Home” from Kander & Ebb’s “The Scottsboro Boys”. We all know how I feel about that show and how depressing and necessary it is. “Go Back Home” is the most beautiful and notable song from the musical, and Audra made it lovelier than ever. More importantly, she talked about how she is so involved in the gay rights movement because her life was made possible by the civil rights movement, and how we all owe it to each other to try to make things better and fight for equality across the board. That’s when she mentioned that without the struggle of people in the civil rights movement, she wouldn’t have been able to marry her white husband, Will Swenson, who was SITTING IN THE FRONT ROW. I didn’t know that until that point. I was in the first balcony closest to the stage so I could have thrown something at him but you can’t throw a hug.
Proving how wonderful an actress she is, the most impressive parts of the concert were her most moving, emotional songs. Along with “Summertime”, a notable song in this category was “Go Back Home” from Kander & Ebb’s “The Scottsboro Boys”. We all know how I feel about that show and how depressing and necessary it is. “Go Back Home” is the most beautiful and notable song from the musical, and Audra made it lovelier than ever. More importantly, she talked about how she is so involved in the gay rights movement because her life was made possible by the civil rights movement, and how we all owe it to each other to try to make things better and fight for equality across the board. That’s when she mentioned that without the struggle of people in the civil rights movement, she wouldn’t have been able to marry her white husband, Will Swenson, who was SITTING IN THE FRONT ROW. I didn’t know that until that point. I was in the first balcony closest to the stage so I could have thrown something at him but you can’t throw a hug.
Her most upsetting song I knew was coming and yet I couldn’t do anything to stop the cryfest. I’ve heard her sing “I’ll Be Here” by Adam Gwon three times in concert now, and every time she intros the song by explaining how Gwon won the Fred Ebb award and how he’s one to watch. So I knew she was going to sing this unbelievably sad and moving and just absolutely perfect song about living during 9/11 and losing love and it still hit me and everyone else in the audience like a ton of bricks. Every time she sings this song, I think every single audience member sobs uncontrollably. Maybe less so here because of the language barrier, but there were still a good deal of sniffles.
Her last official song was the crowd-pleasing “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”, so she got to talk about everyone’s favorite thing, the Carrie Underwood-led “The Sound of Music Live!” She didn’t mention the exclamation point in the title but man alive can she sing this song. It was wonderful. So wonderful, that the audience simply could not stop applauding in its standing ovation. She came out a few minutes later for an encore of “When Did I Fall In Love”, which she often opens with. It’s a rousing, joyous song from the musical “Fiorello!” with another exclamation point. And yes, to husband’s disbelief, it is indeed a musical about NYC mayor Fiorello LaGuardia.
The audience couldn’t stop applauding again after this encore. It was so nuts that Audra was forced to come out again for a rare second encore. She and her long-time musical director and pianist Andy Einhorn looked through his music trying to find something to sing, and they settled on “Over The Rainbow”, complete with that incredible introduction that I love so much. I love how many people’s faces were like “Wait what song is this…?” during the intro and then when it resolves into the familiar “Somewhere over the rainbow” their faces showed their recognition. It was a perfect final song to an absolutely perfect concert. We tried waiting at stage door to meet Audra (and Will), but after 45 minutes in absolutely feet-numbing cold we had to call it. Even I have stage door limits. Also we had other shows to see (late night flamenco!). But that experience couldn’t at all tarnish this stunning evening by the world’s greatest singer. If you ever are near one of her concert stops, you have to go.
The audience couldn’t stop applauding again after this encore. It was so nuts that Audra was forced to come out again for a rare second encore. She and her long-time musical director and pianist Andy Einhorn looked through his music trying to find something to sing, and they settled on “Over The Rainbow”, complete with that incredible introduction that I love so much. I love how many people’s faces were like “Wait what song is this…?” during the intro and then when it resolves into the familiar “Somewhere over the rainbow” their faces showed their recognition. It was a perfect final song to an absolutely perfect concert. We tried waiting at stage door to meet Audra (and Will), but after 45 minutes in absolutely feet-numbing cold we had to call it. Even I have stage door limits. Also we had other shows to see (late night flamenco!). But that experience couldn’t at all tarnish this stunning evening by the world’s greatest singer. If you ever are near one of her concert stops, you have to go.
“Big Fish” on Broadway: So Much Promise, Not Enough Spark
With the 2003 film “Big Fish” (starring my love Ewan McGregor) being one of my favorites, I was itching to see the new Broadway musical ASAP. So SAP, in fact, that I saw it in previews. Now, it is the unwritten rule of Broadway that you don’t review previews. However, unless you want to buy me another ticket to see the show post-opening, keep your mouth shut.
“Big Fish” tells the story of a man named Edward Bloom (the great Norbert Leo Butz), who has larger-than-life, unbelievable stories that he loves sharing with his son. However, his son thinks that all his dad’s crazy stories are lies and resents that they form the basis of his parenting. As in the movie, action in the present day frequently flashes back to the origins of Edward’s stories. We see him when he’s a teenager (still Butz!) as he meets a witch who tells him how he’s going to die. We see him befriend a giant (Ryan Andes) and help him become a judge. We see him save his hometown from a flood and become a hero. He’s kissed by a mermaid, beaten by a bully, manipulated by a circus manager, and more. And we see him at present day, as an old man (still Butz!) on his deathbed, still standing by his elaborate tales as his married son begs him for the truth.
Norbert Leo Butz
Norbert Leo Butz was a huge reason I wanted to see the show so badly. I will see (and have seen) Norbert in anything and everything he does, as he is undoubtedly the greatest living musical comedy actor. I’m happy to report that Norbs is in fine form in “Big Fish” and giving one of the great performances of his impressive career. Before we go on, know that the show is worth seeing for him.
But go on we must. I enjoyed the show a good deal, especially for an early preview. but, throughout the evening, I had a nagging sensation that something was wrong. The cast? Mostly solid, with great turns by Butz and Kate Baldwin. The book? A decent adaptation, with some slow sections but overall good storytelling. And despite most other critics’ opinions, the heavily digitized set didn’t bother me (I was probably too far back to be bothered to much by it. I could hear the sound of rocks skipping in the digital creek downstage, but couldn’t see it). I realized what was left – the score. Aside from the lovely “Daffodils” and the wonderful, spot-on “Fight the Dragons”, the score was the problem, uncharacteristically weak and unmemorable from Andrew Lippa, who gave us “The Wild Party”. It really feels like something is missing, because the most important part of a musical is the score! Without consistent, kick-ass music, “Big Fish” lacks the booming heart-racing fun that it should be providing with this amazing source material.
Furthermore, the directing decisions seem off. This should be Edward’s story (stories!), but it feels rushed and impersonal sometimes, preventing the audience from connecting with Edward and being on his side as much as we should. This could be due to the lack of exciting and well-executed ensemble numbers, but it’s due to the direction as well. What I saw was not a cohesive, tight production. Hopefully by opening it was, but that would require the types of changes not normally made during previews.
Kate Baldwin is stellar as Edward’s headstrong sweetheart from their teenage years up until his dying day, always his biggest supporter and believer. Bobby Steggert does what he can with an underdeveloped role as Edward’s grown son, Will. I blame the book for this one, because Billy Crudup in the movie version had the same problems. My favorite surprise was newcomer Ryan Andes as the good-natured Giant, with great stage presence and command of his role. I look forward to what he does next. Norbert does his very best to sell the crap out of what he’s working with. It’s always a privilege to see him onstage, and his performance here is extraordinary, even if he’s forced to work much harder than he should be. No other performer could do with this role what Norbert does, or elevate the material as much as he does. Lots of the flaws seem to disappear because of him, and as a result I really did enjoy this show. I can recommend seeing this show because of a handful of wonderful moments, but mostly because of him.
But go on we must. I enjoyed the show a good deal, especially for an early preview. but, throughout the evening, I had a nagging sensation that something was wrong. The cast? Mostly solid, with great turns by Butz and Kate Baldwin. The book? A decent adaptation, with some slow sections but overall good storytelling. And despite most other critics’ opinions, the heavily digitized set didn’t bother me (I was probably too far back to be bothered to much by it. I could hear the sound of rocks skipping in the digital creek downstage, but couldn’t see it). I realized what was left – the score. Aside from the lovely “Daffodils” and the wonderful, spot-on “Fight the Dragons”, the score was the problem, uncharacteristically weak and unmemorable from Andrew Lippa, who gave us “The Wild Party”. It really feels like something is missing, because the most important part of a musical is the score! Without consistent, kick-ass music, “Big Fish” lacks the booming heart-racing fun that it should be providing with this amazing source material.
Furthermore, the directing decisions seem off. This should be Edward’s story (stories!), but it feels rushed and impersonal sometimes, preventing the audience from connecting with Edward and being on his side as much as we should. This could be due to the lack of exciting and well-executed ensemble numbers, but it’s due to the direction as well. What I saw was not a cohesive, tight production. Hopefully by opening it was, but that would require the types of changes not normally made during previews.
Kate Baldwin is stellar as Edward’s headstrong sweetheart from their teenage years up until his dying day, always his biggest supporter and believer. Bobby Steggert does what he can with an underdeveloped role as Edward’s grown son, Will. I blame the book for this one, because Billy Crudup in the movie version had the same problems. My favorite surprise was newcomer Ryan Andes as the good-natured Giant, with great stage presence and command of his role. I look forward to what he does next. Norbert does his very best to sell the crap out of what he’s working with. It’s always a privilege to see him onstage, and his performance here is extraordinary, even if he’s forced to work much harder than he should be. No other performer could do with this role what Norbert does, or elevate the material as much as he does. Lots of the flaws seem to disappear because of him, and as a result I really did enjoy this show. I can recommend seeing this show because of a handful of wonderful moments, but mostly because of him.
