A Tale of Two Cities: epic, electrifying musical theatre at its grandest
Oscar E Moore from the rear mezzanine for Talk Entertainment.com
James Barbour. James Barbour. James Barbour. Three incredible reasons to rush to see the sumptuous mounting of A TALE OF TWO CITIES which has just opened at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on West 45th Street.
As Sydney Carton, a very much hung over, cynical charmer of a guy – Mr. Barbour instills his character with a strength, vulnerability and honesty which makes Mr. Barbour a prime candidate for one of the best leading men on the Broadway musical stage today. His magnificent voice. His throw away wit. His mangy, messy, manly looks. All add up to this thrilling and compelling performance - worthy of the cheers that greet him at plays end.
From the opening tableau to the final assent towards the guillotine A TALE OF TWO CITIES is a kaleidoscope of colorful characters, gorgeous costumes (David Zinn) and brilliant lighting effects (Richard Pilbrow) with a swiveling set of skeletal scaffolding (Tony Walton) which keeps the action of the play moving at a wonderful pace.
Warren Carlyle has directed and infected this TALE with brilliance. It’s a long story that Dickens tells with many locations and melodramatic plot twists and turns.
Jill Santoriello has done a fine job in bringing TALE to musical life, considering this is her first attempt. But she hasn't found her own unique style. She alone is responsible for Book, Music and Lyrics. While Act I is truly exciting, it’s too long. Act II’s opening is disappointing but then regains momentum. It’s a score that suits the temperament of the story. And no doubt will be compared to Les Miz. It is soaring when necessary, has some beautiful melodies, the requisite “Anthems”, comic character numbers, and love duets. After all, TALE is basically a love triangle set in London and Paris during the French Revolution.
The participants of this triangle are Sydney Carton, Lucie Manette and Charles Darnay.
James Barbour is Sydney – who is reason enough to visit TALE. Making her Broadway debut and what a debut it is, is the mesmerizing Brandi Burkhardt. Mesmerizing not only Sydney and Charles but everyone else as well with her voice, acting and classic beauty. The third person is Charles Darney who had renounced his title and inheritance when he left France to marry Lucie but nonetheless is arrested and tried for treason. The powerful and charismatic Aaron Lazar, unfortunately, was indisposed at the performance just prior to opening night. Under doctor’s orders he was not permitted to go on. So it’s a case of best of times (he’s got the part) and worst of times (he can’t go on). Hopefully I’ll be able to catch his performance in the future. However, his understudy, Michael Halling, did a valiant and commendable job in his stead.
Gregg Edelman, Les Minski, Michael Hayward-Jones, Craig Bennett, Kevin Earley, Nick Wyman and MacKenzie Mauzy are outstanding. Katherine McGrath as Miss Pross gets most of the comic lines and she is absolutely terrific. As the avenging Madame Therese Defarge, Natalie Toro is someone who you don’t want to cross. She is out for revenge at any costs and stopping the show with her powerful voice. The huge cast is chock full of colorful characters and they all do a great job in telling this TALE.
Grave diggers, revolution and redemption are just another three reasons to take in A TALE OF TWO CITIES. It’s epic, electrifying musical theatre at its grandest.
www.TALEMUSICAL.com
09-19-08
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Comments:
Anonymous
wrote:
what show did you see?
Anonymous
wrote:
Now this review is more like what I saw compared to other reviews. The show is great. Go see for yourself and don't let critics make your decision. It is of course, you opinion.
Eddie
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As Chalrie Sheen says, this article is ?WINNING!?
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