I realize I am not a theatre critic. However, I consider myself immersed enough in the artform that I can give a intelligent review of the shows I saw this weekend. So here goes...Chita Rivera: A Dancer's Life - A look back on someone's body of work is only as good as that person. In the case of Chita Rivera, it's fascinating. Chita did not have a rough life, she had a loving family that supported her dream of being a dancer, or a gypsy as she calls it. Being 27 years old means that I will never have the chance to see many of the theatre legends on stage. That is why this evening was so incredible for me. I had the opportunity to see her sing and dance many of her signature songs, including A Boy Like That. I sat with my mouth open, amazed that at 76 years old, she acts like she's still in her 30s. It's brilliance.
Confessions of a Mormon Boy - The subject of religion and homosexuality is one that hits a little close to home for me. My father is a very conservative Southern minister who has no idea that his only son is married in MA to another man. Sad, but necessary for both of our sanity. This show was the story of a man who grew up struggling with his religion (Mormonism) and being a homosexual. He tried therapy, marriage, and even having children to change. It was when he made the realization that he couldn't that he confessed his affairs, got divorced, excommunicated and moved to NYC. The trauma and turmoil led him to drugs and a life of male prostitution to make ends meet. My eyes stayed wet as he talked about hitting bottom and the process of pulling his life of out the gutter, reconciling with family and friends and becoming the adjusted, happy, content father he is today. If you ever have the chance to see Steven Fales tell his story. GO!, you will not be disappointed.
Barefoot in the Park - This is arguably one of my favorite of Neil Simon's plays. I think there are great moments of humor and truth in the show. It's just a fun show that leaves you warm and fuzzy and loving the one you do. The performances were great, especially Jill Clayburgh as Mrs. Banks, the mother. She has impeccable coming timing and was a delight to watch. Patrick Wilson was great as Paul and of course looked the part of a handsome newlywed young attorney. The set was very realistic and fit the show well. My only wish that Amanda Peet had been a little less childish and a little more believable. I want to see Corie really upset and thinking it will just not work. Amanda Peet made her a little too whiny for my taste.
The Color Purple - Or should I say, OPRAH WINFREY presents The Color Purple. I went into this production with low expectations because of my dislike of Oprah and how much she LOVED it. I enjoy LaChanze and knew she would be great in the role of Celie, but I just didn't expect the show to grab me. I was wrong, very wrong. This is a beautiful production of Alice Walker's novel with music (save one or two numbers) that fit perfectly and add another level of emotion to the already powerful subject matter. Felicia P. Fields deserves a Tony nod and win for her role as Sofia (the role Oprah played in the movie). Her moment of "re-birth" is wonderfully played with such small beginnings that to watch her full process is hilarious! LaChanze does an amazing job of showing the passage of time with her body and her final moment of the show made me smile and cry all at once. This show has some small problems in a few songs and forced moments, but I loved it.
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