I liked to watch the first hour of the Macy’s parade, because it’s a rare opportunity to get a free sample of what’s playing on Broadway. Here’s my take on this year’s shows:
In the Heights
Not sure what to make of this one. Yes, they were in the Heights, where people buy and serve coffee. This song choice was not remarkable or catchy and it gave no insight into what this show was about. I kept thinking, this could just as easily be about Rockville. People buy coffee there on their way to work in the city too.
White Christmas
I was wondering how they were going to pull off their performance, since it surely had to include White Christmas, the song, but it couldn’t just be the song since that would be so small compared to the other production’s showstoppers. I enjoyed the medley, and could see, if we were in New York over the holidays, looking into catching this one.
South Pacific
Selena really liked the dancers. I pointed out that they would not be interested in her. She noted that not all guys who do musical theatre are gay… right… with a stare that took me a minute to get. Oh yeah, that’s true, I said when I realized she was referencing my musical theatre past. A part that includes enough Rogers and Hammerstien to have formed an opinion that “Nothing but a dame†amplifies. While this music and lyrics was award winning in it’s day, it is now quaint or nostalgic but undeniably dated. I didn’t come away with any interest in seeing this revival, but may have to go anyway so Selena can enjoy watching her dancers.
The Little Mermaid
I had heard lackluster reviews of this musical, so I didn’t expect much from the performance. I was really impressed with how well the elaborate costumes, intense dance and revamped version of Under the Sea worked together. I am probably partial because I am a Disney fan and stockholder and want this to succeed, but I would make a point to go see this on Broadway.
And then came the Rockettes which is my cue to get up and start getting ready for the day. I was not blown away with any of the numbers this year, but didn’t think any of them completely tanked either. Just a mixed bag in the middle.
Did you watch the performances? What are your thoughts?
As a Disney (and obviously, Ariel) fan, I did enjoy The Little Mermaid when I saw it (in previews? I still can’t remember- it may have just opened.) I wasn’t sure how I felt about the Heelys, but really it was an innovative choice, and what else could they have really done? I just think the performers could have mastered their operation a little more smoothly… perhaps they have now.
Also, separate from the technical difficulties they encountered during our performance of Under the Sea, I still wasn’t really impressed with that as the bring-down-the-house number. But, if you enjoyed it in its stripped down, street performance version, I’m sure you will like it even better in full. Kiss the Girl, I thought, was the real showstopper though!
I also wasn’t sure what to think about In the Heights… not too impressed. Although it did make me think that as a musical theatre actress (someday : P) I should maybe think about taking some hip-hop dance lessons. By the way, I thought Greg was gonna take care of that for me later that day… whatever happened to that on the schedule of T-day events?