Back in Time: 2002: Into the Woods (Revival), Part IV

In the last installment of this blog-series, we took a look at the supporting cast of the 2002 revival of Into the Woods.  In this, the final part of the series, we take a look at the main cast of the show.  While Vanessa Williams and John McMartin were the above-the-title stars - both box office names to be sure, even they would likely admit that they were in an ensemble of leading characters that bring the intricate weave of several fairy tales together.  In keeping with that thought of ensemble, here are the rest of the cast members in alphabetical order:

Gypsy

Laura Benanti (Cinderella)

Before Into the Woods: The Sound of Music, Swing! (Tony nomination - Best Featured Actress in a Musical)
During Into the Woods: Tony nomination: Best Featured Actress in a Musical
After Into the Woods: The Violet Hour, Nine, The Wedding Singer, Gypsy (Tony Award Winner - Best Featured Actress in a Musical), In the Next Room, or The Vibrator Play, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

(Left) The Savannah Disputation

Marylouise Burke (Jack's Mother)

Before Into the Woods: Fuddy Mears, Kimberly Akimbo (both off-Broadway), Inherit the Wind
After Into the Woods: Is He Dead?

A Broadway holiday benefit

Stephen DeRosa (The Baker)

Before Into the Woods: The Man Who Came to Dinner
After Into the Woods: Hairspray, Henry IV, Twentieth Century

Gregg Edelman (Wolf/Cinderella's Prince)

Before Into the Woods: Cats, Les Miserables (original production), Anything Goes (1987), Cabaret (1987), City of Angels (Tony nomination - Best Actor in a Musical), Falsettos, Anna Karenina (Tony nomination - Best Featured Actor in a Musical), 1776, Passion
During Into the Woods: Tony nomination - Best Featured Actor in a Musical
After Into the Woods: Wonderful Town, A Tale of Two Cities

(3rd from Left) Fiddler on the Roof

Molly Ephraim (Little Red Ridinghood)

During Into the Woods: The show marked her Broadway debut!
After Into the Woods: Fiddler on the Roof

(Left) Is He Dead?

John McMartin (Narrator/The Mysterious Man)

Before Into the Woods: Sweet Charity (original cast, Tony nomination ; Best Featured Actor in a Musical), Follies (original cast), The Great God Brown, Don Juan, Show Boat (1995 revival - Tony nomination - Best Featured Actor in a Musical), High Society (Tony nomination - Best Featured Actor in a Musical)
During Into the Woods: Tony nomination - Best Actor in a Musical)
After Into the Woods: Grey Gardens, Is He Dead?, Anything Goes (2011 revival)

(Left) Irving Belin's White Christmas

Kerry O'Malley (The Baker's Wife)

Before Into the Woods: Cyrano: The Musical, Translations, Annie Get Your Gun (1999 revival)
After Into the Woods: Irving Berlin's White Christmas

(Left) With Shrek Broadway Bear

Christopher Sieber (Wolf/Rapunzel's Prince)

Before Into the Woods: Triumph of Love, Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Thoroughly Modern Millie
After Into the Woods: Spamalot (Tony nomination - Best Featured Actor in a Musical), Shrek: The Musical (Tony nomination - Best Featured Actor in a Musical), La Cage aux Folles (2010 revival)

Kiss of the Spider Woman

Vanessa Williams (The Witch)

Before Into the Woods: Kiss of the Spider Woman
During Into the Woods: Tony nomination - Best Actress in a Musical
After Into the Woods: Sondheim on Sondheim, TV's Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives

Wicked (National Tour)

Adam Wylie (Jack)

During Into the Woods: He made is Broadway debut!
After Into the Woods: Wicked (National Tour)


  Interesting just who were supposed to be the breakout stars of Into the Woods, as annointed by various news papers and theater websites: Stephen DeRosa and Kerry O'Malley, both of whom have maintained careers on the New York stage, but are hardly "breakout stars."  Meanwhile, one of Broadway's favorite guys, Christopher Sieber, has gone on to considerable acclaim - and his "helping out" La Cage aux Folles might just propel him even further.  (A coincidence that just this week, Christopher Sieber was announced to return to Chicago, then was called in to join the La Cage aux Folles company following the abrupt departure of Jeffrey Tambor in that show.)  Of course, Broadway stars Vanessa Williams, Marylouise Burke, Gregg Edelman and the legendary John McMartin continue to share their considerable gifts with the world via stage, television, music and film.  And it should have been no surprise that Laura Benanti went on to huge stage success, and is today considered one of Broadway's best actresses, but it was surprising considering her rough departure from both Into the Woods and later The Wedding Singer, as serious back and throat injuries, respectively, could have spelled the end of what has become an acclaimed career.

Look for another "Back in Time" series of blogs coming this summer.


Comments?  Leave one here, email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com or Tweet me!
Jeff
2.184

Back in Time: 2002: Into the Woods (Revival), Part III

Here is the third of four blogs discussing the 2002 revival of Into the Woods.  Previous installments in this series discussed the show itself and the creative team.

Given that Into the Woods is such an intricately woven story, with each character large and small offering some impact on the overall piece, I hesitated to divide the cast into supporting and principal groups.  But, after reviewing the cast list, listening to the cast recording, and considering the script again, I decided to do so.  Of course, this Tony-winning revival, like its original cast predecessor, has an outstanding ensemble company, so delineating between the groups mostly comes down to size of role, and in no way diminishes the impact that each actor brought to the piece.

So, here's a look at the supporting cast of the 2002 revival of Into the Woods:

Chapman (left) in Caroline, or Change

Tracy Nicole Chapman (Florinda)

Before Into the Woods: The Who's Tommy, How to Succeed..., The Life, The Lion King (original cast - Shenzi), The Music Man
During Into the Woods: She understudied the role of the Witch.
Since Into the Woods: Caroline, or Change (The Radio)

Dame Judith Dench

Judi Dench (The Giant)

Before Into the Woods: A storied career in London, New Work, and on film, television and stage.  She has appeared on Broadway only 3 times, including her Tony-winning turn in Amy's View in 1999.  Her honors include 7 Olivier Awards, and 6 Oscar nominations/1 Oscar (Shakespeare in Love).  She was named Dame by the The Order of the British Empire in 1988.
During Into the Woods: The acclaimed actress never appeared in the show.  Her voice was recorded for the production.
Since Into the Woods: She continues to make films (including the role of M in every James Bond film since 1995's Golden Eye.

Dye (left) with Woods co-star Vanessa Williams at

the opening of Irving Berlin's White Christmas

Melissa Dye (Rapunzel)

Before Into the Woods: Grease! (1994 revival - as Sandy (replacement))
During Into the Woods: She, along with Vanessa Williams, introduced the song "Our Little World" to Broadway audiences.
Since Into the Woods: She has not appeared on Broadway since.

Kelly (right) with Into the Woods original cast member,

Joy Franz, in the National Tour of Damn Yankees

Dennis Kelly (Cinderella's Father)

Before Into the Woods: Damn Yankees (1994 revival as Joe Boyd), Annie Get Your Gun (1999 revival as a replacement Buffalo Bill Cody)
During Into the Woods: He understudied the roles of Narrator and Mysterious Man.
Since Into the Woods: He has not appeared on Broadway since.

Kendall (center, left) in the National Tour

of The Color Purple

Trent Armand Kendall (The Steward)

During Into the Woods:  The revival was his Broadway debut.
Since Into the Woods:  He has not appeared in another Broadway show, but has been very active in the benefit performance area of the New York theatre scene, having appeared in benefit productions of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Hair and Chess.

Chad Kimball in Memphis

Chad Kimball (Milky White)

During Into the Woods: The revival was his Broadway debut.  He is (so far) the only human to play this role on Broadway.  He also understudied the roles of Jack, Rapunzel's Prince and the Wolf.
Since Into the Woods: Good Vibrations, Lennon and Memphis (Tony Award nominee - Best Actor in a Musical)

Malenke in a regional production

of The Pirates of Penzance

Jennifer Malenke (The Horse)

During Into the Woods: The revival marked her Broadway debut.  She is (so far) the only human to play this role on Broadway.  She was also the Dance Captain and understudied the roles of Florinda, Milky White and Rapunzel.
Since Into the Woods: She has not appeared on Broadway since.

Myers (right) in the original Broadway

production of Company

Pamela Myers (Cinderella's Stepmother)

Before Into the Woods: Company (original cast as Marta; 1971 Tony Award nominee Best Featured Actress in a Musical)
During Into the Woods: She understudied the role of Jack's Mother.
Since Into the Woods: She has not appeared on Broadway since, though she continues to direct and produce regionally.

Amanda Naughton (Lucinda)

Before Into the Woods: The Secret Garden
During Into the Woods: She understudied the role of the Baker's Wife.
Since Into the Woods:  She has not appeared on Broadway since, but has an extensive resume in regional theatre and television.

Coming soon:  The Principal Cast of the 2002 revival of Into the Woods.  Which of them lived happily ever after?


Comments?  Leave one here, email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com or Tweet me!
Jeff
2.164

CD REVIEW: Sondheim on Sondheim

From three to none: over the past few months Broadway has been home to as many as three Stephen Sondheim shows, but now there are none left.  And Sondheim fans are wondering what's next?  Finally a revival of Anyone Can Whistle? Not another Gypsy!  For now, though, fans can enjoy the CDs of all three recent Sondheim efforts: West Side Story, A Little Night Music, and the CD of today's blog, Sondheim on Sondheim. Indeed all three recording represent some of the very best in the Sondheim canon: West Side Story won the Grammy last year, and both Night Music and Sondheim are up for the Grammy this year.  And having listened to the CD several times now, one can understand why it was nominated, and perhaps why it won't win.

Title: Sondheim on Sondheim
Artist: Original Broadway Cast Recording
Label: PS Classics
Number: PS-1093
Format: Double CD
Case: Jewel Box, 2nd CD Insert, Cardboard Slip Cover
Booklet: Full color production photos; Complete lyrics; Liner notes

The Show Itself:  One of several revues of the works of Stephen Sondheim, this one differentiates itself in one key, and most satisfactory way.  Guiding us through selections from his very own oeuvre, Stephen Sondheim himself appears via video screen and narrates the evening.  Self-deprecating, funny and honest, you get to see more than a glimpse of what makes this genius tick.  His discussions on the evolution of songs (how we got "Being Alive" in Company; how we got "Comedy Tonight" in Forum) will please students of his work.  Segments from two of his biggest flops, Passion and Merrily We Roll Along will introduce audiences to two of his finest scores.  And a brand new song that really tells you the tenor of the evening, "God" opens Act Two.

What I Said of the Production:  "Were the attitude any more heightened, one might knock it, calling it "cruise ship material."  But, under the wise, and vastly knowledgeable direction of James Lapine (and smart musical stager Dan Knechtges), one could hardly compare this to a Love Boat show.  Both Lapine and Knechtges instead are giving a nod to the genre's history, while sweeping us into the 21st century, and allowing us to remember revues past briefly before transporting us into a new age: respectful, but showy, inventive, but grounded, and with a technological flair akin to the first time Broadway saw a huge tire float effortlessly above the stage.  Of course, there are many reasons to hope that the show succeeds and makes a recording - ask any Sondheim fan why. But let me help enumerate them: Barbara Cook, Vanessa Williams, Tom Wopat, Leslie Kritzer, Norm Lewis, Euan Morton, Erin Mackey and Matthew Scott. Even though the first three names are above the title, it would be misleading and a slight to the cast not to say that they are a true company. All of them have solos. All of them have distinct moments to shine, and all have times to support the others. Another key reason to hope for a recording is the quality of the musicians who play the show (orchestrations by Michael Starobin) and the terrific mix of traditional and unique arrangements of the song selection (music direction and arrangements by David Loud). There is literally something for everyone in this show."

What I Have to Say About This Recording:  When I first started listening to the CD, I thought I'd probably skip over the Sondheim narratives (they are on separate tracks, for the most part, so you can skip them), but I have found that I don't, after all.  They are 100% engaging, his voice is soothing and he is infinitely as interesting as each song included.  In short, what made the show so terrific - Sondheim - is what really makes this recording stand out.  Without his sharp observations, you'd be left with, well, just another Sondheim revue.

Still, what worked in the theatre definitely works here, too.  In fact, I appreciate Barbara Cook's efforts much more here than live.  And not because they can fix the sound on a recording (which I doubt they did much in her case, anyway), but because I'm not seeing her read monitors or be courted off stage like she's a frail old woman (which, for the record, she is not).  But on a CD, you can really concentrate on her voice, and you can still see why her voice defined a generation.  I find her readings of the songs from Passion to be superb (her Fosca to Norm Lewis' Giorgio is simply wonderful), and her timing excellent in an otherwise iffy "You Could Drive a Person Crazy."  The problem there isn't either singer (Tom Wopat duets with her), but the too cool, over jazzy arrangement.

The weakest song in the show, "Epiphany," from Sweeney Todd, has been wisely left off the recording - there is nothing from Sweeney on the recording.  And a few of the pretty nifty mash ups of songs that were interludes between segments are gone, too.  Otherwise this is pretty complete.

Everyone in the cast gets to shine, and I find Vanessa Williams' performance on CD to be the best sung and acted.  She simply exudes finesse, class and talent.  Her duet with Ms. Cook is a superb mix of "Not a Day Goes By" and "Losing My Mind."  Euan Morton, Matthew Scott and Ms. Williams do a terrific complete scene from Merrily - "Franklin Shepard, Inc.", and the ladies, Williams, Cook, Leslie Kritzer and Erin Mackey do an excellent "Now You Know."  And Krizter, Morton and Scott do more excellent scene work with "Opening Doors".  This CD makes a great case for another stab at Merrily We Roll Along.  Assassins also comes off very well, with the company doing masterful versions of both "Something Just Broke" and "The Gun Song."

This is a superb record of a truly wonderful production.  The CD has terrific production values, both in terms of sound and in the quality packaging.  It is nice to have some great color photos and the full lyrics.  Still, as much as I love a lot of the cast recording, and I listen to it frequently, I have to admit that with some exceptions (and the inclusion of the Sondheim narration), this CD also reminds us of how great the original casts were.  And that, I guess like with many revues, is the blessing and the curse.

Grade: A-


Comments? Leave one here, email me at jkstheatrescene@yahoo.com, or Tweet me!
Jeff
2.143

Broadway and the New TV Season: Thursday - Sunday

The second half of the TV week is kinda dull in terms of drama.  It is full of reality shows, reruns and sports.  Heck, there isn't anything comedy/drama-wise that is original on Saturday nights at all.  And only Friday nights offer any new programming featuring Broadway stars.  There are, however, many great actors returning to existing series, so at least there is that for us rabid theatre fans!

For a look at the new TV season, Monday - Wednesday, click HERE.

THURSDAY

Tim Daly, Taye Diggs and Audra McDonald of Private Practice

Returning from last year: CBS's Johnny Galecki  (The Little Dog Laughed) in Big Bang Theory; NBC's 30 Rock has Alec Baldwin (Twentieth Century) and Tony-winner Jane Krakowski (Grand Hotel, Nine); On ABC's Grey's Anatomy  there are Chandra Wilson (Chicago), Sandra Oh (Stop: Kiss), Tony-winner Sara Ramirez (Spamalot), original Dreamgirls gal, Loretta Devine, Kim Raver (Holiday), and James Pickens, Jr. (Balm in Gilead); CSI stars Laurence Fishburn (Thurgood)on CBS, while NBC's The Office features Rainn Wilson (London Assurance) and Melora Hardin (Chicago); FOX's Fringe features Blair Brown (Copenhagen); and ABC's The Practice  has 4 time Tony-winner Audra McDonald (Ragtime, A Raisin in the Sun, Master Class, Carousel), Timothy Daly (Coastal Disturbances), and Mr. Idina Menzel Taye Diggs (Wicked, RENT).

FRIDAY

Blue Bloods stars Len Cariou and Tom Selleck

8PM:  FOX: Human Target - an action-drama that features Jackie Earle Haley (Slab Boys)

9PM:  FOX: Good Guys -  is actually a return from the mid-season last year and stars Boeing Boeing's Bradley Whitford.

10PM:  CBS: Blue Bloods - This cop drama stars Tom Selleck (I Never Sang for My Father) and Broadway's original Sweeney Todd, Len Cariou (Applause, Sweeney Todd, A Little Night Music).

10PM:  NBC: Outlaw - This political drama stars Jimmy Smits (Anna in the Tropics, God of Carnage).

Returning from last year: On CBS's CSI:NY, Melina Kanakaredes (Cabaret) and Gary Sinise (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) co-star.

SUNDAY

Desperate Houswives' Vanessa Williams and Felicity Huffman

9PM:  ABC: Desperate Housewives - Things are sure to reheat with Wisteria Lane's newest neighbor and Broadway favorite, Vanessa Williams (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Sondheim on Sondheim).  Atlantic Theatre Company member and Broadway star Felicity Huffman (Speed-the Plow original production) also returns.

Returning from last year: On ABC's Brothers and Sisters, Calista Flockhart (The Glass Menagerie), Sally Field (The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?), and Ron Rifkin (Cabaret).


What shows are you watching this season?  Write in!

Comment here, at my Yahoo email or Tweet me on Twitter!
Jeff
2.23