Rent: The Movie

Walking into the theater, I hoped that it would not be a disaster. The stage version moved me (4 times) and I would hate to see what happened to A Chorus Line when it transferred to film.
It is an imperfect film with many wonderful moments.
Jesse L. Martin is the best thing in the film. His acting, voice and winning smile light up every scene he is in. He make the relationship with Angel seem real and unforced.
Wilson Jermaine Heredia who won the Tony for Angel did fine, although the break-out number Today For You fell a little flat and the costumes did not seem nearly as creative and outrageous as they did on stage.
Rosario Dawson as Mimi made me wish for Daphne Ruben Vega. A capable performance but missing the vulnerability that Daphne brought to the role, the part that makes you care about her. After all, it's not easy to like a heroin junkie, stripper, cheater.
Idena Menzel did her best to look the part of Maureen but was only really successful in the performance piece Over The Moon and in the wonderful duet Take Me Or Leave Me, one of the better numbers in the show. Her acting in non-musical scenes doesn't work for me.
Taye Diggs was surprisingly good as Benny, adding a nice humanity to the villain of Avenue A.
Adam Pascal's songs seemed really trite in screen. He has a nice presence on film otherwise.
And finally, Anthony Rapp. He is so slight in person, but on stage, he makes Mark Cohen a large powerful narrator. On film, he just comes across as a whiney little man with a camera. It's too bad, because his talent is so big.
Anna Deavere Smith, Aaron Lohr and Sarah Silverman had some wasted cameos.
I still feel like this is a wonderful film worth seeing by anyone who likes interesting musical theater with a plot that is more than fluff, even if some of the moments come across as a little saccharine. Particularly when Roger sings life back into Mimi's dead body. Who knew a bad song could resuscitate an Aids victim so quickly.

Chita Rivera, A Dancers Life

When she took stage, the audience burst into collective thunder. And it lasted and lasted and lasted, to where she couldn't start her first line.
First night of previews for Chita's autobiographical musical journey through her carrier as a dancer. As I watch her sing, dance, act, I am mesmerized that this legend is actually in front of me.
About half way through the first act, the lights fade, pin-spot frames her face, and..."A boy like that will kill your brother". Goose bumps
The list of choreographers is so impressive. She says that she agreed to do this show because she is one of the few left who are still walking around with these choreographers in her body. She had to share. I'm glad she did.
Other highlights, Nowadays from Chicago sung with a phantom Gwen Verdon. More goose bumps. The chorus of mismatched dancers keeping up, but not outshining the star. Classy. And the memories so beautifully appreciated about her Kennedy Center Honor.
The entire audience, on their feet without hesitation, 6 or so curtain calls. And meeting her again after, gracious, lovely, legendary.

Follies

Probably my favorite musical. The score is amazing, the book is smart and challenging, and the way it is pieced together is like a puzzle where every piece fits perfect.
I was in a production 20 years ago, and wish I had the maturity back then to appreciate what I was doing.
We schlepped uptown on the east side to see the DiCapo Opera Company production. It was disastrously funny. Tears rolling down my face. Sally was so meek you couldn't hear her, Ben was the worst actor I have ever seen, and Buddy was as bland as white bread. Phyllis, with an ounce of talent, couldn't save it.
Hattie changed the word "grease-paint" to "toothpaste" and I almost lost it. Throughout the song, she kept making gestures to her privates. Weird
Carlotta had a huge bad wig that could have knocked over the set. And a dress the color of Pepto that made me feel like I needed some.
Sally sang "I Think About You" with her happy-face on. Huh?
The dancing was hysterical. Not a straight leg or pointed toe to be found.
The pit consisted of 5 or 6 trying their damnedest to make it sound full. It didn't
This was the most fun I have had at "train-wreck" theater in a long time.