• About Me
  • Resources

The Theatre Concierge

~ Your Personal Theatre Guide

The Theatre Concierge

Tag Archives: Maria Rizzo

Top Theatrical Experiences in 2014

28 Sunday Dec 2014

Posted by The Theatre Concierge in Theatre Recommendations

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Bridges of Madison County, Broadway, Brynn O'Malley, Claybourne Elder, Dogfight, Emily Padgett, Erin Davie, Gypsy, Here Lies Love, Honeymoon in Vegas, Jason Robert Brown, Kennedy Center, Les Miserables, London, Maria Rizzo, Matthew Gardiner, Miss Saigon, Musical Theatre, New York City, NYC, Ordinary Days, Parade, Pasek and Paul, Peter Lockyer, Public Theatre, Ramin Karimloo, Round House Theatre, Sherri L. Edelen, Side Show, Signature Theatre, Songs of a New World, Southwark Playhouse, St. James Theatre, SubCulture, Sunday in the Park with George, The Last Five Years, theatre, Urban Cowboy, Urinetown, West End

It’s the time of year again for reflection. One of the things that means the most to me year after year is the theatre I see. This year was exceptional. I struggled to come up with my top ten theatrical experiences of the year because I was fortunate enough to see many great shows in London, New York City and the DC area. Here are my favorites:

Miss Saigon – West End

I had been eager to see Miss Saigon in the West End since the original run. My parents still argue I was too young when the opportunity originally arose (but I continue to disagree). However, it was worth the wait to be able to see this production with fresh eyes. The cast is incredible. The beautiful music remains (with some slight alterations), and I thought the set was brilliant. It’s a must-see if you are in London.

Les Miserables – West End

There is nothing like seeing my favorite show on the West End, and nothing beats the original incarnation of this masterpiece. I was particularly thrilled to see a John Valjean I know from the States, Peter Lockyer, the last two times I caught the show abroad. I find that anyone who plays Jean Valjean then steps away and comes back to the role has a perspective that can only be gained with time. The whole London ensemble is phenomenal, and the experience of this now-classic musical is a grand event worth repeating.

Les Miserables – Broadway

Surprisingly, I had never seen Les Mis on Broadway until previews began this past March. I was lucky to have a front row seat to the first performance of the new revival, and the energy of the audience that night was like nothing I had never experienced before at the theatre. Ramin Karimloo was an outstanding choice to lead the cast, and I’m fairly positive Jean Valjean has never looked so sexy (sorry Hugh Jackman!). I hope to be able to return to this production very soon.

Side Show – Kennedy Center (DC) and Broadway

Before Side Show made its return to Broadway, it had a run this past summer at the Kennedy Center in DC. To say I saw it a few times would be an understatement. I think many of us can relate to a show that highlights our inner needs of acceptance and love as well as a sense of belonging. If the end of Act 1 doesn’t hook you, the 11 o’clock duet by the fantastic Emily Padgett and Erin Davie will. I am thankful to have seen this show again when it hit the Great White Way, and I will be sorry to “say goodbye to the Side Show” in only a few days.

Jason Robert Brown’s Artist-in-Residence Launch Concert – SubCulture, New York City

Considering that this special one-night-only concert featured songs and original cast members from all of Jason Robert Brown’s shows, I am counting it amongst this group. This concert was one of the best I’ve ever been to, but this is coming from a longtime, dedicated JRB fan who wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else in NYC when this concert was going on. The show JRB personally curated included songs from The Last Five Years, 13, Urban Cowboy, The Bridges of Madison County, Honeymoon in Vegas, Parade and Songs of a New World.

Dogfight – Southwark Playhouse, London

Sadly, I missed Dogfight’s premiere in New York City, but I was overjoyed to learn that I would be able to catch its London premiere just before it closed this past September. I’d seen a show earlier this year for the first time at Southwark Playhouse, and Southwark Playhouse is quickly becoming one of my favorite theatres to visit when in London. This intimate venue produced an excellent cast and presented an unforgettable, touching production of Dogfight. The performance has stayed with me for the past few months, and I sincerely hope that I can see another production of this poignant Pasek and Paul musical soon (though I wonder if anything will top the Southwark Playhouse production).

Urinetown – St. James Theatre, London

I didn’t quite know what to expect when I got a ticket to see Urinetown in London. I had heard of the show, but to be honest, the name did not make the show sound appealing to me. This dark musical comedy won me over rather quickly between its gifted cast, intriguing story, awesome set and amusing music. I was not surprised when the show received a West End transfer, and my only regret is that I could not make it back to London to catch it on the West End as well.

Here Lies Love – Public Theatre, New York City

For one reason or another, I kept putting off seeing Here Lies Love in New York. I didn’t know what (or who) the show was about, so while I continually heard how good it was, it took a while for the feedback to resonate. This intimate, hands-on musical was one of the most interesting, original theatrical experiences of my life so far. The music is catchy and moving, and the true story the show is based on is compelling to watch. Although this show will be missed in the city, it’s wonderful that Here Lies Love has had a life beyond its original run at the Public.

Ordinary Days – Round House Theatre, Bethesda, MD

I first learned of Ordinary Days through a special concert at Signature Theatre, and after relating heavily to some of the characters as I completed graduate school (and worked full-time), I could not wait for the chance to finally see the show. Round House’s production did not disappoint as the musical was cast superbly, and Matthew Gardiner’s direction was ideal (as usual). Even though this musical captures the feelings of four characters during a specific moment in time, the message continues to ring true.

Gypsy/Sunday in the Park with George – Signature Theatre, Arlington, VA

This list would be incomplete without a Signature Theatre musical. I am highlighting two Signature shows since I saw both this year, but Gypsy opened in 2013 technically. Nonetheless, Signature’s amazing production of Gypsy, starring the sensational Maria Rizzo and Sherri L. Edelen as Gypsy Rose Lee and Momma Rose respectively, has stayed with me all this time. Likewise, Sunday in the Park with George was a stunning show to kick-off the theatre’s 2014-2015 season. Though all of the elements of the show came together spectacularly, for me, the best part was the two leads, Claybourne Elder (George) and Brynn O’Malley (Dot). Plus, I suspect any art lover, like myself, will appreciate Sunday’s music and meaning.

I am thrilled to see what 2015 brings. Happy New Year!

Advertisements

When I Grow Up

22 Friday Aug 2014

Posted by The Theatre Concierge in Theatre Recommendations

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

1st Stage, Alex Levy, Arena Stage, Cabaret, Dani Stoller, DC Theatre, Doubt, Hair, Keegan Theatre, Kennedy Center, Maria Rizzo, National Theatre, Old Wicked Songs, One Man Two Guvnors, Paul Scanlan, Shakespeare Theatre, Signature Theatre, Take Me Out, The Good Counselor, theatreWashington

Many people are unaware that Washington, DC is a theatre town. As a theatre town, there is more to its theatre scene than big performing arts centers, like The Kennedy Center and Arena Stage, or Tony Award-Winning theatres, like Shakespeare Theatre or Signature Theatre. While many people may have also heard of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, recognized for producing contemporary new plays that sometimes go on to Broadway, or the National Theatre, known for presenting major touring musicals, most have not heard of our area’s smaller professional theatres. There are many, many options, all listed on theatreWashington’s website, but of these, two have come to mean a lot to me: Keegan Theatre and 1st Stage.

Since discovering 1st Stage and Keegan Theatre in the DC area, I have been spreading the word about these two small theatres producing ambitious plays and musicals that take advantage of their intimate spaces. 1st Stage is located in a strip mall in Tysons, Virginia, and Keegan Theatre is located off of Church Street near DuPont Circle. Although you could walk or drive by both theatres and not even realize they are there, both have been making a splash on the DC theatre scene for some time, earning many Helen Hayes Awards nominations and winning several Helen Hayes Awards over the years.

Keegan Theatre began nearly two decades ago. My first performance there was Working in 2011, and since then, I have been back for every show I could catch. In 2013, Keegan’s stunning production of Cabaret ignited my love for the musical and the careers two young actors in the DC area, Paul Scanlan and Maria Rizzo, who thankfully I had seen in previous shows and initially had attended a performance to see their takes on the famous roles of the Emcee and Sally Bowles respectively. Meanwhile, this past spring, Keegan’s daring, sold-out production of Hair may win several Helen Hayes Awards next year. Because of the theatre’s success, Keegan now owns the building that houses their theatre, which is under renovation to make the accommodations more comfortable, useful and accessible. As soon as this theatre is ready to produce its next season, I’ll be there.

1st Stage is newer to the DC theatre scene as it is less than a decade old. Nonetheless, the theatre is amidst some exciting changes, with the opening of a Silver Line metro station down the street from the theatre and the start of a new Artistic Director, Alex Levy. I first learned this theatre existed (only five minutes from where I live) in 2012 when I saw Flora the Red Menace. I was incredibly impressed by the talent I saw on stage, particularly that of the lead, Dani Stoller, backed by strong off stage support. Since then, like with Keegan, I have seen every show I could there. The past two holiday shows have garnered great success for the theatre: Altar Boyz and Noises Off. This fall, the theatre embarks on a bold season, featuring Take Me Out, One Man, Two Guvnors, Doubt, a Parable, Old Wicked Songs, and The Good Counselor. I recommend you get your tickets to their forthcoming season early, especially if you want to see the comedy coming to the theatre over the holidays, One Man, Two Guvnors.

Both of these theatres have been making an impact on the DC theatre scene since their founding. I look forward to seeing how Keegan Theatre and 1st Stage evolve as they “grow up”.

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Follow Blog via RSS

  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Recent Posts

  • My Top Ten Shows of 2015
  • Seize the Day
  • Top Theatrical Experiences in 2014
  • The Lullaby of Broadway
  • Gotta Find Their Corner of the Sky

Archives

  • January 2016
  • June 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • March 2014
  • December 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • March 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • August 2011

Categories

  • Showtimes
  • Theatre Recommendations
  • Theatre Talk

The Theatre Concierge on Twitter (LauraBethD)

  • Can’t wait to see this!! twitter.com/pasekandpaul/s… 6 months ago
  • Today’s adventure @PrettyWoman! The entire cast was incredibly talented, and I was so excited to see the stunning… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 6 months ago
  • It’s been a while since a play has so beautifully devastated me. In addition to a thoughtful and clever plot, the c… twitter.com/i/web/status/1… 7 months ago
  • This afternoon’s incredible history lesson 😊 #Hamilton @ The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts instagram.com/p/BkqoMSaDxlN/… 7 months ago
  • RT @kaitandbrian: Stop whatever you’re doing. Take a second to recalibrate. Are you doing something that will make your neighbor feel more… 7 months ago
Follow @LauraBethD
Advertisements

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy