EGOT WATCH: Somehow, I'd missed that
Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino are listed as producers on Violet, which gives them a very good shot at a Tony nomination this year. No wins, but Amy had an Emmy nomination for writing for
Roseanne and Daniel had an Emmy nomination for producing
Family Guy.
This gives me the opportunity to say: everyone should go see this show! I haven't seen it yet, but I fell in love with the original Off Broadway production in 1997, and have grabbed every opportunity since to see it, including last summer's one-night Encores concert presentation. It's a beautiful story with a score that uses the music of the south - blues, gospel, country - to great effect. A must-see.
ReplyDeleteI have my ticket, and a bus ticket there and back, which seemed the most appropriate way of going! Just finished our production of Violet at Theatre Lab in DC, and I adore this show - such gorgeous music and such an original story, with dialogue largely taken from Doris Betts' short story.
ReplyDeleteand I can't wait to buy the new cast album.
ReplyDeleteAs long as we're on the subject, does anyone have any advice for shows I should see when I'm in NYC in June? I was thinking about Violet as well as If/Then, Hedwig and Beautiful. I didn't know whether I should be scared away by If/Then's so-so reviews.
ReplyDeleteIf you want a play, Cripple of Inishman is getting solid reviews. That said, McDonaugh is not for everyone (I like his work, but it's very dark, very violent, and very profane).
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed If/Then in DC, pre-Broadway - it's changed somewhat now, but I think for the better. I don't think the songs are going to be standards, but Idina sings the hell out of them, and I liked the supporting cast and found the story engaging (if not the kind that lingers in the mind). I would absolutely choose Violet over If/Then (in a heartbeat), but if you're thinking of several shows, If/Then is a good one, especially if you like Idina.
ReplyDeleteLady Day with Audra McDonald is a good possibility if you like Billie Holliday songs.
Though also very funny at the same time (maybe it depends on the production?). I generally stay far away from very violent shows, but I laughed so damn hard at The Lieutenant of Inishmore, and the violence was so over-the-top and combined with humor that it didn't bother me much.
ReplyDeleteI saw "The Realistic Joneses" and I wouldn't say it is a must-see, but it was very enjoyable with solid writing and acting by all involved. I have table tickets to "Cabaret" at the end of June; I'm super excited about it.
ReplyDeleteMy rule of thumb is that if Audra is singing, go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion. I went ahead and got a ticket for Hedwig under the assumption seats would be disappearing now that it got rave reviews. I'm thinking of going to two more shows and was leaning toward Violet and If/Then. My only worry is that one of those shows would be a Wednesday matinee and I fear the possibility of seeing an understudy instead of Idina or Sutton Foster.
ReplyDeleteUnlike some divae, Idina and Sutton don't have the reputation for missing performances, and there's no "regular rotation" where they skip certain performances. (Example--Carly Rae Jepsen is currently in Cinderella, but only does 5/8 performances a week.)
ReplyDelete