Broadway - or "The Shows What I Saw This Week"

While in NYC this past week, I was able to see several shows on Broadway. I love being in a Broadway theater and seeing folks do what they do best.

GHOST the Musical, based on the Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore/Whoopi Goldberg movie, was visually fantastic. Like nothing I've ever seen. If you know the movie (and who doesn't?) you know it begins with someone dying and becoming a ghost. It's hard to imagine the show without the technology which really made telling the story possible. This production takes technical theater to a new height. Da 'Vine Joy Randolph, who plays the Whoopi Goldberg role, is a serious scene-stealer. Hysterical, funny and has a big voice.

Tracie Bennett could very well win the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her portrayal of Judy Garland in her final days. Completely lived up to her reviews and hype. Michael Cumpsty brings his usual brilliance to the play as Judy's accompanist. Plus the wonderful Jay Russell, who I went to college with at Syracuse University, is wonderful in the production. Congrats Jay on a fab evening in the theater.

Word is Linda Lavin also is a heavy contender in the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. She was very funny especially in the first act of this play. If you think family members loudly telling each other to "f*ck off" over and over is funny, you'll love this. The second act lost me a bit, but I did enjoy the play overall.

Also saw the new revival of EVITA. Rob Ashford's choreography was the highlight of the evening. Beautiful work by Rob.

One show I did not get to see this trip and will definitely see next is the revival of "Porgy and Bess" starring Norm Lewis & Audra McDonald. I did get to catch up with Norm for a bit after one of his performances, and I'm happy to report the show is doing well not only with the audiences but at the box office as well. Both Audra and Norm have been nominated for many awards for their performances. Can't wait to see it.