The "Weekend of Awesome" (as titled by bobz) was originally a bunch of us die hard fans who independently bought tickets for what was to be Trent's final show. Even though this turned out not to be the case, many of us were in New York to see multiple performances, in the hopes of catching some of the newer members of the cast. We were not disappointed.
Rich and Sean have already given some excellent reviews, but I will try to fill in a few more details that I observed. My head is still swimming after seeing this show four times in two days. This weekend was my 9th through 12th shows. I have finally crossed into double digit territory.
Sat. Feb. 20, 2010 2pm -
Billy - Liam,
Michael - Jake,
Small Boy - Seth,
+ understudys: Tony - Jeff Kready, Grandma - Merle Louise, Big Davey - Eric Gunhus
Boxing class-
Seth is so tiny. He gets big laughs for the "oh Jesus" line. When Small Boy exits he now calls George a 'fat b***ard', instead of a 'w**ker'. I guess they did this to Americanize the show, but why? 'w**ker' is used in at least a couple other places in the show and wasn't changed there. Personally I think the 'w**ker' line was cuter, especially coming from Small Boy.
Last summer I saw Merle perform as Grandma a couple of times when Carole was on vacation. At the time I really missed Carole. However this weekend Merle was on for Grandma at all performances. I think she has really grown into the role and handled it nicely. She delivered the song with all the right emotions. It was a pleasure to watch her performance.
Solidarity-
Liam does a great job showing Billy's development as a dancer. Early on he seems like just an ordinary kid. By the end of the scene you can see why he was cast as his dancing comes alive. I also got a very strong feeling watching Kate as Mrs. W. teaching Billy. You really feel like she is teaching him.
Express-
This was my first time seeing Jake. He is an excellent Michael. He takes more time saying his lines, as if he is savoring every word. Jake definitely knows how to play for laughs without looking like he is trying to do so.
Born to Boogie-
Thommie was great in this scene, as always. I love the 'strip tease' he does as he gradually peels off shirt after shirt. Liam did a 'Billy jump' off the piano at the end, not the flip that is done more often.
Angry-
OMG what just came out of this sweet boy's mouth? Several loud blood-curdling F-bombs. Most of the Billys let out loud unintelligible screams during this number. With Liam there was no question as to what he was screaming. When the video played on the barricade, and we hear Maggie Thatcher speaking, Liam shouted an F*-you at her. The language added to the intensity of the scene in a way I had not experienced before. Liam's dancing was top notch!
Deep Into The Ground-
Phil has a lovely voice and sings this song with great emotion. He is a different Dad from Greg but still does a nice job. At the end of the song, when he and Billy wish each other Merry Christmas, Phil just stares straight ahead, as if lost in thought. I kept hoping he would look at Billy at some point, but he never does so.
Warming Hands-
Jake and Liam did a great job in this very tender scene. Kudus to Jake. He can act well in a serious scene as well as comedy. Jake had to really reach up to kiss Liam due to their height differences.
Dream Ballet-
Liam did a great job with this. His long lanky body shows off his ballet training. He gave us that big smile of his.
He Could Shine-
This was my second time seeing Jeff play as Tony. I was impressed before, but wow!
Phil and Jeff did a great job with the father/son conflict.
Royal Ballet-
Phil has a whole new set of ways for his Dad to play this scene. It is a pleasure to watch him. He and Easton really play up the Scottish dancer's "big bulge" thing to a new level. After handing the cigarette to clip board lady, Phil has a hard time finding the door in the wall. At two of the four shows this weekend the audience applauded
at the end of this scene because it was so fun.
Electricity-
Liam spoke a few lines of the song, but sang most of it. He did a great job with the ballet, and flashed that 'million dollar smile' at the end during the long applause.
Folding the clothes-
As they are packing the suitcase, Phil does this cute thing where he folds one of Billy's shirts nicely and then crumples it up and tosses it into the suitcase. Billy smiles and refolds it.
Liam clearly enjoys playing Billy. It shows both on stage and off. He has the least experience of the boys currently performing. I think given some time he will find more ways to make this role his own. At the stage door he was very sweet. He smiled and thanked each person for coming. It was clear that he meant it.
--Chris
Where to begin??
