After Midnight
On Friday, November 22nd I attended a performance of the new Broadway show After Midnight at the Brooke Atkinson Theatre. I will start by saying this: this was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Even though nothing will ever match up the amazingly breathtaking Ka by Cirque du Soleil, After Midnight will certainly stay in my memory for quite some time. The musical, who was conceived by Jack Viertel, takes place in Harlem in 1932. Even though there is no clear story line, After Midnight did not need any. The succession of dancing and singing artists, performing in all kinds of different numbers was entertaining enough as it was.
Dule Hill (who you might know from the USA Network series “Psych”) was great at hosting the show. He began the show by setting the mood, explaining the time and setting so that the audience could “get into it” right away. His dry sense of humor and amazing voice allowed the transitions between the different numbers to happen smoothly. It also allowed the audience to recover from the excitement that was felt after each “piece”. Rest was necessary, because the artists’ talent was more than overwhelming. I want to thank Mr Hill for allowing me and my fellow audience members to catch our breath once in a while…
Fantasia Barrino (2004 American Idol winner) was a guest artist in the show. Even though Miss Barrino’s singing talent in uncontestable, it was obvious that she is not a Broadway veteran. Broadway shows are very particular, and having a good voice is not enough to be a good musical performer. For instance, the way she carried herself and walked across the stage weren’t those of other Broadway artists. Despite her great voice, Miss Barrino does not possess the class of her colleague Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, nor the charisma of the hilarious Adriane Lenox. It is a shame that producers felt the need to bring in a “star”, because I think the show would have gained from having an experienced Broadway performer taking up the role. If your dream is to win American Idol fine, but please leave Broadway shows to Broadway artists.
Amongst the performers that really stood out was Jared Grimes, an amazingly talented tap dancer. His energy was unbelievable, and I actually found myself tired just from watching him dance. Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards’s performance also needs to be noted. The way she carried her arms while her feet were moving with such speed was impressive, to say the least. Miss Sumbry-Edwards was definitely the most graceful dancer of all, and it was a pleasure watching the easiness with which she executed Warren Carlyle’s very complex choreography.
The duo constituted of Phillip Attmore and Daniel J. Watts was another highlight of the evening. Their synergy was so complete that they reminded me of the Gene Kelly-Donald O’Connor duo from Singing in the Rain. The grace with which they danced, as well as the power they used in their execution of the choreography was not without reminding the famous duo either. Lastly, their sense of humor and lack of fear of ridicule were amazing, and every time they came on stage, we knew we were in for a good laugh!
After Midnight is a show that you need to go see very soon. The talent of all the artists present on stage is overwhelming, and the evening was full of surprises and emotions. If the show does not have great scenery or special effects, it is because it does not need to: the artists’ talent is in itself a special effect, and worked its tricks on the mesmerized audience I was lucky to be part of. It has been a while since I have seen a musical that is that good. I spent an amazing night at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre: the performance was full of joy, laughter, beautiful voices, graceful bodies and talented artists. Don’t let time go by, and even though the show is called After Midnight, don’t wait that long to book your tickets!
http://www.aftermidnightbroadway.com/
Fun Home
Through Nov 17th
Fun Home is a daring new musical by Tony-nominees Jeanine Tesori and Lisa Kron, based on the successful graphic novel of the same name by Alison Bechdel. The musical tells the story of Bechdel’s childhood and her relationship with her father, examining both through the eyes of an adult and a child. Directed by Sam Gold, the production takes a fresh and daring approach to topics of sexuality and childhood as Alison revisits her unique upbringing at the family-owned funeral home. Fun Home stars Tony-winner Michael Cerveris and Tony-nominee Judy Kuhn amongst its cast members. – See more at: http://www.newyorkcitytheatre.com/theaters/newman-theater/fun-home.php#sthash.sPDHZOX5.dpuf
