Interludes

2013’s Best in Musical Revivals

• By drediman
• January 10, 2014
• No Comments

2013 was a year in which the American musical proved its presentational versatility. Indeed, I encountered stunning musical theater revivals in settings as diverse in opera houses, philharmonic concert halls, staged readings, theaters abroad, so forth …

(Note: the list below is in alphabetical order)

1. Carousel

It was a true treat to experience Rogers and Hammerstein’s classic “Carousel” (one this writer’s favorite musicals of all time) performed by a Grade A cast and lusciously played by the NY Philharmonic.  The sumptuously cast concert featured Kelli O’Hara as Julie, Jesse Mueller as Carrie, and Nathan Gunn as Billy, who all sang and acted beautifully. The moment the NY Philharmonic started the Carousel Waltz, I was transported to heaven.

2. Merrily We Roll Along

This recent West End production, a transfer from the Menier Chocolate Factory, was possibly the best production this troubled but much-loved musical has ever had.  The spot-on cast, which included the charismatic Jenna Russell, sang and acted the Sondheim musical lovingly and with much heart. A heartening reminder that event the most misunderstood shows can thrive in a later incarnation.

3. Passion

Stephen Sondheim’s hypnotic mediation on the nature of love received an intense Off-Broadway revival in 2013. Led by a searing trio of performances from Judy Kuhn, Melissa Errico, and Ryan Silverman, this production made a strong case for this musical as a major work in the Sondheim canon. As with the Chicago Shakespeare production starring Ana Gasteyer, this CSC production proves that “Passion” works best as an atmospheric chamber musical.

4. Show Boat

Much like NY Philharmonic’s staged concert of “Carousel”, Kern and Hammerstein’s seminal “Show Boat” received an equally lavish mounting by the Washington National Opera. I applaud WNO (along with other opera companies, such as Chicago’s Lyric Opera) for recognizing that today’s opera is the cultural equivalent of yesterday’s musical theater. With the demise of NYC Opera, I am hoping the Metropolitan Opera, with its vast resources and scheduling capacity, will jump on the bandwagon.

5. Violet

City Center’s exciting Encores! Off-Center series got off to a fantastic start last year, yielding some thrilling experiences (e.g., Marc Blitztein’s rousing “The Cradle Will Rock”).  However, the highlight of the inaugural season was undoubtedly the one-night-only semi-staged concert of Jeanine Tesori’s moving musical, “Violet”. Cast against type, Sutton Foster cast a spell and riveted the rapt City Center audience in the title role. This was one of those white hot nights in the theater. Those of you who missed it will luckily have the opportunity to catch a fully-staged revival this spring (with Ms. Foster), courtesy of the Roundabout Theatre Company.