My overall impression
Anzu = Yoko. Nuff said. She was totally mesmorizing in her role. I could not take my eyes off her – everything from her speaking voice to her expressions, I thought Anzu WAS Yoko. Now, let’s talk about her singing voice…on fact the whole cast, dear LORD can they SING! Everyone I was with agreed Anzu was a total rockstar (the gentleman playing John Lennon was also a total powerhouse) but more importantly the whole team delivered on a level of conviction that sold the story they came to tell. As for Anzu’s writing, it’s sort of unbelievable that this is her FIRST musical, though she has written countless songs, and it just goes to show that some people just HAVE it. The style of rock ‘n roll she delivered, did not pander to either the Beatles or Yoko’s work with John. The style was all Anzu and her attempt to encapsulate and express that particular story on a grand rock scale – that alone can be a very difficult balance but she pulls it off magnificently. As for the production, I have to handed to their director now, who not only has a badass voice of her own but really wrangled together some fine stage work and unforgettable images. As for the sound I know all too well how difficult it is to wrestle sound in the Lillian space so, there can be ZERO points taken off for any technical glitches – in fact I would insist that the glitches only made how fiercely they were committing to the work all the more apparent. The well chosen actors powered through and fought for our attention tooth and nail, never giving an inch. Overall, a great experience last night.
