What I liked
Loved the campy style, spot-on; all the ‘vague’ references to gayness (not vague at all); appreciated the close harmonies well-sung and blended, clever arrangements, variety of tunes – they even started with a number in 4-part harmony which was originally a solo sung by Jane Powell in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and the medley morphed into Christmas favorites including Happy Holidays a la Manhattan Transfer. Very clever!
What I didn't like
Mics had some problems.
My biggest reservation is that this ‘frothy’ piece turned its style on us – here we were enjoying frivolity with winks, then the show decides to take on today’s big messages on abortion rights, Christianity, pedophilia, Trump in office, right wing conservatism, gun control, gay rights, children’s rights, bogus charities, you name it, the whole kitchen sink was in there. And it’s been set up (and drilled into us) that we’re in the world of 1962. Wha…? While I can admire this satire, the first 1/3 of the show doesn’t prepare us for this and we’re a bit hoodwinked. This fluffy souffle loses its air. There’s a lot of great stuff happening here – but a rethink of the book and show message/style might be in order in order to provide a holistic on-task show.
My overall impression
Very professional production! Singing, harmony, arrangements and band are excellent. Choreography is fun.
