Everything's Coming Up Roses

So this weekend was my excursion to New York City. After more than two months of no theatre, it was really nice to have a break from Pennsylvania and to get to see three excellent shows: Gypsy with Patti LuPone, eurydice at 2nd Stage Theatre, and The Drowsy Chaperone.

Patti LuPone in Gypsy.

Everything I expected and more, the production of Gypsy at City Center starring Patti LuPone, Boyd Gaines, and Laura Benanti was outstanding. Patti as Mama Rose, perhaps the most famous female role in Broadway history -- played previously by Ethel Merman, Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly, and Bernadette Peters -- brought her indomitable presence and take-no-prisoners voice to the role, and it really, really worked. Benanti was also particularly notable for the marvelous transformation she makes from young, awkward Louise to stripper star Gypsy Rose Lee. 

This production was directed by Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book for the show, which originally opened on Broadway in 1959. At 90 years of age, it's amazing that he's still directing for the stage, and his insight must have added a great deal to this production, which seems pitch perfect throughout. Even the somewhat trying kiddie numbers in the show seemed funnier than when I saw the show in 2003 with Bernadette Peters. It's a must-see for those who love musical theatre and want to see one of the greatest shows and greatest performers in its history.

Clips of the show are on view here.

Maria Dizzia and Charles Shaw Ronbinson as Eurydice and her father in eurydice.

Having seen The Clean House at Lincoln Center Theater this past fall, I knew of the tremendous talented that is young playwright Sarah Ruhl. Soon after seeing that whimsically affecting play, I read her collection, The Clean House and Other Plays, published by TCG, but I found the play eurydice rather flat on the page. Still, I looked forward to seeing Ruhl's next New York production -- of that play -- at 2nd Stage Theatre, a nice place to see plays by American playwrights. 

And eurydice, which I saw on Saturday night, was definitely much more impressive onstage than it was to read. With stunning costumes, scenery, and music, all of the elements came together to produce a really dazzling and thought-provoking evening at the theatre. The performance were excellent all around, and what's great about Ruhl is that she obviously has the visual side of a play in her mind while she's writing. 

There's a moment in the play where Eurydice's father writes her a letter from the Underworld, and as he finishes, he places it on the back wall of the theatre, where what formerly looked like tiles are illuminated and revealed as a litany of letters. So many lovely stage pictures. Ruhl's stage directions are written with a poetic flair, and as directed here by Les Waters, they take on extraordinary life. It's a must-see for those who love imaginative new work.

On Sunday, I revisited The Drowsy Chaperone, which held up very well with age. I think I may even have enjoyed it more this time around. Maybe it was because I was in one of the first-row rush seats.

Shopping in Brooklyn (at CB I Hate Perfume and Beacon's Closet), wonderful Thai food at Pam Real Thai, a trip to Marc by Marc Jacobs, and some very nice weather rounded out a lovely weekend.