This wasn’t my favorite theater season. Yes, it had the
sublime Fun Home, but more often I
felt mixed about the just-under two-dozen shows I saw. I enjoyed parts, but not
always the whole experience. So here’s my “Six Best Theater Moments in 2015.”*
 |
| Fun Home |
The Shows:
1.
Fun Home—Circle
in the Square. Previews began on March 27, still playing. This transfer from
the Public Theater shattered me. Based on Alison Bechdel’s autobiographical
graphic novel and featuring music by Jeanine Tesori and book/lyrics by Lisa
Kron (both of whom won Tonys for their contribution), the plot centers on the
coming-out of a young lesbian, but also offers an intimate look at a fractured family.
Sydney Lucas broke my heart as the child who discovers she is different through
a ring of keys, and Judy Kuhn as the unfulfilled mother is haunting when she
sings “Days and Days.” I could continue with more superlavatives to describe
Michael Cerveris, Beth Malone and Emily Skeggs, but I’ll let the Tony received
for Best Musical do the talking for me.
2.
Into the
Woods—Laura Pels Theatre. Last performance: April 12, 2015. The Roundabout
Theatre Company presented the McCarter Theatre and Fiasco Theater production of
the Sondheim/Lapine musical. As Liz said, this scaled down version focused more
on the play than sets and costumes (for instance, an actor transforms into
Milky White merely by hanging a cowbell from his neck). The 10 actors played
multiple parts (and sometimes instruments) and often the key set was the piano.
The simple re-telling allowed the audience to focus on the complexities of the
story.
3.
The Legend
of Georgia McBride—MCC Theater at The Lucille Lortel Theatre. Last
performance: October 4, 2015. This frothy romp by Matthew Lopez tells the tale of Casey (Dave Thomas Brown), an Elvis impersonator who goes from unwilling
drag queen to a man who fully embraces his feminine side. Matt McGrath played the wise, no-nonsense
older queen with a sly, knowing humor. Everything about this production was fun
– and its message of transformation and acceptance was moving despite its
predictability. Plus, the spirited performances filled with country hits by
Tammy Wynette and Dolly Parton vastly entertained.
4.
On the
Twentieth Century—Roundabout at the American Airlines Theatre. Last
performance: July 15, 2015. Tony winner Kristen Chenoweth (Lily Garland) was a
laugh in this musical revival set on a train. Peter Gallagher played the
charming impresario with big ideas and little money and Andy Karl was Garland’s
movie star fiancé. Zany and delightful, the true star was the staging that
swirled the set from a station to a train before your eyes and the dancing bell
(train?) boys.
 |
| An American in Paris |
The Moments:
1.
An
American in Paris—Palace Theatre. Previews started March 13 and the show is
still playing. Based on the beloved 1951 Oscar-winning MGM musical, this show
lagged for me. Ballet stars Robert Fairchild and Leanne Cope dazzle when
dancing but the songs never reach show-stopping heights with their thin voices.
Interestingly, on April 27th, director/choreographer Christopher
Wheeldon spoke at Symphony Space about An
American in Paris, comparing it to his experience in 1995’s West Side Story Suite where Jerome
Robbins tried casting dancers in some of the speaking/singing roles before
hiring more established theatrical folk to do the bulk of the singing. Perhaps,
Wheeldon should have done the same. Still, the big, dreamy 14-minute ballet,
featuring Fairchild and Cope, is one of my favorite moments in 2015.
2.
Hand to
God—Booth Theatre. Previews started March 14, still playing—Robert Askins’
play about an evil puppet is full of laughs, even though it lags in the second
act and tends to oversimplify complex issues. Still, when I think of the moment
when Stephen Boyer (Jason)’s hand puppet defiles a Sunday school room, it still
brings me chuckles.
·
Note: I did not see the much-lauded Hamilton. Ask me after January 16th,
when I see the show, and I’ll tell you if it would’ve made the list.
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