Thursday, April 27, 2006

Lestat: The Musical (A Review)


Why is it that theater gets vampires so wrong? Literature and cinema have done, for the most part, right by the creatures. But, theater is either too campy or too boring.
The creators of "Lestat" have been handed a property that could have worked on stage. But, instead of working with just one novel they decided to do a "Lestat's greatest hits" and it fails miserably. I wish the musical would have been a huge debacle with just train wreck qualities. However, it's not even interesting as a failure. It's adjust standard, boring Andrew Lloyd Webber pap.
I'll handle a few elements and give some opinion on what I would have done better. I think there was a lot of talent involved and the actors on stage did the best they could. But, they were done no favors.
The music is not interesting at all. For a show that takes place in France, the Middle East, and New Orleans, the music conjures up none of these places. In fact, the music really conjures up Broadway circa 1987. A real chance was blown with that. Someone like Michael Chiusa could have done well with the concept or even working with an actual rock star. We should have felt some life or danger or sense of place. This was a score that went through a generic music machine.
Before I go on, the one interesting thing in "The Vampire Lestat" is that he becomes a rock star and uses the music to send messages. He is charismatic and sexy. His music is a huge success. So, why not bookend the play with two big moments and make the middle an extended flashback into who he is? That way we see who he is and how he got that way. It also gives the actor a chance for a big opening and closing number. And, it gives the writer a chance to let loose with a fun song and draws the audience right in.
No, we follow a chronological story that is both slow and yet not even vaguely complete. The "love affair" with his mother is just barely discussed in a song called "The Crimson Kiss" and his childhood companion Nicholas is seen as his true love but they never show us. We also never feel his connection with many of the people and Marius might as well not even be in the show.
The best thing about the play, to me, was that they gayed it up. At least Lestat was truly pansexual and the other people in his life were appropriately gay. However, the role of Claudia was too broadly played and I felt they were trying to create a camp icon with her and not a truly tragic figure.
Oh well, what do I know? The show got a standing ovation. I however, went home and watched the movie "Interview with a Vampire" over again and lamented what they could have done on stage.

Monday, April 24, 2006

I'm Back

So, the Plow is back from her vacation. Much soul searching and thinking was done. Now, she is back and ready to write more, do more comedy, and generally try to actually get a career. So, watch this space for more writing and more concert dates and other amazing things.

Friday, April 14, 2006

A Small Service Interruption



The Plow will be back next week with many more informative and hilarious posts. I am off to discover the Caribbean on an amazing cruise.

Peace out!

Thursday, April 13, 2006

I'm Going to be on MTV!

Ok, so maybe I'm only going to be part of a segment with no talking, etc. But, I can spin it as a TV credit.
Here's the truth. I currently do tutoring to make some extra cash. I am currently tutoring a young girl named P-Star (stage name) who is a rising actor and rapper. MTV came to film a "You Hear it First" segment. I got to hold the MTV News mic and say, "My name is Amy Patrick and I give MTV permission to use my image." Awesome!
So, MTV filmed us as we did our lesson for the day. It was bizarre. I'm sure I'll look completely insane. I did wear make-up and did my hair because I was told in advance of my brush with greatness. So, the whole thing is suppsoed to be on MTV next month. I will be honest and say that I am kind of excited. This is national TV bitches.
So, be on the look-out. I'm one step closer to fame and riches or at least infamy and bus fare.

Monday, April 10, 2006

Amy's Movie Reviews (back from hiatus)

So, it's been a while. I have not been to the movies as much as usual. A lot of things have gotten in the way. These include: Knicks games, theater, comedy, and just general fatigue. But, I have seen a few movies and wanted to write some reviews for you, my awesome fans.
Last night I was at the Tribeca Film Festival for the premiere of Jeff Garlin's "I Want Someone to Eat Cheese With". Garlin is best known as Larry David's friend/agent on "Curb Your Enthusiasm". With this film he takes on a romantic comedy. The film is sweet, weird, and funny. And, although the film is rough around the edges, it has a lot of charm and will hopefully get seen.
Before I start with the movie, at the Q and A following the film Garlin talked about the fact that he lost funding twice and the film took almost two years to shoot. He also created almost every character for the actor playing it. His reliance on several improv and comic actors that are recognizable to comedy viewers is a good thing. There are scenes where you feel that Garlin just wanted this person he really likes to have a chance to be funny. And, for the most part, it works.
As the two women that Garlin falls for, Bonnie Hunt and Sarah Silverman showcase their comedic strengths. It also helps that both woman are really funny and help Garlin with some of the comedic heavy lifting.
And, for comedy/improv fans be on the lookout for Amy Sedaris, Richard Kind, Wallace Langham, and Homer Simpson himself Dan Castelleneta. I enjoyed the film and I hope it at least gets some minor distribution.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Liza with a Z


So, I just watched the Bob Fosse directed special "Liza with a Z". It played on Showtime and is soon to be on DVD. I'm not a huge Liza fan, but I am a huge Bob Fosse fan. His films are filled with amazing imagery and his choreography is instantly recognizable. Probably only Twyla Tharp and Jerome Robbins have a style that you recognize immediately.
Fosse's style is filled with small gestures and precision. Hats, gloves, wide fingers, and subtle hip movements are his signature. On the aspect of the dancing, the show is a great success. Liza was raised to be an entertainment machine. You sense her professionalism to the core. However, because she is an entertainment machine, you never feel much joy. Liza seems to want to do the best show ever. And, the show is very good. Once Liza begins her singing, dancing juggernaut show picks up. The "Cabaret" themed finish is the highlight. And, Liza nails the title song the way she always does.
So, why am I not more excited? Two things; as much as I love Fosse, his directing style is distracting in the TV special form, and secondly, Liza never looks like she's having that much fun. Everything appears calculated and formed to the smallest detail. I want to see sexuality and joy and the art of having a good time. And, for much of the show this is missing.
Now, I would not say this is a pan. I loved the dancing and Liza sounds great. I personally was just hoping for a little more joy.