When it comes to Broadway theatre, I’m drawn to the new, the noteworthy and often the ‘not-long-for-this world.’ Revivals of 50 year-old musicals aren’t on my radar.
Two words got me in the theatre last night for a preview performance of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying:
Daniel Radcliffe
I saw ‘Harry Potter’ make his Broadway debut two years ago in the title role of Equus. My seat was literally on the stage, which made Daniel’s 20+ minute nude scene at the end of the second act a more detailed memory than I would like.
Daniel’s entire performance was brave and brilliant, and I was furious when he wasn’t nominated for a Tony. But he didn’t sing or dance in the play — and hasn’t in any film role to date — so I was a bit worried for him before the show began last night.
There was no need.
Daniel probably could have charmed his way through the entire show like so many film and TV stars have in Broadway shows past. But, as in Equus, he did the work.
Harry can really sing! And director Rob Ashford has turned him into quite the dancer in numbers with jaw-dropping choreography. Even if you don’t give two cents about Daniel Radcliffe or John Larroquette — who is a lot of fun in his Broadway debut, albeit a bit of a fast talker — the show’s clever, clever dance numbers are worth twice the cost of the ticket.
The show is beautiful to look at, too — all art deco in the bright shades of a fruit salad. And while the outdated subject matter is pure 1961, it has some modern references to Broadway, film and television that are unexpected fun.
The show got two standing ovations during the performance and an ear-splitting one at the final curtain, all well-deserved.
Now, let’s just work on those Tonys…
Ringer
Okay, so I checked. I haven’t talked about Dancing with the Stars since late August…before the show even premiered.
Talk about self-control.
Now the competition is in full swing. I like David and Carson and find Nancy Grace annoying as predicted. They’ve had their first truly shocking celebrity elimination — Kristin Cavallari, say it isn’t so!
But, as usual, the team that is surging to the forefront — the one that is the clear audience and judge’s favorite is…
It doesn’t matter who he dances with, really. She can be famous, unknown, tall, short, talented, or just so-so. If Derek is dancing with her — and choreographing their numbers — you will be hard-pressed to find another pair that can take that glittery, mirror ball trophy away from him.
Except maybe his sister Julianne…and she’s moved on to bigger and better things. (See Footloose this weekend.)
Killer.
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Posted in Home, Television, TV, Entertainment, Celebrities, Commentary, dancing
Tagged Dancing with the Stars, ABC, dancing, Television, celebrities, entertainment, Humor, mirror ball trophy, Derek Hough, TV, commentary, season premiere, choreography, professional dancers, Ricki Lake, Psycho movie, Psycho theme song, self-control, Kristin Cavallari, celebrity dancers, celebrity eliminations