Oh! Forgot to post a few observations about FELLA yesterday!
It was sublime. I think I could live at Encores!
I, too, had only previously seen the Goodspeed two-piano production (at the Booth).
Early in the first act I thought Hensley was having trouble with a few of his high notes, but that impression lessened and he sang beautifully, eventually blowing us away with "Momma, Momma". I also wasn't bothered by his not-so-advanced age. He had a nice rough-hewn look that made it all work for me. Laura Benanti was simply to die for, and for my money, the rest of the cast was spot on. I'm generally a dunce when it comes to dance, but I find myself appreciating it more and more as time goes on, and I found the choreography in this and LITTLE ME thrilling.
But oh, the orchestra. Could Mr. Rob Berman please just stop what he's doing and record every show for posterity--like, right now? Thanks in advance. He makes it all look so easy, and what an incredible group of musicians. From my seat, which was surprisingly nice (I remembered to bring theater glasses along, which helped immensely), I could really watch them, the only thing just out of sight being the celesta. I was of course focused on the cast and on Mr. Conductor, but a first for me this time was suddenly locking in on the harpist, whose name I now know, and will never forget, is Susan Jolles. Of all the things to get riveted on in the orchestra, it was her this time. I was amazed at the coverage of the part -- she almost never gets to rest in this one (I suppose I'd find that to be the same in many other shows of the period) -- but once she got my attention I couldn't let it go.
Now I forget what else I was going to say!
