It’s the freakiest show
Take a look at the lawman
Beating up the wrong guy
Oh man wonder if he’ll ever know
He’s in the best selling show
Michael C. Hall
Like a MTV alien version of Ray Milland’s the “Lost Weekend” Lazarus is two hours inside the mind of a man so tortured that he relies on alcohol to get through the day, the month, the year, forever. Meant as a staged sequel to David Bowie’s 1976 “The Man Who Fell to Earth”, the script is based on the 1963 science fiction novel by Walter Tervis. The back-story is Thomas Newton (Bowie in the film), is an extraterrestrial who came to Earth because his planet is in need of water. As the film ends, he’s failed to fulfill his mission, feel alienated, rich, turns to alcohol as he is stuck on Earth… alone. In present time on stage Newton (Michael C Hall on stage) has retired. He watches TV and drinks to get through his never ending life, his soul dying just a little but more every day. Elly (Cristin Milioti, “How I Met Your Mother”) is Newton’s personal assistant. A bit on the psychotic side she becomes obsessed with her boss trying to become the women he cannot get over, Mary-Lou in order to get him in bed. Newton wants none of it. In the meantime, Elly’s marriage to Zach (the under used Bobby Moreno) is failing.
Michael C. Hall, Sophia Anne Caruso
In Newton’s stupper people come out of the TV including a young girl (Sophia Anne Caruso), whose mission is to get Newton back home. Three other’s also urge on this camaraderie between the girl and Newton.
Valentine (Michael Esper) breaks up couples that have love and most of all hope. Think along the lines of the Saint Valentine Massacre.
David Bowie
Though a jukebox musical, there are four new songs. What is so interesting about this piece is that this 45 plus years in retrospect of the Bowie catalogue takes on new meanings when sung by this mostly exquisite cast. Sophia Anne Caruso singing “Life on Mars” is an ethereal chant that is heavenly. 18 songs which include: “All the Young Dudes,” “Always Crashing in the Same Car,” “Changes,” “‘Heroes,” “The Man Who Sold The World” and “This Is Not America” will thrill Bowie and non-Bowie fans alike. This score if it moves to Broadway could give Hamilton a run for its money. There is no wonder why Lazarus is the hottest ticket in New York right now.
Ivo van Hove has created a visceral world. For two hours nobody clapped, coughed or made a sound, they were so engrossed. The set is sparse: an open fridge filled with gin, a bed, a record player with LPs of David Bowie of course, and plastic windows that let us preview the fabulous band. A large white screen represents a TV where character step in and out of, including Alan Cumming. The remarkable projects by Tal Yarden and the luminescent lighting by Jan Versweyveld (also set) are perfectly done and can see both of them being nominated next year.
Lazarus, is written by Bowie and Enda Walsh (Once) and though some may not understand this piece, I can guarantee any one who has gone through a tremendous amount of loss and grief, who feels they are only marking time on this earth, will completely understand. The demonic, incarnate souls who hash about and weave through trying to leave their imprint is more common than we think.
Michael C. Hall is superb as Newton channeling his inner Bowie. Michael Esper and Nicholas Christopher shine in their moments in the sun. Esper is a chilling villain. Cristin Milioti has me a little confused. Though she is as bendable as a Gumby, vocally she is out of her league. She sticks out like a sore thumb because she is so over the top, while everybody else though dreamlike and surreal is real. Who I loved and I can not wait to see more of is Sophia Anne Caruso, oh my God what a voice. This girl can sing anything and it is clear, with a never ending range. Her acting is layered and profound and she is only fourteen. Bravo!
A little piece of you
The little piece in me
Will die
For this is not America
You will either love this show or not get it. Me I love it. No matter how you feel this show is poignant with the lyrics revealing a little bit more prophecy considering most of these were written in the 70’s.
Lazarus: New York Theatre Workshop, 79 East 4th St., until Jan. 20th.
Karen Akers, Jim Caruso, Tony Danza, Jamie deRoy, Max von Essen, Melissa Errico, Bob Mackie, Susie Mosher, Sidney Myer, Josh Prince, Lee Roy Reams, Rex Reed, Randy Roberts, Mo Rocca , Mark Sendroff, Lee Roy Reams, Brenda Vaccaro and David Zippel were there to see and honor Cabaret legend and Grammy nominee Marilyn Maye. Maye who turns 95 April 10th, made her at Carnegie Hall solo debut last night with The New York Pops, led by Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke.
Steven Reineke Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Maye is a highly praised singer, actress, director, arranger, educator, Grammy nominated recording artist and a musical treasure. Her entire life has been committed to the art of song and performance and it showed with the 12 standing ovations she received.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Maye appeared 76 times on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, she was “discovered” by Steve Allen and had a RCA recording contract, seven albums and 34 singles.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
The evening started out with the superlative New York Pops Overture of Mame, which Maye had played the title role.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Next a Cole Porter Medley with “Looking at You,” Concentrate On You,” “I Get A Kick Out Of You,” It’s Alright With Me,””Just One of Those Things,” “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” and “All of You”. This was Marilyn’s second standing ovation. The first was when she stood on that stage for the first time and the audience was rapturous.
Marilyn Maye and Steven Reineke Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
A terrific “It’s Today” from Mame with high flying kicks was the third ovation and wow can that woman kick.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
A rainbow medley included “Look To The Rainbow” from Finnian’s Rainbow, the iconic “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” the jazzy “Make Me Rainbows” and of course “The Rainbow Connection.” And with that another standing ovation.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
“Put On A Happy Face” from Bye Bye Birdie.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Tedd Firth and Marilyn Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Frank Loesser’s Joey, Joey, Joey brought on a fifth standing ovation. This song was a masterclass in acting and vocal nuance. For that matter every song that comes out of Ms. Maye’s mouth is perfection. Part of the brilliance of this night is her musical director, arranger, and pianist Ted Firth. That man is a genius.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Steven Reineke, Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Lerner and Loewe’s “On The Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady ended the first act with a sixth standing ovation.
Steven Reineke Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
The overture from Hello Dolly! and then Cabaret shows Marilyn Maye also starred in opened the second act. The New York Pops sounded phenomenal as always.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
“Your Gonna Hear From Me” from “Inside Daisy Clover was an appropriate starter for this next round as the audience got to its feet.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Maye’s most requested song “Guess Who I Saw Today” from New Faces of 1952 was followed by a show stopping “Fifty Percent” from Ballroom and of course another standing ovation.
Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Her next song was chosen by the Smithsonian Institute to be included in its permanent collection of recordings from the 20th century. Her recording of “Too Late Now” is considered by the Smithsonian to be one of the 110 Best American Compositions of the Twentieth Century and Ms. Maye showed us why and again another standing ovation.
Being presented with flowers
A proclamation from The City of New York read by Steven Reineke to Marilyn Maye made this day Marilyn Maye Day. This treasure cried with joy as she sang Stephen Sondheim’s “I’m Still Here.” Though she forgot some of the lyric, Ms. Maye proved performing is all on the intent and connecting to the audience. Two more standing ovations were added here.
Steven Reineke, Marilyn Maye with the proclamation Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Steven Reineke, Marilyn Maye with the proclamation Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
For encores, I was thrilled to hear James Taylor’s “Circle of Life” and “Here’s To Life,” which is my personal favorite, finally going back into “It’s Today” with those high kicks and a twelfth standing ovation. Bravo Ms. Maye!
Steven Reineke, Marilyn Maye with the proclamation Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
If you are a singer and do not catch Ms. Maye live, you really do not care about your craft. Last night Ms. Maye made it clear why she’s been celebrated as one of America’s greatest jazz singers for more than 50 years and this was a night I will always remember. Thank-you New York Pops.
Marilyn Maye By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Steven Reineke, Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Jamie deRoy and Tony Danza Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Jim Caruso and Max von Essen Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Eric Gabbard., Steven Reineke, Jim Caruso and Max von Essen Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Marilyn Maye and Melissa Errico Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Marilyn Maye and Melissa Errico Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Bob Mackie and Marilyn Maye Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Marilyn Maye and Mark Sendroff Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Karen Akers, Sidney Myer, Marilyn Maye and Lee Roy Reams Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Josh Prince, Marilyn Maye and Michael Novak Photo By Genevieve Rafter Keddy
Don’t miss the Pop’s 40th Birthday Gala: This One’s For You: The Music Of Barry Manilow on Monday, May 1st. The gala will star Sean Bell, Erich Bergen, Betty Buckley, Charo, Deborah Cox, Danny Kornfeld, Norm Lewis, Melissa Manchester, Zal Owen, Eric Peters, Blake Roman, Billy Stritch, Steven Telsey, Max von Essen, Dionne Warwick, and more to be announced. This will be yet another New York Pop’s Night not to miss.
I went with T2C’s editor to A Dolls House, which inspired this caricature. You can read Suzanna’s review of the show here.
Celebrate the very best in British theatre in a star-studded evening as the Olivier Awards return to the Royal Albert Hall on April 2nd.
Three-time Olivier Award nominee & Primetime Emmy winner, Hannah Waddingham will be hosting the awards for the first time.
The event will feature performances from all of the Best New Musical nominees, including The Band’s Visit, Standing At The Sky’s Edge, Sylvia and Tammy Faye. Also performing will be Oklahoma! and Sister Act, both nominated for the Best Musical Revival award, as well as Disney’s Newsies, which has been nominated for Matt Cole’s choreography.
The multi-Olivier Award winner The Book of Mormon, will be performing to mark its ten-year anniversary in the West End. Additionally, special award winner Arlene Philips will be honored with a tribute from the cast of Grease.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on Magic Radio from 6pm with Ruthie Henshall and Alice Arnold hosting.
The highlights program will also be aired on ITV1 and ITVX at 10:15 pm in the UK and via Official London Theatre’s YouTube channel elsewhere.
And the nominees are:
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