Speaking of "back to Chicago reviews", my final from last weekend:
Sun. June 27, 2010 2:00 pm
Billy - Giuseppe,
Michael - Keean,
Small Boy - Elijah,
+ understudys: Mr. Braithwaite - Will Mann, Big Davey - Kent Lewis
This was a special day for me because I reached a milestone, my 20th show! Also I had one of the most perfect seats one can get in this Chicago theatre, row F center orchestra. In addition I was treated to an amazing performance by Giuseppe and the rest of the company.
Breakfast-
Giuseppe and Grandma worked well together in the pasty scene. He has excellent diction and a sweet high voice.
Boxing-
Giuseppe laughed at small boy's "loser" line to George, after which George bopped him.
It took a couple of shows but Chicago's George, played by Jim Ortlieb, has grown on me.
Shine-
Emily was really hot today in this number.
Grandma's song-
Giuseppe was very attentive, smiling, and engaged as he listened to Grandma's story.
Solidarity-
This was probably the strongest performance of my three shows in Chicago. The Sunday matinee audience was very dead at the start but finally woke up at this number.
Express-
Keean was in great voice. He is so amazing in this role. He should be very proud of how far he has come in the past year of playing Michael.
Letter-
Giuseppe, with his high pitched voice, sang this very well. It was probably one of the best performances of this song I have ever heard. At the end he delivered the "she was just me mum" line loud and clear, and the audience laughed.
Dream Ballet-
Giuseppe looks a lot like the older Billy. I liked his wide-eyed wonderment during the flying. He has beautiful ballet form.
Royal Ballet-
Spencer Milford is one of the poshest Posh Boys I have seen. He sneers at Billy when he crosses the stage to go into the audition. Later, when Billy is angry at not being allowed to dance for the audition, Spencer holds himself with an air of superiority as he explains to Billy that "it's only a stupid audition". I see the makings of an excellent actor, even though the tall boy/posh boy role doesn't give much opportunity to show it.
Electricity-
Giuseppe sings this in a loud, high, clear, sweet voice.
While I didn't give as many details as I sometimes have done (was tired of taking notes), I must say that Giuseppe is a great all-around Billy. He is an amazing actor, singer, and dancer, with the perfect boyish looks and expressions. He is definitely one of my new favorites.
What a perfect way to close out this Billy-thon!
-Chris