![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_e_smile.gif)
I saw both performances in Baltimore on Wednesday. The 2:00 show was wonderful. Ben is an amazing Billy and is a true professional in singing, dancing, and acting. There is nothing I could add to what others have posted about Ben. A few stand outs to me are Samantha Cutler as Debbie. She has truly nailed what I believe the character should be. Rich Hebert as dad is outstanding. I really enjoy his "Deep Into the Ground," a song I often could have done without on Broadway. A surprise for me was how much I enjoyed Joel Blum's George. He had me entertained and I already knew what he was going to say. Lastly, I saw Jake Kitchen as Michael. He played the part much more subdued than I have ever seen a Michael play the part. I felt like it worked brilliantly. As much I enjoyed every Michael I have seen, Jake seemed to be the most real in the character.
The night performance was even better. The audience seemed to really be into this performance. I saw Noah as Billy. He has really grown into the role since I last saw him in Boston over the summer. He is a very different Billy then Ben is. Noah seems younger and plays the part with a bit more vulnerability. This is a major reason I enjoy seeing multiple shows so close together. Both Noah and Ben played the character differently, but were both equally brilliant. Sam Poon played Michael. His dancing was great, but I am not sure I truly enjoyed his acting in this role. The tour cast, although very different from when I saw it in Boston, is still outstanding. The new ballet girls seem to be having fun and continue to "shine." My only complaint of the tour cast is Cullen Titmas's Tony.
I am already looking to a few more shows this weekend.
Billy: Joseph 3.25, Ben 3, Noah 2, Kyland 2, Julian 1.25, Tade 1.25, Michael 1, Peter .5
Michaels: Cameron 5.5, Jack 2.5, Ethan 2, Ben 1, Keean 1, Jake 1, Sam 1