From a Distance: Les Miserables

What can I say about Les Miserables that someone hasn't already said?

When I think back to last year, I remember a time that I experienced an amazing story, breathtaking moments, and a wonderful night at the theatre with my sister.

My sister actually read the novel before we saw the musical. She often wants to know about things before she sees them. I, on the other hand, love going into something knowing the least I can about it. I want to be really seeing the story for the first time. If you know what is going to happen it takes away from the story. I like to be told a story.

Everything about Les Miserables was spot on. It was exactly as it need it to be. I could go into the details, but as a whole it was perfect.

One of the funniest moments was in the beginning when Jean Valjean was being held by the guards. A guard kicked him to the ground, but the amount of effort put into the kick was not equal on both sides. Jean Valjean had such a strong reaction, yelling out and falling to the ground dramatically, yet the guard's kick appeared very light. My sister and I both thought it was the funniest part of the show, and for some reason it is what we both think of when remembering this show together. It is the little moments like this that stick out in my memory.

Les Miserables made my breath catch in my lungs, and my heart swell in my chest. Moments like when Javert was falling though the air, or at the end of act one when the whole ensemble was singing and they were waving that flag were breathtaking.

When the lights came up, my sister and I looked at each other, both of our faces just absolutely glowing. 

-Celia Boldizar

From a Distance: On Your Feet!

Moving music, charming characters, and an inspiring story

To be honest, before I actually saw it, I thought On Your Feet! was going to be a joke. I did not have high expectations going into it, just forming my opinions based on the title and playbill cover. I was completely proved wrong. The show that I thought was going to nothing more than mediocre turned out to be one of my all time favorites.

Most elements were very simple, the costumes and sets were nothing out of the ordinary. They were nice and worked well for the show, but very straightforward. The music of course was amazing, so fun and catchy. I completely fell in love with the songs, especially "Here We Are", "Get On Your Feet", and the show-stopping finale that was a mash up of all of the fabulous melodies. I listened to the cast album on a regular basis a whole year after wards! But my favorite thing that really stood out and made On Your Feet! an amazing show was how heartfelt it was.

Gloria and Emilio's story is so romantic.

My favorite of the cast was Mauricio Martinez as Emilio Estefan. He was so charismatic and masculine, giving the story this feeling of safety and passion. Christie Prades as Gloria Estefan was also marvelous. She really did Gloria's story justice with her lovable attitude and wonderful voice. Together they totally brought to life this perfect and captivating love story.

On Your Feet was so inspiring. It made me feel like I could accomplish anything if I set my mind to it. It gave me a feeling of hope and                  peacefulness. At the same time...

It emphasized the importance of spending time with the people that matter most to you.

I will always remember the night I saw On Your Feet!, as it was one of my favorite nights at the theatre. It was a cold January night, and when I walked out of the theatre and it was snowing. The ground had already been covered lightly, and white flakes were                                                                       continuing to fall.

The high of just seeing this uplifting musical and the snowy weather made for one of my most magical nights.

-Celia Boldizar

From a Distance: Waitress

Hello Everybody! 

This is the first post of my new mini series, "From a Distance". I am really excited about these posts because I am going to revisit my favorite Broadway shows from the 2017 - 2019 season and look at them a year later. In 2018 I started writing about the Broadway shows that I have the privilege of seeing when they come to my city. I wrote about all of those shows, but now it is summer and I have nothing to write about. I thought it would be interesting to see how my opinions change overtime, and how praise and critics grow or die in the light of day.

The first show I'm going to be discussing is Waitress. This is one of my favorite shows, and I only love it more the longer it has been since I have seen it. When I think to myself what show I would want to see again from the 2017 - 2018 season, it is the one I would most often choose.

Waitress is heartfelt, intoxicating, and feminine.

From an all female team, this musical is most certainly one of my all time favorites. Whereas some shows have won me over with their extreme grandiosity, Waitress was able to captivate me with it's simplicity. I loved the funny characters, catchy tunes, and emotional themes. The story is seemingly simple at first, but turns into a narrative that is so captivating. I could feel the feminine influence, which was so refreshing. It was a wonderful mix of fun romances and personal growth.

Jenna's journey is honest and endearing. 

The character Jenna is so good. She turns from being unfeeling, with walls up on all sides of her, to honest, soft, strong, and vulnerable. I was so lucky to be able to see Emily Koch as Jenna. I absolutely love it when I get to see an understudy shine, and she did an amazing performance. To me, it makes the night so much more special when I get to see people who are not the regular performers.

I loved the lighting design for this show. The way that natural light was mimicked was beautiful. For example, sunlight appeared to be shining through window blinds, creating a stripped appearance on the floor. Also, the feeling of an early morning was portrayed beautifully in the opening scene when they are opening up the diner. The lighting was really the aesthetic element that stood out to me. Along with that, the sets served the story perfectly and were exactly what they needed to be. I loved the choice of having the band onstage as part of the diner.

I do have to say, "Take It From an Old Man" was a low point. A moment that was supposed to be sweet was actually quite boring. It felt strange to me that that particular character was singing that much. It took away from the mystery of his character. On the flip side of that, the star of the show was Jeremy Morse as Ogie. The audience absolutely loved him, he was so quirky and funny, even doing cartwheels across the stage.

A relationship so enthralling and melodic that you will never be truly satiated. 

Winning the award for the song I will never get sick of is "Bad Idea". This number is one of my personal all time favorites, with it's bouncy, seductive quality. Since May of 2018 I have listened to it on repeat countless times. Jenna and Dr. Pomatter's relationship is passionate and gripping, with tender romantic moments holding their story together. Absolutely my favorite relationship I have seen onstage.

Having seen Waitress over a year ago now, I can look back on how lovely it was. It is a modern musical with a simple classic feel. I still listen to the cast album regularly. I have not yet gotten bored of it, and I don't think I ever will.

Positively sweet. 

-Celia Boldizar

Cats

With grand musical numbers and brilliant lighting, this show is both delightfully playful and a sophisticated example of great theatre.

The artistic vision was amazing. The sets created a world that held the story, supporting it and blocking out the distractions of the goings on outside. I love when there feels like there is no backstage, the Cats set reminded me of Miss Saigon in that way.

*This review contains small spoilers. Nothing critical about the story, but other specific examples.

Thrilling, eye-catching, and chromatic.

My favorite part about Cats was the lighting design. I fell in love with what Natasha Katz did with this show. Everything was so colorful and creative. The most interesting and exciting choice was that there were strings of lights that came out into the audience and attached to the balconies. It really made the whole auditorium feel like it was a part of the show, especially paired with the actors often walking through the aisles.

The opening scene was one of the best I have ever seen. It started with an amazing lighting design choice, cat eyes shining in the dark, followed by more amazing lights and an intriguing instrumental.

Cats is a wonderful kid friendly show. It is nice to have a quality show to introduce children to theatre. In comparison, Anastasia was great for kids, but it was not a great example of what theatre can be.

"Cats" is a classic musical with incredible moments that people of all ages can enjoy.

I do have two critics. First, there needed to be more story elements. I was missing a problem for the cats to overcome, thus not allowing for a building climax or resolution. The story was mellow and relaxed, and there was no big problem. There was nothing that I was hoping to happen, no character development, or problem solving. All that happened was that they introduced the cats. It was fun, but there was nothing that put me on the edge of my seat. This leads into the second issue...

The moments that were good were outstanding, but the times that were bad were terribly boring.

 A couple of the musical numbers dragged on twice as long as they should have, and lacked in fun and interest. I could have done without a couple of the cats. Cut them out and then use that space to add some story elements.

Two musical numbers stood out and put a smile on my face that lasted well into the next day. The first was of course, "Memory".

I have never felt a moment of collective effervescence as strong as during that song. The whole room experienced this feeling that was so special.

At the climax the audience burst into applause because no one could hold in their joy. Individually, I was taken aback at the magnitude of emotion and pure feeling of the song. This is the exact feeling I live for. That feeling in your chest that is bursting with love. The best part about theatre is that it has the ability to give you this feeling, and I am so thankful for it.

The most fun song, and the coolest cat ever was "Mr. Mistoffelees".

It was so large and colorful, making it the most fun song ever. It got so stuck in my head the next day, which was just fine with me. I was obsessed with Mr. Mistoffeless' coat. Another aspect of this amazing lighting design, the coat had little lights on it that changed colors. The whole number was so aesthetically beautiful, it made my color-loving heart happy.

Overall, Cats is a fun-loving music that I very much enjoyed.

-Celia Boldizar

Hello, Dolly!

"Hello, Dolly!" is a playful, entertaining show, brimming with the feel of classic theatre. 

The costumes were ablaze with color, and the sets were charming. It had a very classic theatre feel. The sets, costumes, characters, music, and script were all very much what you would expect. It was done well though, a cheerful and sparkling musical.

The storyline was interesting and lighthearted, but I had trouble getting into it. I wished there had been more clarity, because I was often wondering about the character's motives, and why they were doing the things that they were doing at all. I felt lost with their stories and who they were as people.

But these things aside, "Hello, Dolly!" is hard for me to review. As I was watching it I was thinking about how I would write about it. Every show is so different, making them practically impossible to compare. However, I do enjoy thinking critically about the shows that I see. Every one holds it's own little place in my heart, but I do enjoy some more and others less. With "Hello, Dolly!", there were numerous things I could pick apart about it, but I have come up with the conclusion that I did enjoy it.

I often question, what really makes a good show? 

I think to me what makes a good show (apart from the technical elements) is how much the individual audience members connect with it and remember it afterwards.

After seeing my favorite shows I have left the theatre feeling awestruck, like I have just received this amazing gift. I will talk about it non-stop, going though and remembering the things that I loved about it. After seeing "Hello, Dolly!" I didn't have much to say about it. I liked it, it was really good, really nice. It just wasn't one of my favorites.

Even though it did not make the top of my list, I could tell that others absolutely loved it. I watched as the people sitting in front of me swayed back and forth to the songs, smiling at each other. 

-Celia Boldizar

Anastasia

"Anastasia" is the story of a girl trying to rediscover her past. 

"Anastasia" was a very sweet show. It was a great family-friendly musical. I can see little girls especially loving it, I would have enjoyed it when I was a girl. But being older, there were times when I was longing for more variation and creativity.

The singing was beautiful, but the acting that went along with it was disappointing. 

I got the feeling that the actors were trying to be animated for the sake of harnessing the same feelings from the cartoon. The way that they spoke was unnatural and fake. I was confused about why they were saying things in such an unusual way. It was the kind of "theatre-y" acting that grows tiring. As a result, I did not get attached to the characters and their story. I felt almost left out of the story because I was not invested in it.

On the other hand, the music was charming. "Journey to the Past" stayed in my head as I left the theatre, all the way on my way home, and into the next day. Lila Coogan's voice was amazing, and her last note of the song was incredibly strong and magnificent. I was astonished at the incredible power of her voice.

The sets were very nice, but I wished for more variation. They stuck with the same structure and changed locations using animations on a screen behind them. This was an interesting way of making multiple sets out of one, but by the second act I was bored of it and wanted to see something new. My favorite set though was the train. The way that they did it was cleaver and entertaining.

Overall, "Anastasia" lacks in prominence and grandeur, but still has a lovely sweetness and heart. 

-Celia Boldizar

Sing To Me Instead

"Sing to Me Instead" brought me joy from the moment I listened to it. It immediately brightened my day, and made me want to sing along when I hadn't even heard the words before. 

Ben Platt's songs feel classic and personal, and you can really hear the emotion his lyrics. His voice is spectacular, and it is beautifully showcased in this album. This album has simplicity and care. I love the themes of love and growth. There is this element of self awareness that is so touching.

This album has a luxuriously rich sound. 

With all of the bland music today, it is refreshing to hear something with heart and meaning. A lot of songs that are popular today have very shallow sounds, very cookie cutter and lacking in body. "Sing to Me Instead" has substance, something to hold onto. It's sound has such a depth. The lyrics are emotional and full of truth and story. 

Each song can stand on it's own. Each song is one of a kind and feels unique. The other lovely thing is how they stand together. I love how you can find recurring themes, like when he will use signature words in multiple songs like "layers" and "letters". I love when there is a clear narrative in an album. 

It made me want to sit down at the piano and make music.

I am always wanting to hear a song that I can play on the piano and take part in. Something that I can see myself in and connect with. Music that inspires me to create my own is the best kind. 

Ben Platt's music goes beyond just itself. This album reminded me what real music feels like. 

-Celia Boldizar

Dear Evan Hansen

Everyone can relate to feeling alone. "Dear Evan Hansen" is a story of finding your way, and learning that you matter. 

Yesterday I got to see "Dear Evan Hansen" on it's national tour. This is one of the shows I was looking forward to most this season. It was marvelous. I was so moved by the gripping story, intricate characters, and extraordinary music. It really captured the feeling of being alone, one that everyone can relate to. I shed a tear multiple times, especially in the beginning for some reason. I could feel that the audience was really moved by this show. At one point there was the biggest audible "oh no" from the crowd that I have ever heard. Everyone was completely invested in this story, following Evan as he works himself deeper and deeper into his lies, confusion, and lack of self-worth. I could feel that...

...the audience was completely invested in the story, everyone was rooting so hard for Evan.

*this review may have spoilers.

Stephen Christopher Anthony was the perfect Evan Hansen. 

One of the things I love about theatre is that whoever you see that night in a role is amazing, and you couldn't imagine anyone else in their place. Stephen Christopher Anthony captured the audience with the truth of his character. He made great choices, and fought hard. I absolutely fell in love with his character.

I really enjoyed seeing such a small cast. With only eight actors, somehow they made it feel like a full, larger than life show. The one criticism I would add is that some of the lines felt just a tad unnatural, with unneeded paused between words, trying to force lines to sound lyrical. Some of the moments felt too rehearsed, like you could tell that the actors moved to the same places every night. I was itching to see something in the moment, the thing that made that night's performance it's own show. I really felt like I got this from Stephen Christopher Anthony...

...I could feel his truthfulness in the moment, and how he was experiencing the story in a different way every night. 

I loved how the sets looked like they were a part of the internet. This is a show that you need to watch from the balcony. From above it looked like the actors were almost floating, the projections onto the floor added dimension and transformed the stage. The one set that I had mixed feelings about was the final scene. I loved the curtain rising and the light filling the stage. It was so bright, I felt like I was blinded. It really gave the ending this lovely feeling of openness, and you can feel how Evan's life has changed, it was reflected in the set design. But, there was something about the orchard that didn't vibe with me. I would have liked something a little more breezy, the feeling of the peace of the outdoors was lost. The internet theme got in the way of the outdoors, when it could have been used to make a big impact. The contrast of the world online and the nature outside would have been lovely to see. Evan loves trees, I wanted to feel why he loved them in the set, that feeling of stillness and peace. 

Evan is known for his signature blue collared shirt and cast, but the part of his outfit that I fell in love with was his shoes.

The costumes were made to be realistic to the common style of dress today. Evan wore such simple grey tennis shoes, and I have no idea why, but for me they added a lot to his character. The other costume that I thought worked really well for the show was Connor's. With his long hair and dull-colored baggy clothing, he looked like any kid you could know. It was very simple, but realistic. It worked really well for the story.

Watching "Waving Through a Window" live onstage is one of the best moments I have ever seen in a show.

It felt unreal to be actually watching it. It was such a ecstatic moment, one that I will never forget. The music was incredible. Numbers like "Waving Through a Window" and "You Will Be Found" filled the auditorium with their drama and emotion, and songs like "Words Fail" made me lean in to hear more.

The story was so complex and emotional. I just wanted to tell Evan that everything was going to be okay. It was so sad. The truth that Connor was so unknown is something that the characters had to work through the entire show, and even at the end it is something that is hard to even comprehend. This show makes you think about the importance of reaching out, and knowing that you are not alone, everyone can understand what you are going though.

My favorite part of the show is how Evan is able to get to the other side. To show that you can learn from your mistakes, even when it seems like you have done irreparable damage to yourself and others. Evan's journey is so amazing to watch, and it gives people hope. It shows that you can feel good again.

Like all of the best shows, "Dear Evan Hansen" has become a part of who I am.

-Celia Boldizar

Miss Saigon

Miss Saigon knocked me off of my feet, and captured my heart. 

This show was shockingly good. I was completely blown away. It really moved me with it's intensity, romance, and heart. Kim's story lingered with me long after I had left the theatre.

It was the best show I have seen in my whole life.

It had the best sets I have ever seen. They were so detailed, and had so much depth. They were so well thought out, the angels, height levels, materials, and colors. There were neon lights, fire breathing dragons, and flying helicopters. I jaw literally dropped when it flew in. I really felt like I was in their world.

The music the star of the show. I love when a musical is sung the whole way through. The actor's voices were phenomenal, and the orchestra had my heart soaring. The story was so captivating, and I was constantly trying to think though what was going to happen next. The story was done so well though, that I could never figure out what was going to happen next. It was so romantic and heartbreaking. It really showed the complexity of human character.

"Miss Saigon" is a show that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I really connected with me, and it makes me smile whenever I remember it.

I was the first to my feet to give them a standing ovation when it was over. I am so grateful to have seen it.

-Celia Boldizar

Fiddler on the Roof

"Fiddler on the Roof" was such a fun show!

It was filled with beautiful singing, funny characters, and Jewish culture. The sets were done really well, and worked perfectly for the show. The dream scene was particularly creative, and actually quite frightening! The characters were so lovable, Elly and I personally feel in love with Motel and his sewing machine. Not only was this show funny and sweet, it told an emotional story of family and hardship. It ended on a note of sadness, and it was really heartfelt. 

You can clearly see why the this musical has become a classic.

-Celia Boldizar