Reviews are in for Sister Act which opened last night and they seem overall very good -- mostly raves or very positive, a few mixed, and only one or two real pans. I was surprised by this show in London where it got very mixed reviews, but I loved its energy and score (unlike the movie which "borrowed" songs, the stage version is all original score). But it's also been reworked -- mainly the book -- and re-directed by Jerry Zaks. I was really impressed by Patina Miller in the leading role but some critics are comparing her to Whoopi Goldberg which is kind of unfair in my book. There's no way Whoopi could sing THESE songs to even half the effect that Ms. Miller does! I'll be seeing it two weeks from last night.

Saw 'Good People' tonight and second what 2sweets thought. Frances McDormand was wonderful and Estelle Parsons was perfect.

Beautiful review of 'Jerusalem:'

http://theater.nytimes.com/2011/04/2...ml?ref=theater

What was especially interesting to me was that Brantley said the play was revised for clarity of cultural references for the American production. It seems I would have had an even tougher time had I seen it in London. Mark Rylance, as I've said in an earlier post, gives the most amazing performance.

Back to Good People for a moment, we should not leave out Tate Donovan's name on the list of outstanding performers in that show. He, too, is deserving of high praise.

Yes, virtually all the reviews for Jerusalem are raves -- but ALL seem mainly to concentrate on Rylance. Some of the comments are priceless including the reference that he has no understudy because without him there would be no play, and the comment that even his limp is so real the critic wouldn't be surprised if Rylance allowed himself to be run over by a car just to make it perfect. If his place wasn't already confirmed as perhaps the best English speaking actor today, I think this performance will give him that mark.

It's also interesting that the comments about the play itself seem to range from "absolute brilliance" to "too much about nothing".

With the rave reviews in for this week's opening of Jerusalem, it has certainly been the best year in recent memory for serious new drama on Broadway. Think about it....four new plays that have wowed the critics and theatergoers---Other Desert Cities, Good People, War Horse and Jerusalem.

Loved Loved Loved Peter and the Star Catchers. I hope it gets another life so the rest of you can see it.

Is anyone else attending the 28th Anniversary Celebration of the NY Pops on Monday, May 2 at Carnegie Hall? I got a $72 10th row orchestra seat via a Playbill discount. Many stars to perform -- Kelli O'Hara, Christine Ebersole, Angela Lansbury, Tom Wopat, Greg Edelman, Tyne Daly. . .

Today's review of 'Born Yesterday.' I see it tomorrow.

http://theater.nytimes.com/2011/04/2...ml?ref=theater

Four of us saw 'The Minister's Wife' at LCT. The opinions ranged from 'worst thing I ever saw' to 'really enjoyed it.' I was in the middle. It's 95 minutes, no intermission. I only enjoyed the last 30 minutes or so.

Sue - I would love to see Peter again on Broadway - maybe.....

Saw War Horse on Sat., it was very good and it is incredible how the pupeteers bring the horses to life. While I enjoyed it very much, wasn't as blown away as I expected...could be from all I had read (thought it was a little slow at times). Yet I would still recommend.

owlwoman - I haven't seen it yet, but I have experienced what you described when hearing raves about movies, books, etc. I hope that I am blown away; seeing it on 5/7.

Discount for Good People found on Broadway Box. Good through 5/29/11. Says discount through 5/8/11, but when in link says through 5/29/11. For Sat 5/28/11 I got Premier Circle mid AA for $89.00 + fees. I think a mistake in pricing, but not gonna complain. It should be $95.00 I believe. Maybe they just raised the price??? I'm looking forward to it :)

http://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/goo...c_tickets.aspx

BroadwayBox April Website Discount Offer for
Good People
at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
Orchestra, Premier Circle, Mezzanine A-B:
Tuesday-Thursday evening performances: $89. Wednesday matinee performances: $89. Friday-Saturday evening performances: $95. Saturday-Sunday matinee performances: $95.

ALL PERFORMANCES:
Mezzanine C-E: $70, Mezzanine F-G: $62.
All prices include a $2.00 facility fee. Valid for performances through 5/29/11.
There is a 6 ticket limiT.

House of Blue Leaves got a poor review in the NY Times with the exception of Edie Falco's performance.

"But, except when it’s spoken by Ms. Falco — who gives a transfixing performance as a medicated madwoman longing to feel — there’s little that’s transporting here in Mr. Guare’s wild, yearning language."

"Ms. Falco, whose varied, nuanced acting has long been familiar to television viewers in shows that include “The Sopranos” and “Nurse Jackie.” Clad in a worn nightgown and tatty cardigan, her face as open as a new wound, Ms. Falco endows the anguished Bananas with such unvarnished emotional transparency — and clinical exactness — that it hurts to look at her."

http://theater.nytimes.com/2011/04/2...2AGZ/4XBamyPLg

I saw 'Born Yesterday' tonight. I really, truly, wanted to love it, but I didn't. The first act was flat - no spark, no chemistry. The next two acts were better. The set is beautiful. Jim Belushi does a great job. I especially bought tix because of Nina Arianda (after seeing her in 'Venus in Fur') and although she transforms herself into Billie, I thought she played her too childlike, especially in Act I. I expected sexy and dumb, not juvenile and dumb. She was commended in the Times' review for playing Billie differently than Judy Holliday, but it just missed the mark for me. There were tons of empty orchestra seats; everyone moved closer.

Would very much appreciate a recommendation or 2.
Booked a 5-nt. trip this week for late May and have purchased tix to "How to Succeed...", "People in the Picture" (my daughter's choice) and "Wicked" (surprising her - I know she likes the music♫♪). Cannot get "War Horse" at all for any of my free nights/afternoons. Sold out :( (And the tix on stubhub are too $$$)
Does any play or musical pop out as something that would be enjoyable for mother/daughter ages 40&14??
(We'd love "Book of Mormon" but prices are just astronomical).
Oh, and I know that my daughter does not want to see "Billy Elliot" or "Anything Goes".
Thank you so much~

How about 'Catch Me If You Can?'

Mamma Mia is a lot of fun. Be sure to stay in your seat after you think it has ended. Someone gave me that advice before I saw it and will pass it along. I think I will be in NYC the same time as you :)

thank you Centralparkgirl and hpeabody for those recommendations ☺
hpeabody - I'm going 5/19-5/24

I just stumbled upon a website that gives the overall impression of reviews from various newspapers for on and off Broadway http://www.didhelikeit.com/

If you look at a few different shows, many are a mixed bag. Although there are a handful that are positive or negative across the board.