Q'd up AGAIN!

Good timing is a blessing when it rarely happens.  No sooner had I booked my trip to San Francisco for August 23-26 than I heard about the bears attending Avenue Q on the 23rd at the Orpheum.  Yes, I saw the diet version of the show in Vegas.  Yes, I just saw the same road show here in San Diego.  But it's a Tony Award winner.  And the fur content off stage will exceed that on stage, so....

I just bought a ticket, woohoo!  See ya there, boys!

WSS

There's a place for us,
Somewhere a place for us.
Peace and quiet and open air
Wait for us
Somewhere.

There's a time for us,
Some day a time for us,
Time together with time spare,
Time to learn, time to care,
Some day!

In 1957, when West Side Story first hit the stage, Somewhere spoke of two lovers from different worlds who longed for a place and a time when they could be free to be together and to be themselves.  Yet to me, these same Stephen Sondheim lyrics speak of all those who have felt disenfranchised in our world, notably our gay subculture.  The show has resonated with me from the day I first saw it on Broadway as a youngster.  A timeless story (based on Romeo and Juliet for those who might not know), stellar music by Leonard Bernstein, choreographed by Jerome Robbins, this show had it all.  It stands out for many folks as a Broadway pivot point.  Stories could have real depth.  Music could compete on an equal footing with the best out there.

And so last night when I joined a buddy to see a local production of WSS, it was not without some trepidation.  Would the show still seem fresh some 50 years since it's introduction?  Would local singers, dancers, and actors be capable of doing the work justice?  For the most part, the answer is yes.  The cutting edge lyrics of 1957 now are a trifle dated.  As this was a preview, there were rough edges that hopefully will disappear when the show transitions to its regular run.  Sound was a bit iffy with the wireless microphones.  Tony and Maria's voices, while fine individually, didn't quite blend.  Anita's Jennifer Rias stood out with her strong voice, sharp dancing, and sass.  The oddest faux pas was the program's listing of music by Henry Krieger (who has lots of credits including Dreamgirls but, I believe, would have been 12 in 1957) rather than Leonard Bernstein.  But all in all, sitting under the stars at the Moonlight Theater, WSS glowed with a fine patina that only old gold can attain.

Great daddyo!