A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical – Review – Roundabout Theatre Company’s Studio 54

@showsiveseen "A Wonderful World: The #LouisArmstrong #Musical" at @Roundabout Theatre Company's iconic Studio 54 starring @james monroe iglehar w/ @James T. Lane performing select nights. Tons of tap dance. The ex-wives characters were vocal powerhouses! #jukebox Review: showsiveseen.com/10204 Book: @aurinsquire Director: Christopher Renshaw Choreography: Rickey Tripp and @Dewitt Fleming Jr Stage Managers: RL Campbell, Jen Ash, Alex Luong #theatre #showsiveseen @A Wonderful World Broadway ♬ What A Wonderful World – Live At The BBC – Louis Armstrong

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical at Roundabout Theatre Company’s iconic Studio 54 starring James Monroe Iglehart with James T Lane performing select nights. Tons of tap dance. The ex-wives characters were vocal powerhouses! #jukebox

Recommendation:
See it if you like 1) shows with race as a significant theme 2) or shows with an old timey Southern New Orleans feel.


My Synopsis (No Spoilers): A basic biopic jukebox musical about Louis Armstrong, with all the familiar elements you’d expect from the genre.

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: Join Tony Award® winner James Monroe Iglehart and a talented ensemble cast as they bring Louis Armstrong’s incredible journey to life, from New Orleans to worldwide fame. This full-scale musical features a rich tapestry of characters, including the extraordinary women who helped shape his remarkable life and career. Be captivated by Armstrong’s timeless hits like “What a Wonderful World” and “When You’re Smiling,” performed by a large, dynamic cast. Don’t miss this spectacular celebration of music, filled with vibrant dance numbers, stunning sets, and unforgettable performances. Get your tickets now for an unforgettable night that honors the iconic man who defined an era.

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? Yes and no, you could argue either way.

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’ll obviously appreciate this show more if you’re familiar Louis Armstrong’s hits. I was only familiar with a scant few, but I still enjoyed the show.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actors: All

Total Actors: Too many to count

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.5 hours

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? Yes

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? No

Mainstream Appeal: Medium to high

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Tap Dancing: I love tap dancing in musicals, and I wasn’t expecting to see much of it in this show. But to my surprise, there was a lot more tap dancing than I anticipated. What stood out even more was that the tap numbers were often performed by few dancers, rather than a large ensemble, which is more typical in most musicals.
  • Personal Advocacy: It was inspiring to see Louis Armstrong’s second wife (Lil Hardin played by Jennie Harney-Fleming) fight for his finances and advocate for his talent’s true worth. This reminded me of how many skilled people in the workforce settle into complacency without advocating for themselves. Too often, they don’t ask for a promotion, request a raise, or explore opportunities elsewhere that might better compensate their talent. Closed mouths don’t get fed!
  • Favorite Line: Something like “I’m wearing two pairs of underwear cause my lips are so chapped!”

Rant(s)

  • Ushers: I understand that the ushers were just doing their jobs, but their rough demeanor was totally unnecessary. Am I just not used to East coast ushers?
  • Venue: This was my first time at the venerable Studio 54 and I was surprised how rundown the performing space was. I guess this is expected of a historical landmark?

Other Musing(s) and Observation(s)

  • Rotating Stage: Often when a production utilizes a rotating stage, they tend do overuse the effect like in Hamilton. Thankfully, this show judiciously showcased the rotating effect.
  • Louis Armstrong’s Music: I’m generally not a fan of Louis Armstrong’s music and I definitely don’t like his voice. It’s sacrilege, I know. I personally think Louis Armstrong’s voice sounds like cookie monster. Kudos to James Monroe Iglehart and James T Lane for subjecting their voices to this extra cookie monster strain! Of note, I feel like the script didn’t explain well enough or dwell enough time on the cause of Louis Armstrong’s unique vocals.

Venue: Roundabout Theatre Company’s Studio 54

Venue Physical Address: 254 W 54th St, New York, NY 10019

Venue Classification: Broadway

Price Range: $69-308 plus the Criterion Ticketing fees if you’re not buying at the box office.

Ticket Affordability Options: See the show’s website for information on rush tickets. You’ll likely also find discount tickets at the TKTS booth.

Dates: Opening night was 11/11/24. As of 11/11/24, the ticketing website offered performances up to 5/4/25.

Seating: Assigned Seating

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Pictures: See pictures below by Jeremy Daniel.

Cast and Production Team: See pictures below.

Darlesia Cearcy as Lucille Wilson and Company in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. © Jeremy Daniel
DeWitt Fleming Jr. as Lincoln Perry, and at back, James Monroe Iglehart as Louis Armstrong and Ensemble in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. © Jeremy Daniel
James Monroe Iglehart as Louis Armstrong with Jodeci Milhouse, Alysha Morgan, Kate Louissaint in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. © Jeremy Daniel
James Monroe Iglehart as Louis Armstrong and Gavin Gregory as King Joe Oliver and Company in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. © Jeremy Daniel
James Monroe Iglehart as Louis Armstrong and Company in A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical. © Jeremy Daniel

Wicked – Musical – Review – Paramount Theatre

@showsiveseen Stephen Schwartz's "Wicked" musical at the Paramount Theatre from @Seattle Theatre Group & Broadway Across America. Starring @laurensamuels & Austen Danielle Bohmer. Dazzling light, sets, & costumes. Timely commentary on modern society (esp the USA). Performing till 12/1/24. Review: showsiveseen.com/10100 Director: Joe Mantello Stage Managers: Dawn Fenton, Michelle Dunn, Joseph Heaton Conductor: Faith Seetoo Photos: Joan Marcus @WICKED the Musical #witch #witches #WizardofOz #wicked #theatre #showsiveseen ♬ Defying Gravity – Jennifer Owens

Elevator Thoughts (aka Tweet): Stephen Schwartz’s Wicked musical at the Paramount Theatre courtesy of Seattle Theatre Group and Broadway Across America. Starring Lauren Samuels and Austen Danielle Bohmer. Dazzling light, sets, and costumes. Timely critical commentary on modern society (esp the USA). Performing till 12/1/24. #witch #witches #WizardofOz

Recommendation:
See it!


My Synopsis (No Spoilers): Prequel to The Wizard of Oz exploring the relationship between Elphaba (the wicked witch of the West) and Glinda (the good witch of the North).

Synopsis from the Licensor or Theatre Company: So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED—the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story. “If every musical had the brains, heart and courage of WICKED, Broadway really would be a magical place” (Time Magazine).

Attended Performance Date: 11/7/24 – Opening Night

Type: Musical

World Premiere: No

Several or Few Scenes: Several

Several or Few Settings/Locations: Several

Static (Stationary) Set? No

Prior Exposure/Knowledge Required: You’ll appreciate this show more if you’re familiar with The Wizard of Oz story.

Defined Plot/Storyline: Yes

Live Band/Orchestra: Yes

Union Actors: All

Total Actors: Too many to count

Perceived Pace of the Show: Medium speed, but the first act felt pretty long

Was there an intermission? Yes

Length (Including Any Intermission): 2.75 hours

Was This the First Time I Attended a Production of this Show? No, I’ve seen it at least 2 times prior including once at the Paramount Theatre a couple years ago.

Would I See It Again 3 Years from Now? I don’t know … 3 times is a lot already.

Mainstream Appeal: High

Other Rave(s) Not Mentioned Above

  • Lighting Design: The Kenneth Posner designed a dazzling light show especially during “One Short Day” in the green city of Oz. The slightly prismatic/rainbow white lights converging on Elphaba during “Defying Gravity” was also pretty spectacular.
  • Societal Commentary: The script poignantly criticizes modern society, which is timely for the recent election results and the divisive nature of USA politics. There were are many quoteworthy statements like “The truth is not a thing of fact or reason, the truth is just what everyone agrees on. Where I’m from, we believe all sorts of things that aren’t true. We call it – ‘history.'” It’s disappointing that the societal criticisms from when this musical was written 20 years ago still apply today. Colorism obviously sticks out as a negative theme with Elphaba being scorned for her skin color. It reminds me of how the rules of chess dictate white always goes first. Also, I’m not sure if it was intentional, but the script also seems to call out modern slacktivism when “Galinda” became “Glinda” in faux solidarity/outrage of animal discrimination. It reminded me of past social media trends like when users blacked out their profile pictures to support “Black Lives Matter” or changed their profile pictures to cartoons to protest child abuse. Call me a cynic, but these slacktivist actions are lazy, ineffective, and narcissistic just like Glinda.
  • Fiyero: Xavier McCinnon was an interesting choice to portray Fiyero, offering a fresh take that stood apart from typical Fiyero castings. McCinnon’s interpretation and voice was smooth and effortless, which perfectly complemented the character’s personality. Of note, he was significantly taller than his female costars and it was glaringly apparent in “As Long as You’re Mine.”
  • Belonging: I love how Elphaba, who was ostracized for her green skin, found a city (Oz) that celebrates all things green. It reminds me of small-town theatre kids who visit Manhattan or middle-of-nowhere-USA Asians who visit Los Angeles.

Rant(s)

  • Obstructed Views: I often complain about the Paramount Theatre’s terrible seat staggering and short slope incline contributing to frequently obstructed views. It is the most likely theatre in Seattle where the person sitting in front of you could block your sightline. I strongly recommend that ticket buyers prioritize seating options highlighted in this link to ensure the best viewing experience. That being said, ever since the Seattle Theatre Group replaced the seats, I’ve noticed less risk of this.
  • Microphones: The singing in this production seemed less energetic than the previous 2-3 productions I’ve seen. It was definitely more tepid than the original cast recording. I think increasing the lead performers’ microphone volume would solve this issue.
  • Boq: While I’m glad to see Asian inclusivity in theatre, did they really need to cast an Asian actor as the short “beta-male” munchkin? This casting decision perpetuates negative stereotypes that we Asians would like to move away from.

Theatre Company: National tour brought to Seattle by Broadway Across America and Seattle Theatre Group

Venue: Paramount Theatre

Venue Physical Address: 911 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101

Price Range: $80-300 plus the insane Ticketmaster fees. Buy your ticket at the box office to avoid the exorbitant fees. Down with the Ticketmaster Live Nation monopoly!

Ticket Affordability Options: Seattle Theatre Group might partner with an organization you’re affiliated with for discount tickets. For example, I believe UW employees/students are eligible for an organization discount.

Dates: November 6 – December 1, 2024

Seating: Assigned Seating

Parking: Paid street parking and paid garage parking. The best parking garage is under the convention center w/ the entrance on Pike around the Pike and Terry intersection. Last I checked, this is one of the cheapest, least busy, and closest garages. Alternatively, you can probably find street parking as you move closer to the West Precinct (810 Virginia St, Seattle, WA 98101). Do NOT park where the Paramount subscribers park. Last I checked, they usually park in the garage attached to the Cheesecake Factory. It’ll take you at least 30 minutes to exit that garage after the show.

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Pictures: See pictures below by Joan Marcus.

Cast and Production Team: See after pictures below.

Xavier McKinnon as Fiyero in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024.
Xavier McKinnon as Fiyero in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024.
Blake Hammond as The Wizard in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024.
Aymee Garcia as Madame Morrible in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024.
Austen Danielle Bohmer as Glinda and Xavier McKinnon as Fiyero in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024.
Austen Danielle Bohmer as Glinda and Lauren Samuels as Elphaba in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024
Alex Vinh as Boq and Erica Ito as Nessarose in the National Tour of WICKED, photo by Joan Marcus 2024.

Preview Post – Edgar & Annabel – Play – Pony World Theatre

Edgar & Annabel play by Pony World Theatre at 12th Ave Arts. Performing till 11/30/24. Stay tuned for my full review!

Tickets: https://www.ponyworld.org/onstage

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Preview Post – Tennessee Rising: The Dawn of Tennessee Williams – Play – Intiman Theatre Cabaret

Happy opening night to Jacob Storms’ Tennessee Rising – The Dawn of Tennessee Williams one-person play production at Intiman Theatre Cabaret. Don’t wait for my full review to buy your tickets if you want to see this show since there are only 2 more performances left!

Tickets: https://www.intiman.org/tennessee-rising/

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