110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
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Free Music Notes for 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
Free Music Review: Wonderful Cast Album
Hit: 5 Stars
Saw a number from this show on the Tony Awards and ordered it immediately. Was not disappointed. The whole album is wonderful.Free Music Review: Fantastic Recording of an Underrated Show with a Glorious Lead Performace
Hit: 4 Stars
What more can be said about the glorious Audra McDonald that hasn't been said already? The woman is a gift; a bizarrely immense talent of truly legendary proportions. No one should be this good (or in an ideal world, everyone should be this good). And what she alone is able to bring to a production is more valuable than any other effort a production team can accomplish.
Even with a show like "110 in the Shade," an obscure piece last seen on Broadway in 1963, Audra McDonald is capable of mustering up a performance for the ages; and by doing so, elevates a seemingly lackluster show to a truly astonishing spectacle. This 2007 revival provides a star-vehicle turn for Ms. McDonald and she delivers with a portrayal that should have won her the 2007 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical (that eminent prize went to the great Christine Ebersole for "Grey Gardens"). Heck, it should have won her a religious following. She is that good.
Let me apologize now for all the hyperbolic statements before continuing - because while I will try my darndest to limit my excesses of praise, I know myself well enough to say that my efforts will be in vain.
"110" follows the story of Lizzie Curry (McDonald), a homely woman who lives with her father, H.C. (John Collum) and her 2 brothers in a small Texas town in the 1930s. The town has fallen victim to a nasty drought and seems to be as dry as the tumbleweeds flying by. In comes Starbuck (Steve Kazee), a vibrant, charismatic vagabond who promises to bring rain. Lizzie has resisted all potential suitors, and H.C. jumps at the opportunity for Starbuck to sweep Lizzie off her feet. However, the local sheriff, File (Christopher Invar) may or may not have something to say about that.
The work is based off of N. Richard Nash's very own play "The Rainmaker" and is by the same team who created the long-running "The Fantasticks." That show has its joys, but "110," with its simple story and unpretentious ambitions evokes more charm and wit (something that would not have been true were it not for this new production). The performances are uniformly superb. Christopher Invar smolders as File, portraying the stubbornness and vulnerability of someone who has been hurt and is reluctantly trying to move on. Steve Kazee received lukewarm reviews for his stage work as Starbuck (reportedly due to an underwhelming stage presence), but on disc sounds all the more abundant. Vocally, he achieves a cockiness and brightness that befits the show and really fills out his songs nicely; he is not the least bit lost in the ensemble as presented on this recording. The ever reliable John Collum has a fantastic rapport with Audra McDonald; and Bobby Steggert and Carla Duren are energized in supporting roles.
The score itself is filled with gorgeous ballads ("Simple Little Things"), lively group numbers ("The Rain Song"), and show stopping anthems ("Raunchy" and "Old Maid"). And while less memorable than "Oklahoma!," "110" provides a beautifully melodic alternative to other rustic, inspired heavily-accented ranchers like "Big River" and the ubiquitous "7 Brides for 7 Brothers." Even with pared-down orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, the music seems sumptuous and ideal for a show ultimately about the simple life.
However, despite all efforts, "110" shines brightest when Audra McDonald takes the stage. When you listen to McDonald sing of "Simple Little Things," the sheer beauty of her rich and textured voice can bring you to tears. Her divine interpretation skills bring out previously unheard of complexities in such a simple song. Her Act I finale aria, "Old Maid," absolutely flies to the rafters and brings forth an emotional tidal wave not present in previous recordings. And, somewhat surprisingly to some, Ms. McDonald's best number "Raunchy," a send-up of a would-be torch song, radiates tremendous humor and pin-point comic timing. The 11 o'clock number provides her with a chance to bring down the house with applause and laughter (something Ms. McDonald rarely has been able to showcase in other roles). And yet, even with "Raunchy," you may still find yourself in tears - the performance is musical theatre heaven.
As a result of such a magnetic performance, the rest of the show seems a bit less exciting - and it is. The score, while great, isn't comparable to the best the musical theatre stage has to offer and needs a performer of Audra McDonald's considerable talent to bring out its best qualities. And quite frankly, the rest of the cast just doesn't have a shot at touching McDonald's greatness.
Still, despite its overall shortcomings, "110 in the Shade" deserves a spot in the hearts of musical theatre fans. And this album deserves a spot in the collections of such. And why pass up a chance to hear Audra McDonald sing?
Free Music Review: Great music and cast, needs updated book
Hit: 4 Stars
I've long loved the music of this show and the cast was no disappointment. It's a hidden gem like Most Happy Fella that is often overlooked. I heard online interviews with the Director of this production who mentioned that they took liberty with the original script and revised it to reflect current times. I liked the fact that Lizzie was an independent woman and spoke her mind. I cringed throughout the play when it was constantly brought up that she could face the fate of ending up an old maid. As I explained to my 10 year old daughter years ago there was a stigma for unmarried women even more than today. And it was considerable. But this is 2007 and I would have changed this. While I loved the fact that John Cullum so ably showed his love for his daughter and concern for her as a person throughout the show, I doubt it is realistic that a father would encourage someone like Starbuck to have a one day fling with her. Or that she could be so influenced by his character even though Starbuck, a con man had redeeming qualities. I would have changed the book and story and tried to show her strength of character. Maybe she would have been better off without either of them.Free Music Review: audra is definitive
Hit: 4 Stars
Though the score of 110 IN THE SHADE is modest in musical scope, Audra McDonald sings it with all the passion, conviction and care that one could hope for. The other performances on the recording are good, especially Steve Kazee, whose Starbuck feels lighter and more expressive than Douglas Horton on the original cast recording. Bobby Steggert makes the most of every one of Jimmy's lines. Christopher Innvar sounds far better on this recording than he did in the theater. There is a great deal of dialogue on the CD, which may be more enjoyable to those who have seen the production than to the casual listener. The reduced orchestrations are in many cases more imaginative and expressive than the originals, which tended toward bombast in telling this intimate story. They often are reminiscent of Copland's "Appalachian Spring", and I would imagine that's not accidental. If you are an Audra lover, buy this immediately, you'll never hear a finer version of Lizzie's numbers than are offered here.Free Music Review: A Gentle Musical with an Excellent Cast!
Hit: 4 Stars
"110 in the Shade" is just a sweet little musical that has been under the radar since its original Broadway debut but this beautifully designed revival has brought the show to new heights thanks to the wonderful and talented Audra McDonald. She not only holds her own but completely steals every scene when she starts to sing. The cast is strong and very talented. Steve Kazee is going to have a bright future on the New York Stage and Christopher Innvar is excellent. The songs are sweet and simple. The down fall is how dated the show feels as far as the social placement of women go. The show is sweet, and Audra McDonald is amazing.