HAHA!!! An LA Times reader review
I attended the first preview last night of The Blank's "Little Fish" and was slightly disappointed. I had heard mixed reviews of the company's work, often that in an effort to draw an audience they cast "big" names into roles that might not be the best fit, and last night was no different. While Mrs. Ripley gives an out of this world performance, her voice seems tired and unsupported throughout the score. Kirsten Sanderson's direction is shoddy,she seems to be a generally competent at understanding the emotional resonance of Charlotte's struggle but completely lacks any shred of visual interpretation. The rest of the cast hits and misses throughout the evening. That is, everyone except Greg Jabara who proves his chops with one of the most complex and hilariously awkward scenes I have ever had the joy to witness as he takes on the role of Charlotte's washed up boss, Mr. Bunder.
One huge mistake was in the casting of Broadway alumnus Chad Kimball, his performance is completely out of place compared to the rest of the cast. His movement is far exaggerated and his voice is grating and unrealistic. His interpretation is horribly predictable and his delivery feels rehearsed and stagnant. He sings like an angel but needs to learn to fit in organically with the confines of the company.
The true flaw is Michael John LaChiusa's work. While there is no doubt he creates some beautiful moment musically, he needs to seriously rethink his point of attack. What triggers Charlotte's reversal? And why should I even care about Charlotte at all? She seems whiny and unhappy and just needs to pop a pill and stop singing about cigarettes. He seems to have given us exactly what Robert refers to as "the blob". Completely devoid of any real emotion or reaction and once she finally shows any real feelings its wrapped up as a stereotypical spousal abuse and breast cancer sandwich.
The band sounded amazing, which is refreshing is smaller LA Theatre. Adam Rigg's lighting was flawless probably the best I have seen this year. And the set was innovative and exciting although I would have liked to have seen him go a little farther with it, I imagine this was due to space confines.
Go see this play to see the brilliance of Alice Ripley's interpretation of the book and some really innovative design, but please don't say I didn't warn you.
One huge mistake was in the casting of Broadway alumnus Chad Kimball, his performance is completely out of place compared to the rest of the cast. His movement is far exaggerated and his voice is grating and unrealistic. His interpretation is horribly predictable and his delivery feels rehearsed and stagnant. He sings like an angel but needs to learn to fit in organically with the confines of the company.
The true flaw is Michael John LaChiusa's work. While there is no doubt he creates some beautiful moment musically, he needs to seriously rethink his point of attack. What triggers Charlotte's reversal? And why should I even care about Charlotte at all? She seems whiny and unhappy and just needs to pop a pill and stop singing about cigarettes. He seems to have given us exactly what Robert refers to as "the blob". Completely devoid of any real emotion or reaction and once she finally shows any real feelings its wrapped up as a stereotypical spousal abuse and breast cancer sandwich.
The band sounded amazing, which is refreshing is smaller LA Theatre. Adam Rigg's lighting was flawless probably the best I have seen this year. And the set was innovative and exciting although I would have liked to have seen him go a little farther with it, I imagine this was due to space confines.
Go see this play to see the brilliance of Alice Ripley's interpretation of the book and some really innovative design, but please don't say I didn't warn you.