Theater Thursday - Orson's Shadow & Tammy Faye

We received complimentary tickets to Orson's Shadow for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own. 

What: Orson's Shadow

Where: Theater for a New City

             155 First Ave.

             New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up 

When: Through December 1, 2024

Orson's Shadow is the true story of a handful of larger-than-life celebrities; Orson Welles, Laurence Olivier, and Vivian Leigh. On the heels of his success in a stage version of The Entertainer, Olivier and his new paramour, Joan Plowright are starring in a production of Eugene Ionesco's Rhinoceros. At the same time, his marriage to Leigh is imploding, and somehow, critic Kenneth Tynan gets caught up in the conflicts between the Welles, Olivier, and Leigh.

To play these three imposing personalities requires impressive acting chops. Brad Fryman, Ryan Tramont, and Natalie Menna as Welles, Olivier, and Leigh respectively are more than up to the task. Fryman's Welles is self-deprecating and self-aware. Tramont's Olivier is a bit of a pompous blowhard. Natalie Menna's Leigh skillfully teeters on the edge of sanity until she eventually has a full-on breakdown. Ms. Menna is particularly good in the breakdown scene. You don't want to miss these three fine performances!

And that's our view. For more about Orson's Shadow or to purchase tickets, visit theaterforthenewcity.net/shows/orsons-shadow-nov-2024.

XXX

We received complimentary tickets to Tammy Faye for review purposes. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

What: Tammy Faye

Where: Palace Theatre

             1564 Broadway

              New York, NY

Who: Recommended for Ages 10 and Up

When: Through December 8, 2024

Me - I had no idea what to expect from this show.  I didn't know anything about Tammy Faye before, and the show didn't really illuminate her life in a way that made me care either. Although even a so-so plot can be greatly improved by a great score that was not the case here. None of the songs in the show stood out or were particularly memorable. In fact, as soon as I walked out of the theater, I couldn't remember any of them. The performances were definitely the best part of the show. They were quite good especially Katy Brayben's in the title role. 

Mom - Tammy Faye Baker was a larger-than-life personality. In the new musical about her, Tammy Faye, her personality has been toned down quite a lot. Although the playwright may have wanted to make her more palatable to the general public,  it just makes her seem kind of bland and boring. However, given what she has to work with, Katy Brayben does a terrific job with the role. She really humanizes a personality that has so often been seen as nothing more than a caricature. 

Just because the main character is toned down does not mean the show is not emotion-stirring. It will definitely stir emotions, but not necessarily in a good way. In fact, the character of the Reverand Jerry Falwell, in particular, and others, and all their talk about swaying the government to represent their views will probably trigger some people, particularly in light of the results of our recent election.  Michael Cerveris, however, does an excellent job in the role of Falwell. In fact, his smarmy and self-righteous portrayal of the man is quite perfect. 

The show's score by Elton John and Jake Shears is less than memorable. It is not of the same caliber as John's previous work in other musicals like The Lion King, Aida, and Billy Elliot. There are no fun earworms that stick in your head long after the show is over. 

All in all, this is clearly Brayben's show, and she is the main reason to see it.

]

And that's our view. For more about Tammy Faye or to purchase tickets, visit tammyfayebway.com

Tune in Saturday for Still More Theatre Saturday.

Photo credits:

All Orson's Shadow production photos by Russ Rowland

All Tammy Faye production photos by Matthew Murphy

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image,  contact us here, and we will look into the matter.

Images used in this post have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and/or  PR firms and are used by permission. If there is a problem with the rights to any image,  contact us here, and we will look into the matter.