In my other life, I go to the theatre. A lot. And I've become incredibly judgmental about it, with warrant, considering the sorry state Broadway is in. Especially the musical. Nonetheless, I did see some great shows this years. Here's my list:
1. Peter and the Starcatcher
I actually saw this play three times this year. It was that good. Look, I am a sucker for British pantomime so this was the perfect show. Creative, hilarious, magical, charming, with a great deal of heart and a wonderful cast. And I fail to see how there could be a funnier scene than that trunk scene.
2. One Man, Two Guvnors
Oh, I found a funnier scene than the trunk scene: the restaurant scene in One Man, Two Guvnors. Tom Edden gave one of the funniest performances I've ever seen, and would've stole the show if it weren't for James Corden's hilarious and charming performance. It wasn't perfect but it was a joy and one of the funniest shows I've ever seen.
3. The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Yet another joy! The cast of this show make this an absolute winner, and the ending is a load of fun.
4. Once
Now, I wasn't blown away by Once. It was a bit slow at times, a little boring, and look, I'd be really biased if I said that well, the music in this show is brilliant. But it is (although I have a tough time listening to anyone else sing Glen Hansard's songs). The reason this show is so high on my list is because Cristen Milioti's performance is fantastic, and the hill and "Gold" are wonderful scenes. This is one of the most original shows I've ever seen.
5. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
I came for Amy Morton, I left singing hosannas for Tracy Letts. After this performance and August: Osage County, I am pretty certain he is god. This was my first ever experience with Woolf and it was like a marathon and I was emotionally exhausted after the three hours but oh, was it worth it. Just so well done.
Honorable mention goes to Bring It On, which I unexpectedly loved and thought was a ton of fun. I was expecting to hate it but it was a real blast.
