[MichiFan]

I saw the tour on Wednesday night in N Charleston, SC. (WORST set up for a theatre ever - they had a concession stand out front, selling nachos, popcorn, and wine in plastic cups. Nice. And there was no break in the seats - my row went from seat 1 to seat 78, straight across. Lovely)

So the show was good. Haven't seen it in, oh, 9 or 10 months, so I was long overdue. I saw what was referred to as "an understudy rehearsal" - everyone was sick or out, so it was all flip flopped. I don't remember everything and everyone, but Michelle was Roxie and Nicole Bridgewater was Velma.

Comments:
Nicole was a solid, if cautious, Velma. She seemed to be holding back at times, especially during WVTTS. Her singing voice is lovely, her body is great, and she seemed very committed, though her nervousness read a bit, mostly during All That Jazz. She warmed up as the show went on and I enjoyed her performance. I DID miss DMA during ICDIA, though, and there were some vocal choices that made me say "I prefer the way Roxane blah blah..." All in all, she looked great, sounded great, and gave a lovely show. Especially for not having gone on in 6+ months, I was not disappointed at all. I would enjoy seeing her again as Vel. I think that if she continued to perform in the lead, she would continue to grow and be amazing in the role.

Michelle was wonderful as Roxie. One of the most enjoyably danced, sung, and acted I've seen. And not just because I adore her. Honestly, it was a fresh new take on the role, and she has really come a long way since I saw her debut last March in NYC. Her monologue was funny, touching, and well timed. I especially enjoyed her MaMB and WBRFTG. Don't want to babble on too long. You guys know the drill. She really was fantastic, and I am very glad I got to see her.

WONDERFUL to see Mia Price in the ensemble. After seeing her in CFY and Millie, I was totally not expecting her to be in this show. With a lovely, curvaceous body and a fantastic voice, she was a breath of fresh air.

Other thoughts:
Tonya Wathen has gotten SO skinny since I saw her in the NET CHICAGO a few years ago. She was good, but not a standout. She blended nicely.
Ivy Fox looks great. Saw her in KMK on tour (with Juliet Fischer!) awhile ago but definitely enjoyed seeing her in this.
Jenn Dunne looks gorgeous. Also saw her on the NET awhile ago, and she has come along nicely. She was a bright spot.
I want to look like Angel Reda when I grow up.
I'm missing somebody...shit I can't remember.

The boys were all great. I was happy to see David Kent up onstage again. Hadn't seen him in about 5 or 6 years. Kevin McCready is great as Fred. The boys were super, the girls were scrumptious.

Lenny Daniel (whom I also saw in Millie) was on as Amos. He was fine, but had me really missing Rob Bartlett at times. I felt like he was too young for the role, and didn't have quite enough "oomph" during Cellophane. He wasn't disappointing on any level, but I was sad not to see a familiar face in the role (Ray Bokhour, I think?)

Greg Harrison was splendid as Billy. Apparently he was ill - I would have never known it. My mom thought he was just precious. He was well sung and just smarmy enough. I saw him in NYC and remembered him. I enjoyed his performance both times.

R Bean is my favorite Mary, officially. SUPERB.

Carol Woods is a fun, gospel-y Mama. Really got the audience going.

The show was quite a treat, and worth the drive to Charleston.

Going back soon, I hope.

PS- Am updating the MDJ website asap. Will post any new info when I get it

[Linda]

when you get the chance, please please please let me what changes in the cast that I list on the fan webpage need to be made

thanks much!

[pgowin]

Saw the tour in Huntsville yesterday for the matinee. I must say that Michelle is by far my favorite Roxy now. I knew we loved her from the first time we saw her as Mona but WOW. She can really belt out those songs! We ended up on first row after intermission and could see and feel the energy from the entire cast. On our way down to Huntsville we kept pondering "I wonder if Michelle can sing?" to which we now have no questions. She filled the role perfectly and now it will be tough to imagine anyone else in it. I am surprised she has not taken over sooner. Terra was wonderful as always as Velma. They seem to click together perfectly. We are still wishing we could get great seats for today as well but so far no luck and we have a two hour drive to get there so will have to forego another one this time.

As I called out in the parking lot after the show to her, "WAY TO GO MICHELLE!"

[MichiFan]

[EDITED 1/9/06]

glad you enjoyed her performance. i know i did.

so i got started a little early. it's next to nothing, but it was a long time coming and it makes me happy:
http://www.michelledejean.com

WAHOO!

it's clearly a long way from finished, but it's finally michelledejean.com

more to come, but enjoy for now!
~Cat

[pgowin]

[dandb524]

Hey pgowin where are you from? I saw the tour in Huntsville too on Jan. 6. It was great! It was different than I was expecting but still wonderful.

[MichiFan]

[edited 1/15/06]

Saw the show again today. No review necessary, except to say:

Michelle has somehow managed to improve and be even more "on" today than she was the last time I saw her. Seriously, as an unbiased audience member, she was amazing. And as a biased fan, she was TRULY amazing.

Good to see Terra onstage (first time for me) as Velma.

***

So, MARY ANN LAMB was in the show today!

WHAAAAAAT?! Mia Price was out for whatever reason, and the pleasant surprise as her replacement was the MAL herself.

Could she be any hotter or more talented?

Methinks...no.

Angel Reda looked like Marianne McCord moreso than ever today.

And a big warm welcome back to Christine Brooks, who is now Christine Bokhour. It was wonderful to see her beautiful smiling face onstage again.

Added a new picture to the website today. Yay.
~Cat

[Louis]

Tonya Wathen is now skinnier? Weird.