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| - This musical ran for 23 performances before going on hiatus to return in September according to press releases. I waited for a while before getting my ticket because I wanted the show to make any changes during/after the preview period. Then I read that the show would be closing on 17 June and ostensibly reopening in September. I know that the Strip is littered with shows that went on hiatus never to return.
Given that the show was closing, I quickly bought a ticket for Tuesday, 12 June and I went again last night--closing night--on a comp ticket. Seeing the show twice gave me the chance to mull over my initial thoughts and to look for things I may have missed the first time.
The cast is outstanding! Ruby Lewis, Travis Cloer, and Randal Keith are vocally superb! Frank Lawson, Charlie--Marilyn Monroe's driver--was also solid voice in the production.
There are some problems with the show that I perceive. While the company has excellent dancers, there are times that they're dancing that it just doesn't make sense like during an argument between Monroe and Darryl Zanuck. This after Zanuck yelled at her to get out of his office. Instead, she stays, they sing, the dancers dance, and the scene continues when it should have ended.
I liked the counterpoint offered by Norma Jean and Monroe but I can see how some thought this was awkward or just didn't understand. Last, the biggest change I'd make is the ending. It's a bit much to have the death scene followed quickly by a pert Monroe singing "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend." I know this is done to bring the cast out for their curtain call but I think it would have been better simply to end the show, wait a few moments for the quick change of clothes for Lewis, bring the dancers out from the wings for their curtain call, and then bring out the principals. At that time, Lewis could break into her "Diamonds" song and it would be more sensible than what is done now.
One last mention about the small band/orchestra (does one string player make an orchestra?). They are excellent.
Now let's dump some of the less successful songs and modify the story a bit, cut down on the yelling, and reopen in September and turn this into a hit! I can only hope!
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