| F E A T U R E S T H O U G H T S R E V I E W S N E W S e v e n t s d i r e c t o r y | |
Lestat By Dawn Januszkiewicz
Based on Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles, scenes were selected from Lestat, Interview with a Vampire and Queen of the Damned to portray the sordid and compelling life of Lestat. The story is believable and would have been touching if Lestat's emotional evolution didn't reflect a mirror image of Louis in Interview with a Vampire. Are all vampires condemned to the same predictable cycle? If so why must we have to watch it more than once? I found this to be a pivotal ingredient for a good, long, but satisfying yawn. The music was composed by Elton John, responsible for making Aida and Lion King truly memorable, and Bernie Taupin. Their upbeat and trademark Broadway show tune styling took the gothic beauty out of the Vampire story, and made it another human interest story, with undertones of deviant sexual behavior. All the historical and gothic charm of Anne Rice's novel and the movie Interview with a Vampire was lost on the play with the exception of some beautiful and time appropriate costumes. The music mismatched the content of the play so greatly that almost every song was either awkward or it was a belly busting, laugh out loud moment. The two songs that had real potential to haunt your memory were "Crimson Kiss," performed by Carolee Carmello, and "I Want More" by Allison Fischer, who played Claudia. Both catchy and charming they were also appropriate for a vampire to sing. After bombing with San Franscio audiences, Lestat came to New York to silence audience members with a stunning performance. All the actors had given a believable performance and some were profound. Carolee Carmello, as Lestat's mother Gabrielle, gave an excellent performance that was both wild and engaging. Allison Fischer effectively portrayed a 10-year-old, and later a 30-year-old trapped in the 10-year-old's body. Hugh Panaro gave a confident portrayal of Lestat is every facet of his 200-year existence. Drew Sarich, played Armand, and gave a convincing performance as the selfish and immature vampire. Overall, the show had great potential but it slipped through the cracks in the suspension of disbelief. All I can say to those interested in the show is do not procrastinate, because it won't last very long. |
|
| c o n t a c t s / c r e d i t s c o n t r i b u t e |
