Detailed Summary of "Why Mickey-Jo is Excited About the Sondheim Musical Here We Are at London's National Theatre"

Podcast Title: MickeyJoTheatre
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Episode Title: Why Mickey-Jo is Excited about the Sondheim Musical Here We Are at London's National Theatre
Release Date: December 17, 2024

Introduction

In this episode, Mickey-Jo delves into his excitement surrounding the European premiere of Stephen Sondheim and David Ives's musical Here We Are at London's National Theatre. As a prominent voice in theatre criticism with over 60,000 YouTube subscribers, Mickey-Jo offers a comprehensive review of the show's newly announced cast, expectations, and his personal insights.

"Honestly, I thought there was no way they were ever going to be able to assemble a more exciting company of performers than they got for the Off Broadway premiere of this show. But here we are. Oh my God." [00:00]

Show Overview

Background and Inspiration

Here We Are is Sondheim's final musical, drawing inspiration from Louis Spinuel's films The Exterminating Angel (1962) and The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972). The musical is described as a tragicomedy that follows a group of friends whose brunch at a luxurious villa devolves into chaos due to a series of inexplicable events.

"It's heavily abstract. It is probably the closest, in terms of other Sondheim shows to something like A Sunday in the Park with George, where it's heavily contemplative." [05:00]

Narrative Structure and Musical Composition

Mickey-Jo notes the show's abstract nature and its divergence from traditional Sondheim narratives. He highlights the unique relationship between the music and the narrative, including a poignant moment where the music stops, symbolizing Sondheim's unfinished score.

"There is a significant disparity between the two acts, and the show's relationship to its score is also a very unique one, because there's a moment where the music stops, which is strikingly profound." [08:30]

Critical Reception

While Here We Are received critical acclaim in New York, including a Critics' Pick from The New York Times calling it "cool and impossibly chic," Mickey-Jo initially felt disappointed due to mismatched expectations. However, he adjusted his perspective, recognizing the show's unique qualities beyond traditional Sondheim musicals.

"I went in with the wrong sense of expectation. I was hoping for another brilliant, full Sondheim musical, and that inherently is not what this is." [15:45]

Production Details

National Theatre's Involvement

The UK and European premiere at the National Theatre involves key members from the original Off Broadway production, including director Jay Mantello, set and costume designer David Zinn, choreographer Sam Pinkleton, and lighting designer Natasha Katz. The production will take place at the Lyttelton Theatre, known for its versatile staging capabilities.

"It would imply that we're going to see that same production... being produced by Tom Kadai, Sue Wagner, John Johnson and the Stephen Sondheim Trust." [20:15]

Cast Announcements

Mickey-Jo provides an in-depth analysis of the newly announced cast, pairing each actor with their likely roles based on their backgrounds and previous performances.

Tracy Bennett

Returning from the Off Broadway production, Tracy Bennett is a distinguished British actress with accolades including two Olivier Awards for her roles in She Loves Me and Hairspray. Her portrayal of Judy Garland in Over the Rainbow further cements her versatility.

"If you're someone who feels a little more reluctant when it comes to abstract plays, I know that I do just be aware of that going into the thing." [30:00]

Denis O'Hare

A Tony Award-winning actor known for his roles in Take Me Out, Cabaret, and Assassins, O'Hare reprises his role, bringing extensive Sondheim experience to the production.

Rory Kinnear

Possibly making his musical theatre debut, Kinnear is speculated to take on the role of Leo Brink. With a strong background in Shakespeare and esteemed theatre productions, his involvement adds gravitas to the cast.

Jane Krakowski

Potentially portraying Marianne Brink, Krakowski is a Tony Award winner celebrated for her work in Guys and Dolls, Nine, and Company. Mickey-Jo expresses particular excitement about her casting, anticipating a fresh interpretation of the role.

"I am deeply excited to see Jane Krakowski play this role... I am deeply excited." [25:00]

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Known for his role in Modern Family and Broadway performances in Putnam County Spelling Bee and Hear Me Out, Ferguson is likely cast as the charming bishop, adding a recognizable star to the ensemble.

Chamisa Dawnford May

A rising star currently starring in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 at the Donmar Warehouse, May is expected to play Fritz. Her dynamic performances promise to bring depth to the character.

Martha Plimpton

Plimpton, known for her dramatic roles and musical theatre appearances in Pal Joey and Top Girls, is likely cast as Amber Gray. Her strong stage presence is anticipated to enhance the character's complexity.

Paulo Schott

An internationally acclaimed performer with an Olivier Award nomination for South Pacific, Schott is presumed to portray Raphael Santelo Di Santichi, infusing the role with his charismatic flair.

Harry Haddon Payton

With notable performances in My Fair Lady, The Crown, and Downton Abbey, Payton is expected to play Paul Zimmer, bringing a blend of dramatic and musical prowess to the role.

Richard Fleeschman

A seasoned musical theatre performer from productions like Company, Urinetown, and Something Rotten, Fleeschman is likely to embody the younger soldier, adding youthful energy to the cast.

Mickey-Jo's Excitement About the Casting

Mickey-Jo underscores the exceptional caliber of the cast, highlighting the blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. The diverse backgrounds of the performers, many with strong dramatic credentials, promise a rich and multifaceted production.

"I just think this is such an exciting cast. There is Sondheim history in there as well." [28:30]

Conclusion

Mickey-Jo wraps up the episode by reiterating his enthusiasm for the upcoming production of Here We Are at the National Theatre. He plans to attend and provide a detailed review, encouraging listeners to engage with the show and share their thoughts.

"I am thrilled about this casting... it is bringing in so many performers of different backgrounds." [35:00]

He invites listeners to stay tuned for future coverage and to participate in the discussion by sharing their ticket plans and casting opinions in the comments section.

"I hope that you've enjoyed, I hope that it's been informative and I hope you're as excited as I am to see Here we are at the National Theatre." [40:00]

Notable Quotes

• Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Honestly, I thought there was no way they were ever going to be able to assemble a more exciting company of performers than they got for the Off Broadway premiere of this show. But here we are. Oh my God."

• Mickey Jo [05:00]: "It's heavily abstract. It is probably the closest, in terms of other Sondheim shows to something like A Sunday in the Park with George, where it's heavily contemplative."

• Mickey Jo [08:30]: "There is a significant disparity between the two acts, and the show's relationship to its score is also a very unique one, because there's a moment where the music stops, which is strikingly profound."

• Mickey Jo [15:45]: "I went in with the wrong sense of expectation. I was hoping for another brilliant, full Sondheim musical, and that inherently is not what this is."

• Mickey Jo [20:15]: "It would imply that we're going to see that same production... being produced by Tom Kadai, Sue Wagner, John Johnson and the Stephen Sondheim Trust."

• Mickey Jo [25:00]: "I am deeply excited to see Jane Krakowski play this role... I am deeply excited."

• Mickey Jo [28:30]: "I just think this is such an exciting cast. There is Sondheim history in there as well."

• Mickey Jo [35:00]: "I am thrilled about this casting... it is bringing in so many performers of different backgrounds."

• Mickey Jo [40:00]: "I hope that you've enjoyed, I hope that it's been informative and I hope you're as excited as I am to see Here we are at the National Theatre."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as an enthusiastic preview of Here We Are at the National Theatre, offering listeners a thorough look at the cast, production nuances, and Mickey-Jo's personal expectations. His balanced perspective, acknowledging both his initial reservations and renewed excitement, provides a nuanced understanding of what theatre enthusiasts can anticipate from this milestone Sondheim production.