From Examiner.com New York Promises, Promises’ leaves ‘em laughing and crying
January 3rd, 2011 7:17 am ET.Do you like this story?
Fans turned out in droves for the last performance of ‘Promises, Promises’ with many outside the theater hoping to score a last-minute ticket.
Closing nights can be sad, bittersweet moments, but the packed-to-the-rafters audience on January 2nd was anything but gloomy and solemn as they hooted, shouted and cheered every song, laugh line and nuance that has made this Neil Simon (book), Burt Bacharach (music) and Hal David (lyrics) revival of ‘Promises, Promises’ one of the hit Broadway shows of the season.
Sean Hayes as CC Baxter, Kristin Chenoweth as Fran Kubelik, Tony Goldwyn as J.D. Sheldrake, Dick Latessa as Dr. Dreyfuss and Molly Shannon, the current Marge MacDougall, and a talented cast that won’t quit, have all contributed to the fact that it has remained one of Broadway’s top weekly grossing shows. After nine months, however, the producers saw fit to keep their investors happy by paying them back 100% and closing the show. Boo hoo, I say!
Having seen the show several times, it was impressive to note the ever-popular former Will & Grace comedy star Sean Hayes finding new ways to refresh, improvise and make his castmates laugh and the audience roar with pleasure. Of course, co-star Kristin Chenoweth isn’t left wanting as she, too, makes with the funnies. Audiences have loved this pair from the start.
The after-party at Pigalle’s Brasserie on 8th Avenue was jammed with cast, creative folks, investors, producers and all those connected to ‘Promises, Promises.’ The special treat of the evening (aside from some good food and drink) was a specially made video, hosted by Andrea Martin, of the before, during and other sequences that took place behind the scenes, at rehearsals, in performance, at media events and on talk shows. As I watched, I also observed Sean, Kristin and Tony sitting together on the floor, intertwined, tears in their eyes and on their cheeks -- poignant moments never forgotten.
As to the production, there’s talk of a tour in the near future, and it’s also up for a Grammy!
Promises, Promises' leaves ' em Laughing and crying
Moderator: mark