The Fix at Signature: Timely

Dear Theater Lovers,

The Fix is an extremely cynical musical take on American politics in the sixties and seventies. It is loosely reminiscent of the political shenanigans of the Kennedy dynasty. 

Signature has mounted a great set with a portico resembling the White House, which sets the stage for some highly graphic sex scenes. A scandal-plagued political dynasty is sputtering along, when the younger generation is suddenly expected to take on the mantle, when Daddy has a heart attack during sex with his mistress. 

The Mafia, Machiavellian Mama, and impressively athletic dancing by the lead, "Cal Chandler" keep the story going. The singing, acting and dancing are always stellar at Signature.

 Is this a typical storyline for musicals, i.e., boy meets girl? Oh, no! But in this stewpot of boiling political scandals that we call Washington, DC, it certainly is apropos.

Your imaginary friend,

Patsie

If /Then, the Musical

Last night, we ventured into downtown DC for the preview of the new Idina Menzel musical, If/Then, as the production readied itself for its Broadway debut. My first view of the stage set, above, was  confusing and somewhat unimpressively modern. Costumes were similarly unremarkable. 

What had drawn me to buy tickets was the incredible throaty voice of Ms. Menzel. We had seen her belt it out in "Wicked", which we just loved. Menzel also starred in the original Broadway hit "Rent". 

During the first act of If/Then, I wondered how big a success it might be. The dancing was awkward and forced, tributes to alternative lifestyles seemed gratuitous, and the flow was jumpy.  But then, I became a believer during the second act, when the songs turned big and beautiful and swept me away. By the end of the show, the audience was on its feet, cheering loudly.

The author of the book and lyrics won a Pulitzer Prize for his musical "Next to Normal."  Although the plot is reminiscent of the Gwyneth Paltrow vehicle "Sliding Doors," the second act is textured and emotional. 

 I predict a Tony Award for If/Then; Menzel's last song hit sweeping notes high in the stratosphere. It was the perfect end to the very moving Act Two. Fittingly so. 

Tickets are reasonable for a cast of this quality. Rush out and see it before it heads to New York and sells out. 

Your imaginary friend,

Patsie