A Tale Worth Telling
October 29, 2007 7:18 pm
I spent the weekend in Sarasota, Florida, for the opening night celebrations for A Tale of Two Cities at the Asolo Repertory Theatre. Yes, you read right… celebrations as in more than one—the theater chose to have an opening for each of the two cities in Charles Dickens‘ classic tale, London and Paris. Although that’s a bit too gimmicky for my tastes, the double dose of hospitality (two lavish indoor/outdoor parties at the classy theater) was actually appreciated by this out-of-towner.
And the show, you ask? Well, industry folks these days like to snicker at musicals like this, which dare to base themselves on classic pieces of literature rather than pop culture film phenoms and choose to be wise over wiseass. I’d never read the novel but found myself wrapped up in the redemptive story of Sydney Carton and the heartbreaking love triangle between Carton, Lucy Manette and Charles Darnay. The work’s not yet done, but this Broadway-bound musical is on the right path, thanks especially to a handful of stirring Jill Santoriello songs, Michael Donald Edward’s brisk staging, Tony Walton’s ingenious scenic design and a strong company led by James Barbour, pouring his soul into a towering performance as Carton.
Barbour’s career on the stage, including terrific turns in Jane Eyre and Assassins, has been overshadowed by his personal life of late. All that could change if A Tale of Two Cities makes it to this city in the spring as hoped. He could even get himself a Tony Award if he plays his cards right.
But would Broadway embrace A Tale of Two Cities, with its petticoats and old-fashioned story of hope? Time will tell, but the audiences at the Asolo, where word of mouth has pretty much sold the run out, are certainly enjoying themselves. And I, for one, still think that means something.
Here are some exclusive photos that Bruce Glikas snapped backstage over the weekend. There are more to come—as well as party photos—in tomorow’s Photo Op.
Stars Derek Keeling, Jessica Rush and James Barbour pose for an intermission shot.
A touch (just a touch!) of make-up for leading man Barbour.
Rush touches up the lips.
Natalie Toro, a standout as Madame DeFarge.
Keeling gets wigged.
Look for our Photo Op tomorrow for even more behind-the-scenes photos of A Tale of Two Cities.
Stage Notes
One Response to “A Tale Worth Telling”
[…] From Broadway.com’s Stagenotes: “…this Broadway-bound musical is on the right path, thanks especially to a handful of stirring Jill Santoriello songs, Michael Donald Edward’s brisk staging, Tony Walton’s ingenious scenic design and a strong company led by James Barbour, pouring his soul into a towering performance as Carton.” […]
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