First Impressions of “Pal Joey”, November 14, 2008 Preview
Pal Joey at Studio 54
The Production
This production of Pal Joey, featuring a new book by Richard Greenberg, musical direction by Paul Gemignani, choreography by Graciela Daniele, and direction by Joe Mantello, brought to light new undertones not seen in the original productions, which certainly enhanced this show.
The plot focuses upon depression-era nightclub emcee Joey Evans (Christian Hoff) being torn between his innocent, naive girlfriend Linda English (Jenny Fellner) and wealthy but married socialite Vera Simpson (Stockard Channing). Joey romances Vera, who sets him up in his own club, Chez Joey. Along the way, Joey runs into an old acquaintance, Gladys Bumps (Martha Plimpton), with whom he has a very unpleasant history.
While there is a similarity to the Frank Sinatra movie in Joey’s and Vera’s characters, Jenny Fellner’s Linda English (a haberdashery clerk) is less worldly than the curvy and sensual Kim Novak (who was a showgirl type), and the Gladys Bumps character adds some new intrigue to the entire plot. Gladys and Joey’s history comes to light in the first act, and as Joey tries to show his power in the second act, we see that Gladys isn’t one to roll over and play dead. The ending was not the “and then they lived happily-ever-after” typical Broadway/Hollywood one, and that was a refreshing change.
The Audience
The first preview played to a full house at Studio 54. The audience was lively, with entrance applause for Christian, Stockard, and Martha, and standing ovations for all three at the end. It was so nice to recognize so many friendly Broadway faces in the audience, including Priscilla, Leslie, Beverley, Pam, Harry, Anthony, Gary, Lucy, Linda L., Linda S., John, Norene, Vanessa, Dick, Charly, David, Irene and Buz.
The Costumes
William Ivey Long, true to his character, created quite a stir with a myriad of fantastic wardrobe changes for the whole cast. His display continued with his designer clothes and fur touches. Just the correct touch of enchantment for the dancers too. I also loved Christian’s 1930’s parted hair style.
The Cast
Christian Hoff (Joey)
Christian’s dancing and Graciela Daniele’s choreography were amazing. Christian’s Fred Astaire moves of dancing on the staircase and his broad Gene Kelly-type smile made this nightclub performer very real.
Christian made his character sensual and crafty at the same time, with designs on whomever his target was at the moment (Stockard’s “Vera” or Jenny’s “Linda”). He had a wonderful, remarkable chemistry with Jenny Fellner’s Linda English. Jenny’s great singing voice complements Christian’s, and, at the end of their early duet “Are You My Love?”, we truly believe they are in love. Their chemistry is evident again in their second act duet “Do It the Hard Way”. Christian’s solo “What Do I Care for a Dame?” may be the catchiest number of the evening. I’ve been humming it all day today.
Word is that Gene Kelly’s performance in the original 1940 version of “Pal Joey” made him a star. Well, here that’s not possible, since multi-talented Christian Hoff is already a star. Star or not, he does pull off making a leading man of an anti-hero.
Stockard Channing (Vera)
Stockard was a dynamic presence as Vera Simpson; she isn’t known for singing, but did a nice job with the classic “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”. Her speaking a few lines of the song added a great comic twist and highlighted her acting skills.
Stockard is in wonderful physical shape, and her svelte, appealing figure only enhanced her performance as she elicited the attraction of Joey Evans. Her sarcastic bite (ala Betty Rizzo in “Grease” and Susan Hughes in “Stockard Channing in Just Friends”) is still there and adds flavor to Greenberg’s cleverly written lines.
It’s been 30 years (yes!) since “Grease”, and seeing Betty Rizzo in person was truly magical.
Martha Plimpton (Gladys)
Martha’s unique personality and strong voice made for substantial audience applause. Her rendition of the hilarious “Zip” brought down the house. She has the comic timing of a finely tuned observatory clock. Her acting was also superb, going from a rather comic character in Act I to a more serious, even sad one in Act II.
Jenny Fellner (Linda)
Jenny Fellner was exquisite as Linda English, the demure virgin receiving the sexual attention of that wily rascal Joey (Christian). Her naiveté and purity are pretty much present throughout the show, but she too matures, and is arguably the most ethical person at the musical’s conclusion, but with a very interesting final line that leaves one wondering.
We are proud of Linda when she finally stands up to her boss and to Vera (Stockard) when the two of them argue who will “Take Him” (sarcastically about Joey/Christian) in a stunning duet. Once again, Jenny’s voice sparkles in her two duets with Christian.
Conclusion
I truly enjoyed the show, and am looking forward to seeing it again in previews before the official opening on December 11. It will be great to see what, if anything, is “tightened up” by the official opening, but I still would advise Joe Mantello, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Enjoy the show, all!
Liz | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
It sounds like a wonderful production! Thank you Howard, for sharing your experience with those of us who couldn’t be there. I can’t wait to see the show.
Gary | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
Fantastic write-up Howard! Like Pam, you have a very extensive vocabulary (it’s not like I hear the word “haberdashery” every day, you know!) Thanks to the two of you, I now keep a dictionary within close reach of my computer.
A great time was had by all in attendance. It was thrilling to be in that venerable space of Studio 54 (if walls could talk) and to attend my first opening night of previews for a show. Christian is indeed a star and Stockard, Martha and Jenny were all in great form. You brought up parts of the show that I had forgotten so it’s nice to be able to relive them again through your very colorful words.
jim petrecca | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
HOWARD, IT WAS A PLEASE SEEING YOU THE OTHER DAY AT MY STORE “YESTERDAYS TREASURES”, YOU SEEM TO BE ONE OF BROADWAYS TOP WRITERS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS AND I SALUTE YOU FOR THE JERSEY BOYS BLOG AND NOW PAL JOEY, CHRISTIAN WON A TONY AND YOU WON A LOT OF FRIENDS AND READERS. THE BEST IS YET TO COME……………….
jim petrecca | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
HOWARD, IT WAS A PLEASURE SEEING YOU THE OTHER DAY AT MY STORE “YESTERDAYS TREASURES”, YOU SEEM TO BE ONE OF BROADWAYS TOP WRITERS IN THE LAST FEW YEARS AND I SALUTE YOU FOR THE JERSEY BOYS BLOG AND NOW PAL JOEY, CHRISTIAN WON A TONY AND YOU WON A LOT OF FRIENDS AND READERS. THE BEST IS YET TO COME……………….
irene eizen | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
Howard,
Another outstanding article. I agree with Gary - my vocabulary increases each time Pam and you write a comment, an article, an e-mail - Who needs any of these vocabulary building courses - we have YOU. Great job, my friend.
It was wonderful being with everyone on Friday evening. We really have a wonderful group - which we started, thanks to a wonderful show, Jersey Boys and such a fantastic group of people - I think we number in the thousands at least. If we all ever get together, we will need to rent a STADIUM! There’s an interesting thought!
Carolyn Miller | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
Howard…you have been busy guy! Thanks for such a great recap of the evening, I cannot wait to see it!
Pamela | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
Thanks for recapturing such a special night, Howard. Oh, What A Night,indeed!!! Loved seeing so many Jersey Boys friends for dinner, and sharing a wonderful performance of Pal Joey. Our man Christian DELIVERED.He is such a multitalented, charismatic performer. Christian’s talent is matched only by his graciousness and warmth.So glad to see him back where he belongs, front and center stage!
Tiggerbelle/Linda | Nov 16, 2008 | Reply
Hi Howard,
Thank you for the fantastic review of the show. It was great to see everyone and to see the tremendous support for Christian. It’s no wonder considering what a special person he is. He couldn’t have been more gracious at the stage door. I wish him the best.
Lulu | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
This was worth the wait, Howard, you covered the evening from beginnning to end! The mini-reunion of JB/Christian/Pal Joey friends looked like a lot of fun. Of course I expected the stellar reviews of Christian, but it was great to hear your thoughts anyway. I can hardly wait til I’m in the audience on Thursday night, along with Audrey, and our husbands, too. I’ll let you know if the show is still spectacular one week later, LOL. Thanks again, Howard for posting this article and for others posting follow-up comments…makes us all feel like we were there with you:)
Audrey | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Between this thoroughly detailed review and the months- long loan of your Pal Joey DVD, I think I’m all set for this coming Thursday, when I return to Studio 54 (after my last visit 27 years ago). Very excited to see Christian on stage again!
I noticed you slipped a few fresh names in the list of ‘friendly Broadway faces’ there Friday night. Can’t say that I recognize- Anthony or Dick. You meet people at the theater and bingo. No problem, though… you think they’re green, take ‘em under your wing like you did with me.
So, now we have some more Lovers. Give the kids a haircut!
Lulu | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Audrey, I want to hear more about your first visit to Studio 54!
Lori | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Great review Howard! I as well enjoyed it yesterday
Liz | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Lulu, I was thinking the same thing! I (vaguely)remember my visit to Studio 54 some 20+ years ago - do tell, Audrey.
Damaris Dugan | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Great Review Howard!
Looking forward to seeing Pal Joey Thanksgiving Weekend.
Damaris
Len Gersten | Nov 17, 2008 | Reply
Howard, nice job of reviewing the preview. With you at the computer, who needs reviews by The New York Times, the New Yorker, or New York magazine! Thanks for your insights. Sue and I haven’t gotten tickets yet, but based on your feedback, we may check out ticket availability at the box office this Friday (we’ll be in the City with friends catching dinner and a performance of “White Christmas.” Hope to see you at the theatre.
stubbleyou | Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
Martha’s role brought down the house
Gladys goes Bump in the night
Stockard plays a former harlot
With a quick sarcastic bite
Catch the Roundabouter’s troupe
Christian’s in a pin-striped suit…
Studio 54 where are you?
http://www.barbneal.com/wav/tvthemes/car54.wav
Liz | Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
That’s hilarious!!
Dimitri T | Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
Great Review Howard! You are the Jeffrey Lyons of Broadway. I can’t wait to see this play.
Thanks again!!
Ron | Nov 18, 2008 | Reply
Hadn’t planned to see the show this soon. But Howard, your review has me watered up. Got tickets for next week.
Dennis | Nov 20, 2008 | Reply
Howard the show sounds great and if Christian is even half as good as he was in Jersey Boys it would still be worth the price of admission.
Looks like a great way to kick of the holiday season.
Maybe I’ll see you at the show
tony | Dec 20, 2008 | Reply
First of all, I was highly entertained by PJ. Now, my quibbles are with Greenberg’s script and plotting especially that sleazy blackmail stuff - ugh! Who’s to like when the 2 leads who are morally questionable at best, counter with a homophobic threat. I mean it switches your sympathies to the blackmailers. Also, ZIP was such a disappointment. Why weren’t the lyrics more accessible to today’s audience. My date had no idea the song was about a Gypsy Rose Lee interview. Don’t know if I would have known except that I am super familiar with Pal Joey in most of its forms. Plimpton was good but undercut by lousy staging and the obscure lyrics, of course. I happen to know that Lorenz Hart wrote a slew of lyrics for ZIP that are archived. I’m sure Joe & Richard could have put together enough lyrics appropriate to the 1930’s and yet, accessible to 2008. Hart was known to write huge sets of lyrics for all his songs that never got used initially. In fact, BB&B has verse after verse that goes on for 12 minutes if sung in totality. Ella Fitzgerald has a spectacular 8 + minutes version of BB&B that takes you right through to Vera’s lost illusions with Joey. I liked Joey - he’s very talented but at this stage in his career lacks star quality - essential for Joey if he must pull off a successful cad. Vera, on the other hand was terrific, Stockard Channing’s BB&B was so well acted that a prettily sung version couldn’t possibly convey Vera’s soul. Unlike the reviews I’ve read, I like the noir quality of this production. I like dirgey, Mr. Brantley! Also, while strolling to Kodama after PJ, my date and I discussed how PJ or at least this PJ reminded us of CABARET. Joey is Sally Bowles and MC rolled up into one. The chorus are the Kit Kat girls etc. I like the overall production - looks great. Hope there will be a cast album if just for Channing’s interpretation of BEWITCHED BOTHERED AND BEWILDERED.
Juicy Couture Uk | May 1, 2012 | Reply
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