Yes, this year we went through a pandemic, which affected many things. We had to deal with postponements we didn’t want to happen. It was one crazy year. Now that I think of it, I am glad 2019 had four musicals. I decided today to focus on those musicals.
Fiddler on the Roof
Out of all the 2019 musicals, this was the most unexpected. I didn’t know I would be going to St. Louis with my mom. Turns out, when we went, Fiddler on the Roof was playing at the gorgeous Fox Theater.
I love Fiddler on the Roof. Glad I finally got see the stage show.
Miss Saigon
This was a Christmas present from 2018. I literally thought this musical would be first. This would be my first tragedy of the year. I was expecting to be in tears at times- I actually had an understudy for The Engineer (Eymard Cabling). It was tough having Emily Bautista and Anthony Festa as Kim and Chris- I badly wanted these characters to stay together, and it has to do with these two actors’ performances.
I was right- I was crying during more than one song. I had a feeling this would happen knowing that the same team that wrote the musical for Les Mis also did Miss Saigon. I knew my Les Mis reaction so I had a feeling Miss Saigon would lead me to tears.
Aladdin
This was one of the main musicals I hoped to see this year. I decided to get tickets through Club Blume. My mom and I went together. I already fell in love with Aladdin, but never once saw the stage show.
I did get a little emotional during “Proud of Your Boy”. I loved all the additional songs, the clothing, and the magic behind it. I loved it so much that I asked for the Original Broadway Soundtrack for Christmas.
My mom somehow kept a Les Mis secret from me- she got the tickets in January, and I didn’t know I was seeing it until October. Les Mis would be the start of an amazing Blumenthal season. I was at Ovens Auditorium, and my mom and I had seats in the center of the Mezzanine. I could not believe I was seeing some Les Mis actors a 2nd time. Josh Davis (Javert), Jillian Butler (Cosette), Joshua Grosso (Marius), Matt Shingledecker (Enjolras) and Allison Guinn (Madame Thenardier) were part of the cast I saw in 2017.
I really really wanted Nick Cartell, but unfortunately I got a understudy for Valjean. Like always, I was an emotional wreck. I also wanted Mary Kate Moore as Fantine- she used to be in the ensemble and an understudy for Fantine when she started the tour, but eventually secured the main part.
I saw an improved Javert with Josh Davis. Like always, Joshua Grosso and Matt Shingldecker were still standouts. So glad Joshua was teamed with Jillian a second time- they are literally an adorable couple, and to this day, still remain my favorite Cosette and Marius pairing. Eponine was incredible- she was so believable especially in “A Little Fall of Rain”. Still got a laugh with the Thenardiers.
I actually am so glad Les Mis was part of 2019- and actually ended it. I was and emotional wreck, and still want to continue seeing the stage.
Meg's Magical Musings 