Girls, Get Down To The Public ASAP And Watch Ruthie Ann Miles Perform Her Theatrical Magic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                Before getting to Ruthie and such, I have to mention stage history that I, in attending this performance, happened to be a part of.

                                   This show was performed in the Newman Theatre, which, as any theater person knows, was the birthplace of "A Chorus Line" on April 16, 1975.  It says something about Michael Bennett that he chose to present this masterwork on the Feast Day Of Saint Bernadette!  I bet he knew.

                                    Anyway, the seating was two sided.  Which meant not only did I have to walk across the stage to get to my seat, but I was also sitting on the other side, facing the audience.  I felt what it was like to be in "A Chorus Line," especially when the line forms and they hold up their theatrical photos. I felt a part of that, having seen it so many times.  Added to which I realized I was standing on the same stage as Donna McKechnie--my God, Donna McKechnie!!!!!!!!!!!--when she did her signature showstopper, "The Music And The Mirror."  I was so honored that, at intermission, I stood up, went on the stage, and did my Donna McKechnie pose!  I heard one audience member say, "What was that?'  See how ignorant and irreverent some people can be?

                                     Now, about this show.  Ever since I was a theater tot, I had heard of Thornton Wilder's play "The Skin Of Our Teeth."  I had never read it, nor had I seen a production.  But I had a basic idea of what it was about, and that Tallulah Bankhead and Vivien Leigh both scored triumphs in it as the maid Sabina (who, until recently, I thought was Sabrina!).  Micaela Diamond, who scored in the Ben Platt revival of "Parade" plays Sabina manically and delivers her songs in a Broadway style voice.  She quickly becomes the show's most interesting character.  That is until Mrs. Antrobus enters.  She is played by the glorious Ruthie Ann Miles, who, once she starts singing, cuts right to the heart, and no wonder tears flowed from me.  Is there anything this woman cannot do?  I would love to see her do Fantine.  There is a moment in Act One, where Mrs. Antrobus mourns the death of one son, and Ruthie does this in such an extraordinary and heartbreaking way it goes beyond simply acting.

                                    The rest of the company--including Shuler Hensley--do their best, transitioning time periods, and demonstrating lovely voices, which the songs showcase.  Unfortunately, the score by Ethan Lipton fails to compel anyone to be blown away, and I have to wonder, if, this being a three act play originally, some cuts could not have been made.  Director Leigh Silverman moves the actors carefully about the stage, but not in a way that is groundbreaking or awe inspiring.  Except, of course, when one cannot keep one's eyes off of Ruthie.

                                     "The Seat Of Our Pants" is merely competent.  I don't see this moving to Broadway, and, frankly, if Ruthie had not been in it, I would not have gone.

                                        But for those who have never seen Ruthie Ann Miles, or want to experience her magic again, I urge you to run down to the Public Theatre.

                                         I don't know how long you may have!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!