See it if
you've never seen a live version and/or enjoy community theatre, offbeat theatre locales or have never been inside St Bart's Church.
Don't see it if
you're expecting a full-blown production, have trouble hearing or don't like echoing church acoustics or concert vesrsions of shows
In all fairness, any review of a first preview or final dress is tricky, especially when tech problems kick in, as they did at this performance: face mics not working, percussion miscues. Add in the echo effect inside this gorgeous church and the acoustics were uneven at best.
The St Bart's Players are the longest-running community theatre in New York; now in their 89th season, its members a talented, serious and committed group of amateurs – that, in the best sense of the word, as ones that love the craft.
That said, the singing in this Company is uneven, sometimes even timid; they should just attack it. The staging, in a difficult space, is inventive, the choreography making good use of it. Strongest was the Tick Tock number, the girl playing Kathy terrific (no program so no idea of cast). Also of note were this production's rapidly articulating Amy and striking Joanne.
This Company may not be for everyone, but it's an honest attempt with some spirit of the original.
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