Fan Reviews of Applause at Encores!

From ParkWestfan

The opening night of “Applause” was on Thursday, February 7^th  I got a ticket at the last minute and managed to snag a seat – mezzanine level, extreme stage left. I knew ahead of time that this was being done in “concert” form, so I wasn’t too worried about missing important action on the stage. Concert form, for those who might not know, involves limited staging/sets and allows the actors to hold their scripts while on stage (albeit in very nice black folders). Also, the orchestra was located on the stage. A full, wonderful sounding orchestra! I decided to arrive a smidge early to try and spot any famous celebs attending and certainly to catch a glimpse of some of our favorite ATWT stars. I thought that the media might even be there. In New York, we have a show called, “On Stage” that airs on our local NY1 channel and it highlights all things Broadway. But, as I waited outside, I saw no one. And, not one television reporter in sight.

Finally, at about 7:40 or so, I glanced to my right and saw a blonde. In that moment, I knew it was Maura West. And just a beat later, there was Scott DeFreitas. They quickly made their way into the theatre. I followed realizing that there really wasn’t much action outside. It was just starting to get crowded, but not quite a sea of people. I was so happy to see her. So happy that she was there to support Michael. I love that they are friends. I guess that’s what makes the magic work, right? Moments later, I spotted Maura and Scott on the right side of the lobby, just hanging out together. This is where I struggled with, “do I go and say something?” For this fan, it was a toughie. Maura and Michael are the reason I watch ATWT – and there she was, right in front of me. (Also, I’m familiar with Scott’s “Andy” as I started watching the show back in the ‘80’s). Anyway, I was nervous, to be sure. And, in the end just couldn’t bring myself to interrupt their night out. They slipped in to grab their seats, and I made my way to mine. After I nestled in, I couldn’t resist a peek over the balcony. Still no celebs! And, I scanned for a glimpse of Laurie Park, but I didn’t see her. But there was Maura and Scott about 6 or 7 rows back – right in the middle. They had great seats. LOL.

Just as the show was about to start, the artistic director of Encores stepped out from behind the curtain. He had an announcement. Uh oh. Turns out, Christine Ebersole had gotten sick the previous Saturday and missed rehearsals in the week. She did manage to get through a run through of the show the day before and WAS going to perform, BUT she wasn’t at 100 percent. PHEW. HUGE SIGHS OF RELIEF FROM THE AUDIENCE. Needless to say, curtain rises and when she makes her entrance, the audience erupted into spontaneous and very loud applause!!

There’s an ensemble number at the top of Act 1 and Michael makes his entrance during this number. He looked great! It was so much fun seeing him, I really couldn’t help but smile and he barely did anything at this point!  He plays Bill Sampson to Ebersole’s, Margo Channing. His first number is “Think How It’s Gonna Be.” Basically, Bill is a film director and is about to leave for Rome. They have been together for years and he’s proposed a couple of times, but she’s kept saying ‘no.’ The song is a “don’t worry I’ll be back” kind of thing. Exit Bill. Michael is wonderful and it’s a very sweet ballad. Toward the end of Act 1, there’s a telephone conversation between them where he reprises the song. Michael was also in an ensemble number at the end of Act 1 (he’s returned from – a fun party scene called, “Fasten Your Seat Belts.” Sidenote – CE does get to utter the famous line: “fasten your seat belts, this is going to be a bumpy night.” Taken from “All About Eve” and the inspiration for this song. This is a fun show. And, Christine Ebersole is really amazing -- even NOT at 100 percent! She and Michael had good chemistry. I mentioned this on the P&G message board, but some of their dialogue, especially Bill to Margo felt VERY CARJACK! SERIOUSLY. And hearing some of those lines with Maura in the house, truly amped it up for this fan. I mean, it sometimes felt like he could be saying, “Carly…”

Michael had a fantastic duet with Christine toward the end of Act 2, “One of a Kind.” It was so fun to hear him sing with this magnificent lady. It seemed like a really hard song, but sweet and romantic. At one point, Margo turns the tables and proposes to Bill. And, he turns her down. He says, “you never change.” Ah, another CarJack-y moment!! Michael was definitely in Act 2 more than he was in Act 1. Also, there’s one scene where Bill snubs the young Eve as she’s coming on to him. The audience reaction was great! CE ends the show with a big number, “Something Greater.” Margo Channing, it seems, might be ready to settle down with her love and not be so consumed with her career and youthful competition. Lucky for this fan, Michael makes one last appearance to sing the last few bars of this song with CE and they walk off into the sunset!

At the end of the show, during curtain call, the ensemble reprises the title-song, “Applause.” (They first do this number in Act 1). Michael gestured to someone in the audience. Having gotten a good visual on her seat, I totally think it was to Maura!!

When I exited and got outside after the show, I was just in time to see Maura and Scott make their exit. Off they went into the NYC night! I still wanted to pop by the stage door to see Michael. It took me a minute to get a lay of the land – a little too long, I think. This fairly savvy New Yorker wasn’t on top of her game. Duh, it’s IN BACK OF THE BUILDING. I quickly hustled to And sure enough! There were just a few fans there, maybe 15-20 people. The cast started filing out. I waited. I saw Mario Cantone, Erin Davie, the “gypsies” in the chorus including nuBonnie, Chauntee’ Schuler. I waited. Finally, Christine Ebersole! BUT NO MICHAEL PARK. I missed him! He must have bolted right after the show. I was a little sad, because I’m sure I could have gotten a picture with him. Maybe next time!!

All in all, it was a fantastic night. I’m so happy I got to see Michael perform. And, I got to see Maura West. Truly, for me, this huge CarJack fan, I could NOT ask for a better night.