flawless

A couple of Thursdays ago, my roomie and I went and took in 110 IN THE SHADE starring the flawless Audra McDonald. She was unbelievable. Ms. McDonald is the kind of performer that can change your life. I remember when I applied to attend AMDA, we had to write about a performer who inspired us, and I chose her. Her Lizzie is tragic and hilarious. Based on Nash's play, THE RAINMAKER, 110 IN THE SHADE follows an "old maid" who lives with her brothers and father, and whose town is in the midst of a major drought. Along comes Starbuck, a rainmaker, who helps her discover that maybe she is a woman after all. The show itself feels really dated, even though it is a period piece....it is kind of bizarre actually. The Sheriff, her local love interest, is super-sexy. (See hot picture above. Who knew musical theatre could be so sexy!) The Starbuck is okay...didn't blow me away, but does a fine job. I mean, the play is all about Audra, and she gives a compelling performance. In fact, it was so compelling that we are going to go and see the show again on June 2nd, from the first row. (They were discounted tickets - since it is in the wet zone!)

Oh, and of course, she just got the Tony nomination!

Final thoughts: If you can, run - do not walk! - to Studio 54 and see this!

photo credit: www.playbill.com