Saw this production during previews and thought it was poorly-directed with 2 performers who were completely miscast for various reasons. One of my least favorite nights in a theatre this year.
Tonight was an exceptional evening in the theatre. Conversely, one of my favorite evenings in a theatre this year. It's still a poorly-directed production but with 2 star-making performances to focus on, the noise fell away.
The audience was full of family, friends, industry members, and many others. And each actor was greeted with a warm reception and incredible support every step of the way.
Nasia Thomas is just an absolute star. She is still not really an ideal Cathy, she has such power and presence right from the start, but that spark is what makes her so special to watch. It's so clear this woman loves singing, and when she opens her mouth and that voice pours out of her, you feel every last ounce of that love. She is funny, charming, emotional, and just gorgeous. The best-sung Cathy I've heard since Sherie.
Noah Kieserman was really just wonderful. Charming and funny with clear, powerful voice. It is the most sympathetic I've ever found Jamie, he seemed truly hurt by his own actions and how their story ended. It was also the first time I've thought Jamie's book-reading didn't feel overly pretentious. It felt like a true moment of Jamie realizing what his life had become.
What really sold the evening is Nasia and Noah have personality to spare. Both of them were just overflowing with it from the second they stepped onstage to the moment the curtain came down. And their chemistry was beautiful. Warren and Jonas do not feel well-matched, I never bought them as a couple. Thomas and Kieserman seemed to truly love one another, and while Warren's Cathy seemed about ready to throttle Jamie during Schmuel, Thomas's Cathy seemed to be having a good time following Kieserman's Jamie.
Overall, it really was just a wonderfully electric night and I'm so glad the show did this and gave these two a chance to perform together. I hope important people were in the audience tonight and give both of these actors the starring roles they deserve. Nasia especially feels like an extraordinary talent on the cusp of a huge career.