Adam's Review 7/12/2000
When I heard Sebastian Bach was taking over the dual role, it was the first time I had ever heard his name- needless to say I was pissed about the stunt casting and the denial of deserving theatre talent like Joe or Brian (and especially Chuck). But based on favorable board comments (that seemed more genuine than those supporting Jack's), I went to tonight's show. At first, I wasn't really impressed. In his first couple of lines, his acting was slow to develop (not nearly as strong as Joe's), and his voice seemed like a pre-pubescent. His "Lost" was lacking- he couldnt hit the low notes- I've never heard a B'way star strain for the low notes. The rest of his acting was inconsistent, he had no idea what to do with his hands, he never seemed to breathe from his chest, he occasionally sounded off-key, and at least once sorta broke out of character... And in between he somehow became my favorite J/H. Simply put, Bas was amazing. There is something childlike, innocent, and wonderfully enthusiastic about him. His relationships with Emma and with Utterson seemed truer than any other I'd seen (and I've caught Rob, Bob, and Joe)- John really seemed a father figure to him and Emma his lovely Equal. His acting often seemed genuine, and contained something too many other actors are missing- a sense of whimsy. Bas wasn't afraid to go over the top and find the camp in J&H, which while probably my favorite musical, is undeniably campy. He was sweet in TMAIA, perfectly dangerous and sexy in "Dangerous Game," and his TITM blew the roof off the house. Bas seemed to slip out of characters with his nods, his gestures, and his rock star persona came out as he took center stage- but his singing was mesmerizing. He hit new notes, bending them in ways I've never heard before, and finished the song sensationally so that the crowd was wild before he finished the last note. It was truly a showstopper. His "Transformation" was fun, properly over-the-top, and led into a unique "Alive", complete with an opening note that was new and truly awesome. He sang the song more than most- and while it wasnt as differentiated in voice as I would have hoped, he was a magnificent Hyde. Bas seemed to revel in the role, playing it with tons of character and sexuality. While his second act stalled a little with "Streak of Madness" (couldn't get low enough on a lot of the notes), his TWB was solid and his Confrontation was fantastic. He bent his lithe body around and around, and delivered a performance that was at least on par with Cooch's- quite possibly better. He finished the play's terrible last scene quite well and came out for some fun and hysterical bows. Before a standing audience, he shook his hips, took numerous bows with the gals, cracked up the first row (anyone know what he said?), shot people the guns, pumped his fists... wow. Truly a star in the making here, he can only get better. And the one word that described the experience, and believe me it was an experience, was RIVETING. Oh, and for the rest of the cast... Barrie and George perfect as ever. Andrea-clear and sweet-voiced. Coleen-innocent, sexy, fantastic. When I first saw her I hoped she was sick or something, as she cheated on a lot of the big notes. Tonight she hit them all. Great belting. Martin and Beccy- great as always. Understudy was on for Stride- Hadobas I think. He was OK. Ensemble- Teriffic even if they have to do the Murder, Murder choreography. Great night at the Plymouth. Rock on guys...