First Lady Suite - A Musical
Premiere Recording

Manda tu crítica

 

Michael John LaChiusa's First Lady Suite is a fascinating probe into some of history's most neglected figures, the wives of U.S. presidents. The title is a wordplay on the familiar presidential suite, but also a reference to the three-part structure that focuses on Jackie Kennedy, Mamie Eisenhower, and Eleanor Roosevelt as they examine what their lives have become and take a metaphorical journey from flying prison to glorious solo flight. The cast, which presented the work at Los Angeles's Blank Theatre in March 2002, is uniformly fine, and it seems unfair and unnecessary to single out any of the nine members (some playing more than one role)--even the first ladies, because in some cases their assistants are equally prominent characters. As for hummable tunes, LaChiusa's score will never be mistaken for something by Jason Robert Brown, but it's angular and jazzy, and when appropriate, it soars. Considering how many unfamiliar shows have been derailed by half-hearted recording packaging, it's a pleasure to report that First Lady Suite comes with a full libretto, cast credits, photos, and liner notes. The show, and those who wish to experience it, deserves nothing less.