H2$ And a Dance Down Memory Lane (Yet Another Nerdy Review) ~UPDATED~

I don't know if I've mentioned it yet, but in addition to being interested in "traditionally nerdy" stuff (cosplay, comics, sci-fi, D&D, video games, etc) I'm also a theatre geek. I did theatre and choir in high school (yet more reasons to be ostracized as a teen, yippee) so performance/entertainment are probably my first loves. I have the likes of Shari Lewis, Rob Paulsen, Penn & Teller, and TV shows like All That! to thank for having a huge influence on me and my wanting to be a performer.

My fabulous Boyfriend surprised me with an early Christmas present: tickets to see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Friday night! We had such a fun time. I really wanted to see this show for a couple of reasons; I was in H2$ once upon a time in high school, so I have a fondness for the show-it was one of the first musicals I was in. Also, I love me some Daniel Radcliffe (um, hellooo? Who doesn't?!?!?!)

I was unable to see him the last time he was on Broadway in Equus, which received impressive reviews, had amazing puppetry, and featured a stellar cast (plus the added bonus of Harry Potter's, ahem, "wand" on display for the better part of the show for the ladies out there).

H2$ follows the young and eager J. Pierrpont Finch as he attempts to climb the corporate ladder using the advice in a little book: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (the book is narrated by the smooth vocal stylings of one dreamboat Anderson Cooper).

Considering DanRad (yes, that is what I'm calling him from now on) had no musical theatre training before this, he held his own on stage. His vocals stretch a little thin at times, and he sings a little nasally on the high notes, but he more than makes up for it with his comedic timing, and the boyish charm he brings to the otherwise underhanded smarmy fellow that Finch can be in his career-driven pursuits. His on-stage chemistry with John Larroquette (from Night Court...anyone? Damn I'm old) is so fun, and it is clear the two have a great working relationship. DanRad is also an impressive dancer considering his lack of training. While his form is not always as perfect as someone who has been dancing for decades, he brings an infectious energy and it is obvious he puts tremendous effort into his craft-an admirable feat. Granted, his super-stardom doesn't hurt him either, but I am amazed at how even after a year in this show, he still has such energy and focus amidst the (many, many, MANY) screaming fans in the audience each night.

Seeing the show Friday brought back a few fond memories from high school (and how few they were). While watching some of the choreography in the show and then later while listening to the soundtrack on the train on my iPod, I even started to remember my old choreography from 12 years ago. It's funny how the brain and muscle memories work, isn't it? Then I started trying to remember the names of my original cast in high school and started playing "where are they now?" in my head. The fellow who played Finch in my high school production, is now a local news reporter in Washington D.C. The guy who played J.B Bigley is now a director at the Atlantic Theatre Company here in NYC. Our Bud Frump now works in public television. Our Hedy La Rue is an actress/dancer in L.A. Our hilarious Wally Womper is now a seemingly jack-of-all-trades in the theatre and production world based in Chicago. Our Smitty now works as a student coordinator at the University of Colorado in Boulder. And last, but not least, our lovely Rosemary is now traveling the world and singing as she goes (or so I gathered from her vague FB page). Ok, enough stalking for now. I feel creepy.

Oh, and me? Now you know me as GurlNxtDoor (or Jess). In high school H2$, I was a lowly little secretary in a white button-up shirt and a ridiculously 60's-chic bright orangy/salmon-colored skirt.
And I was not a toy.