Say A Little Prayer for "Promises Promises"

"Promises, Promises" was one of the most anticipated shows opening on Broadway this season. The show officially opened on March 27th of this year and I had the opportunity to see it at the Broadway Theater on May 2nd. The show runs almost a full three hours with a fifteen minute intermission (a little too long for my liking.) Walking away with just four Tony Award nominations, Promises, Promises proves to be a great show for about $50 a ticket. The story-line is based on the 1960's film The Apartment. For me, the plot seems a tad bit outdated, causing the performance having a dull feel to it. 

Their four nominations include: 

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical

Best Choreography

Best Orchestrations

Let's not forget to mention the fact that Will & Grace's Sean Hayes, and Kristin Chenoweth from the original cast of Wicked are headlining this show. Personally, it was difficult for me to look at Sean Hayes in the role of Chuck, an ambitious, charming, and shrewd bachelor who works for the Consolidated Life Insurance Company. All I kept picturing was him saying "Just Jack." In addition, Kristin Chenoweth plays the role of Fran Kubelik, a rather boring part when compared to the bubbly, happy and humorous "Glinda the Good Witch." Kristin Chenoweth did not receive a nomination for her role, however Sean Hayes received one for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical against another big name, Kelsey Grammer in La Cage aux Folles. 

A few of the most famous songs from the musical include: "I Say a Little Prayer," "Turkey Lurkey Time," and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again." I was so psyched to hear Chenoweth's version of "Say a Little Prayer," however, it wound up being a number that went completely unnoticed. There was not one number in the show that really stuck with me when I walked out of the theater, and that to me is a problem.

On the other hand, Kate Finneran (nomination for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical) utterly steals the show. The audience would not stop laughing at her humorous one-liners. Her acting is superior to any other actor/actress on the stage. To be honest, the role she was cast in is very dynamic, as opposed to that of Fran Kubelik. I will give credit where credit is due though, Finneran has definitely found her niche. 

Take a look at a blog I follow "On The Boards," and specifically their post about Kristin Chenoweth's plea for her role to be "spiced" up. 

Tune in to the Tony Awards on June 13th at 8:00 PM on CBS to see if "Promises, Promises" will walk away with any awards. There are also discount tickets available. If you are still interested in seeing the show, I would not recommend spending $126 per ticket, you run the risk of most likely being disappointed for a great deal of money.

Take a look at Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth singing "I'll Never Fall in Love Again" below. 

"Promises, Promises" winds up not being able to promise too much.