Donna Olson (The Vocal Studio)

It's so hard to say this as I love the story and the actor Dinklage. I couldn't wait to see it and was disappointed. I agree that the lead female's acting and voice was lovely. I'm sorry it just wasn't believable as a musical. It was just wrong. The script (poetry) was beautiful but when put to the simple, unimpressive score, I'll admit it made me laugh more than once; I just couldn't take it seriously. It didn't work! Honestly, I didn't read ahead that it was musically based and awaited a good drama. So...when i realized there would be singing, I thought...."oh oh". Perhaps my expectations for a brilliant drama w/Dinklage set me up. I'm an opera singer and voice teacher and though that matters not, it was a bit painful hearing Dinklage's off pitch singing as I have such respect for him as an actor; admittedly, it lessened his performance (for me anyway). The best Musical ensemble goes to the soldiers who wrote letters home, the best voice was the first soldier and that scene was believable. So, hats off for the effort, the casting, beautiful costumes and sets. I would be in disbelief if 'Cyrano the musical' was recognized at the oscars for anything more than, 'a good try to get on board the musical/big screen bandwagon' bu no match for the incredible work of Lin Manuel Miranda who has brought transformative musical life to the big screen through his flawless choices. I agree the director's choice to stay period, (though beautiful) didn't work. It's just a horse of a very different color with Cyrano. Feeling very strongly about this. Go see it for yourselves and let me know what you think.