“It’s like School House Rock for grown-ups” Allison enthusiastically exclaimed, as she turned towards me during intermission.
Enron: School House Rock for Grown-Ups
As a logo it’s catchy, and conveys Allison’s point that Enron takes a complicated subject and showcases the big points in simple ways, using raptor heads, light sabers, and dances consisting of the signals floor traders use on Wall Street.
With my abiding love of School House Rock, I don’t use that comparison lightly.
Norbert Leo Butz plays Jeffrey Skilling with panache and charisma, turning him from an unknown monster into a relatable, though flawed, human being. Marin Mazzie, who I’m disposed to favor, as her marriage is one of my favorite theatre love stories, plays his foil well.
Before seeing Enron on Broadway, I had little interest in the scandal, and even less knowledge. The play engaged my attention, even leading me to watch the documentary of the company last night.
Enron is the kind of play that sticks in your mind, and I’d recommend it for that alone.
Raptors (the animal, not special purpose entities) are adorable,
Megan
EDIT: If you’re not theatre obsessed you might be unaware that practically every person in the universe completely disagrees with my point of view. For a different perspective, read Brantley’s New York Times review.
Enron
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Dropping by from SITS.
Thanks for the review. I had filed Enron away with Shrek the Musical and a few others in the “never going to see” part of my brain but I have reconsidered!
I know exactly what you mean! When I heard about it, I assumed it would be both boring and weird, but after reading a couple of rave reviews I decided to give it a chance and ended up loving it.
I had no idea they were doing this. As someone who lives in Texas, I feel that I saw more than my share of the news stories about this. And the thought of seeing this makes me shudder a bit. I am glad it’s well done, though.
How on earth did they come up with this one? I can’t imagine thinking about the Enron calamity (and tragedy for so many) and thinking it would be great on Broadway. Imagination is a great thing. I too, feel great reverence for School House Rocks. Conjunction junction.
Have you ever seen Pirates of Silicone Valley? If you’ve got any interest in the computer world, you’d love it. It’s the story of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Fascinating.
I tend to love documentaries, so I’ll definitely check it out. (Well, assuming it’s on Netflicks. I’m lazy that way.)
This was a totally awesome show. I’d see it again.
Wow…Ken Lay is probably rolling over in his grave!
Your money didn’t magically disappear as the show ended, did it?
Really, an Enron play…strangely odd…but I am intrigued.
Thanks for coming by on SITS day (last week)!
Holly
504 Main
Good luck at the dentist today!
And I really didn’t want to see Enron, but now I am interested!
Funny! I had no idea that the story of Enron had been made into a play.
And I will totally trust your judgment on this one. After all, anyone who is a big a fan of School House Rock as me definitely knows her stuff!
I’ve so got to see this!
After reading The Smartest Guy in the Room, I had a different take on Skilling. He’s not the guy painted by the press, and I agree with your characterization from the play.
I’m a follower now Megan! Glad you stopped by Tony C Today.
(love your pictures!)
You’ve read The Smartest Guy in the Room? That’s on my must-read list! As soon as I got home from NYC I made my mom and friend watch the documentary based on that book, and it made me crave the more detailed telling the book would give. Though I hadn’t followed much of the story in the press, that’s what I loved most about the play, was the deeper, different insight it gave into the main players.
Glad to hear a positive review. Cause…I love raptors and jesus and light sabers. I heard this sucked though. Hmmm.
found your site on del.icio.us today and really liked it.. i bookmarked it and will be back to check it out some more later