Promises Promises is currently playing it’s first revival in New York City on Broadway! The musical is based on the Neil Simon book and the screenplay The Apartment and features music by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Right now the musical is starring Sean Hayes who played Jack on Will and Grace, Kristen Chenoweth of Wicked fame and Tony Goldwyn from Ghost. I am a big fan of all three of these actors. We were invited to see the play while in New York City 2 weeks ago and it was the highlight of my trip.
Sean Hayes adds so much life into the character of Chuck “CC” Baxter who has an inner monologue that tends to slip out to the audience. Chuck wants nothing more than two things in this world. First being advancement at his company but unfortunately his boss barely realizes he exists. The second is the love of the cafeteria hostess Fran, played by Kristen Chenoweth, who also barely realizes he exists. When a few executive associates find out that Chuck lives in an apartment in New York City things change. These men want to use Chuck’s apartment to take part in extra marital affairs and promise to give Chuck glowing recommendations.
When Chucks boss Mr. Sheldrake, played by Tony Goldwyn, receives these recommendations and finds out just why everyone has such nice things to say about Baxter, things begin to change. Chuck is promoted to an executive assistant position but at what cost? Mr. Sheldrake wants the key to the apartment and wants the apartment to be exclusive for him and his girlfriend. Also the other executives don’t take kindly to receiving the heave ho. This is all fine by Chuck until the day he learns the identity of Mr. Sheldrake’s girlfriend. Soon Chuck figures out that it’s hard to survive on nothing but “promises promises” and finds himself in a never ending battle to keep his job, his apartment, the girl he loves and his dignity.
This musical was one of the best I have ever seen and I have seen quite a few. All three main actors execute each line, song and dance with perfect precision. The range Chenoweth has in her voice brings tears to your eyes. I really enjoyed the familiar music like I Say A Little Prayer and I’ll Never Fall In Love Again. Hayes delivers the same comedic timing he is best known for. At the show we saw he actually made a mistake in his lines and worked it so flawlessly into the moment, like an experienced actor should, that he received applause. I’m a huge Tony Goldwyn fan and he also has a gorgeous voice that hits all the right notes. He is an exceptional actor as well. He made my skin crawl in this show which was his goal all along. I waited outside for his autograph but my sister and I were 2nd row stage right and people exit stage left and by the time we got outside all the spots were taken up. He came out and signed autographs but I was across the street and couldn’t get his attention. So Tony Goldwyn if you are reading this, you are my favorite and you made the show for me! 
One last thing, because I don’t want to leave this exceptional scene out, the bar scene with Marge MacDougall and her owl coat is enough reason to buy tickets to see this play. It was a HOOT! We actually saw the under study which initially really disappointed my sister, but the girl did wonderfully and had us laughing at all the right places.
Right now if you click HERE you can enter to win the Promises Promises Cast CD. You can find more information on Promises Promises at http://www.promisespromisesbroadway.com and you can buy your tickets by clicking HERE.
