Broadway Banter 2014: Starting off with book recommendation
May 12th, 2014, 04:13 AM
#62
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This weekend we saw If/Then with Idina Menzel and The Cripple of Inishmaan with Daniel Radcliffe.
Both were excellent. I surprisingly loved the "modern" music of If/Then -- more than shows like Next to Normal or even shows like Spring Awakening. The music, particularly the lyrics are quite thought-provoking. Idina Menzel is a true powerhouse, and she dominates the stage for about 90% of the show! I guess my own quibble might be that the show is a clever theme of "what if" and it follows to possible outcomes if the heroine takes two different routes when she meets a man. But after a dozen songs that all seemed to be more of "what if?" "the decision you make" and "we must make choices", I started feeling that it was enough already. We get the idea. Still it was a charming story -- and I certainly liked the secondary gay characters who were just treated as friends who happened to be gay -- their homosexuality really wasn't treated as making them any different from the main heterosexuality of the play.
I really like the very dark comedies of Martin McDonagh -- The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Behanding in Spokane, the PillowMan, the film, In Bruges, etc.
This show was less "gruesome" than the others, but still quite dark, yet funny. The cast is really outstanding. In fact I couldn't help but think because they all are such strong actors, maybe that's why Daniel Radcliffe didn't get a Tony nomination (despite getting Drama Desk and Drama League ones.) His physical deformities (cerebral palsy) were amazingly consistent. I really enjoyed this play. Tony Nominations for Sarah Greene (best featured actress for playing the "bad" red haired Irish girL), best direction, set, and lighting design, as well as best revival of a play were all WELL earned.
Both were excellent. I surprisingly loved the "modern" music of If/Then -- more than shows like Next to Normal or even shows like Spring Awakening. The music, particularly the lyrics are quite thought-provoking. Idina Menzel is a true powerhouse, and she dominates the stage for about 90% of the show! I guess my own quibble might be that the show is a clever theme of "what if" and it follows to possible outcomes if the heroine takes two different routes when she meets a man. But after a dozen songs that all seemed to be more of "what if?" "the decision you make" and "we must make choices", I started feeling that it was enough already. We get the idea. Still it was a charming story -- and I certainly liked the secondary gay characters who were just treated as friends who happened to be gay -- their homosexuality really wasn't treated as making them any different from the main heterosexuality of the play.
I really like the very dark comedies of Martin McDonagh -- The Beauty Queen of Leenane, Behanding in Spokane, the PillowMan, the film, In Bruges, etc.
This show was less "gruesome" than the others, but still quite dark, yet funny. The cast is really outstanding. In fact I couldn't help but think because they all are such strong actors, maybe that's why Daniel Radcliffe didn't get a Tony nomination (despite getting Drama Desk and Drama League ones.) His physical deformities (cerebral palsy) were amazingly consistent. I really enjoyed this play. Tony Nominations for Sarah Greene (best featured actress for playing the "bad" red haired Irish girL), best direction, set, and lighting design, as well as best revival of a play were all WELL earned.
May 26th, 2014, 04:32 AM
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OK, Howard, glad you answered my question -- "Anxious to see what you think about The REalistic Joneses. It's certainly not everyone's cup of tea and is sometimes described as a "long" Seinfeld episode about nothing. But I enjoyed it -- more as an acting lesson than for the story (or lack of one)."
I see it was NOT your cup or tea (as it is not a lot of people's cup of tea!). And certainly if anyone is looking for plot or a good story -- The Realistic Joneses will certainly disappoint in that regard.
By the way, I see I didn't post about seeing Casa Valentina, the new Harvey Fierstein play. Again, not for everyone. It's a rather odd story of a group of cross dressing men (not gay, they just like dressing as women) in the 1960s. I'm still not sure what to make of it as it is such a sad little play about some very sad people. But I really enjoyed it, and there was some brilliant acting!
I see it was NOT your cup or tea (as it is not a lot of people's cup of tea!). And certainly if anyone is looking for plot or a good story -- The Realistic Joneses will certainly disappoint in that regard.
By the way, I see I didn't post about seeing Casa Valentina, the new Harvey Fierstein play. Again, not for everyone. It's a rather odd story of a group of cross dressing men (not gay, they just like dressing as women) in the 1960s. I'm still not sure what to make of it as it is such a sad little play about some very sad people. But I really enjoyed it, and there was some brilliant acting!
May 26th, 2014, 05:30 AM
#67
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Patrick, we were really disappointed, as after reading Isherwood's review in the Times when it opened, we really expected a most positive theatrical experience. We reread the review after seeing the show and really found ourselves on the opposite end of the spectrum than him! Intrestingly, the critics on this weekend's "Theater Talk" echoed what has beem said about it not being everyone's cup of tea.
PS: We weren't alone in the audience as far as our negative views went, as several people walked out during the performance.
A sidebar obsevation: Obviously a good percentage the audence watched Dexter and had come to see Michael C. Hall. They loudly applauded his arrival on stage, but not the other performers!
PS: We weren't alone in the audience as far as our negative views went, as several people walked out during the performance.
A sidebar obsevation: Obviously a good percentage the audence watched Dexter and had come to see Michael C. Hall. They loudly applauded his arrival on stage, but not the other performers!
Jun 2nd, 2014, 04:36 AM
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This past Saturday we saw a matinee of Bullets Over Broadway. I bought the tickets ages ago to get front row mezzanine when I thought this was going to be a HUGE hit. I was wrong as it is not a huge hit, but just doing OK -- despite 6 Tony nominations (although Best Musical is NOT among those). We really enjoyed the show. It sort of reminds me of The Producers -- a big, sort of old fashioned show, with a lot of comedy. Although admittedly, it lacks from an original score -- the songs are all old songs, but most work great. Wonderful sets, gorgeous costumes, and super choreography. I'm actually surprised it isn't doing better than it is.
Jun 11th, 2014, 01:38 PM
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Off Broadway today -- a new play at Manhattan Theatre Club starring Cherry Jones and Morgan Saylor (the daughter from Homeland). It's set in 1972 in a B&B that also operates as a shelter for abused women. It's a terrific piece and very well done! When We Were Young and Unafraid.
Jun 26th, 2014, 04:36 AM
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Another recommendation of a play that's closing soon (July 10 to be exact)--The Cripple of Inishmaan starring Daniel Racliffe. We thoroughly enjoyed it, with Radcliffe delivering a most impressive performance. His movements as the cripple are truly astounding.
Jun 26th, 2014, 07:15 AM
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The new version of Forbidden Broadway is hilarious - I think it's closing at the end of July.
Also, Violet - well worth seeing, Sutton Foster is fantastic - it's closing Aug 10th.
Discounts are available for both of these.
Also, Violet - well worth seeing, Sutton Foster is fantastic - it's closing Aug 10th.
Discounts are available for both of these.
Jul 14th, 2014, 05:34 PM
#74
OMG. The King and I? Kelli O'Hara?
http://www.playbill.com/events/event...aumont-Theater
March 2015...I'm there!
http://www.playbill.com/events/event...aumont-Theater
March 2015...I'm there!
Jul 15th, 2014, 05:07 AM
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You'll have to hurry to see the current Forbidden Broadway. It closes THIS coming Sunday.
Yes, starrs, I think that's great news. And the King will be the wonderful Japanese actor Ken Watanabe. We've never heard him sing that I recall, but then it really isn't a singing role. He should be wonderful too.
Yes, starrs, I think that's great news. And the King will be the wonderful Japanese actor Ken Watanabe. We've never heard him sing that I recall, but then it really isn't a singing role. He should be wonderful too.
Jul 26th, 2014, 03:21 PM
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NeoPatrick, if you check in here, I wanted to compare notes with you on Of Mice and Men. Saw if Friday night (closing weekend). I thought Chris O'Dowd's performace was excellent, like you did. James Franco was just, sort of, "there", and didn't add a whole lot to the show. If he was better, I thought the show could have been great - he blew it in that respect, I guess.
But here is what I wanted to ask you about - one thing that actually disturbed me was the reaction of the audience. They laughed throughout the show, particularly at Lenny, apparently not realizing that the lines weren't comedic. Did you experience anything like this?
But here is what I wanted to ask you about - one thing that actually disturbed me was the reaction of the audience. They laughed throughout the show, particularly at Lenny, apparently not realizing that the lines weren't comedic. Did you experience anything like this?
Jul 26th, 2014, 06:21 PM
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Smetz1, i haven't seen Of Mice and Men, but I'll hazard a guess that the inappropriate audience reactions were a result of those individuals are very inexperienced theatergoers who probably only came to see James Franco. The show was immaterial.
Jul 27th, 2014, 04:52 AM
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smetz1, no, the audience when I saw it was fine. I do think there was a little applause and noise when Franco first entered, but that's pretty expected these days with "celebrities" in plays. But I don't recall the audience laughing at serious moments. On the other hand I DID laugh at some of Lenny's lines and so did others. Despite the seriousness of the situation there is some really great humor in the show. But I assume that's not what you're talking about.
