Broadway Banter
Dec 18th, 2009, 01:03 PM
#161
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yk - I didn't read your link yet and I will, but I must confess, I AM TERRY TEACHOUT! Sssssshhhh!
emd3 - I didn't see Oleanna, but the review that I had read criticized the tempo of the play. The reviewer saw the original and said that Mamet's lines are meant to be said fast and that was not the case in this production. And that it had an impact on the whole production as well as the fact (as you mentioned) that at the time of the original, the whole Hill/Thomas thing was very hot.
emd3 - I didn't see Oleanna, but the review that I had read criticized the tempo of the play. The reviewer saw the original and said that Mamet's lines are meant to be said fast and that was not the case in this production. And that it had an impact on the whole production as well as the fact (as you mentioned) that at the time of the original, the whole Hill/Thomas thing was very hot.
Dec 20th, 2009, 04:36 PM
#163
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We saw 'Ragtime' this afternoon and I thought it was wonderful. Although I saw the original production and the movie, there were some details of the plot that I had forgotten; I must be getting old!!! The cast was very good including some leads who were making their B'way debuts. The first act is a little long, but I still find the story riveting and very moving especially in Act II. I recommend this play!
I think Howard was there today too. What did you think?
I think Howard was there today too. What did you think?
Dec 20th, 2009, 05:12 PM
#164
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CPW, we enjoyed Ragtime, but were a little disappointed in the production. We weren't crazy about the minimalism look of the production. In fairness, we couldn't get the talented trio from the original--Brian Stokes Mitchell, Marin Mazzie and Audra McDonald--out of our frame of reference. And, none of the three in this revival came close. We thought that the actor playing Tateh was the best thing in the show, better than the original.
Still, in spite of our reservations, if you haven't seen the show before, we still strongly recommend it. The music still soars. In fairness, I'll add that the audience loved the show. (This is our fourth time, going back to the 1998 original.)
Still, in spite of our reservations, if you haven't seen the show before, we still strongly recommend it. The music still soars. In fairness, I'll add that the audience loved the show. (This is our fourth time, going back to the 1998 original.)
Dec 20th, 2009, 06:47 PM
#165
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Howard - I was prepared from the review for a 'smaller' production than the original so the set did not disappoint. I really enjoyed Coalhouse (Quentin Earl Darrington), Mother (Christiane Noll) as well as Tateh (Robert Petkoff). To me the story is so compelling that one of these days I should read the novel. I think that will be one of my 2010 resolutions.
As far as the audience, there were people in the orchestra who started cheering as the lights dimmed. I just don't get the 'let's applaud them for lifting the curtain' mentality.
As far as the audience, there were people in the orchestra who started cheering as the lights dimmed. I just don't get the 'let's applaud them for lifting the curtain' mentality.
Dec 21st, 2009, 03:46 AM
#166
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We too chuckled over some of audience's responses. Not meaning to sound snobbish, we felt that many were inexperienced theatergoers.
As for the minimalistic set, we were aware that it would be thus. Still, we didn't think it was nearly as successful as recent revivals of Sweeney Todd and Company, which also utilized "smaller can be effective" (my words) sets.
Again, we did enjoy it and recommend it.....we were just a little disappointed, as we are so fond of the show.
And, yes, you should read the book. It's excellent. But, avoid the movie which was not very good.
As for the minimalistic set, we were aware that it would be thus. Still, we didn't think it was nearly as successful as recent revivals of Sweeney Todd and Company, which also utilized "smaller can be effective" (my words) sets.
Again, we did enjoy it and recommend it.....we were just a little disappointed, as we are so fond of the show.
And, yes, you should read the book. It's excellent. But, avoid the movie which was not very good.
Dec 22nd, 2009, 04:38 AM
#169
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What do you mean, "Any ideas what to expect?" It's one of Miller's better plays, not his absolute best. That would be Death of a Salesman and/or The Crucible. Still, a worthy endeaver. It's definitely not a joyful experience, but rather, a tragic tale. Leiv Schreiber is a proven Broadway commonity. Scarlet Johanssen is not (but she sells tickets!). Anything else?
Dec 24th, 2009, 07:41 AM
#174
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Well I'll add a couple cents to this post. I saw 5 shows with my trip a couple weeks ago. I enjoyed them all.
The priority was Hair for my friend. It was great, music was superb with great acting. Finian's Rainbow's set was ugly as noted above.
But the show was very well done, again with great music and excellent acting. Next to Normal was also excellent- accurate factors re Mental Illness, which I was impressed with (worked for 23 years in Mental Health), great music and storyline. In the Heights, I won at the lottery, excellent mix of actors and superb musical talents. Race, there opening night, lots of "furs" in the audiance. 
Thought provoking, well thought out set, very good acting. A lot of thrown around profanity, which got a little old.
All were purchased at a discount at TKTS, except the lottery direct at the theater.
The priority was Hair for my friend. It was great, music was superb with great acting. Finian's Rainbow's set was ugly as noted above.
But the show was very well done, again with great music and excellent acting. Next to Normal was also excellent- accurate factors re Mental Illness, which I was impressed with (worked for 23 years in Mental Health), great music and storyline. In the Heights, I won at the lottery, excellent mix of actors and superb musical talents. Race, there opening night, lots of "furs" in the audiance. Thought provoking, well thought out set, very good acting. A lot of thrown around profanity, which got a little old. All were purchased at a discount at TKTS, except the lottery direct at the theater.
Dec 27th, 2009, 07:30 PM
#175
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I REALLY LIKED "A Little Night Music" which I saw this afternoon. I had no real knowledge of the play before hand, couldn't possibly compare it to another production, but still wasn't expecting to like it a lot. Surprise! I liked the story and the cast, but the amazing thing was the lyrics. This is one play that not only can you understand them, they are so clever and wonderful. Angela Lansbury is absolute perfection. And as far as the criticism that CZJ plays it over the top, well...they all did. Her voice is not fantastic, but so what! The rest of the cast had great delivery, expressions and good voices. It was thoroughly enjoyable despite Act I being too long. But this will not be frequented by the masses imo. I think CZJ is scheduled to miss some performances down the road, so inquire before purchasing.
Dec 30th, 2009, 12:17 PM
#178
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I already had my ticket for Ragtime when I learned of its closing. So disappointing! Since Brief Encounter extended its run, I grabbed a ticket for it to fill Ragtime's slot. A friend saw it and was swept away. I can't wait!
Dec 30th, 2009, 07:34 PM
#180
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Howard, I just got the email tonight telling me about Ragtime's extra week. I am now the owner of two tickets for two shows on the same night! Time to do some serious thinking about whom to call tomorrow concerning a refund. What a dilemma...
