no Neo, "the vindicated" remark wasn't directed at you. I was wondering if I had exaggerated i my own mind, like the time I posted in a trip report that I spoke only French for a 10 day portion of a trip, that was how I remembered it, but later began to wonder if it was so.

I only knew Estelle Parsons from tv.

Is anyone planning to see the new Amanda Peet play starring Blyth Danner & Sarah Jessica Parker The Commons of Pensicola? Some good reviews. Tickets are a bit pricey for me @$192 on up. I wonder if it may be worthwhile to join Manhattan Theatre Club for this year to see it. ( still have to pay additional $ to include it, from what I saw on MTC site).

Howard, I don't disagree with you at all above, so I'm not sure what you mean by "the other side of this discussion". I ALSO marveled at Meryl Streep's performance. It was amazing. But what I was suggesting was that if I hadn't already been marveled at Ms. Parson's performance in that role, I might have been even more overwhelmed with Ms. Streep's -- if that's possible. The same with Amy Morton's performance and Julia Robert's performance of the same role.

Has anyone seen "Beautiful"?

Patrick, perhaps I said it all wrong. What I simply meant was that my experience of having seen Estelle Parsons' outstanding portrayal in no way affected my appreciation of Meryl Streep's interpretation, not even, as you put it, "a little bit less."

Since this thread is still going, I will ask this question here first. What is the funniest, most risqué, side-splitting shows off broadway please?
I know, everyone laughs at different things, but just in general. Our age, oh, God this is so hard to say...mid sixties. (Gulp)

NeoPatrick: I showed my partner your comments and he did say that he thought that Bridges...,at 3 hours, was too long. I think he would be interested in reading one or two of those theatre blogs you mention..would you mind posting the links? Many thanks!

Here's one message board about previews for Bridges. . .

http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/r...=1068496&dt=92

Chicago's TJ and Dave (long form improv) are at the Barrow Street Theatre this weekend. (And they are fantastic.)

http://www.barrowstreettheatre.com/w...j-and-dave.asp

Saw Beautiful two nights ago. Fabulous. The acting, music, and singing were superb, and I found out so much about Carol King I didn't know.

Thanks, Neo!