Broadway Play
 

Hello, any opinions on a good play to see on Broadway in July. We'd like to go to a Drama, not a musical, as we are already going to West Side Story. Thanks, Lissa

Desire Under the Elms is getting good buzz. Have you seen August, Osage County?

Here are three (listed in no particular order):
*God or Carnage (James Gandolfini, Marcia Gay Harden and Jeff Daniels)
*Exit the King (Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon)
*August: Osage County (wonderful Pulitzer Prize winner)

"August: Osage County" is an experience. I saw it when it opened in Chicago and also in New York with some of the new cast. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll groan, etc, but you won't be bored. And you get your money's worth--it is over 3 hours (with two intermissions) as opposed to dinky plays like "God of Carnage" (90 mins);).

Hold on there, chaucerquest. Are you using quantity as a test of quality? August: Osage County is not a memorable production simply because it's 3-plus hours long. It's memorable because it's a wonderfully written piece, which happens to be that long.....Nor would I call God of Carnage dinky because it's only 90 minutes long!

I'm not sure that's what chaucerquest meant -- but it is a funny concept. Divide the length of the play by the cost of the ticket and see which is getting more for your money?

And I have overheard people walking out of really great shorter shows without intermissions -- Doubt comes to mind -- and saying, "it was so short I don't think I got my money's worth".

"August: Osage County" is outstanding, like experiencing a well written novel brought to life on stage. It's long, but goes by quickly.

When choosing a play, in addition to the reviews, we most enjoy seeing our favorite performers "live and in person". And, we appreciate humor.

For us, Neil Simon's "The Dinner Party" (some years ago) was a huge thrill for seeing John Ritter, Henry Winkler, Len Cariou, Penny Fuller, et al, live on stage...with seats behind Anthony Edwards!

Exit the King is slated to close on June 14th, so you can cross that one off your list. If however, they end up extending it, I’d give it a high priority. One of the best things I’ve seen in years. I thought God of Carnage & August Osage are also excellent, but Exit the King is just phenomenal. A few other possibilities – these are all still in previews, no reviews yet: Mary Stuart (London production opening in NY in a couple of days), Waiting for Godot (with Nathan Lane & Bill Irwin), The Norman Conquests (also from London, great reviews there).

Patrick, I can only chuckle about the comment of the person who said he/she didn't get his/her money's worth because Doubt was so short. Egads, that play says more in 90 minutes than other productions of any length communicate!

Ooops and thank you, spring 212, for mentioning Waiting for Godow. How could I forget Waiting for Godot? We saw it 10 days and thought it was outstanding. The four actors--Nathan Lane, Bill Irwin, John Goodman and John Glover were wonderful. It's certainly not a play for everyone, but it should be a must for the serious theatergoer!

Thanks so much, I really wanted to see Exit the King and was disappointed it was closing before we arrived. The post from spring212 indicated there is a chance it may be extended? Any clues on how far in advance of june 14 this might firm up. August, Osage County sounded great from what I'd looked at too, but I'd really like to see Exit the King. Thanks, Lissa

If Exit the King does extend, there probably won't be an announcement until sometime in mid to late May, probably.

Thanks Howard, I might hold off.

Don't mean to hijack this thread, but heading to NYC mid May. What about a non-musical for DD and I? She is almost 19. Says she wants something other than a musical. I'm ready for that as well. Would any of those you mention appeal to a 19 Year old? I can get excellent seats for Exit the King...But that won't be the only determiner.

Austin, that's a good question....and a tough one to answer. I'm hardly an expert on what plays a 19-year-older would like, but my gut tells me that it would NOT be Exit the King. As a "non-expert" recommendation, I'd suggest August: Osage County, since it's such a wonderful experience. I'm wondering how Neopatrick would answer this question!

Appreciate that Howard. She's my kid and I'm not sure either! Tell me what makes you think it would not be Exit the King. Maybe we can figure this out. I know she would enjoy something more modern, so maybe that would rule out Exit. Of course she would probably like it if it were bawdy and very funny.

We saw Waiting for Godot last night. I would say it is one of the finest pieces of theater we've seen in years. Magnificent performances by all and: ok, the "plot" is somewhat different but if the Human Condition interests you - see this play.

Austin, to get the best idea about Exit the King, I recommend you do a simple google search--"Reviews for Exit the King"--and read what the critics said.
jroth, I couldn't agree with you more about Waiting for Godot. And, this production is indeed wonderful. Your brief description of th "plot" is so....well, perfect! However, I'm not sure about whether it's the right show for the subject in question.
I think you might find quite a different review about Waiting for Godot on another thread interesting. Check out the thread "New York City Trip Report-2nd Time Around" and read the section for Wednesday, April 8th and the followup postings by Neopatrick and myself.

I think I've given up guessing what 19 year olds might like (12 to 80 year olds too, for that matter!) based on many recent posts here.
Actually I'd think if she's really into theatre and likes "modern" Exit the King would be a great choice. As I think God of Carnage would be.

How about what is supposed to be a "brilliant" production -- Mary Stuart which is playing into August?

But it is hard to beat August/Osage County in my book.

Desire Under the Elms is to close in early July, along with Waiting for Godot.

I saw "Blythe Spirit" with Angela Lansbury on Wednesday night & thoroughly enjoyed it. Don't know what the season run is but if your daughter enjoys English humour, she may well love this Noel Coward gem.