Jack

There's been some postings lately inquiring about the opening of Man of La Mancha. Thought you might be interested in reading a RAVE review in today's NY Times (it officially opened last night). Sounds like a great show...

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts...La-Mancha.html

Patricia

Enjoyed the article...."there isn't anything that Brian Stokes Mitchell can't do" pretty well sums it up! We're seeing this while visiting NYC in 2 weeks, getting excited. Thanks for sharing.

Howard

I read the review as well. I wouldn't call it a rave at all. In fact, I'd say the comments about the show were lukewarm at best

Mark

Howard, this review sounded good to me as well....interesting how we can each interpret differently. I haven't seen this yet so I'll wait and decide for myself. (Never saw the original either) but have a lot of respect for Mitchell's ability to "make" a show.

Jill

I agree with Howard. The beginning lines .... "Man of La Mancha," which opened last night in a stiflingly overscaled production at the Martin Beck Theater."..made me dismiss the thought of seeing this. There are so many more interesting and excellent plays in NYC now.

Sue

I read this twice this morning...Mitchell appears to be the one getting the "rave" reviews (not necessarily the entire cast, but all and all it sounds like the show gets a thumbs up) but again, why would this surprise anyone? Revivals seem to be doing quite well so I assume this will not be an exception. Ticket sales are very healthy. I'm looking forward to seeing this in January. Sue

Booooooring

If "The Impossible Dream" is the song you live by, you will probably want to be around for this rendition of it, which happens at roughly 9:15. Otherwise, "Man of La Mancha," as staged by the eminent British director Jonathan Kent, seems curiously small and static, like an inspirational church basement show placed inexplicably in a vast cathedral. Even Mr. Mitchell, in a performance in sore need of variety, often appears to be shrinking.

Andrea

Jill, I just read this and the article doesn't start with: Man of La Mancha,"
which opened last night in a stiflingly overscaled production at the Martin
Beck Theater." Not sure what article you're referring to (I'd love it if you'd share it though)?? The article I just read (original posting) starts with glowing remarks of Brian Stokes Mitchell. I saw the original with Kiley and it still remains one of my all time favorites. I'll have to see this revival and see for myself if it can begin to compare with the original. Although The Impossible Dream is a show stopper...the entire production years ago was amazing.

Dulcinea

Rave review??? Did you read it? Are you high? What about the last line,
"The horse, a fanciful prop awaiting the magic to make it move, just stands there. For the most part, so does the show."

Far from a rave.

Jill

Read the review this morning in the New York Times.
If you read it through, past the beginning paragraph, you will find the part that I referred to.
Try Metamorphoses, Proof, Movin On, there are so many good shows in NYC to see, no need to waste a lot of money on mediocre revivals.

Lynn

I only read the part that Jack gave on his original posting so I'm not sure what some of you are talking about? What I read sounded OK. Personally, I never pay much attention to reviews for either theater or movies. I trust the opinions of good friends and their taste which is usually similar to my own. With this being said, I have heard from several co-workers here in the city that said it is very well done and worth the ticket. We all have our own taste, makes the world interesting!

Patrick

I just read the review, and I also question what review Jack was talking about. This is NOT a rave review, far from it. If I were to pick shows to see based solely on reviews (which I don't) I would certainly skip this one. But I have no doubt that Brian Stokes Mitchell does indeed give a great performance in what must obviously be a mediocre production otherwise. That is pretty much what theatre friends in Washington told me a month or so ago.