Katurian's "Coast of Utopia Review"
Katurian's "Coast of Utopia Review"
#1Katurian's "Coast of Utopia Review"
Posted: 11/25/06 at 11:13pm
You know the moment during "Keep it Gay" in "The Producers" where Carmen & co. flash the mirror around to the repeated tune of "Tony", "Tony", "Tony", "Tony?" That's exactly what was on my mind as I left the Lincoln Center Friday night. You know, along with questions about the human soul, the essence of socialism and communisim, and thoughts on the orgin of ideas. Typical mind flashes for anyone who wisely ventures to this production.
The future is bright for Tom Stoppard's "Coast of Utopia" series, and I believe that golden glow is emmenating from that treasured statue.
Billy Crudup is a god. Just to let you all know. I had the immense pleasure of meeting him prior to the show, (he is such a sweet man) and the even greater treat of witnessing his full on transformation and immersion into the role of Vissarion Belinsky. Let me say that I have never before witnessed a greater performance in a play. That is a solid opinion that I have formed. Never. He took Tom Stoppard's heavy philisophical text and translated it into something the audience could process, ponder, and enjoy. Every time I saw him trampse onstage, a huge smile came over my features, and had I been able to tear myself away from staring, I'm sure the rest of the audience was the same way. If you miss this show, you have missed what is argueably the most amazing actor in New York in what is his master role. The rest of the cast was also, though not quite equally, impactful. Don't get me wrong, this IS an ensemble production. However, it is supported by two columns, the aforementioned Crudup, and his co-star Ethan Hawke.
Bottom Line: I almost had a bit of a flashback to seeing "Angels in America" for the first time. The script is so bloated with magnificent ideas and ideals that it was almost too much to process everything to it's full deservingness. Nonetheless, the design was classy, the actors were phenominal, and I can't wait to return for the next two installments.
~Katurian2
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck
Updated On: 11/25/06 at 11:13 PM
mattnyc2
Broadway Star Joined: 9/27/06
#1re: Katurian's 'Coast of Utopia Review'
Posted: 11/25/06 at 11:14pm
Great review!
I can't wait to see this. How was the rest of the cast?
#2re: Katurian's 'Coast of Utopia Review'
Posted: 11/25/06 at 11:18pm
Ethan Hawke was also breathtaking. He defined his character perfectly, and compelled quite a few hearty laughs out of the audience. His projection and diction were wonderful, and in the back of the orchestra, I could hear every word he said. (No mics) Amy Irving was the biggest dissapointment. It felt as if she screamed every line she had- which was NOT in character consideration at ALL. "Voyage" was very much for Crudup and Hawke though. The sequels do incoporate the other characters more, but so far, this is a very two-person light.
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck
Updated On: 11/25/06 at 11:18 PM
#3re: Katurian's 'Coast of Utopia Review'
Posted: 11/25/06 at 11:23pm
great review. now i'm sorry i missed this on our trip to nyc this week. i had no idea crudup and hawke were in it.
having now seen the HBO DVD of ANGELS IN AMERICA, i'm sorry i missed the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the original stage production. i'd hate to not see this if it's as legendary.
i'd love to see the MARATHON performance of COAST in FEB!
RIP glebby <3
#4re: Katurian's 'Coast of Utopia Review'
Posted: 11/26/06 at 12:02am
I agree wholeheartedly with your review Katurian. Not only did I think the entire production was incredible, I thought Billy Crudup was a genius up there on stage. He definitely made me smile every time he entered the stage too.
I met him after the show when I saw it (I've met him on previous occasions, back in his "Pillowman" days) and he really is such a sweet guy. Great actor, great guy. Great play.
I can not wait to see the second and third installments of The Coast of Utopia.
A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.
Updated On: 11/26/06 at 12:02 AM
mattnyc2
Broadway Star Joined: 9/27/06
#5re: Katurian's 'Coast of Utopia Review'
Posted: 11/26/06 at 12:19amSorry to hear about Amy Irving. I've always enjoyed her work, even in her Sue Snell days.
#6re: Katurian's 'Coast of Utopia Review'
Posted: 11/26/06 at 11:06am
cturtle~ I plan to see a marathon performance of it as well- though I am a bit scared of brain-frying ffrom processing all that information from 11am-11pm!
Yes, Billy Crudup is the sweetest! I don't stagedoor too much, but he is one of the nicest actors I have had the pleasure to speak to.
I, also was looking forward to Amy Irving, as I had seen her before and thought she was magnificant. She just didn't deliever here though.
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck
#7re: Katurian's 'Coast of Utopia Review'
Posted: 11/26/06 at 12:52pm
i would GLADLY do the marathon. i think it would be great to see the whole thing in one day. too bad they're sold out 
RIP glebby <3
#8re: Katurian's 'Coast of Utopia Review'
Posted: 11/26/06 at 1:18pm
I'm going to the opening tomorrow night. Get me some Stoppard love... Can't wait!
Yup, all the marathon days are sold out. I would have loved to do it all at once.
"It's not so much do what you like, as it is that you like what you do." SS
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana." GMarx
#9re: Katurian's 'Coast of Utopia Review'
Posted: 11/26/06 at 3:32pm
Yeah, I'm so depressed from finding that out. The other showings will probably go quickly as well when the reviews and word of mouth comes around. The theatre it's in so so small too! I really wish this could be around longer. It deserves to be. Depressing....
"Are you sorry for civilization? I am sorry for it too." ~Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck
