My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
#1My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/11/09 at 11:31pm
I've had days in the theater that, at only 90 minutes in length, felt longer than the 7 hours I devoted today to THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, Matthew Warchus' quietly boisterous production of Alan Ayckbourn's epic saga of one terrible weekend.
As acted by the terrific ensemble of Amelia Bullmore, Jessica Hynes, Stephen Mangan, Ben Miles, Paul Ritter and Amanda Root, all of whom reprise their roles from last fall's production at London's Old Vic, this weekend is both hilarious and sad. Warchus has expertly guided the group through the traditionally bipolar waters of Ayckbourn with remarkably well-balanced results (with a few pacing problems here and there, to be ironed out, I'm sure).
Poor Annie (Hynes). All she wants to do is go away for the weekend with Norman (Mangan), her brother-in-law, with whom she had relations last Christmas on the living room rug. So she enlists her brother Reg (Ritter) and his wife Sarah (Root) to watch the house, keep an eye on sickly mother upstairs and Tom (Miles), Annie's meek, unsuspecting fiancee. When Norman's wife Ruth (Bullmore) finds out, all bets are off and by the end of the weekend, Norman has taken everyone, sans Tom, as a conquest.
To see all three in a row has its pluses and minuses. By the end of Part 3, "Round and Round the Garden," you've nearly forgotten all that's been alluded to in Part 1, "Table Manners." A plus, in Part 2, "Living Together," almost all the humor stems from that which occurred in Part 1. If you see these out of order, in that respect, you'll have no idea why Reg picking up the trashcan is so rib-tickling. So therefore, while the plays do indeed stand alone, it is best to see all three, in the order of "Table Manners," "Living Together," and "Round and Round the Garden," though that one starts the earliest and ends the latest.
There isn't a weak link in the 6-member ensemble. Mangan's Norman is as lovable a loser as you can find. Rush and Miles are perfectly pathetic and are heartbreaking in their conversations where no dialogue is uttered. Root and Bullmore) counterpoint one another in shrewishness (and to watch Bullmore try to unfold a chaise lounge is priceless...well, there are a lot of priceless moments). But it is Ritter's Reg who steals the show from everyone and, in my opinion, is the rightful owner of the 2009 Tony statuette for Best Featured Actor.
The design (sets, costumes by Rob Howell; lighting by David Howe; music by Gary Yershon; sound by Simon Baker for Autograph) is lovely. With the show performed in the round, there are no bad seats anywhere. I sat in the 400s for parts 1 and 2 and in the 100s for Part 3. The 400s is where the stage would normally sit in the Circle's 3/4 round ground plan. The 100s force proscenium on the piece. The 400s are closer to the stage than the 100s, though the 100s are not nor nearly as far away as the farthest seats at the Old Vic.
After more than 11 hours (that counts lunch and dinner breaks), the cast got a well-deserved standing ovation. Even Michael Riedel begrudgingly took part after he put his jacket on. But I did notice him laugh and smile. More than once.
Updated On: 4/11/09 at 11:31 PM
#2re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 1:37amYankee, I only saw Table Manners this morning, but I wish i had gotten to see all 3. I already had tickets to other things this afternoon and evening (Exit the King and God of Carnage), but I can say with assurance that Table Manners was the best of the three things I saw today. Additionally, I couldn't agree with you more about Paul Ritter deserving the Tony. He was brilliant every minute he was on stage. I hope this wins Best Revival of a Play. I think it is brilliantly done.
#2re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 1:48am
I saw Living Together this afternoon and I really enjoyed it. Really smart and funny. There were points where some audience members were tittering or chuckling in unison (from people I know were at the 11am show) you felt left out of the joke because clearly they know or realized something you didn't. But by the end of the play, there is so much material to chew on, and the performances so uniformly brilliant, you can appreciate the one piece entirely on its own.
But I can't wait to see the other two pieces this week!
"Hey little girls, look at all the men in shiny shirts and no wives!" - Jackie Hoffman, Xanadu, 19 Feb 2008
#3re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 1:50am
Thanks for the review, YankeeFan. Aren't you glad you decided to see it now?
I'll be at the Circle in the Square on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this coming week...really looking forward to seeing all three plays! After a mostly disappointing week last week (Accent on Youth, The Philanthropist), these three plays will hopefully be positive experiences!
Updated On: 4/12/09 at 01:50 AM
Smaxie
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/26/05
#4re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 8:00am
>So therefore, while the plays do indeed stand alone, it is best to see all three, in the order of "Table Manners," "Living Together," and "Round and Round the Garden," though that one starts the earliest and ends the latest.<
I first saw them in the order of Round and Round the Garden, Table Manners, Living Together, and the plays do not suffer at all being seen in that order. I would just recommend seeing Living Together after seeing Table Manners.
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
#5re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 8:20amI'm going to borrow the script from the library and photocopy it so I can read the play in chronological order.
leefowler
Broadway Star Joined: 7/13/04
#6re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 9:15amI saw the trilogy yesterday as well. I thought it was terrific, but wondered if seeing the plays all in one day was really a plus or not. Since the three plays don't tell one story, but rather, one story three times, it gets a bit wearying sitting down at the beginning of the second and third play, realizing that you're back at square one again. That said, I had a great time, and would recommend it anyone. And the cast is perfect.
Behind the fake tinsel of Broadway is real tinsel.
April Saul
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/17/06
#7re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 9:37am
I, too, saw the trilogy yesterday and agree that it was brilliant! I also second Yankee's suggestion that the three be seen in the order they're presented on any single day at Circle in the Square. Can't agree with the poster on another thread who said yesterday morning's audience was grouchy or lackluster; they were laughing so hard from the getgo that someone asked me during the intermssion if there was a recorded laugh track!
I was a little worried about being worn out by a marathon but I shouldn't have been; I found it to be the perfect way to view these, all in all a wonderful day of theater...but yeah, even though you could see these one at a time, in any order you like, the ending of Round and Round, imho, is clearly the definitive one of the piece....I do believe this will be a hit, and I'd see it sooner rather than later, when it will be much harder to get the seats. I'd also stress not to be afraid of TDF or student rush as I sat all over the theater-in-the-round configuration yesterday and could hear and see fine from anywhere...enjoy! To me, it was another reminder of how terrific this theater season is turning out to be...
Smaxie
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/26/05
#8re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 10:14am
Moonch, that poster over at ATC you refer to, actually says the audience was attentive once the play started, but was cranky going in - certainly not lackluster in their response. He's also somewhat alarmist about Circle in the Square being converted to in-the-round for this production, not seeming to realize that the in-the-round stage is the way that Ayckbourn writes his plays for his theatre in Scarborough, which is how Matthew Warchus had seen them and how he wanted to stage The Norman Conquests for The Old Vic. The conversion of The Old Vic from proscenium to in-the-round was far more radical than adding a fourth section to Circle. And it should be mentioned that a fourth section was added to Circle previously for Life x 3.
As you and another poster at ATC mention, Moonch's experience with the audience doesn't much match with what others seemed to experience, so I'm wondering who really was the cranky one going in there yesterday. All fine once the plays begin!
Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.
Yankeefan007
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/20/04
#9re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 10:20am
I didn't notice anyone particularly cranky, except one VERY rude, (I imagine) mentally unstable woman who spent from 10:15-10:30 trying to figure out how to get a letter to Alan Ayckbourn, eventually screaming at that poor ticket taker.
RE: the 400s section - no the seats aren't that fluffy, but there's plenty of room and LEG ROOM, too!
ghostlight2
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/5/04
#10re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/12/09 at 11:58am
"As you and another poster at ATC mention, Moonch's experience with the audience doesn't much match with what others seemed to experience, so I'm wondering who really was the cranky one going in there yesterday."
FWIW, smaxie, and as you probably already know, this above-mentioned poster has a tendency to be contrary, pejoratively ageist ("ancient and cranky" was the description of yesterday's audience), and wildly anti-union - (s)he refers to box office treasurers as overpaid cashiers whose job duties are no more taxing than those of a McDonalds or Barnes and Noble cashier. Often provocative, and not in a good way. As you've inferred, not the happiest of campers, so most tend to take his/her posts with a grain of salt.
I was leaning towards the marathon, as I did with Utopia, and based on what I'm hearing here, I think that's the way for me to go. Thanks for all your input.
RentBoy86
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
#11re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/17/09 at 1:30am
I finished the trilogy tonight and I loved it! I saw them in the right order. I know it doesn't matter, but for me I just had to see them in the order he wrote them. Anyways, I think it ranks as my number one theatrical experience since moving to New York in September. Just brilliant. I loved the way the writer balanced the comedy with the drama. There were moments of utter heartbreak where you were rooting for Tom, and then two seconds later you'd crying with laughter. It was so well balanced and acted. I was just in amazement of all the actors. They were all so spot on night after night.
I have to say my favorites were Reg and Ruth. I just loved them both as comedic actors. Did anyone else feel like Ruth had a bit of a mental issue? I feel bad saying that, but she just had sort of a constant shaking going on. I loved it, and I loved how consistent it was. I didn't know if it was just the actor or the characterization. But well done to both of them.
Ruth unfolding the chair, Reg getting the trash can, and Tom trying to kiss Ruth rank as my top three favorite moments.
I just loved the whole experience. It was such a pleasure getting to know certain random audience members and seeing their faces each night and exchanging a "hello" or a "how are you" or "what do you think" with them each night. It felt like a family. I would always been so tired from work or something but as soon as I heard those opening notes of the music I instantly was brought back into the world. Such a pleasure.
I have a few questions though - as I always do. First off, so they added seats? The Circle in the Square doesn't normally seat that many? I'm curious to see a show there with its normal configuration. Also, why did the play have a 70s time setting? I know that's when the plays were written, but they pretty much are timeless, right? I didn't mind, I was just curious. And lastly, what was up with the "curtain" or better yet the train model? I think Tom mentions something that tipped my ear about where the set designer might have gotten that idea from, but I'll have to re-read the play to figure it out. It's in the last scene in "....garden." Any ideas?
WiCkEDrOcKS
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
#12re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/17/09 at 1:37am
What is the deal with the rush policy for the marathon?
Does anyone know?
If I show up at the box office at 10/10:30 (the first show is at 11:30) can I buy rush seats right then and there for all three marathon performances?
RentBoy86
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
#13re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/17/09 at 11:11amI don't know the answer, but technically - according to their policy - yes. I mean, it's day of the performance, so I don't see why not?
#14re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/17/09 at 11:26am
In complete agreement with the exception of the necessity of order. The Reg bit is the most obvious example, but really, there are bits in every one that enhance moments in the others, which is part of what makes it all the more brilliant.
Example (with the minorest of spoilers): Tom's habit of saying "ummmmmm" before speaking is only pointed out in "Living Together" but he actually does it in all three shows.
RentBoy86
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
#15re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/17/09 at 5:51pm
Very true, but I thought "Living Together" was the most obscure piece of the bunch. If you didn't know about the whole Norman/Annie thing ahead of it, I don't think that show would have cleared anything up. They seemed to dance around the subject quite a bit, but without ever saying it.
Also, I found some of Ruth's bits more hilarious because I knew she couldn't see without her glasses. They eventually explain it in all three, but "Table Manners" was a nice introduction and the funniest of the bunch, I think.
I was thinking about the show today and I loved the direction. I loved how in "....Garden" how Annie was picking the stems off the roses (A symbol of romance, as romance was a key term/theme in that piece), and then how when Tom's about to propose, he awkwardly stands up and kicks the pile of stems around a little. It's nice subtle symbolize, and I don't even know if it was intentional or if I was looking too much into it, but I noticed it.
#16re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/18/09 at 12:49amDid you also notice how there were pretty major spoilers in your post?
#17re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/18/09 at 7:08amTechnically in the Thread title it says "(long, spoilers)" so you were warned that this thread would contain spoilers.
Barbara888
Swing Joined: 4/16/09
#18re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/18/09 at 8:06ami am going along today to see all 3 again; cant get enough of this....
RentBoy86
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
#19re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/18/09 at 1:38pmYeah. And honestly none of the "spoilers" in this show will ruin the evening for it. It's not spoilers like "Next to Normal" spoilers. There aren't any major events.
#20re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/18/09 at 5:13pmI would argue that the proposal is a pretty major thing. It's a moment that really hits you after having seen the two interact in the other two plays. And yes, I guess "spoilers" is in the title, but when you aren't the title poster it's nice to indicate that there's something coming up that you might not want to read.
RentBoy86
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
#21re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/18/09 at 10:57pmSorry didn't even cross my mind.
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#22re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/18/09 at 11:03pmI saw "Round and Round the Garden" tonight and loved it. I didn't see the other two, but I didn't feel like that detracted from my experience; there were only a couple of moments where I must have missed something because many people laughed and I didn't get the joke, but I still found the play hilarious and understood what was going on. The show got a very enthusiastic standing ovation at the end from the entire audience; I think many people had seen the entire trilogy that day (everyone sitting around me said they had). I was in the front row, which was fun. Saw Kevin Spacey, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Julie White in the audience.
Ryan4
Stand-by Joined: 4/13/08
#23re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/19/09 at 1:03am
I saw "Living Together" and "Round and Round the Garden" today and thought it was superb. One of the funniest things I've ever seen and the audience completely ate it up. It's also unexpectedly touching.
I think this is going to win Revival of a Play and probably Direction of a Play. I can't even begin to decide which of the cast should score nominations - they were all so perfect in their roles. But I don't think there's been anything quite as funny this season as watching Paul Ritter imitate chess board pieces or Amelia Bullmore attempt to unfold a lawn chair.
I did miss out on some of the jokes in "Living" b/c I hadn't seen "Table Manners" but I thought it was very funny nonetheless and didn't have trouble understanding anything. Probably will go back to see "Table Manners" another time.
(Noticed Julie White there too, with Daniel Swee I think..)
Updated On: 4/19/09 at 01:03 AM
RentBoy86
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
#24re: My thoughts on THE NORMAN CONQUESTS trilogy (long, spoilers)
Posted: 4/19/09 at 3:16am
Ugh, I love Ruth. Just thinking about her today on the subway made me laugh. (and I know I sound crazy talking about her like she's real, but whatever).
