Pacific Overtures

[LuminousBeing]

Got my ticket! Front row in mid-May, $71. I agree with what a above-poster said about "Passion." I think this will be a tremendous theater experience. 

[MarkBearSF]

SO happy. Grabbed 2 on the aisle for Thurs May 11. 

Thought I'd re-share Ed Cachianes's excellent video collage of Pacific Overtures, that I recall both Sondheim and Frank RIch have praised 
https://youtu.be/--EZV2uY8-8

 

[qolbinau]

Do they often cast women in this?

[ljay889]

The 2004 revival did. 

[Wayman_Wong]

The 1976 Broadway original had women in it, but in minor roles.

[newintown]

"1976 Broadway original had women in it, but in minor roles"

Not entirely accurate. Women were used as hooded figures, manipulating props, etc. Their faces were not seen or their voices heard except in the finale, "Next," partly to show the vast changes in Japanese culture.

[Wayman_Wong]

Yes, there were women in the original 1976 ''Pacific Overtures'': Susan Kikuchi, Diane Lam, Kim Miyori, Freda Foh Shen, Leslie Watanabe. And though they mostly played the hooded stage assistants, they had bit parts, disguised as sailors and townspeople. As you note, the women could be clearly seen as women in the modern-day ''Next.'' Also, Foh Shen was featured as the Shogun's comical, off-key singing wife in ''Chrysanthemum Tea.''

[somechrysanthemumtea]

I'm slightly upset that this revival has chosen to cast women as well, and since theatre producing isn't what it was in 1976, I doubt they will only be playing bit parts or be disguised till the end. There is something about the all-male cast that lends to the shows Kabuki-esque feeling.

I do hope that whoever is the Shogun's Mother does justice to Alvin Ing's phenomenal interpretation.

[newintown]

I, too, prefer the show when staged in a heavily stylized way (including using men in women's roles, as the writers intended). It creates a kind of magic that a more prosaic, pedestrian visualization does not.

Sadly, I've only seen it done this way once, in the really wonderful 1984 Off Broadway revival. (Although the video of the original Broadway production offers a very good argument that that was the definitive version which will probably never be surpassed for magic, message, and sumptuousness.)

[guitarperson]

Hmmm, I'm definitely curious to see Doyle's interpretation and think the show could work great with women cast in some lead roles. Like "Sweeney", I think the source material in Pacific Overtures is so strong that it could be presented any number of different ways with success. I'm more concerned about the "100 minutes, no intermission" running time and hope they don't cut out any major songs (though of course there are parts of the original production that should be cut)

[PianoMann]

I grabbed a pair of tickets for a Sunday in May in Row C. They had tickets in Row A available, but I was afraid the stage may be high and thought it might be best to be a bit further back.

This will be my first time seeing a production of Pacific Overtures and I am so excited! Can't wait to hear reports from previews!

[myk]

At CSC, when there is a stage, it is usually only a foot or so off the ground. Most shows are performed on the "floor." I've sat in the front row many times and because it's so intimate a space and you're right there with them, it takes on an almost environmental theater feel. It might not be for everyone, but I highly recommend sitting that close sometime. I saw both Allegro and Passion from the first row (side) and it was like "living" the performance with them.

[PianoMann]

That's good to know, thank you myk!

[VintageSnarker]

If I'm remembering correctly, Mother Courage was performed on the existing floor of the theater and Peer Gynt was performed on a platform. But yes, I don't remember the platform being high enough to impede anyone's view. I'm not sure that would even work in that space.

[MarkBearSF]

I had thought that the space was T-shaped with seating on the sides of the stage, but the seating plan for P.O. shows a long, narrow stage between two long sides of seats. Of the two sides, without knowing the specifics of the set, is one side usually considered better than the other?

[VintageSnarker]

MarkBearSF said: "I had thought that the space was T-shaped with seating on the sides of the stage, but the seating plan for P.O. shows a long, narrow stage between two long sides of seats. Of the two sides, without knowing the specifics of the set, is one side usually considered better than the other?

That's an interesting question. The former seating made a sort of C-shape with center risers that faced the "stage" head on with a set of seats on either side. In that configuration, both sides were fine depending how the actors were facing at any one moment. My assumption is that they took out the center seating because if you were to instead put another set of risers along the back wall I think it would block the doors where the actors make their entrances and exits. If the stage is lengthways I'm not sure if the actors will mostly be in profile or if they'll turn one side of the audience will have a poor view. The center seating used to be the best view but they must have a good reason for taking it out. 

[myk]

That's the configuration that Peer Gynt (John Doyle direction) was staged. The 100 side (if that is the side when you enter the auditorium, closest to the door) is usually the "front" but I'm sure it will be staged so both sides get a great view... Peer was.

[chris d]

Going to see this May 10 and I'm super excited.

[_IrisTInkerbell]

Heisenberg Off-Broadway was staged like that and I feel like both sides would have been equally good. But Heisenberg only has 2 actors and basically no set, so it's probably a bit easier.

[justoldbill]

Will Jonathan Goble and his ricksha be left out of this production, too?  I'm unhappy when this and other more kaleidoscopic aspects of the show are removed to make the show more "linear" (not the original intent).  For me, these adjustments diminish the show, much like the absence of "Bolero d'Amour" in FOLLIES and "Tick-Tock" in COMPANY.  I don't see such cuts as "improvements".