Question re: Sunday in the Park
Question re: Sunday in the Park
HopeChanged
Stand-by Joined: 10/2/10
#1Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:18pm
For those who've seen enough musicals/plays to have a broad context for comparison - do you consider Sunday in the Park with George to be a must for those seeking great material?
I've yet to see it, but have a hunch I should - that it would be worth the time, money, travel, etc. Your thoughts?
Updated On: 9/9/12 at 09:18 PM
#2Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:21pmWhile everyone's idea of "great material" is subjective. For me there is no show greater than Sunday in the Park with George.
After Eight
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
#2Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:25pm
I would say do a search for the show on this site. There have been a great many discussions about it.
To save you time, though, I would summarize prevailing sentiment here as worshipful, and that your question would be answered with a resounding yes.
#3Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:38pmYou shouldn't have to go to far to see a half-decent production of it. It's a community/university/regional staple.
AEA AGMA SM
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
#4Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:41pm
Is it a show that you should see? Absolutely, if only so that you can determine for yourself. There are some here on the board who love it, and some who don't.
Now, worth the time, cost, travel, etc? That's dependent on so many variables that I would say it's impossible to answer until you are talking about a specific production. Would I make a day trip (possibly even an overnighter) to drive to see a college or second rate regional company's production? Probably not unless I had some connection to the show (i.e. close friends who are working on it). A production at a regional theatre that has a reputation for doing outstanding work? I would consider it, but personally it would be unlikely to be a "must do" trip for me.
HopeChanged
Stand-by Joined: 10/2/10
#5Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:42pmI have my eye on the production coming up in Chicago with Jason Danieley. Have a free place to stay, so it would just be airfare and theater tickets. If I do it, I'll also see Sweet Bird of Youth and - knowing me - one other play to get the most out of the trip.
#6Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:45pmI'd kill to see him in that.
Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)
#7Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:47pm
GO! It's a brilliant show (my favorite ever), and Danieley is the the greatest Broadway tenor since...well...Mandy Patinkin. I, too, would kill to see him in SUNDAY... !
AEA AGMA SM
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
#8Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:51pmThe Chicago Shakespeare production is indeed one that I would make the investment for if time and money lined up properly for me (they don't this time around, I start rehearsals for a show here in the city on September 24 and it runs until November 4, so no time for a Chicago trip). I love Chicago, it's a great city to visit and so much to do, so my personal recommendation would be go see it if you can, especially since there are so many other shows to see at the same time and just fun things to do there. And being able to go see the actual painting either right before or the morning after could be really neat.
#9Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:51pm
One interesting aspect about seeing this upcoming production in Chicago is that you can see the actual painting, too. It's hanging in the Chicago Art Institute.
When you're talking about "classic material" vs. a specific production, it's hard to say.
The quality of the production can make all the difference in how you ultimately regard the "material."
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
HopeChanged
Stand-by Joined: 10/2/10
#10Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 9:52pm
Thanks for the feedback. As I read your posts, I can feel that life-is-short smile spreading across my face - the one that usually means, practical considerations aside, I'll be going :) .. PS Great suggestion, best12bars, to visit the museum and see the painting. Thanks!
Updated On: 9/9/12 at 09:52 PM
#11Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 10:14pm
Hope, you will find more than one thread here where I have argued what I believe to be the show's flaws.
That in no way changes the fact that Lapine and Sondheim are two of our greatest writers and, yes, of course, you should see SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE!
I can't think of anyone I'd rather hear sing it than Jason Danieley. I so wish I could afford to join you in Chicago!
#12Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 10:58pm
Chicago Shakespeare is a really wonderful theatre and usually turns out top notch productions (I've subscribed to the last few seasons and have rarely been disappointed with the productions). Their "Follies" last year was absolutely great and I have high hopes for "Sunday."
I would definitely say try to catch it- Sunday is one of my favorite shows and Chicago Shakes should put on a good show.
#13Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 10:58pmI can`t think of any production I`d rather see paired with Sweet Bird, so, my answer is obvious.
#14Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 11:00pm
She is too old, but it would have been a nice opportunity for Marin Mazzie to star in another show with her husband.
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
Updated On: 9/9/12 at 11:00 PM
vegas2
Featured Actor Joined: 12/5/09
#15Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 11:12pmI'm going to Chicago next month to see both Sweet Bird and Sunday in the Park. Seems like a great combo. If I had a third slot, I'd probably add Kinky Boots. But it's probably better to wait for that one to get the "kinks" out.
#16Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 11:32pm
I have my eye on the production coming up in Chicago with Jason Danieley.
I have been seriously considering a trip to Chicago just to see him play that role.
Jason and Marin sing an arrangement of "Move On" on their Opposite You CD. It makes me weep.
#17Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/9/12 at 11:38pmYo tambien, PJ. I was playing it earlier today. That entire Sondheim medley is amazing!
#18Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/10/12 at 1:36am
I'm currently in a regional production in Orlando. It's definitely my favorite show, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I also wish I could see Jason in Chicago!! Sounds amazing.
I don't know about it being a staple in community theatres, though. College and regional, sure.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
#19Question re: Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/10/12 at 10:29am
Eight musicals have been awarded he Pulitzer Prize for drama. "George" is one of them.
Chicago Shakespeare's production of Follies was one of my all-time happiest theatrical experiences. It's a must-see.
MarkBearSF
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/25/11
#20See it in Paris
Posted: 9/10/12 at 11:11am
See it in its setting, Paris.
The boxoffice just opened today at Theatre du Chatelet.
(Just got 3rd row aisle for our final night in Paris)
Chatelet Sunday in the Park
#21See it in Paris
Posted: 9/10/12 at 11:32am
^ I bet that's going to be amazing. Their production of SWEENEY is still the best I've ever seen.
Since we're plugging and whatnot - If anyone is in Orlando, or close enough, here's where you can get tickets. It's going to be truly beautiful. :) GREAT cast.
www.madcowtheatre.com
Nettik
Featured Actor Joined: 6/4/10
#22See it in Paris
Posted: 9/10/12 at 12:00pmHave you seen the DVD with Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters?
Jon
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
#23See it in Paris
Posted: 9/10/12 at 3:19pm
The first Chicago production was at the old Goodman Theatre in 1987, when it was actually attached to the Art Institute. During rehearsals, the cast and crew got to view the painting with the glass removed from the front - a very rare opportunity.
That production featured John Herrera as George,Paula Scrofano as Dot/Marie, Deanna Dunagan as Yvonne/Naomi, Linda Emond as Nurse/Harriet, Linda Balgord as Celeste #2, and my mother, Etel Billig as Old Lady/Blair.
#24Sunday in the Park
Posted: 9/11/12 at 1:41am^ That's so interesting, Jon!! Thanks for sharing. :)
