Buyer & Cellar: Hanke

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/20/14 at 12:46am

I finally saw the show today. I know, I know. I took me forever to get me to see this, but I'm glad I went. I mean, it's kind of annoying in the fact that none if it actually happened, so it's kind of like who cares? But, at the same time, I think the playwright wrote in some very moving moments, like when Barbara admits she's always wanted to beautiful. I think that's something a lot of us can connect with, and when he says that your wingspan is about how much room you take up, and that maybe what's in that radius is more important than what is out of it. Overall, it was an engaging show, but at the same time I felt very like "this is fluff." I could see where Michael Urie would have excelled at this. I thought Hanke was pushing a little too hard to be "that gay guy." I'm not sure that kind of stuff comes naturally to him, but I think he'll get comfortable and grow into it.

[Claudia Draper]

Posted: 3/20/14 at 8:58am

Barbara ?? really! 50 years and people cannot get her name right
Updated On: 3/20/14 at 08:58 AM

[WJR2]

Posted: 3/20/14 at 10:22am

You didn't care about the show...because it was fiction? How many shows on/off Broadway right now are nonfiction? 2? 3? Seems like an odd comment but glad you enjoyed the show. I loved it!

[pathman2]

Posted: 3/20/14 at 10:43am

I had the same reaction as the OP. Yes, it's a fictional story, but one using a real person and setting where the events never happened. Not as interesting as either a completely fictional story or one based on actual events. The show definitely trades on the Streisand name and wouldn't be anyway near as interesting if it was about anyone else.



Updated On: 3/20/14 at 10:43 AM

[WJR2]

Posted: 3/20/14 at 11:56am

Hm. Good point!

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/20/14 at 6:25pm

Exactly. It's basically the same thing as like historical fiction. I'm not really interested in hearing about "well maybe this happened..." I'd rather it be based on true events like "Argo" or something, which I'm sure was embellished, or just an entirely fictional story.

I mean, I found it interesting, but I didn't think Hanke's characterizations were different enough to make each character interesting. Not sure what Urie did, but it had some good moments. I thought the projections would be a little more interesting, but they just projection words that he was saying which seemed stupid?

I know I'm being nit-picky but would Streisand's people call up Disney to hire someone to work for her? Seems odd.

And sorry for butchering her name. I'm not one of those queens who is obsessed with her or anything like that. Although I did see Funny Girl and leaned over to my friend and was like "I get it." I can see why you'd be attracted to her star power.

[beltingbaritone]

Posted: 4/2/14 at 8:12pm

Anyone else see Hanke in this role? Thoughts? I love Michael Urie and can't believe I didn't make the time to see this when he was in it, but I'd still be interested in going.

[Vespertine1228]

Posted: 4/4/14 at 12:52am

I went tonight and had a great time. It was clear that he's still working some of the comedic timing in certain parts to best effect, but that's understandable given he's just 3 weeks in and on stage by himself for 90 minutes.

I would've loved to have seen Urie, but if you missed him like I did, you'll still have a great time.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 4/4/14 at 12:44pm

This is going to come across as very...rude? But I think the super, over-the-top gay character comes more naturally to Urie than Hanke. I think Hanke was pushing to try and be that kind of a character. I'm sure it suited Urie better.

[tom2000a]

Posted: 4/8/14 at 10:07pm

I saw this tonight and I was disappointed on many levels. I thought the writing was very average. I hardly laughed at all. The performance was competent but the whole thing was just not great material. I honestly don't see what all the hub bub has been. I am sorry I went to be honest. I would have rather spent the night somewhere else.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/8/14 at 10:17pm

Barbra Joan Streistand

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/8/14 at 10:27pm

Like many plays of the slight variety, so much often rests on the performer. Urie was inspired and lifted the material-hence why he's going on tour. It fit him like a glove and he was splendid. It can easily fall flat with others. Same goes for "Ill Eat You Last"-it would really stink with a lesser actress.

[nealb1]

Posted: 4/9/14 at 11:19am

Saw the show a few weeks ago and really, really enjoyed it. The time just flew by. I'll be back in NYC on the 22nd for 10 days. But, no time on the schedule to see it again as I'll be seeing 12 other shows.

It's coming here to Los Angeles this summer, and I'll definately see it again.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 4/9/14 at 10:58pm

Michael Haneke is directing BUYER & CELLAR?? W-O-W!

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 4/15/14 at 4:26pm

Barret Foa is going to be in the show starting 5/27. Wonder why Hanke's run is so short. I guess Rudin's hope of bringing THE FLICK to Barrow Street are slowly eroding.
BWW Link

[broadwaybelter]

Posted: 4/15/14 at 4:56pm

I wouldn't be so quick to brush aside THE FLICK. Tickets are on sale through August 31st. That's a nice chunk of time for a small gig.

[Broadwayboy2631]

Posted: 4/15/14 at 4:58pm

It looks like he was just filling in, until someone with more name recognition could take over. Foa's TV schedule probably ends around now. So, that gives him time for a rehearsal period, and maybe a vacation in between. I think a lot of people were wondering how Hanke could keep the show running through the summer.

[WJR2]

Posted: 4/15/14 at 4:58pm

Does anyone know when the play will be published/if it will be?

[WJR2]

Posted: 4/15/14 at 4:58pm

also, has anyone seen Hanke recently? Has he improved?

[RippedMan]

Posted: 4/15/14 at 10:38pm

I guess Urie/Foa are on the same level of "celebrity." Not sure people are going to flood back to see Foa. I think the show has run its course. People will devour it in regional theater.

[tom2000a]

Posted: 4/15/14 at 10:46pm

It's terrible writing. Or at least very average.

[mamaleh]

Posted: 4/16/14 at 8:56am

Nealb1, I happened to spot Michael Urie the other day. He mentioned that he was going to take BUYER & CELLAR on tour, so it looks like you'll get to see him be fabulous in that role. That was one of my favorite theater experiences of last year, even at the creepy feeling-inducing Rattlestick.

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 4/16/14 at 9:18am

I've seen the show three times, Urie was amazing, but I also think the writing was incisive and funny, and told us a great deal about celebrity and power. Oh, and it was damned funny, imo. Sent many friends and colleagues, both straight and gay, to see it, and all of them enjoyed it. Probably won't see it again, but glad I saw Michael each time.

[beltingbaritone]

Posted: 5/6/14 at 10:50pm

I finally made my way down to see this tonight, and I'm so glad I did. I kicked myself for not seeing Urie in this, and thought that might deter my enjoyment of the show. I could see flashes or Urie's characterization, having originated the role, but at no time did I feel I was watching a replacement. Hanke gave a very fresh, charismatic, hilarious, and at times emotionally poignant performance. I definitely want to get back and see this before he leaves!

[stephimarie]

Posted: 5/14/14 at 6:10pm

I saw Urie in this back in December and I just couldn't imagine anyone else in the role. Urie was made for the show (er...the show was made for him?) either way.