I really enjoyed this performance, and hope "Broadway Near You" continues with productions. The ticket price will probably keep casual theatergoers (certainly moviegoers) away at first. In most markets, the price is the same of a liver show. Anyway, I'm grateful to be able to see Lansbury & Jones in this show.
"Through The Sacrifice You Made, We Can't Believe The Price You Paid..For Love!"
Paid $21.69 in Pasadena. But Lord, is it worth every penny!
Terrifically full performance by Dame Lansbury, and Boyd Gaines does lovely work as Boolie, but we couldn't take our eyes off of James Earl Jones the whole night. Such invention and artistry in every halting step and goofy grin. How very lucky we are to have these performances recorded for all time.
Did it feel like you were in the theater with them? No, never. But the editing was seamless, the laughter from the recorded audience was welcome, and for once the full-stage shots were plentiful. You got to understand John Lee Beatty's lovely set in its simplicity and grandeur, something these taped performances so often fail to deliver.
Having said all that, does anyone else feel as we do that the play itself lacks something? Beautiful character sketches but not quite a full meal? Perhaps that's a subject for a thread some other day...
"Having said all that, does anyone else feel as we do that the play itself lacks something? Beautiful character sketches but not quite a full meal? Perhaps that's a subject for a thread some other day..."
I saw it here in NY. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads. (Boyd Gaines was also very good as Booley.)
SPOILER: I missed one scene from the film (I know the play isn't the film), where they get pulled over on their way to Mobile. (The cops pulled them over because Hoke is driving the car. They ask Daisy the origin of her name and she says (rightly) that it's German. And they figure out she's Jewish and make a racist comment.)
Saw it last year in Australia. Glad that the magic translates to the big screen. Completely agree about Boyd Gaines, he was pretty spectacular (same goes to Dame Angela and Mr. Jones).
Boyd Gaines is a marvel. Lets remember that he was the first actor to ever be nominated for a Tony Award in all four acting categories (he's won in three of them).
Do you know which date this performance was recorded?
"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
I saw this last might in a theater in Montclair, NJ. Sadly, there were only a few people there, and it was difficult to hear at times because the sound from the adjacent theater was coming through the wall.
That said, the show was wonderful. Count me among those in awe of Gaines. Despite his four Tonys, I still don't feel like he gets the recognition he deserves.
"It does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are 20 gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg."
-- Thomas Jefferson
I was going to attend the Montclair screening last night, but was too tired after a long work shift. I am surprised of all areas, Montclair had an empty house. When I saw MERRILY in Paramus, it was completely sold out.
"I was in Pasadena last night too! I only paid $20."
My hubby bought the tix online-- I know he paid a surcharge which I thought was 1.69. Foolishly we thought the place would be jammed with people-- not so much. I'd guess there were 20 or 25 folks in the seats. Neat to know that Almira was among them. One day I'll finally meet a BWW poster in person.
Great indepth interview with James Earl Jones discussing Driving Miss Daisy, the differences between Dame Angela and Ms. Redgrave, and upcoming You Can't Take It with You. He also talks about his displease of doing Mark Rylance's production of Much Ado About Nothing.