AIRLINE HIGHWAY

[ajh]

Posted: 2/25/15 at 7:54am

Did anybody from here see this in Chicago? I loved Detroit (the play that is) and am intrigued by this, so was just wondering if anybody has any reviews/comments before I commit a theatre slot to it on my next NYC visit. The promo footage on the MTC website looks exciting.

[KJisgroovy]

Posted: 2/25/15 at 8:46am

I thought everything about this was wonderful, except the play. I loved Detroit, but this was just cliche after cliche after cliche (and it went on too long too). It also needed to be, about, 3 times funnier. The set was impressive (and terrific lighting), the direction was marvelous, and all the performances were really humane, detailed, and lovely. It wasn't a waste of my time, but it would have been a waste of my money had I spent any. I came out of it wondering why a second rate rehash of Hot L Baltimore would be given such high profile, high cost productions. I was surprised at my level of disappointment.

[mpd4165]

Posted: 2/25/15 at 9:41am

It was an impressive physical production, but as KJisgroovy says, the play is too long for a play that isn't really saying much. It's trying so hard to be profound, but I had a hard time understanding why I should care.

[ajh]

Posted: 2/25/15 at 1:03pm

Thanks for your input both of you, you've given me plenty to think about.

[AwesomeDanny]

Posted: 2/25/15 at 4:22pm

I thought the play was brilliant. I saw it twice--the second preview and toward the end of the run. The first time, it felt a little long, but by my second viewing, about 10-15 minutes had been cut from the show. I was a fan of Detroit, but I liked Airline Highway more. There were some really thrilling big moments that were possible because the size of the cast was so much bigger than that in Detroit. Thematically, the two plays are very similar, and D'Amour's voice has really developed. I would highly recommend this to fans of cutting-edge new plays, especially if you liked Detroit.

The first time I saw it, I liked it a lot, but with reservations. The second time, I unabashedly loved it. And I hear they're continuing to improve the text as the Broadway production approaches, so it should be even better. Almost the whole cast is transferring, so I imagine it will be wonderful for New York audiences to discover performances from many of Chicago's rising and established stars.

[ajh]

Posted: 2/25/15 at 6:08pm

I really appreciate you all taking the time to respond. AwesomeDanny, you've convinced me however, I am going to see this.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 10:02am

I saw it closing weekend and loved it. I agree it's too long and could definitely use some cutting (especially the first act). The second act was much stronger than the first and the opening of the second act was breathtaking in its execution. K. Todd Freeman was my advanced acting instructor and it was fun watching him pretty much run away with the show with a potentially Tony-winning performance. I also saw Detroit at Steppenwolf and found it to be mostly a waste of time (with the exception of the cast), so I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed Airline Highway.

[followspot]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 2:40pm

Broadway cast announced: Carolyn Braver, K. Todd Freeman, Scott Jaeck, Ken Marks, Caroline Neff, Tim Edward Rhoze, Judith Roberts, Joe Tippett, and Julie White.

[mpd4165]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 2:59pm

I'm thrilled that these Chicago actors are gonna hit the Broadway boards (I love Tim Edward Rhoze and he was great to work with on The Whipping Man), I just hope the play has improved.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 2/26/15 at 3:17pm

Too bad Kate Buddeke is not moving to the Broadway production. Julie White will be great, but Kate's performance was heartbreaking and one of the strongest in the cast.

[drewmangroup]

Posted: 2/27/15 at 12:35pm

I am a big fan of "Detroit" and I liked this as well. It's one of those plays that you don't really know where it's going at the end of the first act (I didn't, anyway), but it definitely caught my grip during Act 2. It is similar to "Detroit" with its loose plot and other elements I don't want to disclose.

I'm excited Julie White will be in it on Broadway, but it is too bad I probably won't get to see her in it. Given the low ticket sales for Casa Valentina, I can't imagine this will appeal any more broadly. Good thing they had Constellations to sell some tickets this season.

[MegInManhattan]

Posted: 3/24/15 at 1:57pm

Has anyone gotten their 30 under 30 code in email for this yet? I'm anxiously awaiting booking this and getting on my calendar!

[de_lovely]

Posted: 3/24/15 at 6:04pm

^This is up on TDF for April 1-5th fyi for $39.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 3/24/15 at 6:08pm

I noticed that as well, but unfortunately those three weekend dates are Easter weekend. I'm also going to wait for the 30 Under 30 code! Let's keep posted when the code comes in!