So a friend of mine had a chance to see a rehearsal. He says the new production is BEAUTIFUL. Very raw and of course in John Doyle fashion, extremely minimal. No moving set pieces, and one stationary set. But he said it works. So I'm truly excited to see it more than I was before!
I read an article somewhere John Doyle explained that his inspiration for the set came from his memories of a transfer year in Georgia. He had an impression of rich-ochre colors and that influenced his design of the set. I'll try and hunt up that link and post it here if I can.
The thing is, besides being an utter toad of a human being, Riedel usually has the least knowledge of the topic in the room. He doesn't usually understand the content or approach of a show, and is always completely and unfailingly socially ignorant, which makes it really infuriating when Susan can't get a word in edgewise. A definitive mansplainer; it's always painful when he has female guests. I watch the show sporadically when I really want to see a guest, because it's the only theatre talkshow we have, but it would be so much better without this hateful clown in a dadcoat. (thanks ScaryWarhol)
c0113g3b0y said: "I read an article somewhere John Doyle explained that his inspiration for the set came from his memories of a transfer year in Georgia. He had an impression of rich-ochre colors and that influenced his design of the set. I'll try and hunt up that link and post it here if I can.
" Yes apparently the set looks like a porch. I'm very intrigued to see this. The concept alone has me pretty excited. I remember how grand the last production. So to see a stationary set with only a few chairs. This is what revival truly means to me. A new idea!
I think just about *any* strongly-written piece can hold up to a smart director only using a few chairs, etc. I've heard many actors who've worked with Doyle say things like "he kept taking away things in rehearsals, first my coffee cup, then my chair!" and I respect a minimalist approach, but I want to see him do, I dunno, something like a Guys and Dolls* with actual sets and costumes.
*(Guys and Dolls was a stand in for any big muuuuuuuueeeewsical, I'm not saying we need a revival)
nasty_khakis said: "I think just about *any* strongly-written piece can hold up to a smart director only using a few chairs, etc. I've heard many actors who've worked with Doyle say things like "he kept taking away things in rehearsals, first my coffee cup, then my chair!" and I respect a minimalist approach, but I want to see him do, I dunno, something like a Guys and Dolls* with actual sets and costumes.
*(Guys and Dolls was a stand in for any big muuuuuuuueeeewsical, I'm not saying we need a revival)
"Would you like to see Sondheim do Lin Manuel Miranda?
Broadwaystar2, here is a glimpse at the production at Menier. I can't stop watching it. They sing the hell out of this song. It is Erivo and Hudson in a recording studio with clips of the show.