This makes me so happy! I'm such a fan on Kline, but he doesn't do all that much. I can't wait to see him!
Just read the article and while the headline says "next season," the article says early next year meaning Jan/Feb of 2017 (this season). Which one is it?
Let's say I didn't like the Garber production of this, the Kim Cattrall Private Lives, or the Angela Lansbury Blithe Spirit. Should I give up on Coward, or do we think there's hope yet that a production will open my eyes. The one that most concerns me is having disliked Blithe Spirit (I fell asleep). That was considered a great production of his work, yes? I'm afraid he may just not be my cup of tea. But Kline and the director make for a compelling pair.
Noel Coward's plays are not always compatable with modern American humor. I like his stuff but it's not for everyone. Present Laughter is no masterpiece though, and exists soley as a star vehicle - is Kevin Kline enough of a draw to get people to see it again after two recent Broadway revivals?
The Frank Langella revival back in the 90s was very entertaining; I think this is a terrific part for Kline. I hope the supporting cast is equally good.
The Distinctive Baritone said: "Is Kevin Kline enough of a draw to get people to see it again after two recent Broadway revivals?"
Well, it's a good thing they'll be opening in the spring. That way if it ends up getting some Tony nominations, the producers would be able to capitalize on them during Tony season.
The recent revival with Victor Garber was a competent regional theater production that had no business being on Broadway. For all his talent, Garber had none of the charm or wit required for the role. The production was also hampered by Brooks Ashmankas's shamelessly over-the-top performance.
Kline is an ideal choice for Garry Essendine, and I imagine his participation will draw a top-drawer supporting cast. This is a show with many choice roles. It shouldn't be hard to find great actors to fill them.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
I saw the Garber revival and liked seeing him on stage but didn't think anything about the production was otherwise memorable. Oh, maybe the beautiful set? I am not a Noel Coward fan and I am sorry that this was Kline's choice for his return. Surely there was something else at least interesting to consider.
Kate Burton just confirmed in her AOL Build interview that she will be joining the cast!
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
Did she say which role she'd be playing? I could see her as Liz or Monica.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
No she did not...she prefaced it by saying she really should't even be announcing it yet. I expect we'll get an announcement soon. Excited to have her back on Broadway!
"Oh look at the time, three more intelligent plays just closed and THE ADDAMS FAMILY made another million dollars" -Jackie Hoffman, Broadway.com Audience Awards
I saw the Garber revival, and I thought he was excellent and the set was spectacular. But Noel Coward is a complete bore, not at all entertaining and heavily over-written. I saw the Angela Lansbury BLITHE SPIRIT years back, and fell asleep. But I do want to see Kline and will probably resign myself to yawning through it, even with someone of his caliber.
What's the buzz on this show? I'm considering getting tickets to fill my final slot but am not quite sure if I should take the plunge, or go for something different.