MOTHER PLAY Opening Night Critics’ Reviews- Page 2

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/26/24 at 2:04pm

Yes, the performances are better than the script, and I think one more rewrite could bring it to the level I expect from Vogel. 

But, I have to respect the autobiographical story. It can't be easy to put your family's weaknesses on display for criticism. 

 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 4/28/24 at 5:10pm

Elisabeth Vincentelli for Washington Post:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater/2024/04/25/rachel-mcadams-mary-jane-steve-carell-uncle-vanya-eddie-redmayne-cabaret/

"Jessica Lange also has to maneuver her way through a wordless stretch, albeit a longer, more complex one, in Paula Vogel’s new “Mother Play,” from Second Stage Theater. During an evening alone in her apartment, her character, Phyllis, listens to music, microwaves a TV dinner and eats part of it, fixes herself some drinks, looks at her watch, occasionally smiles while lost in thought — all of this feeling as if it happened in real time. This may sound tedious on paper, but Lange, who couldn’t snuff out her movie star aura if she tried, moves through the scene like a glamorous, dreamily remote siren beached in suburbia.

Vogel’s semi-autobiographical piece is generous toward all three of its characters, but it is named “Mother Play” for a reason: Phyllis, inspired by the playwright’s own mom, is a devouring presence who looms over her children, portrayed by Celia Keenan-Bolger and Jim Parsons (alternatively funny and poignant in one of his best stage turns to date). She is 37 when we first meet her, in 1964, and Tina Landau’s production wobbles at the start because Lange is not entirely convincing in those early scenes (suspension of disbelief is a powerful tool, but it has its limits). She gains in both power and vulnerability as Phyllis gets older, as years and life pass her by. After three revivals of classics (she won a Tony for “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” in 2016), it’s also a delight to see Lange in a contemporary piece."

[east side story]

Posted: 4/28/24 at 5:21pm

Caught this yesterday afternoon. The script does indeed a feel a bit undercooked, but it was wonderful to see Lange on stage again. 

[BwayinVan]

Posted: 5/2/24 at 10:09pm

Caught the matinee yesterday and really enjoyed it. Honestly the standout for me was CKB. I enjoyed seeing Jim Parsons live but in some ways it felt like I was watching Sheldon Cooper  up on the stage. CKB controlled the stage like I felt she did in TKAM. Overall it was a great experience, and to see a legend like Jessica Lange on stage was something special. Was the script somewhat predictable? Yes. But I would definitely still recommend it. 

[Fordham2015]

Posted: 5/4/24 at 8:06pm

I was at today's matinee and absolutely loved it. All three actors are firing on all cylinders. Lange's silent scene is a smidge too long, but that's a very minor complaint. And the projected cockroaches are hysterical