first preview reports (unfairly?) trash "Festen"- Page 2

[Sleeper2]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 10:17am

Okaaaaaay. We either saw different plays, or there's some serious shilling going on... Just because some of us didn't like the show, and I for one resented spending nearly $100 per seat for it, doesn't mean our opinions are "trash." And thanks for the condescending explanation of the differences between musicals and plays. I always wondered about that.

Auggie, what did you think? (Good point about overamplification making unmiked voices sound thin. Maybe that was the issue here.)
Updated On: 3/26/06 at 10:17 AM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 10:49am

Why or why do people flock to see the first preview performance of a show? It's the first time the actors are in front of an audience and are still finding their way through the text.

We have many people here at BWW (and I fully respect them) who seem to show up at EVERY 1st preview and post their opinions. As an actor, I would resent this. If the actor is doing his job, he's listening to the audience and learning what is working and what isn't. His efforts to create a performance shouldn't be fodder for a public forum like this.

I like to catch a later preview, when a certain amount of adjustments have been made.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 11:04am

Seeing it next Saturday so we shall see....

Will let you know what we think of it

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 12:25pm

I directed the one girl in it last year!

[QMAN03]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 12:30pm

YAY! There is hope. Thanks for the long review.

[Cholly]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 1:00pm

Duffy is most assuredly a shill for the show. I don’t know his involvement, but it could not be clearer that this is someone very much involved with the play.

Duffy became a Broadway World member in January, and every one of his posts since has been about Festen (do a site search if you don’t believe me.)

His first post popped up when someone asked if Festen would find a Broadway house.

“My guess is that Festen will announce shortly. From what I've heard it may have some "names" involved. I guess they're waiting to square away all contracts and commitments so that the first you hear from them is a big announcement with cast all in place.”

This post sounds very much like someone in-the-know trying to sound like a guy who just heard some exciting chatter on the street.

Then when someone asked when the show might open, it was Duffy who jumped right in to answer.

“I believe it will be sometime in March. I saw the play in London and truly believe this to be the "one" to watch. It's rivetting, upsetting, funny, and unique. …I'm so excited to hear that Julianna Margulies is going to be in it. She is perfect casting and will be haunting. Yeah. By far the most interesting show coming in.”

This was his SECOND post. And his third one appeared when someone asked what Festen meant. Of course it was our hero Duffy who jumped in with the answer.

"Festen means Celebration in...Danish...I believe. The play is based on the movie called "Festen" which was released a few years back from Dogme films. It too is a remarkable piece of work. Try to rent it and you'll be blown away. Celebration is the ironic title which to say more would be a spoiler. See the play. It's the same director and team from London with an American cast. “

And when someone wondered what business Ali McGraw had on stage, it was Duffy who came to her defense…

“I bet Ali McGraw is very good. If you've seen the play you know that the part of the mother is an icy and closed-off woman with relatively little to say. I think she might deliver a real surprise performance. Don't forget, she has easily 30 years of life experience since we saw her last.”

So let me get this straight - Duffy expects us to believe that he’s just some bloke off the street who just HAPPENS to know about upcoming Festen announcements, contract negotiations, possible casting, the London production, the movie on which it was based, and the definition of the word Festen? Okay, I guess that’s POSSIBLE, but when Duffy is posting ONLY about Festen and NOTHING else, you could see how one might be a little suspicious. And he can toss in phrases like “I believe…” and “My guess is…” as much as he wants, but it’s not throwing ME off the scent.

Next, the conversation turns to possible Tony nominations for Best Play. Guess who Duffy is rooting for? And while he very wisely tosses some half-hearted kind words to his competition, he also systematically discounts each one of them in some way.

Well – “I'm in the minority on this one but I don't understand all the fuss. I found it very enjoyable down at The Public, but was shocked to hear that it was coming uptown to a full blown out Broadway production…For me the play doesn't really break any new ground.”

Rabbit Hole – “A great production, but I don't think it's a great play. It should yield some acting nominations, but the play in itself is a mixed bag.”

Lt. of Inishmore “I'm shocked that this is moving to Broadway…I thought the first act was a total bore... It was received with mixed critical response and I think has a limited audience… IMHO- shouldn't and will not get a nod.”

History Boys – “The subject matter is kind of all over the map and some of the English references may be lost on American audiences.” Also…”I wondered the same thing about the Gayness.”

Bridge and Tunnel – “I do not think it does a service to the play or to Sara Jones to put this in the best play category…In my opinion this is why the category of solo performance was invented, to recognize and inspire this exact kind of work and not let it fall through the cracks.”

Shining City - “Don't know anything about it…It will need to catch fire to go the distance.

And then of course, there’s FESTEN…

“Amazing. It's incredibly theaterical yet manages to be deeply personal and intimate. It is one of my favorite evenings ever spent in the theater… I think a definite nod.”

But perhaps I’m wrong. Perhaps I’m just reading into EVERY ONE of Duffy’s posts. Maybe they’re not skewed in any way. I suppose it’s possible. Or it WOULD be if he hadn’t written that term paper in defense of the play and slamming every other poster who has gone to see his crap production on Broadway andf found it a complete and utter mess. He pleads with us, “Don't believe the ‘trash’” when he himself is spewing out completely biased garbage. Shame on you Duffy Square, whoever you happen to be.

Sincerely,

Sherlock Holmes

PS: Speaking of Duffy, and his name, when asked what it means, he explains, “Duffy Square is the name for the TKTS 1/2 price ticket landmark in NY Times Square. I hang out there quite a bit so I guess you could say I'm a little of a Duffy "Square". Absolutely cheesy...I know.” But then in a later post he signs his name D. Duffy, as if Duffy were not in fact his hang-out, but his last name. Jeez, he can’t seem to keep ANY of his lies straight.”

Updated On: 3/26/06 at 01:00 PM

[Sleeper2]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 4:30pm

Awww, and I was just adjusting to the fact that my opinions might really be trash!

[TheDuffySquare]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 6:36pm

Wow. What serious sluething you have done. For your information I have nothing to do with the show. I wish I had as I think it's a really excellent franchise. I'm very much interested in this particular show having seen it both abroad and now over here. Back in January I became a member because for the first time I felt like I actually had something interesting to contribute. I do have someone that I know in casting who gives some inside information in my life and in the past few months I have taken that little bit of insider information I know and tried to prove my metal on the board. Was it someone casting for FESTEN? NOPE!!! I thought my little bit of inside information might be of interest to the theater community. I would venture to say most people on these boards are either insiders or very interested theater goers...so why is that shocking? I do see a ton of plays. I'm happy to give a long cogent review of any of the plays you mentioned that you think I "ran down" in my Tony round-up if you desire and that proves my legitimacy to you. However as you seemingly have the "Shill" card on the table and now have called into question my veracity, I'll happily withdraw further comments about this play. I actually don't really care if you liked the play or not. I have no idea who you are either. Possibly an actor who didn't get cast in this show. A rival producer. Who ever knows. You take these boards in whatever way you want. I have responded to this play in particular because the subject matter interests me on a deeply personal level. And to Sleeper2 I apologize if you thought that I was referring to your comments being "Trash". I was not. I meant to imply that a preview seems early to "TRASH" a show. You can think what you want. Honestly, discount my opinions entirely as if I'm a member of the producing team or in the cast. I don't really care. And as for the D. Duffy bit of sluething?!? My first name begins with a D. Wow?!? I'm incredibly sorry that I messed up my moniker. It seems rather suspicious to me that someone who joined this board on March 26th, YESTERDAY is going to point fingers. I'll make sure in the future to post about only other shows and I will seriously follow what CHOLLY reports on as well.

[Cholly]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 6:51pm

Just got back from the matinee, Duff? How'd it go? Ali getting any better? Still think you're getting that Tony nom? I'll keep my fingers crossed for you guys.

Cholly

[TheDuffySquare]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 7:29pm

????? Whatever. Think what you like.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 3/26/06 at 7:41pm

Just got back from the Sunday matinee, too.

Trust those of us who've seen it, there will be no Best Play Tony nomination for this play.

[Effie]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 12:21am

I'm glad I saw this in London. I wouldn't go so far as to call the play a masterpiece, but I enjoyed myself immensely. There's a certain archness to the piece that maybe plays better with a British accent.

SPOILERS>>>>>>

I say this is because one of Sleeper2's criticisms is that it was obvious to him that Christian was telling the truth. It's supposed to be obvious that he's telling the truth. The point of the play is to witness the absurd lengths to which this family will go to deny the obvious. Which is one reason why it was so savagely funny. (At least in London.) Who the hell continues with a party after that bombshell is dropped? It's one reason why I loved the "last supper" scene. All that deafening silence.

[QMAN03]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 12:37am

Dude, everyone has to chill out.

[thez914]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 1:01am

WOW...this play has certainly brought out the best in some posters. I might have to make a special trip to NYC just to see what all the fuss is about.

My $0.02:

Lay off of Duffy, for crying out loud. He (I'm assuming you're male, Duffy) has just as much right to post as anybody, and it's rediculous to accuse someone of unjustly promoting a show. I personally find it curious why some people are so damned determined to make people think this show is sh*t. You have an opinion about the show...you think you were ripped off...you couldn't hear what was said...WHATEVER. I am by no means saying these conditions should have to be tolereated in the theatre, but let's face it - you all know as well as I do that that is the risk you take when going to the theatre (unfortunately). I've seen a ton of shows I payed through my nose for, and walked out feeling pretty damn sheepish, but I didn't turn around and proclaim to the world that I had been wronged. People can figure out for themselves whether a show is crap, and if it actually is, it will crash and burn just fine on its own. It doesn't warrant the caddy remarks seen on this board.

Updated On: 3/27/06 at 01:01 AM

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 6:42am

There are three camps represented in this thread (for, against, and maybe). It all evens out in the end and will be what it will be. I doubt that anyone runs right out and buys a ticket just because someone (especially someone who is not a frequent poster and whose tastes are not yet "known") posts an over the top rave. And only a fool would stay away from something they were inclined to see based on a sweeping "this is the worst piece of ...." review of a first or second preview.

What makes a message board interesting is being able to field the gamut of reactions and synthesize one's own final assessment.

Updated On: 3/27/06 at 06:42 AM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 10:54am

NO SPOILERS!

This production is going to be one of the more controversial ones of this season, because of those 3 camps Iflit delinteates. That's a good thing, and means the play has the unique ability to stir up strong feelings.

I personally wish I could fully embrace it, for its blend of "shocking" elements and black comedy. To be fair, just when I was ready to write it off in act one, a moment of Orton-esque black humor surfaced (those hysterical drinking songs!) that made me reconsider. But I awoke this morning more troubled by that mixture than stimulated. To me, underneath a lot of theatrical trickery -- beautifully, at times artfully employed -- there lurks a fairly commonplace Lifetime "issue" move, albeit one without any fresh insights. Most soap operas have used this plot twist/issue over the past twenty years -- it's a very popular backstory for troubled characters whose behavior need explaining -- exploring it with more subtlety and depth. So if soaps find more drama than a play...well, that doesn't spell revelation.

To me, this play lifts the lid on a stage-worthy subject, and then comes closer to exploiting it that using it to illuminate aspects of family dysfunction. By act two, the play tends to get buried under an increasingly busy staging -- operatic effects without music -- as it treads water toward an unsatisfying, if wholly predictable, conclusion. Too bad, because the first 15 minutes promise something boldly original. If "FESTEN" had the courage of those earlier convictions, and dared to dig under the rocks it uncovers, it might be the "shocking" evening it purports to be. It feels like an outline for a play -- or a screenplay, which is where it began, after all.

Updated On: 3/27/06 at 10:54 AM

[robbiej]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 3:15pm

'there lurks a fairly commonplace Lifetime "issue" move, albeit one without any fresh insights'

I could not have put it better myself. After the 'reveal' and then the father's response as to 'why', I thought, 'And????'

Is it possible that we as Americans have a different awareness and response to child sexual abuse than our British friends? Cause I actually found nothing shocking about the piece. And I certainly don't fault the actors. Hayden is, as always, terrific and Sisto was a true revelation. Oh, would that it were he as Stanley two years ago. His presence, his energy and that terrific voice kept me enthralled.

But the play just didn't seem to have anything to say about...well...anything. Those Sambo songs were bizarre. Keith Davis' character was hardly established (and hardly fleshed out) to understand why any of that was going on.

And Ali McGraw.

Well...

[Sleeper2]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 3:40pm

I'm just praying that there was enough music here to qualify for a "Best Score" Tony.

It's daddy's birthday! Oh yes it is and it is today!

GENIUS!

[children&art]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 3:47pm

what is the big deal with presenting sexual abuse and manipulation of children by parents? there is absolutely nothing redeeming or enlightening or symbolic or anything with this as a subject for a piece of theatre. it is horrible and disgusting. and sadly, it is no longer taboo - it just seems as though it's sensationalism for sensationalism's sake, no artistic redeeming value to it. again, i ask - what is the point?

they cannot duplicate the film mastery and innovation of the 1998 Danish original film which this is based on, so why present this story at all?

i agree, it's a Lifetime movie of the week wrapped up in an avant garde packaging that only falls away and exposing the emptiness that is at the heart of this piece of trash.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 3/27/06 at 5:10pm

I'm with Robbie about Sisto. The first 15 minutes belong to him, he so dominates; as a result, we are cruelly promised a far more interesting and complex play, one in which his character's arc and catharsis will figure prominently. Alas, no. But we do get a lot of Hayden's catatonia. Sisto jumps in feet first, and makes the A.D.D.-like behavior wildly honest (and entertaining). Yes, yes, a *fine* (both meanings of the word) Stanley K he would make. As for the dollop of arcane racism that floats over the lesser 2nd act (to momentarily add drama, as the main story treads water...), it's so baldly set forth as an added element, the deck only gets stacked against a family that's already dangerously cartoon-like.

[Sleeper2]

Posted: 3/30/06 at 2:03pm

Actually, I would say that Sisto jumped in Six Feet first...

[Ryanindc]

Posted: 3/30/06 at 10:11pm

I have seen the show both in London and I recently caught an early preview on Broadway.

Let me say, these are two different shows.

Actually, they look exactly the same--designed and staged identically--but that is where the similarities stop.

This show was electrifying in London, as the critics said. It was an absolutely thrilling night of theater--stunning performances, precise direction--it packed a serious punch and left me and the three other people I saw it with, very chilled and moved. It was everything theater should be.

The preview performance I saw last week in New York was a mess. The casting is all off. Michael Hayden, Jeremy Sisto and Larry Bryggman do not do justice to three fantastic, textured roles. They miss all the subtlety and tension. Ali MacGraw is just plain embarrassing as the mother. She really can't act. It's ridiculous that she's in the show. Julianna Marguiles does just fine, but the rest of the weak links pretty much sink the show.

Everything about the West End production that was understated, tense and kept me on the edge of my seat was overblown, hammy and ridiculous in this production. It looked messy and amateurish. The tone of the peice is a very delicate, very important thing to nail and it was all over the map.

I know that these are all talented actors and that Rufus Norris clearly did a spot-on job directing the show in London, so I'm hoping that many of these things can change by opening night. However, there are so many bad choices made in terms of casting and performance that I worry the production is too misguided to turn it around at this point.

I hope I'm wrong, because I LOVED this show in London. A big disappointment.

[BroadwayChica]

Posted: 3/30/06 at 10:41pm

Thanks for that review, Ryanindc. I also saw the show in London, and found it to be a thrilling and moving theatrical piece. I'd been wondering how it could possibly be perceived as terrible and amateurish in the US version. I had such high hopes for the transfer!!

I hope they do fix some of the things you mentioned before the show opens. Because the play itself has the potential to be amazing. It's still one of the most thrilling experiences I've had in the theater.

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 3/23/24 at 1:26pm

With yesterday's announcement that a certain actress would be returning to Broadway, I went looking for threads about her only previous Broadway credit: this play, which I missed back in 2006. Given the responses, it seems clear why the show didn't last long. But after all the flare-ups and accusations of "shills" this week, I thought the most interesting part of this thread was seeing that, 18 years ago, people were already accusing people of being shills and arguing about it. Some things never change, huh? (Also interesting to see who's still around!)