She is by far the best critic working today. Thoughtful, witty, culturally sensitive, probing and still in love with the form. I look forward to her reviews, even when I disagree with them. Brantley's review of HOH was deeply offensive and frankly I think his apology was limp. It did not meaningfully reflect soul searching or someone who had been educated by an incident of deep insensitivity. There was an article in (I believe) American Theatre
It's not cheesy. It's kind. Creative pursuits require courage and determination. It's a difficult and very public business. People try and succeed with varying degrees of success. It's admirable that you don't delight in the failure of others. People are pursuing their dreams. It's sad when those dreams are not realized.
Couldn't disagree more. HEAD OVER HEELS is silly, subversive fun that is marked by craft and ambition(presenting a first trans leading lady is an and of itself worthy of respect). BAND aims low and, yes, on rare occasions it hits its mark but it's awful.
I agree with everyone who has said that comparisons of Midler and Murphy are unnecessary as it's apples and oranges. I worship at the alter of Midler so feel privileged to have seen her as Dolly. But in truth, Murphy rocked my world. She was heartbreaking, hilarious, passionate, sexy and vocally in top form. I can't wait to see her again. I've always been a fan. This cements her place as one of our greats. It's an absolute tr
Count me in as one of those who loved Anastasia. I truly love the show. The score is gorgeous and melodic--the book is economical and brilliantly constructed. Gleb's arc gives necessary voice to both history and an alternative voice to the story of the Romanovs--more specifically he puts forth revolutionary ideals that might have been dumbed down in another writing team's hands. The sense of adventure, the search for identity, the deep love of musical
Queen Alice, I agree with you. I'm a feminist. Haven't we seen enough stories of bad behaving men seeing the light at the 11th hour? I think we've moved beyond that place. He's a boor. He (sort of) changes his behavior. And we need this story for what reason? The whole experience made me uncomfortable. There is certainly a great deal of talent on that stage...but my days of accepting scraps from men behaving badly
Totally agree with an earlier poster's comments: A great play with great performances in a great production is always welcome, as far as I'm concerned.
And to echo what someone else said, having seen Gold's recent OTHELLO I'm look forward to seeing this production.
While the idea of bringing this at this moment in time is great, having seen this production it's hugely disappointing. Brutal, yes. But oddly hollow and unsatisfying.
It's going to happen and I can't wait. It's an astonishing performance that just deepened with the run. I'm thrilled our friends across the pond will finally get to see it.
I've seen both Anastasia and Groundhog Day. Anastasia was very good but needs some work. Groundhog Day? Annoying and--with the exception of some genuine laughs--seriously derivative. Pay attention to the score and tell me it didn't rip off Mary Poppins(i'm serious--listen closely).
I've thought a lot about why I didn't like Groundhog Day and I think the primary reason is it's yet another story about a bad behaving guy turned good.
Agree, if not for Lane and Morse I'd call this production close to disastrous. My performance had numerous walkouts. The woman next to me at the end of the second act turned to me and said "please tell me it's over." When I said no, she and her bf had a fight and reluctantly stayed. He slept through the third (and best) act. A parade of misogyny, a group of wonderful actors all seeming to be in a different play, a high energy play that has no pr
Curious to see how this show is received. I saw it the night prior to opening at the Old Vic and was seriously underwhelmed. Charming performance by Karl, some clever illusions but the first 45 minutes or so felt completely static, the opening of the second act comes out of nowhere and the experience felt somewhat hollow. Some laughs and certainly craft on stage but nothing as good as Matlida and I don't think it will survive deeper scrutiny. This assessment s
Very pleased to have seen this show tonight at Paper Mill Playhouse. Yes, it needs work. But more importantly the seeds of a completely original musical are being planted at the Paper Mill and something special appears to be flowering. The score is terrific--a big band sound with lilting melodies. The cast is strong, with a sensational performance by Laura Osnes. Blankenbuehler's work is excellent--the piece moves beautifully. There are of course issues
Casa Valentina Previews Apr 7
2014, 10:07:33 AM
Interesting...I think this is going to divide people. I thought Birney was sensational--giving yet another beautifully textured performance. Tom McGowan is always good and I thought the rest of the ensemble was solid. The production was gorgeous. But frankly for me, the play's the thing and this is where by biggest issues lie: I believe it was Whizzer who said he found some sections boring. I had the same issue(and certainly audience members around me were restless). More pointedly, there
the Realistic Joneses Mar 31
2014, 11:07:39 PM
Perhaps it was better with a different cast or in a smaller venue but with this cast in a Broadway house it was torture. I heard angry comments on the way out and although I didn't leave angry I left mystified and frustrated. It was boring and pretentious. Hugely disappointing.
Mothers and Sons Previews Feb 22
2014, 08:32:31 PM
Steggert is worthy of mention as well. The production in Bucks County was quite powerful and Daly is indeed a force of nature. Can't wait to see it on Broadway.
All The Way Previews Feb 14
2014, 08:43:40 PM
As everyone has said, Cranston is indeed terrific. But i agree with earlier posters who had reservations: it's not a great play. It's not even a very good play. It's solid. The subject matter is interesting but it's long, over written and tedious at times with not enough dramatic propulsion. Compelling subject matter made obvious and a bit boring(I saw a few folks sleeping). Production values excellent and Cranston genuinely wonderful. In spite of my reservations I'd recommend it to anyon
2014 Broadway Show Marquees Feb 7
2014, 07:56:27 PM
Wonderful post. I saw my first Broadway show nearly four decades ago and the sight of a marquee still gives me a chill. Promises to be an exciting season.
