Some thoughts on Brighton Beach Memoirs this evening...

[adamgreer]

Posted: 10/6/09 at 12:42am

Sorry for the rambling, hodge-podge nature of this post, but I just had a few thoughts on the show.

I have always really, really liked this play. I find it very poignant, despite the fact that it's not Neil Simon's masterpiece (that, in my opinion, would be Lost in Yonkers, his best work). Like a lot of Simon's work, it has the potential to have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next. The play itself is quieter and more laid back than I remember it being. The laughs are there, though they're not side-splitting. This is much more a production that will leave you smiling than laughing in the aisles.

The only issue is, compared to say, the Westons, the problems of the Jerome family don't seem all that serious or important.

The cast is almost uniformly fabulous, with Laurie Metcalf leading the way at the top of her always stellar game. She finds a lot of humanity in Kate (especially when I'm sure the urge is just to play her as a total b*tch to get the easy laughs). She and Jessica Hecht have that great scene in act 2 that was nearly ruined this evening by odd, inappropriate laughter from some audience. But, they played it very well, and the scene, as it stands, is quite powerful

Hecht is fine as Blanche, though she doesn't really shine until act 2. Santino Fontana, once again playing the less-talented older brother, does much better work here than he did in Billy Elliot. He was a great Stanley, and he and Noah Robbins have excellent chemistry, particularly considering how early in the run it is.

Robbins is an excellent Eugene, and he makes a solid Broadway debut. Dennis Boutsikaris turns in a fabulous performance as Jack, nailing the hardships the man is going through. Other than Metcalf, he's giving the best performance on the stage at the moment.

The play can still use a little tightening, but that's what previews are for. It's in great shape, and I can't wait to go back and revisit the Jeromes again when Broadway Bound is up and running.

[ljay889]

Posted: 10/6/09 at 12:45am

"She and Jessica Hecht have that great scene in act 2 that was nearly ruined this evening by odd, inappropriate laughter from some audience."

Yeah, what was that about? It completely ruined the moment for me.

Metcalf owned the stage tonight. I enjoyed it.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 10/6/09 at 12:59am

Glad you guys liked it too! Metcalf is giving quite a performance in this production.

[April Saul]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 12:48am

I was there tonight, too, and enjoyed it...though it's true that it's a quiet pleasure, and I found myself smiling more than laughing, even at times that people around me were cracking up. I didn't love it enough to want to see Broadway Bound, though; did you guys? Is that play very different from Brighton Beach?

[bjh2114]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 12:50am

Oh I liked this play a lot. I was at the first preview. I can't wait for Broadway Bound. This is also maybe the only play so far this season I would consider returning to.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 12:51am

Yes, it did make me want to see Broadway Bound, but I wouldn't pay anymore than what I paid for Brighton Beach- about $34 from TDF.

I'd see Broadway Bound just to see what Metcalf does with that role in that play.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 4:28am

B'way Bound would be told in the same style, but it's later in Eugene's life. Biloxi Blues is actually the next story of his life in the military...so Eugene must be 18 or so. So in B'way Bound, he must be...25? 30?

Other than that, I can't give you much as I've never seen or read it, which kind of shames me.

[nmartin]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 6:43am

I saw the original production of Broadway Bound. It is worth it for the I Once Dance with George Raft scene.

[AC126748]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 9:08am

I was there last night, as well. As someone who doesn't usually care for Neil Simon plays and really didn't like David Cromer's Our Town, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the production. The cast is uniformly fine--hard to believe that they just started previews on Friday, as they all worked together so smoothly, with hardly a dropped line or awkward pause anywhere--and the production itself is well-paced and thoughtful. Metcalf blew me away--is there anything this woman can't do?

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 9:52am

Does anyone know the runtime for this? I'm going tonight.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 9:53am

On Monday, we were on the street at 10:21.

[AC126748]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 9:53am

2:20

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 9:59am

Thanks to both of you.

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 10/7/09 at 2:50pm

Glad to read good word-of-mouth. I'm seeing this tonight :)

[TheaterBaby]

Posted: 10/8/09 at 11:17am

Saw it last night. I truly LOVED it. I found myself smiling throughout, with a tear during one or two scenes.
It's a little long and dragged at times; but nothing that can't be easily tweaked during previews.
Neil Simon was actually there last night (sitting in the mezz), so I'm sure he had some notes to give.

The set alone is phenominal. I definitely enjoyed the character of Blanche. She's certainly meant to stand out more in act 2 because that's when she grows a spine. The chemistry between Jessica and Laurie is great.

I was blown away by Noah. Unbelievable that this is his Broadway debut. He's fantastic. Too bad he's not in "Broadway Bound." Though I am looking forward to seeing that.

What I loved most is that none of the laughs were forced by the performances. This play has a wonderfully natural flow. It did not feel like 2.5 hours.

[TalkinLoud]

Posted: 10/8/09 at 12:16pm

I wish we could all stop comparing every play about families to A:OC.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 10/8/09 at 2:46pm

Nice shot of the set in this Daily News article today about designer John Lee Beatty.


"John Lee Beatty has made an illustrious career out of designing sets that look so real you could see yourself moving in after the show. Have the mail forwarded, call the man with van and you're there.

So it goes for the cozy, if cramped Depression-era duplex in Brooklyn that's home to the noisy Jerome family in "Brighton Beach Memoirs."

The revival of Neil Simon's 1983 autobiographical comedy stars "Roseanne" alum Laurie Metcalf as matriarch Kate Jerome. It's now in previews for an Oct. 25 opening, and will run in repertory with the companion play "Broadway Bound" next month.

Standing in the set's living room, Beatty sums up the appearance that director David Cromer wanted: "Nothing too yummy." That makes sense. The period is late 1930s. Money is tight. Everyone is scraping by, making the most of the little they've got. Sounds a lot like 2009."


Backstage with designer who recreated Brooklyn on Broadway

[Morgaine885]

Posted: 10/9/09 at 1:27pm

I absolutely loved the production! I can't wait for Broadway Bound.

Also, I was absolutely taken with Santino Fontana in The Fantasticks. He has such a beautiful voice and I thought he was a great fit for that show...I was happy to see him in Sunday in the Park and disappointed not to hear much of that gorgeous voice in Billy Elliot.

This was the first straight play I've seen him in, and I think he did a terrific job as Stanley. I would love to see him in West Side Story.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 10/15/09 at 11:45pm

Just got back, and went on TDF already to get another ticket.

ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

From the moment you see that set, it's total escapism !!!

The entire cast is excellent !!!

Ran just about 2:30 tonight, and it could have gone on for another hour, and I would have been fine !

Metcalf is worth the price of admission, and an amazing debut by Noah Robbins !!

[After Eight]

Posted: 10/16/09 at 12:39pm

I thought the play was good the first time around, in a production better than this one. It hasn't worn well. Now it seems ok, but tired and dated.

[TimesSquareRegular]

Posted: 10/16/09 at 11:31pm

Found it enjoyable but nothing more. I though Metcalf was ok, but really didn't like the other women in the cast. And Noah Robbins has had a little too much clown training and not enough acting experience - he gets the laughs, but there is no warmth in his performance at all.

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 10/16/09 at 11:41pm

I just saw it tonight and loved it! I read the play in high school, but it's much more funny and poignant than I remember. The performances are great (especially Noah and Metcalf), but there were a lot of technical difficulties. The final curtain hit Jessica in the head and part of the set fell on Alexandra. There were also lots of lighting issues.