ANGELS IN AMERICA: PART II PERESTROIKA review -- first preview

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/17/10 at 12:55am

GOING IN: I've read the play. I've seen the HBO film. This was my first time seeing the show performed live. I did not see PART I first. So there's some perspective.

THE PLAY: I knew the play was a masterwork. The story is of a particular genius of construction, so there is no need to further discuss the nature of the work, so let's go straight to the interpretation.

To do this piece you need to present it with at least a nod of theatricality. The text itself acknowledges very much that this is a performance piece to a LIVE AUDIENCE on a stage, as the tradition goes. Therefore, I think what director Michael Greif has done is very proper. Appropriately effective without going over-the-top. The design of the set functions well and doesn't get in the way of the text. The stagehands have the scenic changes choreographed very well and they try their best as to not steal focus, although not always 100% successful.

And now...the highlight of this production...THE PERFORMANCES.

I have seen 241 productions, live, (I keep immaculate records) and the acting in this show is perhaps the best that I have ever witnessed. From EVERYONE. Not one weak individual. All eight of the artists in this company are TOTALLY INVESTED into the souls of the characters. It was astonishing. Astonishing. Any student of acting would benefit to see what these eight remarkable artists do on that stage.

CURTAIN CALL: The final line was spoken. The lights went to black. A woman in the house lets out a quiet "Bravo!" which sparks very appreciative and heartfelt applause. Not thunderous or over-trying or obnoxious. This applause was genuine and classy. The company bowed and exited. But the applause continued. And continued. And continued. Finally, Frank Wood and two other actors came back out and attempted to beckon the rest of the cast to re-join them on stage for a second curtain call, which did not happen. So they bowed and waved at the audience telling us to "go home and thank you!"

IN CLOSING: Signature's production of ANGELS IN AMERICA looks good on paper AND actually delivers. It's going to be one of those shows that universally lives up to the hype -- a rare instance for New York theatre. Do your soul a favor and GO SEE THIS PRODUCTION. You will ABSOLUTELY regret missing this one.

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 9/17/10 at 9:33am

Great Report! Did you end up doing the standby line?

[slmlbl]

Posted: 9/17/10 at 9:53am

This makes my heart ache to get to NY to catch it!

Posted: 9/17/10 at 10:27am

Oops wrong thread! Nothing to see here! Updated On: 9/17/10 at 10:27 AM

[americanboy99]

Posted: 9/17/10 at 12:07pm

I'm DYING to see this. What do you think would be the best route to get a ticket soon?

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 9/17/10 at 12:50pm

I want to see this SO bad. I doubt I ever will, but I'm glad you had a great experience.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 9/17/10 at 4:52pm

americanboy99, keep checking their website seats have been opening up for Part 2, I got tickets for next Thur evening. Right now they are showing seats available for both Sat and Sun shows.

Updated On: 9/17/10 at 04:52 PM

[Kad]

Posted: 9/17/10 at 5:47pm

I just called- there is one ticket available for Saturday night now (there were two... I bought the other). I wasn't able to get them online, but there shouldn't be a problem if you call.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/17/10 at 6:24pm

No I purchased a ticket at the box office the day they opened. By the time I got to the window Part I was completely sold out and this was the only date left for Part II with a $20 ticket. My seat was front row dead center.

I'll try cancellation at a different date for Part I.

[EugLoven]

Posted: 9/18/10 at 4:41pm

Some guidance: I've read the plays but not seen the HBO special. I'm seeing Part 2 tonight without seeing Part 1 first. Will my friend and I be able to follow-along well? I'm guessing, yes.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/18/10 at 5:07pm

If your friend has also read the play, then I would say yes. Perhaps re-read Part I before going to see Part II, if seeing Part I is not an option.

I saw Part II without seeing nor reading the play in YEARS and I happen to remember very clearly the events in the first part.

Even so, Part II can stand alone. Obviously it does lose its overall intention, however, without the first part. And vice versa.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 9/19/10 at 12:19am

CapnHook, how long did the show run?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/19/10 at 12:31am

I didn't keep track. Between 3 hours and 3hrs 30 mins. There were two 10-minute intermissions.

[Kad]

Posted: 9/19/10 at 12:34am

The show ran 3:40 tonight.


My god is it incredible.

My only caveat is with Frank Wood, who I did not enjoy. He played Cohn all on one level, and his diction was muddled.

But the rest of the production makes up for that weak link. It received a standing ovation and two curtain calls.

It is a beautiful, beautiful production.

[JeaniusIsMe]

Posted: 9/19/10 at 1:33am

Like Kad I saw both shows today, and I have to echo how wonderful it was. Loved every moment- a truly brilliantly realized production. Anyone who sees it will not be disappointed.

[Kad]

Posted: 9/19/10 at 1:43am

I only saw Perestroika today- having the incredibly good fortune of finding a ticket had become available. I can't wait to see Millennium Approaches, however. I'm sure it's just as incredible.

[bschneid76]

Posted: 9/19/10 at 7:07am

I saw both Part 1 and 2 yesterday and it was one of the most thrilling pieces of live theatre I have ever seen. It is truly an experience not to be missed!

[dave1606]

Posted: 9/19/10 at 9:47am

I saw the show on Friday and agree with what everyone has been saying. It was a thrilling night of theater, and for me every cast member was just perfect. I really loved Christian Borle! I had only seen the miniseries part one going in, and I found that I was able understand everything perfectly.

That being said, my only issue with it had to do with the transitions between scenes. I am sure this had to do with it only being second preview, but that set was loud! There was one point where the actors were onstage in front of the curtain doing a scene, and I could hear stagehands and/or cast members whispering loudly. It didn't take away from my enjoyment much, but it was a bit distracting.

FYI if you are going to see this anytime soon, make sure you bring a jacket, that theater was FREEZING.