Reviews: A MIND-BENDING EVENING OF BECKETT

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 10/23/13 at 9:55am

A MIND-BENDING EVENING OF BECKETT opened last night at the Irish Rep located at 132 West 22nd Street. The show includes three of Samuel Beckett's short plays: "Act Without Words", "Breath" and "Play".

The title says it all...mind-bending. What I found as enjoyable and thought provoking about the show was the audience. They were emotionally connected to the characters. Their responses contributed to my experience.

In "Act Without Words" as the audience was watching the puppet become frustrated by the events blocking his attempts for happiness the puppet would make subtle gestures of annoyance and the audience audibly responded! That is a real sign of success for the creative team, actors and director. Both the puppet and set transported me to that island. Although it was really not a long piece it was fantastic to see the perfection and endurance of the puppeteers. It was absolutely obvious that countless hours were spent together to breath life into this puppet. Bravo.

"Breath"...I am hesitant to write too long of a comment for fear that it would outlast the length of this play. The take away is a strong visual and yes a "WTF" was that? What did I see? What did I hear? What does it represent? Still trying to figure it out. lol

I was glad a read up a little about "Play" prior to experiencing it because it happens so fast with the dialogue, lights moving from performer to performer, setting, urns, makeup, expressions that I could relax a bit rather than want to hold my breath for fear of missing a moment of it. Part of me wanted to scream "slow down" while another part wanted to grasp the edge of my seat, lean forward and stick my head out of the window as it sped down the highway. Thankfully, I knew it repeats three times so if I missed something I knew it would come around again. Once again it was without a doubt clearly obvious that the actors put in a great deal of time not only on their own to learn their own part but also as a team to perfect the rapid staccato dialogue.

Although I am not a fan of plays I am very glad that I had this opportunity to experience these classics which exude the hours of commitment by all involved. If you are an avid fan of the 'theatre' then missing this would be a crime.

Kudos to Snafu!!

If anyone finds reviews please post them here. Thanks!
Link to the Irish Rep: A Mind-Bending Evening of Beckett

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 10/23/13 at 10:01am

Positive
Stagebuddy.com review of: A Mind-Bending Evening of Beckett

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 10/23/13 at 10:05am

Mixed

Theater Pizzazz! review of: A Mind-Bending Evening of Beckett

[SNAFU]

Posted: 10/23/13 at 11:47am

Ha, that reviewer doesn't know what Vagitus means! Nor what a marrionette is! Also Erskine is not the name of the character in Act Without Words, anymore then Sameerah, Paul and Rachel are the names of the people in the urns.

Updated On: 10/23/13 at 11:47 AM

[SNAFU]

Posted: 10/23/13 at 11:15pm

OK, not to toot my own horn.... but Theatre Mania is positive!
http://www.theatermania.com/new-york-city-theater/reviews/10-2013/a-mind-bending-evening-of-beckett_66426.html?cid=homepage_news

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 10/24/13 at 9:26am

Awesome!!! I just read it and was going to post it on your behalf!
Ride the wave and enjoy the applause.

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 10/25/13 at 9:21am

Mixed but encouraging.

Maxamoo review

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 10/28/13 at 9:33am

Two more positive reviews came out over the weekend!
Congrats Snafu - keep them coming!!

"...unlikely to convert anyone unfamiliar or unsympathetic to the author's work but anyone with an interest in him should pounce on the opportunity to experience these brief, yet highly representative pieces."
http://www.lightingandsoundamerica.com/news/story.asp?ID=KCJKUW

Huffington Post, "For Beckett fans, A Mind-Bending Evening is spot-on."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fern-siegel/big-fish_b_4168403.html

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 10/31/13 at 9:01am

Way to go Snafu!! Another positive review!


Link to review by Woman Around Town

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 11/18/13 at 9:34am

Snafu - you got reviewed by the NY Times! Congrats!
What's next?!?!

NY Times review

[Rainbowhigh23]

Posted: 11/18/13 at 11:00am

This show is as good as the reviews are reflecting. Erskine has a great bio in the handout!

Updated On: 11/18/13 at 11:00 AM

[SNAFU]

Posted: 11/18/13 at 11:19am

We have been invited to Australia for a theatre festival in 2015... Not counting any chickens, but it is an exciting concept.

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 11/18/13 at 12:04pm

Move over Kong here comes Erskine!