Lansbury/Jones Driving Miss Daisy on screen

[Playbilly]

Posted: 6/4/14 at 4:30pm

I really enjoyed this performance, and hope "Broadway Near You" continues with productions. The ticket price will probably keep casual theatergoers (certainly moviegoers) away at first. In most markets, the price is the same of a liver show. Anyway, I'm grateful to be able to see Lansbury & Jones in this show.

Updated On: 6/4/14 at 04:30 PM

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 6/4/14 at 4:41pm

How much do they charge in New york for these? I've never paid more than 20 for one of these and usually it's around $15 or so.

[Playbilly]

Posted: 6/4/14 at 4:47pm

I paid 22. The first thing out of the teller's mouth was "we don't set prices on special events".

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 6/4/14 at 4:48pm

What live shows are you seeing for $22? Certainly not the equivalent of these shows that are screened in cinemas?

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 11:44am

Paid $21.69 in Pasadena. But Lord, is it worth every penny!

Terrifically full performance by Dame Lansbury, and Boyd Gaines does lovely work as Boolie, but we couldn't take our eyes off of James Earl Jones the whole night. Such invention and artistry in every halting step and goofy grin. How very lucky we are to have these performances recorded for all time.

Did it feel like you were in the theater with them? No, never. But the editing was seamless, the laughter from the recorded audience was welcome, and for once the full-stage shots were plentiful. You got to understand John Lee Beatty's lovely set in its simplicity and grandeur, something these taped performances so often fail to deliver.

Having said all that, does anyone else feel as we do that the play itself lacks something? Beautiful character sketches but not quite a full meal? Perhaps that's a subject for a thread some other day...

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 11:46am

"Having said all that, does anyone else feel as we do that the play itself lacks something? Beautiful character sketches but not quite a full meal? Perhaps that's a subject for a thread some other day..."

We're just accustomed to overeating.

[dreaming]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 11:46am

I saw it here in NY. I enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads. (Boyd Gaines was also very good as Booley.)

SPOILER:
I missed one scene from the film (I know the play isn't the film), where they get pulled over on their way to Mobile. (The cops pulled them over because Hoke is driving the car. They ask Daisy the origin of her name and she says (rightly) that it's German. And they figure out she's Jewish and make a racist comment.)

[haterobics]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 11:49am

I don't think you have to spoiler 25 year old movies.

[Almira]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 12:50pm

Paid $21.69 in Pasadena. But Lord, is it worth every penny!

I was in Pasadena last night too! I only paid $20.

I agree. Worth every penny.

[Will42]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 1:43pm

Saw it last year in Australia. Glad that the magic translates to the big screen.
Completely agree about Boyd Gaines, he was pretty spectacular (same goes to Dame Angela and Mr. Jones).

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 4:38pm

Boyd Gaines is a marvel. Lets remember that he was the first actor to ever be nominated for a Tony Award in all four acting categories (he's won in three of them).

[Will42]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 4:59pm

Not to mention that he has won more Tony Awards than any other male performer (unless someone else also has 4).

[binau]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 5:35pm

Do you know which date this performance was recorded?

[madbrian]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 6:41pm

I saw this last might in a theater in Montclair, NJ. Sadly, there were only a few people there, and it was difficult to hear at times because the sound from the adjacent theater was coming through the wall.

That said, the show was wonderful. Count me among those in awe of Gaines. Despite his four Tonys, I still don't feel like he gets the recognition he deserves.

[ljay889]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 7:29pm

I was going to attend the Montclair screening last night, but was too tired after a long work shift. I am surprised of all areas, Montclair had an empty house. When I saw MERRILY in Paramus, it was completely sold out.

I am looking forward to the PBS airing of DAISY.

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 6/5/14 at 7:37pm

"I was in Pasadena last night too! I only paid $20."

My hubby bought the tix online-- I know he paid a surcharge which I thought was 1.69.
Foolishly we thought the place would be jammed with people-- not so much. I'd guess there were 20 or 25 folks in the seats.
Neat to know that Almira was among them. One day I'll finally meet a BWW poster in person.

[Will42]

Posted: 6/7/14 at 5:40am

Great indepth interview with James Earl Jones discussing Driving Miss Daisy, the differences between Dame Angela and Ms. Redgrave, and upcoming You Can't Take It with You. He also talks about his displease of doing Mark Rylance's production of Much Ado About Nothing.

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/InDepth-InterView-Exclusive-James-Earl-Jones-Talks-DRIVING-MISS-DAISY-YOU-CANT-TAKE-IT-WITH-YOU-STAR-WARS-THE-LION-KING-More-20140607#.U5LY6Pl_uSp