"It's Only a Play" Preview Thread- Page 2

[The Other One]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 6:49am

"But my issue is that play is a strange mix of insider type jokes...and then lots of common denominator ones that made me grown..."

Now, now, the play is not that long!

But it truly is just a series of inside jokes. I saw a production of it in LA 22 years ago and there is only so much a good cast can do with it. This production, buoyed by Nathan Lane, will probably score as a Broadway event but that's about it. The play itself is a meal that will leave you hungry if ever there was one.

Updated On: 8/29/14 at 06:49 AM

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 7:49am

I love dave’s review.

The characters don’t do anything interesting, the updates feel inorganic, many of the jokes are groaners, and it ultimately fizzles out and overstays its welcome. But there’s nothing wrong with the play.

Thankfully, though, it’s worth it for the cast, except for Matthew Broderick (whose character isn’t very interesting), Megan Mullaly (who’s miscast and unintelligible), and Rupert Grint (whose character makes little impression).

I’m rushing out to get that $72 mezz ticket right now.

[Patash]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 8:23am

To quote a theatre insider friend -- "With this cast if they wanted to do a FUNNY and WELL WRITTEN show biz comedy, they should have just done a bang up revival of Light up the Sky, a much better show." I've never heard anyone say that this script has much going for it.

Still I'm anxious to see it and have my ticket for November. Isn't Matthew Broderick stumbling over lines a usual occurrence?

[Wvaspartan]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 8:28am

I personally loved the show but it is very much an insiders joke to the world of Broadway so if you haven't been to a ton of shows or don't know everything about critics then it may fall flat. Of course, since I know a ton about Broadway and the critics I thought the comedy was great. The play on recent events dealing with celebs was great as well. It is true though that there was some issues with the dialog but that should be expected with it being a first preview.

Then again... I could still be on cloud nine due to Kate Winslet being directly behind me at the show.

Updated On: 8/29/14 at 08:28 AM

[StageStruckLad]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 8:45am

Does Stockard Channing still have that kabuki mask-like face from OTHER DESERT CITIES that doesn't move at all? I was hoping that was just temporary botox because she was playing an uptight Republican.

[dave1606]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 9:59am

Does everyone remember Soderbergh's Ocean's 12? That is what this reminded me of. That movie was not a particularly great film, but it was a lot of fun because it was a bunch of stars having fun. That is what this felt like.

What I mean is that if you want to see these stars onstage and have a reasonably good time, there are worst things you could see. But I can't imagine a tourist from Ohio going in to see it and enjoying the insider jokes. It was ocasionally good, but never great.

[dreaming]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 10:18am

Did anyone do the student rush for this? Any ideas about how early one might have to get there?

[Up In One]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 12:18pm

Some great reports on last nights performance on the "other" site.

[Jotebry]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 3:28pm

Sorry...what's the "other" site ? I'd like to read those. How was Murray Abraham in the play ? Can't imagine anything but wonderful.

[SweetLips]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 3:48pm

I'd like to know also as I though BWW was the Bible we all worshipped.
StageStruckLad-after watching that interview with all the stars, both Stockard and Megan[don't know them personally] were unrecognisable--these women[and men] should STOP with the botox or see another Doctor.

[Up In One]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 4:44pm

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=2231297

[Jotebry]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 4:55pm

Thanks, "Up in One". Much appreciated.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 7:15pm

"Thankfully, though, it’s worth it for the cast, except for Matthew Broderick (whose character isn’t very interesting)"

Maybe the character isn't interesting because the bland and lazy Matthew Broderick is playing him. He's probably giving the same non performance he's given for the last 20 years.

Updated On: 8/29/14 at 07:15 PM

[DAME]

Posted: 8/29/14 at 7:30pm

The Matthew Broderick bashing is so 5 minutes ago.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 8/30/14 at 12:15am

Ok I just got back from the show tonight, and I personally loved it! I can see why others have criticized it: Some moments were slow with some "groaner" jokes as someone here put it, but I found it to be hilarious most of the time. There were a lot of insider jokes, but a lot of it is just overall cleverly written, hilarious and engaging in my opinion. I thought the cast was great, and Rupert Grint was a very pleasant surprise. He has well earned his place on Broadway in my book. Overall, while some moments were weak, the show as a whole struck me as very strong and very funny. I would definitely recommend it.

"Did anyone do the student rush for this? Any ideas about how early one might have to get there?"

I did the student rush this morning. I got there at around 8:45 and was first in line. The line wasn't all that long by 10:00. I got a seat in the 4th row of the orchestra, far house left. Great seats. It was marked as "obstructed view" but there were only a couple times when an actor went out of sight. Definitely great seats in my opinion.

I also did the stage-door tonight. It was very packed, needless to say. Rupert and Micah were the only ones to come out, which didn't especially surprise me. Rupert came out and signed just for the people in the front of the barricade on both sides (he didn't go around the corner to the people on the sides like actors sometimes do). The stage-door man said he wouldn't pose for photos, but when people asked him for photos, he seemed happy to oblige. Micah did not seem to expect anyone to want to talk to him, but when people called him over he was happy to sign and take pictures (though he didn't have his own pen).

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/30/14 at 12:45am

What is the set for this like?

[xoffender45]

Posted: 8/30/14 at 1:26am

Saw tonight's second preview, and have to agree with what's already been said. Broderick was mehhh, but the rest of the cast was excellent, even Mullally who still came across a little Karen Walker-esque.

I happened to walk past the theater on my way to work around 10:40 this morning. There was no line, and was able to get an obstructed view seat, orchestra row H seat 21 for $37. The obstruction was minimal, and i was able to see 99% of all the action. I still managed to move up one row, into the center aisle seat, for an even better view.

[Jotebry]

Posted: 8/30/14 at 5:14pm

First Saturday matinee preview was Wonderful ! What a show, what a cast, what a great time in the theatre !!! Was skeptical that Terrence McNally's updating of the 1980's comedy would deliver the goods. Boy, does it ! Funny stuff. Didn't get a few of the inside theatre jokes, but just a few. Thought I would miss his dropping the taxi driver character, but I didn't. Don't understand the Matthew Broderick hating. His character is the heart and soul of the play. Performances were outstanding by all 7 cast members. Perhaps because he's such a personal favorite, I especially enjoyed F. Murray Abraham's performance as the critic who really wants to be a playwright. Well worth the money. Can't wait to see it again later in the run. Bravo to the entire company !

[lite2shine]

Posted: 8/30/14 at 5:27pm

xoffender45 is that a student rush or general rush? Thanks!

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/30/14 at 6:12pm

I'm not xoffender45...but it's a student rush.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 8/30/14 at 6:12pm

Double post

Updated On: 8/31/14 at 06:12 PM

[xoffender45]

Posted: 8/31/14 at 2:01am

The box office employee checked for my student ID.

[gottadance2]

Posted: 8/31/14 at 8:10am

Just saw Saturdays matinee,so glad I'm " not in the business" just a theater fan-I LOVED it, laughed all afternoon along with rest of audience!

[mc1227]

Posted: 8/31/14 at 8:59pm

Saw it today and just loved it. The talent on that stage is incredible. It does need to be cut about 15-20 minutes but very funny with great performances.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 8/31/14 at 10:55pm

I happened upon this article and it's driving me crazy:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2737971/Rupert-Grint-sports-smokey-eye-ahead-opening-night-It-s-Only-A-Play.html

All over the article they keep saying these pictures are from BEFORE the show on "Opening night" when they were all taken AFTER the show on the first preview. That's he's wearing the eyeliner to begin with. Is it weird that it bothers me? I guess it just shows their ignorance of the theatre world. They don't mind posting incorrect facts if it will make readers think that Rupert Grint walks around with eyeliner in his regular life.