A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY at Classic Stage Company

[James2]

Last night was the first preview. Did anyone here go see it?

[TheatreFreak05]

Anyone?

[James2]

I saw today's matinee. A rather good production. The play was involving if a bit overstuffed, and the new translation was excellent (easy for an actor to say but with a timeless quality that kept it from feeling anachronistic). Taylor Schilling and Peter Dinklage were both charming and affecting in the later acts. I'd recommend this one quite a bit.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Saw this tonight, and had such a wonderful time. Thought the cast overall was great; Peter Dinklage, as expected, is fantastic, but I was really taken with Taylor Schilling. She's charming and natural onstage and so very different from her Orange is the New Black role, while still maintaining those qualities that make her so special on that show.

[LarryD2]

Taylor Schilling is really good in this production. I think she'll surprise a lot of people who only know her from Orange is the New Black. The entire production is solid, if a little light on spark, but Schilling alone is worth going for. Here's to seeing her more frequently on stage in New York.

[Wee Thomas2]

Found 2 tix online for the Saturday matinee, will report back next week. Really looking forward to seeing this

[josiahjosiah]

Saw this last night (Thursday) and loved it. So interesting to see the predecessor to Chekov in the form of a delightful intimate human comedy. It didn't necessarily move me as much as Chekhov often does, but so many of the same elements were there. Thomas Jay Ryan was hilarious as the Doctor. Was surprised to see powerhouses like Annabella Sciorra, Elizabeth Franz and Anthony Edwards in relatively minor roles, but they really were wonderful, as was the entire cast. The entire set of young actors here were brilliant.

It was near impossible to take your eyes off of Taylor Schilling and Peter Dinklage...they have such natural magnetism. I loved Dinklage in RICHARD III at the Public several years ago. Here he doesn't have quite as much to sink his teeth into. I was mesmerized by the arcs of both of their stories. It would be terrific to see more of both of them on stage, but until then we have this fine production at CSC which doesn't disappoint.

Of all the plays I've seen at CSC over the years I felt this utilized this stage's space most effectively...it really made a dark confined space seem wide open and even magisterial at times. Kudos to the lighting and scenic designers here.

I would recommend this production without hesitation.

As an aside, we saw Isherwood at this performance. He was playing his cards close to his chest. Amusingly he arrived very close to curtain time and someone else was inadvertently (?) seated in his seats and they had to be moved before things could begin. So much for making an unassuming entrance. The theatre appeared to be sold out.

[JBroadway]

I saw this tonight and really enjoyed it! The play is often lighthearted and funny, but also has its more emotionally heavy moments. The whole ensemble of actors was very talented. Dinklage did a great job, but Schilling is the real gem of this production. Her performance is incredibly nuanced, with perfect comedic timing, as well as heart-wrenching emotional complexity. Her performance is not one to miss, in my opinion, especially if you are a fan of Orange is the New Black.

[Jspy86]

All of your reviews have been very helpful, I'm going to try and get tickets before it closes. Has anyone stayed after the show for autographs?

[JBroadway]

When I went, both Schilling and Dinklage came out of the stage door (to the left of the main entrance, if you're facing the street). They both signed and posed for pictures with those asked. However, I've heard that sometimes Schilling sneaks out/doesn't want to sign. I also noticed that many of the other performers exited through the main entrance rather than through the stage door.

[Jspy86]

@JBroadway

Thanks for the information. I'm seeing the show next Saturday for the final performance. Do you think I would offend Peter if I had a Game of Thrones poster?

[bfreak]

Not sure if he'd sign it, but if he was offended he should be ashamed since that gives him most of his paychecks!

[Jspy86]

@bfreak

Thanks. It's coming with me anyways. I've been fortunate enough to get some of these actors to sign other things, so maybe it'll work. You're right though. If anything, I'd prefer a polite no.

[bfreak]

Enjoy the show. I hope you get a chance to meet him and that he signs your poster for you (he probably will).

[Jspy86]

Thank you. He's a fantastic actor and I always ask politely for signatures.

[atuomala]

I don't think "offended" is the right word. Sometimes actors (especially when there is a high volume of people at the stage door, which I haven't experienced at Classic Stage) will only sign playbills and posters from the show, just to sort of "stick it" to the autograph hounds who try to turn a profit from their signatures. But, I'm sure Peter will sign your poster. Actors can usually tell the difference between an autograph hound and a genuine fan. This merely comes from my experience with stage dooring.

[Jspy86]

I appreciate your comment. Yes, I definitely fall under the fan category. I do not sell anything, nor would I ever shove 50 things into anyone's face like the hounds do. You're right about the actors. They really do know the fans from the fakes. He seems like he would be a nice guy.

[atuomala]

According to some of the fan feedback from the stage door, it looks like everyone has had a pleasant experience at Classic Stage. I saw the show a couple weeks ago and I'm going to see it again next week before it closes.

[Jspy86]

Did you enjoy it? I have a ticket for the 28th.

[atuomala]

It was great. I love the way it was staged, and Peter's performance was just heartbreaking.

[Jspy86]

Awesome. He's become one of my favorite actors as I've followed the Game of Thrones series since the beginning of the show. I'm anxious to see him in an expansive role. Meeting him is just a bonus.

[Jspy86]

Looking forward to seeing this show on Saturday. Also still hoping for the chance to meet Peter and Taylor after the show.

[Jspy86]

I was pleased with this show. Peter, Taylor, and the cast did a great job. Such a simple setting to, but it was great. Afterwards, Peter came out, signed, and posed for photos. After about an hour wait, Taylor came out and headed straight for her car. Still a good night.

[Hairspray0901]

I was there this afternoon too. really enjoyed the performances of everyone involved. a great afternoon at the theater!

i will say, it was such a pleasure meeting peter dinklage, he was very kind to sign afterwards and pose for photos.

i get that actor's don't owe the audience anything else than a performance but there were about 10-15 people waiting for an hour, like jspy86 said, and taylor schilling came outside, looked at everyone and went "yeah guys...can't do this tonight.." and just got into her car. That's fine. it sucked, yeah, but what gets me is the fact that her OITNB co-star, who wasn't in the show and was getting in the SAME car as schilling, stopped to take a photo with 2 people who asked. meanwhile, schilling goes "jackie!! come on..." and jackie was like "I'm sorry guys, got to go" and went in the car. Again, I know they don't owe us anything, it was just a little disappointing.

Overall though, a great show indeed. I loved the staging, I had never been to classic stage before. are all of their shows thrust theater stage?

[Jspy86]

The rumors ended up being quite true about Taylor. It was noted by several people that she has sometimes skipped out on the signings. I even heard one fan say that she had now missed Taylor twice. Clearly she was not interested tonight. Peter is the man though.