KING CHARLES III Previews

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 11:40am

Previews start today and I'm surprised no one started this thread yet.

 

Is anyone going?

Updated On: 10/10/15 at 11:40 AM

[Mr. Musical]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 12:02pm

I'm going on Monday

[bfreak]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 12:28pm

I'm interested to hear thoughts on this play. I'm still debating on going but I think that I most likely will.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 12:41pm

This is a play I am definitely interested in seeing.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 1:13pm

Just went to the box office and got rush tickets for tonight! Marked partial view, but I can't wait to see this. 

[Cupid Boy2]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 2:07pm

bwayphreak234 said: "Just went to the box office and got rush tickets for tonight! Marked partial view, but I can't wait to see this."

 

Out of curiosity, partial view in a box or side orchestra? I can't decide if I should rush or just purchase one of the $37 tickets in the rear mezz. 

 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 2:37pm

^ The seats are partial view. I will be sure to include how partial the view is in my post with my thoughts on the play tonight!

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 2:54pm

But WHERE (and how much) are the partial view seats. Side orchestra or box? 

Posted: 10/10/15 at 3:01pm

i cannot wait for this play!!!

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 3:07pm

My tickets are side orchestra row D seats 14 and 16. $37 each.

Updated On: 10/10/15 at 03:07 PM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 3:25pm

Just FYI: Tickets in the front row (AA) of the center orchestra section are gong for $97. Cheaper than any discount available for seats elsewhere in the house. No promo code needed, just visit Telecharge and book accordingly. :)

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 7:37pm

LimelightMike, I just saw that they made the front row available for $97.  I am hesitant to get one until I heard how high the stage is, which in that theatre is already on the high side. Plus I heard that some scenes are staged on a raised platform. Anyone who is going to an early preview I would appreciate your thoughts on the play as well as how high the stage is and what you think of those seats, much thanks in advance.  

[theatregoer3]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 7:50pm

Here now. I've been so excited for this one. Will post a review and "curtain" pic when tomorrow.

I got a seat in the last row of the mezz for $37. This theater is so small so it's a great seat.

[Jabere]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 8:08pm

This is going to be good.

 

"

 

Posted: 10/10/15 at 8:09pm

Wonderful play. America will love it.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 8:48pm

Luv2goToShows said: "LimelightMike, I just saw that they made the front row available for $97.  I am hesitant to get one until I heard how high the stage is, which in that theatre is already on the high side. Plus I heard that some scenes are staged on a raised platform. Anyone who is going to an early preview I would appreciate your thoughts on the play as well as how high the stage is and what you think of those seats, much thanks in advance.  "

 

Having sat in the front row for too many shows to count at the venue, I can guarantee that the view is perfection. They wouldn't sell them for $97 if they obstructed, I assure you. Those would, instead, be rush seats. No doubt this will become a must-see this season.

[Luv2goToShows]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 9:12pm

Thanks LimelightMike,  one of my concerns is having to crane my neck for 2 1/2 hours, which would kill my back.  So, if the stage looks uncomfortably high I rather splurge and sit back further or take a chance on TDF and most likely get a seat in the mezzanine.   

[bwayphreak234]

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

Wow. This is play is truly astounding. I loved every second of it. I was so shocked at how quickly the 2 hours and 40 minutes flew by. I could comment on each cast member individually, but I would just be repeating myself over and over again saying how wonderful they all were. I think all the major characters have a strong chance at getting Tony nods.

The set, lighting, and costumes are all impeccably designed and are sharp and perfect. Pretty much all of the action takes place on a raised platform in the center of the stage. I had a limited view seat off to the right hand side in row D of the orchestra. I didn't miss a thing until the very end. I won't spoil anything, but you do miss the final image of the play if you are off the right hand side of the orchestra in the partial view seats. Overall, though, they offered a great view. 

I can't say enough good things about this play. This is by far my favorite thing I have seen this season. This play is just so well done and perfectly directed. King Charles III is an absolute must see.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 11:38pm

I'm getting home from tonight's preview and was completely taken with the play and the performances. This easily ranks up there with the cream of crop of this season so far.

 

I had seen both Cock and Bull when they played New York, but neither play prepared me for the greatness of Bartlett's work in King Charles III. The piece is conceived like one of Shakespeare's History plays; obviously this one is set in the future, throwing an interesting wrench into the set-up. Bartlett paints a rather terrifying picture of the possible near future, but he peppers it with humor derived from the scathing portrayals of the Royals and members of Parliament. (Please, if you're a Brit chime in and let me know what the Brits really think of these people!)

 

The acting was uniformly strong across the board with special mentions going to Tim Pigott-Smith as Charles, Richard Goulding as Harry and Lydia Wilson as Kate. All three were perfection and I hope they're remember when award season comes around. 

 

I'll stay quiet about the plot because it will be more fun to go in not knowing the twists and turns. The play begins with the death of Elizabeth and Charles taking over the duties of the monarch. Audiences with the prime minister play a key role, so it's nice that we all had a primer to that tradition last season! And this plays as a nice companion piece to the Mirren vehicle too. 

 

The lighting and sound design were excellent. The costumes were mostly basic black dresses for the women and suits for the men with a few surprises along the way. The set is simple (reminded me of a Wolf Hall) with the scenes being played out on a raised platform in the center of the stage.

 

Highly recommended, and the $37 seats in the mezz are great.

[musicman_bwayfan]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 11:47pm

Any merch yet (particularly the poster)?

Thanks for the information!

[theatregoer3]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 11:52pm

I agree with Wizzer. Also good to mention the actor playing William. Camilla also had a wonderful moment I had forgotten about from back when I read the play. Not much more to add.

 

Posters were on sale.

 

Wizzer, I must've seen you up there in the mezz!

[BroadwayLuv2]

Posted: 10/10/15 at 11:57pm

How was the view from the rush seats? How obstructed were they? Was the house full?

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/11/15 at 12:02am

^ I had rush seats off the right hand side. The view was just fine. You miss a couple entrances and exits, but pretty much all of the action takes place on a raised platform in the center of the stage. If you are in the rush seats off to the ride hand side, you may miss the final image of the play - at least I did. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 10/11/15 at 12:04am

Being in my 20s and knowing nothing about British politics, is this still something I'd enjoy? 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 10/11/15 at 12:06am

^ I am in my 20s and knew nothing about British politics before seeing this play, but I still absolutely loved this play.