Question about Present Laughter

[10086sunset]

Posted: 4/5/17 at 2:04pm

Was curious about thoughts regarding the lack of buzz and interest on the current Present Laughter production. Anyone care to share what they believe is the reason? 

-The show has been reviewed too often?

-This season is filled with too many other high profile shows?

-Bad marriage between the show and the theater?

-Kline not being the draw he once was? 

 

[Jtoth8922]

Posted: 4/5/17 at 2:08pm

It's really really boring and was soooo long when I saw it, plus this is the 3rd revival in the last 20 years, and they're not doing anything new or revolutionary like some oft revived shows (Glass Menagerie, Long Days Journey, etc.). It all felt very forced as a whole, plus I looked back and they rarely ever shower Present Laughter Revivals with much Tony love. Noel Coward can come off very dated.

[Fordham2015]

Posted: 4/5/17 at 2:14pm

Taking each theory one by one:

-Frequently reviving a show isn't on its face a bad thing- The Glass Menagerie is revived a lot, but each production has a lot of buzz and interest (even when it's not directed by Sam Gold).

-I don't think the theater is a problem- the St. James is a historic house, and when I saw it over the weekend the orchestra and most of the mezzanine were filled (they're not selling the balcony, but that's common practice for plays in large houses- Sweat is doing the same thing with rear mezz)

-Kline is seemingly still a draw- the audience I saw it with gave him rousing entrance applause and a standing ovation (admittedly they looked like mostly tourists with TDF tix)

My money is on number two- this is an extremely strong season, and with so many musicals and plays commanding peoples' attention, some shows are bound to fall through the cracks.

That being said, I absolutely loved Present Laughter (went into detail on the previews thread) and I highly recommend it!

[10086sunset]

Posted: 4/5/17 at 5:17pm

Curious to see what the reviews say tonight. Seems that it's a love or hate type show.

[haterobics]

Posted: 4/5/17 at 5:19pm

Just didn't do anything for me when I saw it... 

[pathman2]

Posted: 4/29/17 at 9:05am

New question: Is the front row too close or too low? It's discounted so I'm tempted. Thanks!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/30/17 at 5:42am

Both my son and I really liked it.  You have to understand the time period in which it's written and be prepared for a style where the words reign supreme.