Too Heavy for Your Pocket
Too Heavy for Your Pocket
#1Too Heavy for Your Pocket
Posted: 9/20/17 at 10:00am
I saw last night's preview of Too Heavy for Your Pocket and thought the acting was terrific and the play was mostly strong, though it dragged a bit in act one and then became very plot-heavy in act two.
The play deals with interesting subject matter- two black couples in 1961 Tennessee deal with the struggles of raising a family, going to college and the whether it's better to fight for civil rights or take care of your loved ones at home in a more practical way. (Many of these themes were covered in the far superior Caroline, Or Change; "I Hate the Bus" could easily be interpolated for the lead male character. There's lots of singing in the play, so we know they could handle the score, and Nneka Okafor gives off an Anika Noni Rose so you half expect her to come out at the end and start singing, "Just one last thing left unsaid..."
Still, I think the acting makes it more than worthwhile to see this production. All four actors are great, but the two women- Nneka Okafor and Eboni Flowers- are just sensational. I loved their performances, which were both very strong, grounded and never forced. I hope to see these ladies on stage again soon.
The Underground has been completely transformed into an environmental space. Fake grass covers the entire room (even under the seats) and wooden planks have been hung on the walls all the around the seating area too. Even the name of the Underground series adds some, perhaps untended, symbolism to the play, but of course also brings up Caroline, or Change again with all the "nothin' happens underground in Louisiana, 'cause there ain't no underground in Louisiana/16 feet below sea level" motifs.
It was also nice to finally see Roundabout make the slightest attempt to program/cast something racial diverse.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
theladywholunches
Swing Joined: 9/20/17
#2Too Heavy for Your Pocket
Posted: 9/20/17 at 12:17pm
I saw this over the weekend. I loved it. It's a really special story about a movement that most people have little knowledge of. The cast is fantastic and I've never seen a set like this in the Underground. Definitely planning on going back after opening.
#3Too Heavy for Your Pocket
Posted: 10/19/17 at 11:17am
I thought this play was very ambitious and there's lots to celebrate about it but I just wish the scope of it were broader. I would've loved to see this play be opened up a bit, with a bigger cast and expansive set. There was a lot of telling and not showing. That being said, this is one of the best acted productions I've seen in a long time. The four actors are fantastic, especially Brandon Gill (who was the best part of Bella at PH.)
A little swash, a bit of buckle - you'll love it more than bread.
#4Too Heavy for Your Pocket
Posted: 10/19/17 at 12:50pm
I saw it this past weekend and thought it was utterly beautiful. I can understand some of the criticisms of it, but nothing about it bothered me in the slightest. This was one of my favorite things I've seen recently, and I would recommend it to just about anyone.
As others have said, it's impeccably acted, and I personally thought the writing was very strong as well. My heart ached for every one of the characters, in the best possible way.
VintageSnarker
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
#5Too Heavy for Your Pocket
Posted: 10/19/17 at 9:29pm
Brandon Gill is in this AND there's singing? Why doesn't anyone tell me anything? OK, definitely more interested in checking this out now.
Has Roundabout been pushing this at all?
newsie20841
Understudy Joined: 6/19/13
#6Too Heavy for Your Pocket
Posted: 10/21/17 at 8:21pm
I'm curious about this show. I've never been to the Underground before. When I look at Roundabout's website, it just shows general admission seating for sale. Is the seating not assigned and really just available on a first-come first-served basis? How many seats are there?
#7Too Heavy for Your Pocket
Posted: 10/21/17 at 8:37pm
newsie20841 said: "I'm curious about this show. I've never been to the Underground before. When I look at Roundabout's website, it just shows general admission seating for sale. Is the seating not assigned and really just available on a first-come first-served basis? How many seats are there?"
yes, it's first come first served. This is a rough estimate, but I think there are maybe 60 seats?
