M. BUTTERFLY revival to close January 14

[thealtoslament]

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/28/arts/m-butterfly-broadway-revival-will-close-in-january.html

[BroadwayConcierge]

It's six weeks earlier than they planned, but I can't believe they're even trying to run that long. Sorry for everyone involved, but this was overall a huge letdown.

[bwayphreak234]

This was a truly awful production.

[blaxx]

Maybe get someone who can direct actors next time.

[Call_me_jorge]

I hope Jin Ha can get back into Hamilton

[comets]

Good lord, I just saw the video on Playbill. It looks like a high school production. Doesn't look like I am missing much. 

[SNAFU]

Has the Taymor star finally collapsed?

 

[James2]

Kinda funny that it's the same closing day as Miss Saigon.

[The Distinctive Baritone]

It’s Oscar nominee Clive Owen opposite a guy who went to Juilliard. They should be able to play their roles successfully with minimal aide from the director. You’d be surprised how little acting coaching happens in professional theatre.

[SNAFU]

We also have on the record statements from the likes of Anthony Hopkins about a director not knowing how to direct actors. And yes actors win nominations for there acting which is directed.

 

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Just saying in Taymor’s defense, if the acting is poor, it’s not necessarily her fault.

[comets]

But the horrible sets are her fault. 

[David10086]

And I'm sure it's not going to recoup a penny back for investors. That's too bad. 

[LizzieCurry]

ARGH!

[10086sunset]

Guess that announcement for The Minutes going into the Cort should be coming shortly.

[Tag]

But the horrible sets are her fault. 

Is she credited as the set designer?

[comets]

Tag said: "But the horrible sets are her fault.

Is she credited as the set designer?"

 

She's the director, she approves it all. 

[haterobics]

The Distinctive Baritone said: "Just saying in Taymor’s defense, if the acting is poor, it’s not necessarily her fault."

Doesn't the director cast the actors in the show?!

[Graymerchant]

While the director plays a major role in the design, it's worthy to point out that while the director is the captain of the "ship", the producer(s) own the "ship". Producers sometimes push what they want and trump the director & designers. 

 

[haterobics]

Have to figure out how to fit this into my schedule now... ack.

[TheatreRocks]

I thought it was penomenal. What a shame its closing. 

[GavestonPS]

The Distinctive Baritone said: "It’s Oscar nominee Clive Owen opposite a guy who went to Juilliard. They should be able to play their roles successfully with minimal aide from the director. You’d be surprised how little acting coaching happens in professional theatre."

It's true a director is not an acting coach. But a director is very much responsible for creating a stage world in which the efforts of individual actors cohere into a meaningful whole.

So, in this case, we have (a) one of the most brilliant plays of the last 30 years; and (b) actors who have demonstrated their proficiency in other roles. I haven't even seen the production, but (a) and (b) pretty much leave the blame at the feet of the director.

[GavestonPS]

Graymerchant said: "While the director plays a major role in the design, it's worthy to point out that while the director is the captain of the "ship", the producer(s) own the "ship". Producers sometimes push what they want and trump the director & designers.

 

"

Sometimes, but not if they hire Julie Taymor. Anyone who hasn't been in a coma for the past 20 years knows Miss Taymor will rule your show if you hire her. (See chapter entitled "The Muscle" in William Goldman's THE SEASON.)

[Play Esq.]

TheatreRocks said: "I thought it was penomenal. What a shame its closing."

Says the person or bot who joined this board right before previews.  

[Fordham2015]

TheatreRocks said: "I thought it was penomenal. What a shame its closing."

Yay, finally someone agrees with me!