Mrs. Murray’s Menagerie (previews)

[Relevance81491]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 7:34am

New Ars Nova play from The Mad Ones directed by Lila Neugebauer begins previews tonight!, The artists involved alone make me excited for this, but the premise sounds really intriguing.

The creators of a 1970s children’s television program have commissioned a focus group to probe the parents of the show’s target audience. Over stale coffee and donuts, a group of strangers navigates the murky waters of American belief and perception.

early reports are appreciated as always!!!

[dave1606]

Posted: 3/27/19 at 12:31pm

I saw this last night for the first preview. Interesting to be back in the Sweeny Todd theater and see the space totally reconfigured.

There was a speech before the show by director Lila Neugebauer explaining that the show had been re-written up until three hours ago and that there was someone available to call for lines if needed. This proved to be unnecessary as no one did.

I have to say I really enjoyed this show. The play could use some more edits and doesn’t amount to much (I wish the beginning and ends scenes tied more together), but the playwright has an ear for dialogue and I felt I knew all of the characters very early on and it is often very, very funny. 

The set feels like a church function room (you can see bingo balls in the background) with coffee brewing and donuts on the table. We are here for a focus group on the children’s show by parents who watch it with their kids. They are testing two spinoffs and get feedback there.

We learn more and more about the show and respective spinoffs as we go along and even hear two songs from the shows. One of my favorite scenes has the parents pick their favorite character as the proctor sprinkles stuffed animals around the room.

Special kudos to Marc Bovino as Jim who has very few lines but makes his character a standout as the assistant proctor who is writing down all of the talking points. Pay attention to him as the show goes on as there are fun little bits you could easily miss. The rest of the cast is truly excellent with January Levoy as a favorite as CiCi who has nailed the 70’s speaking voice.

Overall it is a very entertaining show and I think Lila Neugebauer’s direction was excellent, but I do wish that it added up a bit more. Still well worth a trip to the village (Try Barrow St. Ale House before for $5 happy hour!).

Updated On: 3/27/19 at 12:31 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/7/19 at 10:37pm

Just bought a ticket for two weeks from now. Thankfully a friend told me he was going or i may have missed out. I feel I love with The Mad Ones after seeing Miles For Mary.

What is the running time for this one?