Hangmen worth it?

[AllThatJazz2]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 9:42am

So after looking at my options for my trip, Im down to deciding between Beetlejuice and Hangmen. Hangmen sounds like a very interesting premise, but I admit Im unfamiliar with the playwrights previous work. The seat choices for my date also seem to be either the front of the rear mezzanine (further back than I normally sit for plays, though I believe the theater is small with good sightlines), or second row orchestra - most other non-premium seats have already been snapped up. Id prefer the better view, but not sure the play is worth a $200 ticket.

For those who have seen Hangmen - would you say its worth the cost?

[OuttaTowner]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 11:59am

IMO -
It was good, not great. Saw it at the Atlantic. One of the strongest performances was by the one lead who is NOT transferring to Broadway. Cannot speak for the new members. Mark Addy - who is continuing with the show - is very good.

If you’re a fan of McDonough, then you expect some violence, occasional gore and some twists. Hangmen has all of that (virtually no “gore”), but most around me seemed to anticipate the twists (if their chats during intermission and post-show were any indicators). I suppose you’d call it a dark comedy, though I don’t recall a lot of laughs. That’s not a criticism - just an observation.

That said, if you temper your expectations, it’s an enjoyable enough 2 hours, though I’d feel slighted if I paid $200 for it. There’s a sizable cast (though 4-5 have little to do), and (but for two brief scenes at the top of each act) a single set.

I realize I’m neither giving an enthusiastic endorsement nor a “stay away at all costs.” I enjoyed it, but thought some of the critical praise was overkill.

[Danielle49]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 2:40pm

I absolutely loved it — I’m also a huge McDonagh fan. But a big takeaway I had from it was how brilliant Johnny Flynn was as Mooney. A darn shame that he’s not transferring with the Broadway production. I’m sure Dan Stevens will be great, but Johnny Flynn’s performance was stunning. I’d say $200 is indeed steep without him.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 1/19/20 at 3:29pm

I loved it and would definitely recommend Hangmen.  I think $200 is way too much and feel that you will be able to get a better seat at lower price through TKTS or last minute Stubhub if your schedule allows for flexibility. I will be hunting TDF so I can see this again.

[Susanswerphone]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 1:35pm

Melissa25 said: "I loved it and would definitely recommend Hangmen. I think $200 is way too much and feel that you will be able to get a better seat at lower price through TKTS or last minute Stubhub if your schedule allows for flexibility. I will be hunting TDF so I can see this again."

Agreed. As someone who also loved it at Atlantic, I don't see it commanding $200 a seat. I hope it shows on tdf and urge you to see it. I hope to return.

[haterobics]

Posted: 1/20/20 at 10:12pm

Agree with those who say to wait, book more last-minute and you'll get better seats cheaper... even if it is just premiums downgraded to regular price as the date nears.