COAL COUNTRY at the Public

[Pashacar]

Posted: 2/20/20 at 10:05am

Were a few days into previews of the new Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen show.

Any reports yet?

[JBroadway]

Posted: 2/20/20 at 10:23am

I was at first preview. I was pretty bored by the first half, but it grew on me as it went along. It's mostly narration monologues, which I hate, but they got more interesting as they moved away from personal family details, and delved more into the specifics of the incident. Reminded me of Come From Away in certain parts. 

Steve Earle's music is great, and he performs it beautifully. If anyone is looking for an opportunity to see him perform live in this intimate venue, now is your chance! 

[Pashacar]

Posted: 2/21/20 at 12:00pm

Thanks for the report. I've been very excited for this as Aftermath at NYTW remains one of my top theater experiences of all time. But from your reports and some others I've heard, this sounds somewhat less successful.

[CarmenA3]

Posted: 2/23/20 at 12:13pm

I was at first preview as well, and agree w/ JBroadway... it was "meh" for me, but it didn't get better by the end. Nothing grabbed at my heart throughout. Two shows that kept popping into my head... Come From Away and Girl from the North Country.

Steve Earle was a highlight... I was impressed with what he did with a guitar, banjo, and something he tapped with his foot (I'm not a musician LOL ). 

Just in case...

 

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CFA for the presentation style...a group of people relating how one incident affected them. There's even a tiny minute-long group "choreography" that felt like a copy of Welcome to the Rock

and

Girl for the set design. Both are small depressed town styles.

[Esther2]

Posted: 2/23/20 at 12:35pm

Saw this last night.  I liked the first part better.  Thought the personal stories were touching.  It didn't hold up as it went along.  The only person who brought me to tears was the older gentleman who lost his son.  I understand the issues, but the evening, as theater, didn't come together for me.  My husband mentioned Come From Away as we were leaving and I can see that.  Seeing North Country tomorrow, so I'll see if that comparison holds up. 

That said, Steve Earle is wonderful and made the entire evening worthwhile. 

[little_sally]

Posted: 3/9/20 at 2:53pm

I loved this. The whole thing was devastating, and the whole cast and the music were excellent. One of my favorites of the season.