Olivier-winning LIFE OF PI On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread- Page 4

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 3/30/23 at 12:36pm

I was also at yesterday's matinee. Having read the book more than a decade ago and having seen the movie many times since then, I was impressed by the production, but, above all, by Hiran Abeysekara's masterful performance. Sure, the visuals and puppets are splendid, but he elevates it from what could be empty spectacle to the spiritual and philosophical level of the source material. Unfortunately, he's so good that most of the other actors look mediocre by comparison, thus making the writing sometimes sound hokier than need be, and, really, what was up with everyone's accents? Minor quibbles, though. Hiran and the physical production are must-sees, so, ultimately, the show worked for me, and I left the theatre moved.

I sat in mezzanine D1 for act 1, which was a perfect vantage point for taking everything in, but being in the midst of teenagers wasn't working for me, so I asked to move to the empty rear left box at intermission, which was also a fantastic view. 

My views from D 1 and the box:



 

 

 

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 3/30/23 at 3:48pm

"Having not read the whole thread, does it not bother anyone else that Trensch is a year OLDER than Burnap and is somehow playing his teenaged son?"

Good question, worth posting in the Camelot thread...?

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 3/30/23 at 9:21pm

We have some interesting plays this season and I hope the reviews shake things up for awards season!

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 4/6/23 at 3:57pm

Saw this last night and absolutely LOVED it. I had no idea what to expect - all I knew was there was a boy, a boat, and a tiger! The ending was heart breaking.

The puppeteering, lighting, and sound design were on another level - reminded me a lot of "curious incident". I can certainly see this taking the tony for Best Play and Hiran Abeysekera winning best actor. 

My friend won the lottery and we were given Center Orch row E (2nd row) but were luckily able to move to Orch Row K all the way to the right. Made all the difference! As others have said (and the website/telecharge states), anywhere in the Mezz or Rear orch definitely best for this production.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 4/9/23 at 1:58pm

Just picked up my TDF ticket for this. Happily, I'm in the front mezz.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/9/23 at 7:37pm

Caught the show this afternoon (Sunday). Overall, I enjoyed it. I felt the second act was stronger. I can see Abeysekera being nominated for this. I really loved him in the hospital scenes.

It is a feast for the eyes for sure. I sat in Row O in the Orchestra. By intermission I realized I would not have minded sitting closer to the stage and not seeing all the floor projections. For me, they were great but there are projections pretty much all over the stage. I would love to have been closer to feel a bit more immersed as the side and front edges of the stage are used. I would also love to own the music. I read somewhere that they have removed a lot of the religious content from it but It is definitely present. 

It, surprisingly, flies by.  I don't recommend taking really young kids. Had a few near me who started talking during the hospital scenes. A lot of shushing was happening. I definitely see some Tony nominations coming their way.

Wanted to get my magnet but to my surprise, they did not have one at merch.

[binau]

Posted: 4/9/23 at 7:53pm

You likely already know this but if not/others - If you like the music, I believe a ‘soundtrack’ of the play is on the usual streaming services. 

[Dollypop]

Posted: 4/9/23 at 8:00pm

Loved the puppetry and special effects but was disappointed in the book.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/9/23 at 9:29pm

binau said: "You likely already know this but if not/others - If you like the music, I believe a ‘soundtrack’ of the play is on the usual streaming services."

I went back and looked after your post and added the word "play" to my search on YouTube music and found it! Thanks! I am in heaven now!

 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/9/23 at 9:36pm

This show and Leopoldstadt could both potentially be nominated for Score at the Tonys. It's not often you see two plays listed in that category. 

Updated On: 4/9/23 at 09:36 PM

[kdogg36]

Posted: 4/10/23 at 11:30am

Genuine question: a number of posters on this thread have referred to the "book" being good or bad. Is it common to use this term to refer to the script of a non-musical play?

[Dollypop]

Posted: 4/10/23 at 12:24pm

kdogg36 said: "Genuine question: a number of posters on this thread have referred to the "book" being good or bad. Is it common to use this term to refer to the script of a non-musical play?"

 

I pondered that myself as I was writing a letter to my cousin in Germany. "Book" was the 1st term that came to mind but I opted for the word "script". It just seemed like a term that would be more clearly understood by her.

 

[ChorusKitty]

Posted: 5/2/23 at 1:18am

This was the last show I saw on my NY trip, and the staging is incredible and the lead has incredible energy and passion throughout the grueling physical performance. 

The sets, lighting and puppetry are phenomenal.  Front mezzanine may be optimal for viewing but I was in row K on the orchestra center aisle and you could see everything perfectly.  You would probably not want to be in the first 4-5 rows, however.

I'm a bit torn about the book, because while the lead was excellent, much of the rest of the cast was all over the board. Some were very good (Pi's mother) to stunningly dreadful (Pi's uncle). It made assessing the play a bit more difficult, especially in Act One. 

In the end, go for the thrilling stagecraft and lead actor. They will make you believe in the magic of Broadway!!!