Poor Patricia Hodges -- not her fault

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/20/03 at 8:04pm

Anyone else feel bad for poor Hodges? What did she do to warrant that vitriol from Brantley? Did he really have to devote 3 paragraphs to how poorly executed her performance is? Jeesh, she jumped into the fray after Ol Lovable Mar' had left the building, like Elvis. Hodges likely had minimal direction, and she's held accountable? Yes, all actors should be reviewed -- but this is Brantley taking the low road--the negative equiv. of callig Murphy a superwoman. Talking about Hodges' arms moving as semephores is just tacky overkill. The culprit for the evening's failure is Simon, and she is more victim than co-conspirator. (And I never let actors off the hook!)

Updated On: 12/20/03 at 08:04 PM

[sparky310]

Posted: 12/22/03 at 11:39am

i dont think anyone blames her and any negative impact the review has will only resound back to simon..its not a good play..and i just saw Iron...great acting BAD script...but Dilemma needed a stronger director...

[Corine2]

Posted: 12/22/03 at 4:20pm

I went to Rose's Dilemma.
It was not the actors fault. It is a terrible script.
I was so upset as I adore Simon. I even liked 45 Seconds From Broadway which was not his best.
I wish he would bring back some of his greats "The Odd Couple,
Brighton Beach, Barefoot In The Park!
He is a great playwright but his new work is not worth seeing.
Especially if you love Simon. I wanted to die when a Patron from the audience yelled out" Oh she is dead." And another Patron remarked "and so is this play".
Sad but true. Simon can not blame the actors for this one.
It is the material that is weak.
What I loved about this show:
The sets and costumes are gorgeous. I loved the black two piece suit that Patricia wears with ruffles. It is exquisite.

Updated On: 12/22/03 at 04:20 PM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 12/22/03 at 7:04pm

Corine: In truth, I enjoyed much of "45 seconds..." too, in particular the brilliantly drawn character that Marian Seldes played so winningly (why didn't he make the play about her?) I also enjoyed Stadlen. I felt he didn't know what he was really writing about, and the more outre characters took over, so that the thread of plot didn't feel compelling enough.

The NY theater has a bad track record with older, respected playwrights (Tennessee!) ... and though Simon writes boulevard comedies, and is no Williams I hope he has another hit in him. He doesn't help his own cause firing a beloved star, and leaving the poor, under-rehearsed understudy to twist in the wind.

[Corine2]

Posted: 12/23/03 at 12:36am

Auggie:
I agree with you about Marian Seldes. She was brilliant in 45 Seconds From Broadway. Check her in the new Albee play she is at her best. A note on Marian Seldes, she is a very talented actress but in addition she is perhaps one of the sweetest women I have ever met.
I saw her at a Drama Desk lunch and went over to say hello.
She actually remembered me from the last time I met her she hugs so watch out.
Oh I forgot another favorite of Simons "Prisioner of Second Avenue." My all time favorite. I wish they would bring back classic Simon.
Updated On: 12/23/03 at 12:36 AM