I love this new Livestrong commercial! (I may have even gotten a little teary-eyed.) The opening scenes brought back memories of my radiation treatments.
June 30, 2009
What a Piece of Work is Hair
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Gavin Creel as Claude
Will Swenson as Berger
Kacie Sheik as Jeanie
Caissie Levy as Sheila
Kaitlin Kiyan, Tribe member
I'm gonna come right out and say it: I did not like Hair. THERE! It's out in the cosmos. I was prepared to love it because we're all so familiar with the songs (Age of Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine, Let the Sun Shine In). Instead, I found the music loud, unintelligible at times, the story unfocused. I was mentally and visually overstimulated by the third musical number. I did not like the cast members going into the audience. I'd tolerate an occasional break-down-the-fourth-wall-wink-wink-moment in a show, but not to the extent that this revival did. (Although strangely, I liked it when they had audience members climb up on stage for the finale.)
The (too) exuberant cast have lovely voices. Gavin Creel has an incredible voice. I don't understand though how his character (Claude) who wanted to be invisible, made the decision that he did. The plot eventually kind-of comes together at the end. The ending is very powerful. Although it was nice to see a piece of musical theatre history, it's not something I would want to see again. Maybe it's a cultural thing, or a generational thing. But I'm gonna wash this show right outta my hair.
Gavin Creel as Claude
Will Swenson as Berger
Kacie Sheik as Jeanie
Caissie Levy as Sheila
Kaitlin Kiyan, Tribe memberI'm gonna come right out and say it: I did not like Hair. THERE! It's out in the cosmos. I was prepared to love it because we're all so familiar with the songs (Age of Aquarius, Good Morning Starshine, Let the Sun Shine In). Instead, I found the music loud, unintelligible at times, the story unfocused. I was mentally and visually overstimulated by the third musical number. I did not like the cast members going into the audience. I'd tolerate an occasional break-down-the-fourth-wall-wink-wink-moment in a show, but not to the extent that this revival did. (Although strangely, I liked it when they had audience members climb up on stage for the finale.)
The (too) exuberant cast have lovely voices. Gavin Creel has an incredible voice. I don't understand though how his character (Claude) who wanted to be invisible, made the decision that he did. The plot eventually kind-of comes together at the end. The ending is very powerful. Although it was nice to see a piece of musical theatre history, it's not something I would want to see again. Maybe it's a cultural thing, or a generational thing. But I'm gonna wash this show right outta my hair.
June 29, 2009
gay pride parade and stagenotes.
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This past Sunday was the 40th Gay Pride Parade here in Chicago. I was there along with Pinky and Tom to watch the parade. Pinky suggested I post something on Stagenotes. The challenge was what to post that would make the parade somewhat relevant to Stagenotes. The answer are these pictures that have something to do with Musicals/stage. The fabulous Mary Poppins fan that the Mary Poppins contigent must have given away. I unfortunately missed that but I saw this fan. I, on the other hand, did not miss the float that promoted the other musicals showing or going to be shown in Chicago. You can see Jersey Boys, In the Heights, Young Frankenstein and Spring Awakening. Also saw the float for Late Night Catechism.
Are You Ready For The Carnage
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That was the welcome we got from the usher when we entered the theatre to see God of Carnage. I thought it was amusing at the time, then the play started and literally it was like watching a high speed train wreck which took everyone (in this case, the cast) in it's path down. It's a treatise on how civility frays at it's seams and unravels into wreckage once touchy truths are exposed.
As Lani describe the show her post, the evening starts with 2 couples trying to work through an issue between their sons. Then the seemingly lovely evening turns into havoc. Sensitive nerves touched, issues exposed and husband and wife turn against each other. It's an intense evening at the theatre but the play is also peppered with funny yet sarcastic humor that as an audience member I was flipping from laughter from the hilarity and moments of discomfort. It's as if I was a fly on a wall in this home's living room.
The cast of four composed of Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden were perfectly casted. They are so tailored for their roles and complement each other's performance. And they're not afraid of going at each other's throats full throttle! I must say though that Marcia Gay Harden's role of Veronica, who's obsessed with having just everything right, is a lot of times the "catalyst" in this play. She and Hope Davis were tremendously funny in their physical comedy. James Gandolfini too was a revelation with his comedic timing while Jeff Daniels was great as the sharky smarmy lawyer he plays.
The set was a simple living room filled with books with the walls and carpet in red. Little did I know when I initially sat down on my seat that the hue was a foreboding sign of what was to ensue. I also loved the inclusion of long pauses of silence in the scenes when a character exposes a truth that hits a nerve. I'm not quite sure if that was from the direction or it was really written in the script but it just adds to the tension an audience member feels. That long pause of silence is even more prominent in the closing scene which left me with a feeling of being empty. Of being stripped. I don't mean that in a bad way but I think I was just experiencing what the characters were feeling after all the truths were exposed. A really intense yet enjoyable evening at the theatre.
Here are some of the photos from the theatre:
That was the welcome we got from the usher when we entered the theatre to see God of Carnage. I thought it was amusing at the time, then the play started and literally it was like watching a high speed train wreck which took everyone (in this case, the cast) in it's path down. It's a treatise on how civility frays at it's seams and unravels into wreckage once touchy truths are exposed.
As Lani describe the show her post, the evening starts with 2 couples trying to work through an issue between their sons. Then the seemingly lovely evening turns into havoc. Sensitive nerves touched, issues exposed and husband and wife turn against each other. It's an intense evening at the theatre but the play is also peppered with funny yet sarcastic humor that as an audience member I was flipping from laughter from the hilarity and moments of discomfort. It's as if I was a fly on a wall in this home's living room.
The cast of four composed of Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, James Gandolfini and Marcia Gay Harden were perfectly casted. They are so tailored for their roles and complement each other's performance. And they're not afraid of going at each other's throats full throttle! I must say though that Marcia Gay Harden's role of Veronica, who's obsessed with having just everything right, is a lot of times the "catalyst" in this play. She and Hope Davis were tremendously funny in their physical comedy. James Gandolfini too was a revelation with his comedic timing while Jeff Daniels was great as the sharky smarmy lawyer he plays.
The set was a simple living room filled with books with the walls and carpet in red. Little did I know when I initially sat down on my seat that the hue was a foreboding sign of what was to ensue. I also loved the inclusion of long pauses of silence in the scenes when a character exposes a truth that hits a nerve. I'm not quite sure if that was from the direction or it was really written in the script but it just adds to the tension an audience member feels. That long pause of silence is even more prominent in the closing scene which left me with a feeling of being empty. Of being stripped. I don't mean that in a bad way but I think I was just experiencing what the characters were feeling after all the truths were exposed. A really intense yet enjoyable evening at the theatre.
Here are some of the photos from the theatre:
God of Carnage
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Son of Alan (Jeff Daniels) and Annette (Hope Davis) hits son of Michael (James Gandolfini) and Veronica (Marcia Gay Harden) in playground. Alan and Annette visit Michael and Veronica to sort things out. They sip coffee, eat dessert, make small talk. They are polite. They start to disagree. Personal issues come out. Man turns on wife. Wife turns on husband. No more espresso---bring out the rum! Wives turn against husbands. Husbands turn against wives. Evening is ruined. Maybe the marriages are ruined.
The Tony-nominated cast are all up for the challenge, and they are fun to watch, especially James Gandolfini. But I wasn't quite sure how to interpret God of Carnage. Was it trying to say that underneath the civility, the artfully decorated apartments and homes, the seemingly perfect marriages and successful careers, lies a bed of hypocrisy and discontent? Was Yasmina Reza agreeing with whoever said that "Society is like bright paint applied on top of rotted wood"? Was she trying to say that our children are the way they are because of the kind of people the parents are? There are hilarious lines in the play, at times very savage dialogue. The ending left me wanting though. I guess there was no easy way to end a night of brutality and unkindness. I suppose that just reinforces the complexity of society and human relationships. Maybe it just means that we are individuals after all, and there can be no one universal truth or experience.
Son of Alan (Jeff Daniels) and Annette (Hope Davis) hits son of Michael (James Gandolfini) and Veronica (Marcia Gay Harden) in playground. Alan and Annette visit Michael and Veronica to sort things out. They sip coffee, eat dessert, make small talk. They are polite. They start to disagree. Personal issues come out. Man turns on wife. Wife turns on husband. No more espresso---bring out the rum! Wives turn against husbands. Husbands turn against wives. Evening is ruined. Maybe the marriages are ruined.
The Tony-nominated cast are all up for the challenge, and they are fun to watch, especially James Gandolfini. But I wasn't quite sure how to interpret God of Carnage. Was it trying to say that underneath the civility, the artfully decorated apartments and homes, the seemingly perfect marriages and successful careers, lies a bed of hypocrisy and discontent? Was Yasmina Reza agreeing with whoever said that "Society is like bright paint applied on top of rotted wood"? Was she trying to say that our children are the way they are because of the kind of people the parents are? There are hilarious lines in the play, at times very savage dialogue. The ending left me wanting though. I guess there was no easy way to end a night of brutality and unkindness. I suppose that just reinforces the complexity of society and human relationships. Maybe it just means that we are individuals after all, and there can be no one universal truth or experience.
June 28, 2009
Bad summer blockbuster movie detected: Commence Termination!
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Sometimes, the sequel can be better than the original (case in point: Spiderman 2). Not Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The first film was at least fun. In the 2nd installment, the humor is forced, the plot uninteresting. I was frankly falling asleep even during the intense action scenes. Shia Labeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Julie White, Kevin Dunn and John Turturro are back for this too-long, noisy sequel. John Benjamin Hickey (we saw him recently as the Earl of Leicester in the play Mary Stuart) is the usual government bad guy who just won't let our leads do what they're supposed to do. The new twin autobots Mudflap and Skids are the Jar Jar Binks of this movie.
Any pluses? I still love the actors who voiced the robots (Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime and Hugo Weaving as Megatron), the idea of an aging defector Decepticon (Jetfire) complete with beard and walking stick. And now I can tell the Autobots and Decepticons apart during their fight scenes. It's still cool to see the Transformers umm..transform.
Despite its faults, I'm sure it will continue to make money. And Michael Bay can continue doing what he does best: blow up stuff and make plenty of noise.
Sometimes, the sequel can be better than the original (case in point: Spiderman 2). Not Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The first film was at least fun. In the 2nd installment, the humor is forced, the plot uninteresting. I was frankly falling asleep even during the intense action scenes. Shia Labeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Julie White, Kevin Dunn and John Turturro are back for this too-long, noisy sequel. John Benjamin Hickey (we saw him recently as the Earl of Leicester in the play Mary Stuart) is the usual government bad guy who just won't let our leads do what they're supposed to do. The new twin autobots Mudflap and Skids are the Jar Jar Binks of this movie.
Any pluses? I still love the actors who voiced the robots (Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime and Hugo Weaving as Megatron), the idea of an aging defector Decepticon (Jetfire) complete with beard and walking stick. And now I can tell the Autobots and Decepticons apart during their fight scenes. It's still cool to see the Transformers umm..transform.
Despite its faults, I'm sure it will continue to make money. And Michael Bay can continue doing what he does best: blow up stuff and make plenty of noise.
And now a word from our sponsor...
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We interrupt this blog for a shameless plug. If you live in the Tri-State/New England area and in need of a photographer, for your consideration: Red Caramel Photos
We interrupt this blog for a shameless plug. If you live in the Tri-State/New England area and in need of a photographer, for your consideration: Red Caramel Photos
June 27, 2009
June 26, 2009
God Save The Queen
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Well, I guess in this case, which one?
Mary Stuart which I saw last Saturday with Tom and Lani is a play by Freidrich Schiller which centers on the prisoned life of Mary Queen of Scots. Cousin to Queen Elizabeth I, she was imprissoned due to murder of her husband but the real reason was because she was a threat to Elizabeth's crown. The play explores how Mary pleas with her cousin Elizabeth for reprieve while her cousin the Queen is in turmoil because of the political and religious pressure on her to eliminate Mary. It has intrigue and betrayal perfect combination for a play.
Janet McTeer who plays Mary earned a Tony nomination for her work. Her Mary is strong, fiesty yet vulnerable and elegant. She is matched onstage by Harriet Walter who plays Elizabeth I (also nominated for a Tony). Her Elizabeth is regal and smart but it was really great to see a more exposed side of Elizabeth that I don't think I've seen in portrayals from films.
There's this powerful scene where the two queens meet. Mary enjoys the small freedom she gets by going outside into the castle yard and lets herself soak in the rain. Mind you it's ACTUAL rain on stage! And not just drops but a downpour. In contrast, Elizabeth enters fully protected from the rain with umbrellas and coats. It's a great showdown of these two strong women. One, stripped of her nobility, asking to be freed while the other with all the control and power. And yet the one who "wins" the scene is Mary with Elizabeth visibly shaken. It's a great great scene.
I also particularly enjoyed the choice of having the men in court wear modern Men's suits while the women were in period costumes. It gives a feeling of the constraint these two women feel by being surrounded by men trying to pressure them.
The play in on a limited run so make sure to catch it while it's here.
Check out the stagedoor photo and the playbill:
Harriet Walter - I found it really interesting that she asked us how we heard of the play
Well, I guess in this case, which one?
Mary Stuart which I saw last Saturday with Tom and Lani is a play by Freidrich Schiller which centers on the prisoned life of Mary Queen of Scots. Cousin to Queen Elizabeth I, she was imprissoned due to murder of her husband but the real reason was because she was a threat to Elizabeth's crown. The play explores how Mary pleas with her cousin Elizabeth for reprieve while her cousin the Queen is in turmoil because of the political and religious pressure on her to eliminate Mary. It has intrigue and betrayal perfect combination for a play.
Janet McTeer who plays Mary earned a Tony nomination for her work. Her Mary is strong, fiesty yet vulnerable and elegant. She is matched onstage by Harriet Walter who plays Elizabeth I (also nominated for a Tony). Her Elizabeth is regal and smart but it was really great to see a more exposed side of Elizabeth that I don't think I've seen in portrayals from films.
There's this powerful scene where the two queens meet. Mary enjoys the small freedom she gets by going outside into the castle yard and lets herself soak in the rain. Mind you it's ACTUAL rain on stage! And not just drops but a downpour. In contrast, Elizabeth enters fully protected from the rain with umbrellas and coats. It's a great showdown of these two strong women. One, stripped of her nobility, asking to be freed while the other with all the control and power. And yet the one who "wins" the scene is Mary with Elizabeth visibly shaken. It's a great great scene.
I also particularly enjoyed the choice of having the men in court wear modern Men's suits while the women were in period costumes. It gives a feeling of the constraint these two women feel by being surrounded by men trying to pressure them.
The play in on a limited run so make sure to catch it while it's here.
Check out the stagedoor photo and the playbill:
Harriet Walter - I found it really interesting that she asked us how we heard of the play
June 25, 2009
It comes in Threes
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Our condolences to the family, friends and fans of these legendary talents that we lost this week.
Our condolences to the family, friends and fans of these legendary talents that we lost this week.
June 23, 2009
The Best Is Yet To Come
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Julia Murney mentioned at her show in Feinstein's last May that she was going to be in a Cy Coleman show in California. Yes, the composer of City of Angels, Sweet Charity, Barnum, The Life and Will Rogers Follies! Well, now the official announcement has been posted!
The Best is Yet To Come: The Music of Cy Coleman celebrates the composer's works with a great cast that includes Lillias White, Jason Graae, David Burnham, Sally Mayes, Billy Stritch and Julia Murney. Produced by the Rubicon Theatre, the revue will be from July 9 to Aug. 2, 2009. For information and tickets click on the link above.
(photo fr. RubiconTheatre.org)
Julia Murney mentioned at her show in Feinstein's last May that she was going to be in a Cy Coleman show in California. Yes, the composer of City of Angels, Sweet Charity, Barnum, The Life and Will Rogers Follies! Well, now the official announcement has been posted!
The Best is Yet To Come: The Music of Cy Coleman celebrates the composer's works with a great cast that includes Lillias White, Jason Graae, David Burnham, Sally Mayes, Billy Stritch and Julia Murney. Produced by the Rubicon Theatre, the revue will be from July 9 to Aug. 2, 2009. For information and tickets click on the link above.
(photo fr. RubiconTheatre.org)
The Wrath of Rose
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She did it again! Patti Lupone stopped her show Gypsy On My Mind, June 21 when she was distracted by an audience member texting. You go La Lupone! Some people need to learn about theatre etiquette. So don't get LuPwned and read about it here.
Addendum (6/23 10:51 am): read about Ms. Lupone's statement about the incident here. And to read about the atrocious audience behaviours (I mean common! Eating chicken in the front row!) that she was talking about, click here.
(photo fr. Broadwayworld.com)
She did it again! Patti Lupone stopped her show Gypsy On My Mind, June 21 when she was distracted by an audience member texting. You go La Lupone! Some people need to learn about theatre etiquette. So don't get LuPwned and read about it here.
Addendum (6/23 10:51 am): read about Ms. Lupone's statement about the incident here. And to read about the atrocious audience behaviours (I mean common! Eating chicken in the front row!) that she was talking about, click here.
(photo fr. Broadwayworld.com)
June 21, 2009
June 20, 2009
June 19, 2009
June 14, 2009
June 8, 2009
June 7, 2009
The One Director
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"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." The New York Times reports that LOTR director Peter Jackson is finally coming to San Diego's Comic-Con International this July! The convention runs from 23-26 July but unfortunately, completely sold out. Thankfully, The One Ring will be there to keep us posted.
(photo from The One Ring)
"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." The New York Times reports that LOTR director Peter Jackson is finally coming to San Diego's Comic-Con International this July! The convention runs from 23-26 July but unfortunately, completely sold out. Thankfully, The One Ring will be there to keep us posted.
(photo from The One Ring)
June 6, 2009
June 5, 2009
Goodbye Grasshopper
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One of my earliest childhood memories was watching Kung Fu with my family. Even back then I wanted to become a Shaolin Master with Kwai Chang Caine's wisdom and calm.
I am saddened to hear about the passing of David Carradine.
One of my earliest childhood memories was watching Kung Fu with my family. Even back then I wanted to become a Shaolin Master with Kwai Chang Caine's wisdom and calm.
I am saddened to hear about the passing of David Carradine.
June 4, 2009
Menu For A Tony Party
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I usually host a Tony party every year and have a few friends over. Last year I decided to have a theme to honor a certain show........it was Gypsy........so we had Chinese food! This year, I wanted to choose food for each show but it might turn out to be a mish mash. I'm not sure yet if I'm going through with it but it was sure fun coming up with them. Here, just check it out:
Title of Show - [tos]sed salad (ha ha!)
Billy Elliot - pasty
Hair - brownies
West Side Story - mofongo
Shrek - ginger bread cookies
Next To Normal - sandwiches (in brown paper bags)
33 Variations - pigs knuckles
9 to 5 - coffee
Of course, there would be an assortment of Blithe spirits! Ha Ha! Any other suggestions out there?
(photo from TonyAwards.com)
I usually host a Tony party every year and have a few friends over. Last year I decided to have a theme to honor a certain show........it was Gypsy........so we had Chinese food! This year, I wanted to choose food for each show but it might turn out to be a mish mash. I'm not sure yet if I'm going through with it but it was sure fun coming up with them. Here, just check it out:
Title of Show - [tos]sed salad (ha ha!)
Billy Elliot - pasty
Hair - brownies
West Side Story - mofongo
Shrek - ginger bread cookies
Next To Normal - sandwiches (in brown paper bags)
33 Variations - pigs knuckles
9 to 5 - coffee
Of course, there would be an assortment of Blithe spirits! Ha Ha! Any other suggestions out there?
(photo from TonyAwards.com)
New York's gonna party like it's 1609!
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2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the Englishman Henry Hudson's voyage up the river that now bears his name. He was searching for a shorter route to the Orient under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company. His exploration led to the Dutch colonization of New York.
This year also happens to be the quadricentennial of Samuel de Champlain's voyage. The Frenchman (who also founded Quebec) was the first European to encounter the lake that was later named after him.
River Day starts on 06 June, with the flotilla leaving the Statue of Liberty and making its way to Albany by 13 June. To learn more about events commemorating these twin anniversaries, go to Explore NewYork 400 or Hudson 400.
(photos courtesy of Cecile)
2009 marks the 400th anniversary of the Englishman Henry Hudson's voyage up the river that now bears his name. He was searching for a shorter route to the Orient under the auspices of the Dutch East India Company. His exploration led to the Dutch colonization of New York.
This year also happens to be the quadricentennial of Samuel de Champlain's voyage. The Frenchman (who also founded Quebec) was the first European to encounter the lake that was later named after him.
River Day starts on 06 June, with the flotilla leaving the Statue of Liberty and making its way to Albany by 13 June. To learn more about events commemorating these twin anniversaries, go to Explore NewYork 400 or Hudson 400.
(photos courtesy of Cecile)
June 3, 2009
June 2, 2009
The Chance To Dance For You
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I saw this documentary over the weekend and really loved it! Every Little Step is a behind the scenes look at the casting and audition process of the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line. I love watching behind the scenes documentaries like this because it gives you a different perspective of how difficult it is to put up a show. In this particular case, I had seen the revival and knew who got casted in the show, but I found myself invested with the dancers who were auditioning and felt really devastated for those who didn't make it. I have a new degree of respect and admiration for these talented people who put themselves out there. It takes a very special person to go through it and survive.
It was really engrossing to hear the Michael Bennet tapes interviewing the original dancers who were the basis of the show. As were the interviews of Donna McKechnie (original Cassie) about her Cassie experience. It was exciting to see Baayork Lee (original Connie) teach the opening sequence to the dancers. What energy and passion!
Among the audition scenes, I have my favs. One of them was the casting of Val. Seeing recognizable Broadway people like Nikki Snelson (Legally Blonde), Rachelle Rak (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and Meredith Patterson (White Christmas) vying for the role. But eventually it was newbie, Jessica Lee Goldyn who was so ON the whole time during her audition that got the part. It was really poignant. Jason Tam's audition for Paul was so heartbreaking that he even made director Bob Avian cry. A moving moment that also had me in tears. Scenes with Natascia Diaz and Charlotte D'Amboise learning the Cassie choreography were precious. And how endearing is Chrissie Whitehead when she learned that she got the part of Kristine? It was great seeing the auditioners for Maggie placed side by side on screen as they tried to belt that last At The Ballet note......and failed......until you see Mara Davi who was perfect and soaring. Loved these raw moments. My only disappointment was that there was not much reference to lyricist Ed Kleban who's great lyrics I think contributed to this amazing show.
Try to catch the movie.......it's a must for a theatre geek.
(photo from IMDB.com)
I saw this documentary over the weekend and really loved it! Every Little Step is a behind the scenes look at the casting and audition process of the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line. I love watching behind the scenes documentaries like this because it gives you a different perspective of how difficult it is to put up a show. In this particular case, I had seen the revival and knew who got casted in the show, but I found myself invested with the dancers who were auditioning and felt really devastated for those who didn't make it. I have a new degree of respect and admiration for these talented people who put themselves out there. It takes a very special person to go through it and survive.
It was really engrossing to hear the Michael Bennet tapes interviewing the original dancers who were the basis of the show. As were the interviews of Donna McKechnie (original Cassie) about her Cassie experience. It was exciting to see Baayork Lee (original Connie) teach the opening sequence to the dancers. What energy and passion!
Among the audition scenes, I have my favs. One of them was the casting of Val. Seeing recognizable Broadway people like Nikki Snelson (Legally Blonde), Rachelle Rak (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) and Meredith Patterson (White Christmas) vying for the role. But eventually it was newbie, Jessica Lee Goldyn who was so ON the whole time during her audition that got the part. It was really poignant. Jason Tam's audition for Paul was so heartbreaking that he even made director Bob Avian cry. A moving moment that also had me in tears. Scenes with Natascia Diaz and Charlotte D'Amboise learning the Cassie choreography were precious. And how endearing is Chrissie Whitehead when she learned that she got the part of Kristine? It was great seeing the auditioners for Maggie placed side by side on screen as they tried to belt that last At The Ballet note......and failed......until you see Mara Davi who was perfect and soaring. Loved these raw moments. My only disappointment was that there was not much reference to lyricist Ed Kleban who's great lyrics I think contributed to this amazing show.
Try to catch the movie.......it's a must for a theatre geek.
(photo from IMDB.com)
June 1, 2009
Don't Rush the King's Exit
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I couldn't pass up the chance to see double Oscar winners, the great Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon in their Broadway debuts. Eugene Ionesco's merciless and potentially mirthless treatise on death and dying Exit the King has been expertly and joyously translated by its star Mr. Rush and its director Neil Armfield. The result is an uproarious and rollicking fun time at the theatre, while pulling you back to the somber reality of our mortality.
King Berenger is at death's door, (After all, he is at least 400 years old), but totally unwilling to step over the threshold. So his first wife, the cold-hearted and acerbic Queen Marguerite (Ms. Sarandon) and the Doctor (William Sadler) are on hand to make the sovereign accept his fate and relinquish power. His younger second wife, the overly-emotional Queen Marie (Lauren Ambrose) is trying to do the complete opposite---denying His Majesty's impending demise.
Mr. Rush's Tony-nominated performance is a riot and a scream. His gravity-defying antics serve to illustrate how much he is physically fighting off death. (And can anyone tell me how he changed his hair?) Andrea Martin as Juliette (nurse, maid, all-around royal servant) is her usual comical and scene-stealing self. Brian Hutchison who plays the loyal Guard, provides many laughs as well. Ms. Sarandon plays her role quietly, sardonically, but eventually, with great compassion. I wasn't too impressed with Ms. Ambrose's histrionics.
Two people behind me left during intermission. I overheard them sarcastically say that this play was SO inspiring and uplifting. Well this play was written as a lesson in dying, how us mortals resist or postpone the ends of our lives, and how we should go gently into that quiet night. Too bad they missed the more serious and moving second act. Because that's where the best lessons were to be had.
The show is closing its limited run on 14 June 2009.
I couldn't pass up the chance to see double Oscar winners, the great Geoffrey Rush and Susan Sarandon in their Broadway debuts. Eugene Ionesco's merciless and potentially mirthless treatise on death and dying Exit the King has been expertly and joyously translated by its star Mr. Rush and its director Neil Armfield. The result is an uproarious and rollicking fun time at the theatre, while pulling you back to the somber reality of our mortality.
King Berenger is at death's door, (After all, he is at least 400 years old), but totally unwilling to step over the threshold. So his first wife, the cold-hearted and acerbic Queen Marguerite (Ms. Sarandon) and the Doctor (William Sadler) are on hand to make the sovereign accept his fate and relinquish power. His younger second wife, the overly-emotional Queen Marie (Lauren Ambrose) is trying to do the complete opposite---denying His Majesty's impending demise.
Mr. Rush's Tony-nominated performance is a riot and a scream. His gravity-defying antics serve to illustrate how much he is physically fighting off death. (And can anyone tell me how he changed his hair?) Andrea Martin as Juliette (nurse, maid, all-around royal servant) is her usual comical and scene-stealing self. Brian Hutchison who plays the loyal Guard, provides many laughs as well. Ms. Sarandon plays her role quietly, sardonically, but eventually, with great compassion. I wasn't too impressed with Ms. Ambrose's histrionics.
Two people behind me left during intermission. I overheard them sarcastically say that this play was SO inspiring and uplifting. Well this play was written as a lesson in dying, how us mortals resist or postpone the ends of our lives, and how we should go gently into that quiet night. Too bad they missed the more serious and moving second act. Because that's where the best lessons were to be had.
The show is closing its limited run on 14 June 2009.
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