I've been terrible about updating this blog, and even more terrible about writing worthwhile reviews of the shows I see. So I'm listing everything I've seen lately that I haven't written about, and you can decide whether or not you want to know what I thought.
Smart People -- Second Stage Theatre
Fiddler on The Roof -- Broadway Theatre
School of Rock -- Winter Garden Theatre
Familiar -- Playwrights Horizons
Straight -- Acorn Theatre
Robber Bridegroom -- Laura Pels Theatre/Roundabout
Smokefall -- Lucille Lortel Theatre/MCC
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Prodigal Son
Today (this was 1/31) I saw an interesting little play produced by MTC but at City Center's Stage 1 -- the same theater I saw Ripcord in a few months ago). It's really a great little space, aside from the lack of leg room -- if I can't cross my legs in front of me in a theater, no one can. Anyway, that's beside the point. This play, Prodigal Son by John Patrick Shanley was an interesting and gripping look at a teenage boy going through an existential crisis. It's like part identity crisis and figuring out who he is, and part trying to define his place in the world and fight adversity brought on by his not feeling like he's good enough. I'm a total sucker for these kinds of plays. Give me teenage boys having identity crises any day and I'm happy.
It wasn't perfect by any means -- the play itself has some flaws. But Timothée Chalamet was completely stunning as the 17-year-old boy from the Bronx trying to find his place at an elite boarding school in New England. Obviously those who grew up in this particular environment (looking at you, Nicole) will have a certain connection to the piece that I didn't have. Still, I found it to be an interesting look at how important it is to know yourself and know when the elders you are entrusting with your life have a hidden agenda.
Also, the set was great. I wasn't crazy about the forced perspective -- there was something off about it, not small enough I think. But the feeling of New England and the changing seasons was captured quite well.
It wasn't perfect by any means -- the play itself has some flaws. But Timothée Chalamet was completely stunning as the 17-year-old boy from the Bronx trying to find his place at an elite boarding school in New England. Obviously those who grew up in this particular environment (looking at you, Nicole) will have a certain connection to the piece that I didn't have. Still, I found it to be an interesting look at how important it is to know yourself and know when the elders you are entrusting with your life have a hidden agenda.
Also, the set was great. I wasn't crazy about the forced perspective -- there was something off about it, not small enough I think. But the feeling of New England and the changing seasons was captured quite well.
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
I'm so late posting this, but I was extremely late to the game in seeing it as well. I cannot believe it took me over a year to get myself over to the Barrymore for Curious Incident but gosh I'm glad I finally did. What a spectacular piece of theater. Just really all around incredible. I've never read the book, and only knew a basic outline of the plot, so I walked into the theater blind aside from what others had told me about the show. To say the play had been hyped up for me is an understatement. I was expecting a majorly impressive work of art. And Curious Incident delivered. I spent the first act in such a trance that by intermission I realized I hadn't moved a muscle and had to stand to rid myself of the tension I was unconsciously carrying. I was engrossed in every moment, and very moved. Then the puppy came out of the box and I lost it. From that moment on I was in tears until leaving the theater. The most special line in the show for me is when Christopher acknowledges going to London all by himself. I related to so many aspects of his character, similarly to how I relate to Matilda (her song "Quiet" could be the theme song to my life). Really, I just am so pleased that this play exists and that this story is being told in such a beautifully magnificent fashion. If you haven't already seen it, get yourself there. But I'm pretty sure you all have and I was just way off my game.
Monday, January 11, 2016
The Humans
Okay this one is a long time coming. Sorry about that!
Where do I even begin with this show? It's honestly impossible for me to think about how "The Humans" will be on a Broadway stage. To me, the show requires an intimacy that's hard to find in commercial theater (of course I say that lovingly).
But I have some good news... I liked almost everything about this production. Wow! If you've seen the show, you can probably guess what I didn't like. I don't want to give anything away, but just know that there's a sort of supernatural aspect that didn't quite fit. But other than that? Strong story, incredibly strong acting, great set, interesting dialogue. "The Humans" was a great family drama and I'm glad I had the opportunity to see it before the move to Broadway. The ending of the play was breathtaking, even with the supernatural poking through. The story was filled with twists and turns, most of which I wasn't expecting, which is always fun because it's rare that theater surprises these days.
It was also so real. Although this family's experiences aren't the same as my own, I related to so much throughout the show. Being a twenty-something living in NYC in a relatively shitty apartment that you constantly tell your parents is "fine" was definitely something I could relate to. Dysfunctional families are my favorite -- whether on page, stage, or screen. I felt invested in the characters and wanted to know what would happen next.
"The Humans" will make you think about your own life and experiences and family. I wanted to see more, but I also wanted it to end so I could be set free from the tension created onstage. I highly recommend this show. It's a good one.
Where do I even begin with this show? It's honestly impossible for me to think about how "The Humans" will be on a Broadway stage. To me, the show requires an intimacy that's hard to find in commercial theater (of course I say that lovingly).
But I have some good news... I liked almost everything about this production. Wow! If you've seen the show, you can probably guess what I didn't like. I don't want to give anything away, but just know that there's a sort of supernatural aspect that didn't quite fit. But other than that? Strong story, incredibly strong acting, great set, interesting dialogue. "The Humans" was a great family drama and I'm glad I had the opportunity to see it before the move to Broadway. The ending of the play was breathtaking, even with the supernatural poking through. The story was filled with twists and turns, most of which I wasn't expecting, which is always fun because it's rare that theater surprises these days.
It was also so real. Although this family's experiences aren't the same as my own, I related to so much throughout the show. Being a twenty-something living in NYC in a relatively shitty apartment that you constantly tell your parents is "fine" was definitely something I could relate to. Dysfunctional families are my favorite -- whether on page, stage, or screen. I felt invested in the characters and wanted to know what would happen next.
"The Humans" will make you think about your own life and experiences and family. I wanted to see more, but I also wanted it to end so I could be set free from the tension created onstage. I highly recommend this show. It's a good one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)