Profile for Sauja

I saw it on Saturday. I thought both performers were doing really lovely work, and I enjoyed the full 1:45 and definitely shed some tears. FWIW, the friend I accompanied said, "That should have been 80 minutes." 

 

If you already like Teague, I'd say definitely worth checking out.

I love Carrie Coon and Tracy Letts, but I didn’t love Bug. I think a lot of people on stage and backstage are doing good work, but somehow, it didn’t feel as tense to me as I wanted. In a way, where it all went seemed more inevitable than suspenseful. And I don’t know if that’s in the writing or the acting or the directing. I can’t point to anything that felt less than well executed, but it didn’t grab me. I enjoyed myself. I just wish it hit harder.

The email about tonight’s cancellation said it was due to a cast illness. Wishing them all well ahead of tomorrow’s opening!

Kad said: "Green was good at NYMag but there were certainly indicators of what he would become (I will never get over his bizarre offense over Great Comet in his review there)."

This! I adore Helen Shaw's criticism, but I was also a fan of Green when he was at NY/Vulture. I hope she maintains her critical excellence but fear whether she too could devolve when entering the NYT machine. We shall see!

Also got the email and also bizarrely was tempted to call. I don’t know if there was a clue in the song they used, but if so, I have no idea what’s happening it was. I don’t know how I feel about the oddball marketing, but…they got me!

I didn't know the show before last night, but I had a lot of fun. Kerry Butler was the biggest highlight for me personally. I can imagine this feeling electrifying in a small off-Broadway house. In City Center, it felt a little lost, particularly because of the sound issues. Still, I'm delighted that I saw it. And I think Act 2 was particularly strong. 

That this season gives us this stunner and the exceptional Liberation at the same time is a gift. Two of the best plays in recent memory.

 

Count me among those who think Stock is doing remarkable work (as are Metcalf and Drea). I believed these people on a fundamental level. Which made the pivot from its more comedic opening to its deeply emotional final scenes hit me like a ton of bricks. Don't think I've cried that hard at a show since I first saw Fun Home.

Got an email that says presale starts tomorrow. It doesn’t say what theater it’s playing, though! Anyone know? It’s weirdly not on the show’s website either.

Cast list included in this article. Looks like most, if not all the originals are back. https://www.newyorktheatreguide.com/theatre-news/news/cats-the-jellicle-ball-sets-broadway-venue-dates-and-cast-including-andre-de-shields

Per a presale email I got this morning, it’s finally coming. Broadhurst Theater, performances begin March 18!

Anyone know how the partial view seats on the far sides of orchestra row L are? I wanna see Bob and wouldn't mind if they were a bit obstructed but don't want to grab them if they're truly terrible.

Groff hasn’t missed a single performance, has he? With new cast members going in, I’m just thinking about how long original contracts were for and whether he’ll have at least a vacation coming up sometime. Because it’s built so, so much around his own persona, I’m deeply curious how the show would/will play with someone else going on as Bobby. 

I’m of the opinion that Quincy Tyler Bernstine is one of our best actors, and she stuns in this steadily unfolding mystery of a play about grief. The supporting cast is also stunning, most with one scene each. It’s only getting a month run and playing to about a hundred people a night, but this is a very special show. I loved it and hope it gets the attention it deserves.