The King's Speech

[AvenueQResident]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 12:23pm

So this looks like it'll be heading to Broadway in Fall 2012.

Thoughts? I think it'll translate rather nicely to the stage.

[best12bars]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 12:26pm

It started out as a fringe festival play, but they changed it so much for the movie, it didn't even qualify as an adaptation.

Still, it felt very play-like on the big screen. I think it will translate well with the right cast. But 2012 seems very soon. The memory of the film is still fresh in people's minds. I'm sure that's why they want to jump on it. But at the same time they'll be capitalizing on its familiarity and success, they're also inviting vivid comparisons.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 4:03pm

One of the most tedious, useless, trite films of the decade will become one of the most tedious, useless, trite plays of the decade.

But, being British, it will clean up at the Tonys.

Updated On: 8/10/11 at 04:03 PM

[tazber]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 4:18pm

I kinda agree with Roscoe. I thought I was the only one who felt the movie was overrated (although Firth was excellent and definitely deserved that Oscar).

[Kad]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 4:20pm

I was underwhelmed by it, too, but thought that Firth was definitely noteworthy. It was just a standard historical feel-good award baiting film. It's basically what would come out of a machine designed to make Oscar-winning films.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 4:25pm

Kad, quite right, and the play will be what would come out of a machine designed to make Tony-winning plays.

On the other hand, it means $125 and 2.5 hours of my time that I'll be saving, so there's a silver lining, I guess.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 5:08pm

Well, that was quick. The West End's boring trend of turning movies--only the popular ones, darling--into plays is finally making it to Broadway.

This really ought to offend anyone disturbed by the constant, neverending recycling--not just of the theatre, but of ALL of modern culture.


But I seem to be the only one really bothered by it all.

[AC126748]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 5:16pm

Is this a new stage play based on the film, or is it just a major production of the play on which the film is based? People might be confused because the screenplay was considered "original," when in fact David Seidler had written it as a play before making it a screenplay. The article is vague.

Either way, I won't be seeing it. A boring movie that will likely be just as boring on stage.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 6:38pm

What would the audience for this be? The Copenhagen crowd?

This is one o fthe worse ideas in recent memory. A Muppet follies would be better with Miss Piggy singing "I'm Still Here".

[SeanMartin]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 7:21pm

Only if they drag in the set that was also used in a porn film.

[Little-Lotte]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 7:52pm

I quite enjoyed the movie, but then again I'm a sucker for period films. But this is a piece that showcases the actors first and foremost. And, as far as the film was concerned, they had the best of the best. Unfortunately Firth and Rush have no desire to reprise their roles onstage and all of the press releases I'm seeing have been using stills from the film along with the articles which is only going to confuse the hell out of people. Unless they get some big British names on board, I don't see this lasting very long or finding an audience.

Could you imagine though having Firth and Rush onstage together? It would be absolutely incredible!!

[ChiChi]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 9:16pm

As long as its not a musical. I hate how people think EVERYTHING should be given a musical treatment.

[jovie27]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 9:23pm

150% they get Colin Firth to reprise his role?

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 8/10/11 at 11:13pm

Sigh. I know it was a play first, but to me this just comes across as a money-making scheme. It was a wonderful movie. I loved it. Let it stay a movie.

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 8/11/11 at 1:21pm

I found it a lovely, well done movie, nothing more or less, except that the performances, especially by Rush and Firth, were unforgettable.

I expect it could also be a lovely, well done play, nothing more or nothing less. With any luck, it might also have a great cast.

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 8/11/11 at 3:13pm

Hmm. I think it could work very well, maybe attract the Jerusalem crowd. I don't know about Firth, but I imagine Rush would make the leap to the stage with it. Might be nice to see Mark Rylance's take on the role if he doesn't, though.