I enjoyed this one. Sure, it's long and dated (like most Roundabout show offerings), but it's superbly acted by everyone and is all-around solid.
I'm curious as to how this show will take with the critics.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
...during its six-month run on Broadway in 1947... reviews, while positive, were unmistakably condescending: in the New Yorker Magazine, Wolcott Gibbs deemed it a “good, presentable entertainment, suitable for all the family and guaranteed not to antagonize important guests.” It is perhaps in part a reflection of current Broadway fare – and perhaps in part of Lindsay Posner’s direction – that this first Broadway revival...seems more substantial. The Winslow Boy Review
"The veteran actor Roger Rees gives an impeccably judged performance in the central role of Arthur..."
"Anchoring the production is Mr. Rees’s perfectly modulated performance as Arthur, on whom the anxiety and notoriety surrounding the case take the most physical toll. When the play begins, he is obviously a man whose physical prowess is on the wane, even if his mind remains sharp, but as the months and years pass, he grows stooped and infirm. Mr. Rees movingly intimates that, underneath his confident exterior, Arthur has also become prey to thoughts of how heedlessly, and perhaps permanently, he has endangered his family’s fortunes: his eyes glitter with disturbed imaginings."
Sounds like the reviews from the major outlets were pretty positive, a lot more so than what I was expecting which is great news to hear given the enormous talents and likeability of the cast. Not surprised to hear raves for Roger Rees and another solid effort from Michael Cumpsty . Looks like this is back on my wanna see list.
I saw this two weeks ago, and I highly recommend it as the ensemble performances are all excellent, with special bravos to Rees and Crumpsty. Rees will break your heart, truly.
Wow. I will never understand New York Critics. The Mezzanine (as I looked around) was a sea of closed eyes, tilted headsand surpressed snores. It was quite funny. And the show was so talky dated and deadly dull (to me), But of course the critics liked it. Sometimes I don't understand what the critics are taking or thinking. Sometimes I think if something was so well received in London, it must be well received here. One of the dullest evenings in theatre I have ever spent.
To each their own, Goldenboy. I saw this play almost a month ago at the 3rd or 4th preview, and yes I saw a few bowed heads of those nodding off, but I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was a Sunday matinee (day of the flea market) and sometimes I can find it hard to sit through a play at around 3:00pm on Sunday - but I was so fascinated by this show, and Rees in particular, that I had no trouble staying awake.
I usually don't agree with the reviewers on plays - but I am happy to do so with The Winslow Boy.