If anyone else was directing this, I would say that it's about ten years too soon for another Broadway production. But with van Hove, I'll be there as soon as I can. Incredibly exciting and unexpected announcement.
This is sell a kidney to see theatre. Best thing I have ever seen on stage. So powerful this version. Ivo Van Hove's direction is here is good. Cast is excellent. Hope you get to see all of the London cast.
"Broadway musical currently in West End: The Lion King, Jersey Boys, Book Of Mormon, Wicked, Beautiful, Gypsy and Memphis. Not to mention The Elephant Man with Bradley Cooper. And upcoming in the West End: American Idiot, Elf, Kinky Boots and Motown. "
We give them, quality drama. They give us (with one or two exceptions) crap musicals.
Caught this at the Young Vic and my thoughts going in were along the lines of "do I really need to see my 4th production of this play?" All I can say is that I was so glad my friend insisted on getting the tickets. This is unlike any View seen before and it is heartstoppingly powerful. The performances, the physicality, the design.....thrilling and highly original. I couldn't get the final image out of my head for weeks. I also think this will catapult Mark Strong to the top of the tree of B'way leading men.
Well, having seen the National Theatre Live broadcast, I have an opinion very different from the rest of those here. I found Ivo van Hove's staging choices to be cheap ploys for attention which were unnecessary, distracting, and frequently irritating. The early scenes of the play were drained of all humor, yet I found myself laughing at the final moments. I won't go into detail about these choices for the sake of those who wish not to be spoiled, but I found this production to be a dreadful way to experience a really beautiful play that has been done much, much better.
The last revival was great, even though I felt Scarlett was very stiff in it. Brittany Murphy seemed much more appropriate for the role. But I guess she was overlooked by the Tony voters because she wasn't as famous when she did the play. Blah.
"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
"The last revival was great, even though I felt Scarlett was very stiff in it. Brittany Murphy seemed much more appropriate for the role. But I guess she was overlooked by the Tony voters because she wasn't as famous when she did the play. Blah."
That's a a completely inaccurate assertion. Brittany Murphy was already quite well-known when she did A View From the Bridge -- she had already done Clueless -- and at the time it was actually considered quite a coup that Roundabout got her for the play.
Of course we can never know for sure why Murphy wasn't nominated for a Tony, but I imagine the fact that she didn't remain in the show beyond its initial run could have had something to do with it.
I agree that it was very good (though I wasn't as blown away as other commenters) but I can't imagine people wanting to see this show so soon after the last revival. There is so much theatre to produce! Why do we get stuck in this rut of only focusing on a relative few every few years.
"I saw the NT live and thought Phoebe Fox' accent was horrible. I do hope the cast decide to work on their accent a bit more. "
Yes, that bothered me, but not nearly as much as the choice not to have Rodolpho use an Italian accent. Marco did have his proper accent, which made it all the more confusing.
Bummed that they're not great seats for LincTix, but can't complain. Being front row for Disgraced and Shows For Days was nice, but it can't always happen.
Row F on the aisle for me. Shouldn't be too bad.
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman