The Lisbon Traviata

[Glebb]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 8:11pm

I saw this play at The Ahmanson in LA circa 1989.
I'm sure Richard Thomas (the son) was in it and I think Nathan Lane was in it. Did any of you West Coasters see it?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 8:16pm

I saw it in NYC at the Promenade with Nathan Lane and Anthony Heald. Terrific performances in what is perhaps McNally's best play.

[Glebb]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 9:10pm

Thanks Margo. I liked it too. I did like Master Class too.
DGrant, did you see The Lisbon Traviata at The Music Center?

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 9:12pm

I LOVE The Lisbon Traviata! I have only had the chance to read it, but it makes me scream with laughter. And, it's also very heartbreaking.

I WILL play Mendy before I die!

[Glebb]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 9:14pm

I loved the 'Madame Lansbury' stuff.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 9:49pm

this should be on the other board, not the off topic board.....

[amasis]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 9:57pm

I love this play. I saw a local production of it in Boston in 2002. The performances were just okay, but I'd read it before I saw it performed (and have read it again since) and I think it's brilliant.
Updated On: 6/29/05 at 09:57 PM

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 9:59pm

My Dad took me to see it with Nathan. It was one of the best things I have ever seen.
Nathan Lane's best work. Ever.
Updated On: 6/29/05 at 09:59 PM

[Glebb]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 10:00pm

Sorry Elphaba.
I'll try not to make that kind of mistake again.

[Elphaba]

Posted: 6/29/05 at 10:09pm

no big deal glebb, it just confuses me as I thought perhaps there was a new production in Lisbon, of La Traviata........until I read the post.

I am easily confusable.

[SamIAm]

Posted: 6/30/05 at 10:20am

Actually very nice to hear someone applaud him for his 'non-musical, non fall down funny' roles. He is a great dramatic actor with lots of range and most people don't want to see him do anything other than Forum or Producers.

I'm glad he's working with McNally again though it would be nice if the man took a few months off to catch his breath before diving into another project. Can't wait for Butley to come to New York. Saw it in Boston and it was a great performance. Funny, sad, tragic...clever...

[Elphaba]

Posted: 6/30/05 at 10:29am

Sam I love your avatar......

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:11pm

I think this is a horrible play. It is full of negative gay stereotypes and utilizes the Gay man as Victim themes that permeate much of McNally’s work, musical adaptations excepted, except of course for Spider Woman.
Granted, the production I saw did nothing to avoid these pitfalls, and perhaps with the right director and actors these flaws are not as evident. I just remember leaving the theatre hating what I had just seen and feeling embarrassed that this playwright is considered our most important and most honored gay writer.

[Corine2]

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:34pm

Sue-
Love your icon. Aliens can be sexy. Just ask John Lithgow.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 6/30/05 at 10:54pm

McNally's finest work, in my opinion, and Nathan Lane's finest performance. Back when I was still acting, I used to use a monologue from this show for auditions. All I can remember is that the last line of it was, "God, I loathe the Portugeuse!"

[WindyCityActor]

Posted: 7/1/05 at 3:54pm

The Lisbon Traviata is one of my favorites plays, and a real heart breaking experience when I was up for the lead, and wasn't cast.