The Lisbon Traviata

#1

The Lisbon Traviata

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?

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" ...the happiness in the tune convinces me that I'm not afraid."

#2

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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.

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"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie [http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/] "The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney

#3

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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?

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" ...the happiness in the tune convinces me that I'm not afraid."

#4

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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!

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johnraymondbarker.com

#5

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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

I loved the 'Madame Lansbury' stuff.

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" ...the happiness in the tune convinces me that I'm not afraid."

#6

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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

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

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It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story... AGATHA CHRISTIE, Life magazine, May 14, 1956

#7

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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

#8

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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

#9

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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

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

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" ...the happiness in the tune convinces me that I'm not afraid."

#10

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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.

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It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story... AGATHA CHRISTIE, Life magazine, May 14, 1956

#11

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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...

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"Life is a lesson in humility"

#12

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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

Sam I love your avatar......

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It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story... AGATHA CHRISTIE, Life magazine, May 14, 1956

#13

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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.

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PEACE.

#14

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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

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

#15

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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!"

#16

re: The Lisbon Traviata

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.