A CATERED AFFAIR Reviews — Page 6

I'm truly saddened by these reviews - especially Ben Brantley's - I don't understand why they're coming from. This, by all accounts, is a show with heart, substance, truth, a sense of realism that TUGS at the heartstrings. (Yes, I can lay claim to KNOWING that and UNDERSTANDING that even without seeing the damn thing yet!) I find it horrendous how there hasn't been one, single solitary 'rave' review for this piece of theatrical eplendor. With a book by Mr. Fierstein and poignant and emotionally-satisfying score by Mr. Bucchino, along with the keen direction of one, Mr. Doyle, I am truly, truly shocked that this show wasn't received better... Nevertheless, I WILL be reviewing this piece Monday evening/Tuesday morning, so fear not! I, for one, will go in there without any preconceived notions about 'the silences', 'the lack of emotions', blah, blah, blah. It's a 'new approach' to 'old times' - I'm knowingly and willingly taking that journey to 1950's Bronx apartment complex, and I'll happily live amongst Aggie, Tom and the rest of the Hurley clan, I'll go for the ride and experience the ups-and-downs ... It's a rollercoaster ride of emtoions, surely, and I am 'ready' to open up my eyes this time aound.

Are you f'ing kidding me? Is this post a JOKE?
I am so glad you "can lay claim to KNOWING that and UNDERSTANDING that even without seeing the damn thing yet!" and that you "will go in there without any preconceived notions about (it)"

The fact that you "find it horrendous how there hasn't been one, single solitary 'rave' review for this piece of theatrical eplendor. With a book by Mr. Fierstein and poignant and emotionally-satisfying score by Mr. Bucchino, along with the keen direction of one, Mr. Doyle, I am truly, truly shocked that this show wasn't received better... " is so understandable, considering YOU HAVN'T EVEN SEEN IT.

Lots and lots of credibility there, Mike. Jesus.

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Y'know what ... I'm sorry for being optimistic. Goodness.

USA Today gives it 3 out of 4 stars.

USA Today

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Updated On: 4/17/08 at 11:34 PM

I loved the ReNT movie before I saw it. Then I saw it.

ANYBODY NOW CARE TO RETHINK THE GLORY DAYS FACTOR at the TONYs this year?
Not being a smarty, just wondering.

Anybody know if BROADWAY.com's WORD OF MOUTH peeps were there tonight?

Updated On: 4/17/08 at 11:49 PM

an idea...let's not take frustration about reviews out on Mike?

I think Brantley's review is fairly accurate. Granted, I went into the show rather ill-informed and with friends who, once it started, seemed determined not to enjoy it. I thought that the story was engaging and I did care about the characters-- but I also thought that the score was rather monotonous and that the pacing was incredibly slow for a show that only lasts ninety minutes.

It doesn't need to have flash and spectacle, but I feel that breaking the glacial movement with at least one or two numbers that made it feel as though one were at a musical would have made it easier to digest. I understand that great theatre often makes the viewer feel less than comfortable, but until Tom's "I Stayed," there isn't even something that really pushes you to the edge of your seat. However, both Faith Prince and Tom Wopat were fantastic; Leslie Kritzer was quite charming; and Harvey was very endearing. I loved the ensemble. The show was solid and the performances well approached. I just don't think it's going to be most people's cup of tea.

I know that the intellectual theatre fans get angry when the rest of us need a little movement. We're tasteless spectacle whores, I know. However, just because it wasn't my favorite doesn't mean that it didn't have it's enjoyable aspects or make it less of an innovative piece of art.

Why on EARTH are you so bitter, A Director?

I would say the Variety review was pretty positive.

Did anyone actually think that Brantley was going to like the show?

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Well, Barnes review (NY Post) is an all out rave - 4 stars.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/04182008/entertainment/theater/an_affair_to_remember__a_musical_of_note_106945.htm

Updated On: 4/18/08 at 06:11 AM

Jacques le Sourd - Journal News is Negative

This 'Affair' is just no fun

"A Catered Affair," which opened last night at the Walter Kerr Theatre, was to have been the big musical of the second half of the Broadway season.

What happened?

What we have instead is a wan, ceaselessly grim little show that barely registers as a musical.


JN

Can that stupid, ignornat oaf Jacques le Sourd stop reviewing? Please. He was the man that liked the Reality Show Grease, by the way.
And surprise of the season- Clive Barnes' rave.