A Catered Affair: Means Well but. . .- Page 3

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 5:34pm

the sexual frustration in this post is borderline sad.

[BkCollector]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 5:39pm

I don't know, but from what's been said about the music, it sounds like it's exactly what I'm looking for. The snippets I've heard on the radio have been breathtaking.

Also, most of the criticism I've heard so far on this thread reminds me of the criticism of Guettel's music in LitP, and since that's the best score I've heard for a musical in almost ten years, I'm pretty psyched to see A Catered Affair now.

Thanks for helping me make up my mind guys!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 5:42pm

I love the show. Like most great shows, it seems to be a love it or hate it show.

[inlovewithjerryherman]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 7:04pm

oh my god matt cavenaugh is gorgeous in those pics...

ps i love how this thread went from "A Catered Affair" to hot men in .2 seconds.

If we're gonna talk about hot men, let's talk about that fight scene in the Hugh Jackman "Oklahoma!" when he's shirtless.

and shut up LaCageFan, not all of us are so lucky : P

[blaxx]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 7:09pm

You're right inlove, it's your turn to show us some shirtless pics of yourself

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 7:35pm

This is a very "small" show. Intimate, quiet, subtle. Just like the pain each character keeps well-hidden and unexpressed. The beauty of the piece is in the characters' journey towards understanding and resolution of their pain.

When I think back on it, I am amazed at how much I learned about these people and their relationships, how well I grew to know them and their suffering in so short a time.

EVERYONE is wonderful. Leslie Kritzer shows she is as adept at drama as comedy--and what a voice! Matt Cavenaugh, too. (I did not find his character boring in the least.)

Tom Wopat is heartbreaking as is Faith Prince, who has never been better (as hard as that is to believe!) Harvey Fierstein's Uncle Winston masks his suffering mostly by joking about it, but his love for his family--and how that love both hurts and helps him--is real.

There is also able support from the other cast members, including a scene-stealing Kristine Zbornick who we need to see more and more of. (Love her!)

I will write more when I have the chance. This is just off the top of my head before I head out to see another show tonight!

[ljay889]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 8:37pm

Damn. Broadway.com says Yazbeck is engaged to Jessica Lee Goldyn.

There goes that one too!

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 9:54pm

The comments about the score don't surprise me much. I mean, I like Bucchino's music alright, but his cabaret stuff is so much better than his work for the theatre. I thought his third of 3hree was the weakest; yet I love his Grateful album. It's pop-it-in-on-a-rainy-day-and-sip-hot-chocolate good, not welcome to Broadway!!! good, though.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 3/28/08 at 11:51pm

Ljay, you actually made me laugh out loud.
I'm okay drooling for Matt, it's not like if he were gay he'd be any more accessible.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 1:11am

I hope that Broadway World TV does a piece on it or something so I can hear the score; I can't make it to NYC to see the show, and until I hear the music myself, I can't judge it.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 1:55am

I saw the show tonight and found it heartbreaking, perfect, and real. I don't have time to go into a detailed review now, but I just want to say that I LOVE this show. It doesn't push, it isn't flashy, it's so personal and so gentle in telling its story that I'm worried some critics are going to think it's boring. I didn't find it boring at all. I felt myself so drawn into the silences and pauses and details I was getting from the actors... I can't remember the time I was in a theatre that silent. It was 100% full tonight, and there was a 60 second span without dialogue at one point where nobody spoke or moved- I don't even think anyone coughed. I was enraptured. I feel like it's the lost Clifford Odets musical. And the best part is that nobody is forcing emotion or applause or an audience response... it's the most extraordinarily natural acting I've seen in a musical in a long time. This is what musical theatre experts must've meant by 'integrated'... it is a fully integrated show, with every piece of the puzzle purposeful and well- directed. My favorite John Doyle direction job so far. I love that ACA isn't afraid to do something different, to challenge it's audience, to be the opposite of that "loud, fast, and fun" genre.

[East Village]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 2:01pm

I went last night with a friend. Infinite and Pennywise's impressions are pretty spot on...especially the line "I can't remember the time I was in a theatre that silent." Yet, thrilling is hardly the experience I walked out with. A Catered Affair does manage to mimic other pleasant experiences, the first that comes to mind is sitting in the park watching the grass grow. ***yawn*** It was a nice yawn though.

[Sleeper2]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 2:24pm

Matt Cavenaugh is with Jenny Powers so you people are no competition.

[MarkCohen2]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 3:08pm

Possible Spoilers!






Was I the only one who thought Faith Prince's huge crying scene was WAY over-the-top? I thought she was laughing. And then she just snapped out of it immediately. Gotta say, that moment ruined it for me.

[Daniel2]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 4:32pm

fflag-(Although no one in this Irish family has an Irish accent.)

The family is of Irish descent but not FROM Ireland, they wouldn't have Irish accents at this point.

On the Matt vs. Tony thing; I prefer Matt because he doesn't thank God or Jesus in his bios.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 5:19pm

I think.. I would like the show based on Miss Pennywise's description. Ive heard the score and it makes sense now...yeah.. I'm kinda sick & tired of bombastic production number..subtle music would just work fine for me at this moment, and as I say I am a big fan of John Doyle's work.

J*
Updated On: 3/29/08 at 05:19 PM

[East Village]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 5:45pm

Jay, you'll probably enjoy it if you go with that attitude -- and discounts! It's a well tended garden.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 6:59pm

I love that picture of Jenn Collela.

I love the music from A CATERED AFFAIR, it has a style and it is storytelling and there are some beautiful melodies also, they don't just hit you over the head.
Can't wait to see itt in NYC.

[Peter]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 8:32pm

The problem with A Catered Affair IMO is that this is more of a minor play, with background music, rather than a true musical. Also, as a play it just isn't layered or meaningful enough to maintain interest even though it's only one act. What it has to say could be said in half the time. The music is mostly forgettable sung-through dialogue. And then there's the gimmicky direction where these silent moments are inserted for dramatic effect. You can see all the gears at work here with Doyle and the result is sort of like putting A1 sauce on hamburger and trying to pass it off as steak..whereas it falls far short of a a delicious filet with bernaise..(ok..I'm hungry..). Pretentious..and artificial at that.
Updated On: 3/29/08 at 08:32 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 8:38pm

Why dont they have Sunday Matinees? It is bec. its still in previews?

I will see this with an open mind. I am more curious to see John Doyle's direction & Faith Prince performance more than anything...

J*
Updated On: 3/29/08 at 08:38 PM

[BkCollector]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 8:41pm

Every time someone says that they don't feel like the music is music it makes my heart leap. That's usually a sign to me that the music is really music, and not just uncha uncha uncha with a melody thrown over it and super-amplified voices.

I got my tickets, I'll let ya know!

[jaystarr]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 8:45pm

The music is something like Light in the Piazza/ Passion....it grows on you....Its not a typical show stopper musical..

J*

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 9:05pm

I believe Sunday mats begin may 11.

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 11:42pm

How is Tony Yazbek at the stage door? Is he a friendly guy? Does he take pictures with fans? Inquiring minds want to know. from R.C. in Austin, Texas

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 3/29/08 at 11:49pm

I haven't seen the show yet (going on first Saturday in May), but when I was in Sardi's today, the word of mouth was discouraging. I'll wait to see for myself, but it seems a lot of people are down on the show. One of the most-repeated complaints was regarding the score -- everyone was talking about how there weren't any real "songs" in it. And it seems pretty unanimous that Matt Cavanaugh is wasted (by that, I mean under-utilized). Oh, well, got to wait and see.