To be honest, I'm usually the first to defend works that are deemed "slow" or "boring" by some, and I'll accuse people of not being bright enough to deal with something that isn't a fast-moving, effects-driven spectacular. I think certain shows need to move at their own pace, take their time telling their stories and slowly involve us using the careful craft of the storytelling.
But holy s**t, I don't think I've ever felt so numb, detached and deadened by a play before. I kept trying to be involved but as it went on, I kept feeling my eyes glazing over and waiting to be gripped by anything. I think, no matter how poor/boring/etc a show is, it's incredibly disrespectful to go to sleep during a performance, but there were a handful of times in Act II I TRIED to shut my eyes and pass out for a few minutes, but sadly (due to a few Diet Cokes ingested beforehand) it was not to be.
Langella was good, and every aspect of the production was serviceable and "well-done," but I've never had another theatrical experience where I felt like such an lame-brained pleibian. The crowd on the way out was muttering words like "fantastic," so what do I know, but I couldn't wait for it all to end.
Updated On: 9/14/08 at 05:03 AM
