Posted: 10/31/22 at 7:51pm
Doyle often gets a bit of criticism/accused of being a one trick Pony for actors who play their own instruments but honestly doesn’t he usually actually make it work? There is usually some artistry/concept behind it.
Posted: 10/31/22 at 8:58pm
Speaking as someone who really doesn’t like John Doyle’s work, I have no problem with the instruments. I think he’s a bad director for a bunch of other reasons.
He’s also done tons of shows without the instruments, including musicals. So calling him a one-trick pony because of the instruments isn’t even accurate. Again, he’s a one-trick pony for other reasons.
Posted: 10/31/22 at 10:04pm
He gave us Patti playing a tuba and for that I will always be grateful.
Posted: 11/9/22 at 8:11am
I was going to head down and try for a rush ticket last night, but got a late notifcation saying I'd won the lottery (after already losing) at just after 3pm. What a bargain for $15 I got a great seat in row D of the 100s.
What a glorious production. It was so intimate and all of the performances were wonderful. I had seen the show previously in London about 12 years ago and had very much enjoyed it, but the production last night elevated the material for me. Not one to miss!
Posted: 11/9/22 at 8:27am
Posted: 11/21/22 at 10:24pm
Caught this over the weekend. My first exposure to this piece. and I was somewhat underwhelmed by the score, but ultimately very moved by the performances/story.
I tend to think that unlike Assassins, this show suffered from the bare, set-less, space. I got a general sense of where we were, what was going on, who was who, but in a show where THE PUB, THE CHURCH, THE HOUSE, THE BUS, all matter greatly to move a plot along, the bare stage with some chairs on it wasn't enough to keep it moving seamlessly.
That said, some of the simple staging--like the songs set at Mare Winningham's table-- was an asset. And when the score carried me away, it didnt matter- so AJ Shively's pitch perfect Streets of Dublin number was a sublime 5 minutes of theater. Everyone was great, but he-- and Youmans and Ahmed--really stood out. Its ultimately Parsons' show, and I thought he did a very fine job that culminated in a truly beautiful moment at the end. And I just can't overexpress my appreciation for someone of his fame/fortune dedicating himself to such an intricate show, in such a small intimate space. More of that please.
Posted: 11/22/22 at 2:18am
Coming to NYC in a few weeks and fingers crossed to win the lotto to this. I do wonder -- it's the opening weekend of Parsons movie -- he's still scheduled to do all shows, right?
Posted: 11/23/22 at 4:29pm
ColdClimateDude said: "Coming to NYC in a few weeks and fingers crossed to win the lotto to this. I do wonder -- it's the opening weekend of Parsons movie -- he's still scheduled to do all shows, right?"
I had the same worry. I’m seeing it the day after the movie opens.
Posted: 11/23/22 at 4:47pm
I saw it this afternoon and I thought it was a perfect little jewel box of a show. I can’t recall any shows I’ve seen in my life that have masterfully accomplished this level of intimacy. Parsons is a wonderful singer for these subtle types of songs (there are no barn-burning big numbers), but I did catch him slipping in and out of his Irish accent throughout the show.
AJ Shively, seemingly directly imported from Paradise Square, fares much better here and his “On The Streets of Dublin” was an absolute highlight. Mare Winningham (whose “North Country” costume also seems to have gotten a recycling) is always a delight on stage because she nails down any form of folk song that is thrown her way, whether comedic or sad. She been the highlight in nearly every show I’ve seen her in.
I would go if you are daring to see Jim Parsons do something radically different and are willing to step out of your comfort zone.
Posted: 11/25/22 at 7:31pm
I was supposed to go into the city this weekend, but changed my mind after the holiday. I have 1 ticket to A Man of No Importance tomorrow night 11/26 at 7pm I’m looking to sell for face value, $87.
Updated On: 11/25/22 at 07:31 PM
Posted: 11/26/22 at 2:31pm
Saw it about a week ago and thought the production was nice and sweet, but not much more than that. Several members of the cast, including JP, needed more work with a dialogue coach. But A.J. Shively was outstanding. Now I'm sorry I missed Paradise Square and look forward to seeing whatever he's in next.
Posted: 11/27/22 at 8:00pm
Updated On: 12/5/22 at 08:00 PM
Posted: 12/5/22 at 9:48am
Both shows yesterday were canceled, and reading his Instagram, it sounds like it may be because Parsons has COVID. That would be so unfortunate if the rest of the run is affected because of all the extra press he's been doing for his movie.
Posted: 12/5/22 at 11:52am
I’m seeing the show next Saturday… seems like the timeline isn’t on my side that I’ll get to see Jim.
Posted: 12/5/22 at 5:08pm
Well...now it appears you can no longer buy tickets for the added benefit performance on the evening of Sunday the 11th. I know it still had 1/4 of the house left this morning. There was also an IG post earlier today about buying tickets for that performance that's now gone as well. That doesn't bode well.
Edited to add: or it could just mean that everyone from the two performances canceled yesterday had the option of moving to the benefit performance...and that's why it's now sold out...
Updated On: 12/5/22 at 05:08 PM
Posted: 12/5/22 at 7:24pm
That would make sense, I’m pretty sure all remaining performances were basically sold out.
Posted: 12/6/22 at 2:02pm
Tuesday evening performance canceled as well.
The show has understudies - strange that they still aren't able to proceed.
Posted: 12/6/22 at 4:33pm
it's also a little irresponsible to wait so long to let folks know. i' m sure they're scrambling, but it's been since Sunday and they didn't post the cancel notice til after 2p.
Posted: 12/7/22 at 12:32pm
Looks like one understudy was covering two roles that were out, so they had to pull in someone else for the third role:
"We look forward to seeing you this week at our critically acclaimed production of A Man of No Importance. As a courtesy, we want to share some cast changes for performances through, and including, Sunday, December 11.
Starting tonight, CSC Board Member and Tony Winner Santino Fontana will be stepping into the role of Father Kenny, usually played by Nathaniel Stampley. Santino will be joined by understudies Benjamin Howes as Alfie Byrne (the role usually played by Jim Parsons) and Justin Scott Brown as Ernie Lally (usually performed by Joel Waggoner.) "
Posted: 12/7/22 at 2:35pm
Is it COVID? Was Parsons scheduled to miss some shows?
Posted: 12/7/22 at 2:37pm
Oof. I sure hope they’re willing to cancel tickets. No matter how talented Fontana is, seeing a show without the lead and with one cover who presumably has had at best one or two days of rehearsal feels…less than appealing.
Posted: 12/7/22 at 2:47pm
Yes, it's COVID. Parsons has missed other commitments as a result.
The show is VERY ensemble focused. It's true that Alfie doesn't leave the stage but nobody else does either. Parsons is sweet and lovely in the role but not at all irreplaceable. The part Santino is stepping into is miniscule.
If you want to see the show and production I honestly don't think your experience will be lessened. If you want to see Jim Parsons on stage in an intimate setting, which is understandable, you're out of luck unfortunately.
Posted: 12/7/22 at 9:50pm
Just back from seeing this ...
Howes gave a worthy performance. The audience roared in appreciation when he took his solo bows. The observation about this being an ensemble piece is spot-on; I did not regret missing Parsons for one second. (Godspeed and a quick recovery to him.)
Posted: 12/12/22 at 1:00am
Saw the performance tonight, I thought Howes (and the show) were terrific. Interesting to note, understudy Justin Scott Brown who was supposed to be on for Ernie Lally was out and Beth Kirkpatrick was on as “Elizabeth” Lally. Talk about making it work. At first, when I heard about the COVID of it all, I was disappointed not to see a full cast but this arrangement tonight was first-rate.
Posted: 12/12/22 at 11:58am
If anyone had a ticket for a canceled performance, try calling. The website shows this week as being sold out, but I was able to get a ticket for this Sat by calling.
