I was at the performance tonight as well and was thoroughly impressed. The only thing that disappointed me was that Act 5 Scenes 6 and 7 are cut for this production. Also in case anyone prefers to know this information beforehand there is brief nudity.
It wasn't especially brief. It was certainly more graphic than in London.
I think it's a big mistake to have Harper keep that blanket on in her "look at me" scene.
TotallyEffed said: "It wasn't especially brief. It was certainly more graphic than in London.
I think it's a big mistake to have Harper keep that blanket on in her "look at me" scene."
I was totally surprised by Pace's nudity last night. Since there was no warning anywhere I saw, I assumed it was something that developed in rehearsals.
Part 2 was tremendous. I was I one of the ones who started clapping at the sticky landing of the Angel at the end of Part 1 on Saturday. thinking "Oh, they're doing something new!" so I was a little worried about last night. But I was completely mesmerized and stunned by her big scene in Part 2. The performances, the choreography, the theatrical magic on display just blew me away.
Also, I was was 4th row on the aisle, which I loved, but it meant that frustrating metal thing was in my eyeline 100% of the time doing nothing. But then when it made its purpose known near the end of Part 2, I was simply stunned at the beauty, and it was a total payoff of 5 hours if it just hanging there.
I think everyone in the audience felt Part 2 took a little too long to get to the 1st intermission, I could the restlessness creeping in around me, but otherwise it continued to just fly by. Really great stuff, so beautifully presented.
Last night really was fantastic. I’ve accepted my issues with the production and just absorbed the incredible play. The first act flew by for me, as did the rest of the play, which I have seen many times. It’s truly a masterpiece.
It was also nice to have an audience that paid attention and STAYED QUIET when they were supposed to.
Don’t miss this one.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/19/17
Last night flew by. I couldn’t believe it when it was time for the first intermission and 90 mins had already gone by.
Agreed, I was also annoyed that big metal piece hung there for 7 hours doing nothing.
The audience was a breath of fresh air.
Broadway Star Joined: 9/27/13
Toying on getting a last-minute ticket but as mentioned before a common available ticket seems to be last row of the theater. Not sure if it's worth it even if I am saving $100 or so. Would greatly appreciate feedback from those who sat in nosebleed seats.
Since the show is also been offered on tdf like many TDF shows in previews it is a real hit or miss as to if the show will be offered again especially in early previews.
greenifyme2 said: "I was also annoyed that big metal piece hung there for 7 hours doing nothing."
Would someone please explain, using a Spoiler box if appropriate, what this metal piece is and what purpose it serves? Our tickets are in center orchestra row M and I'm wondering if it will impact our view.
I agree about the strange hanging metal set piece. My friend & I were trying to figure out what it was for after Part 1. It's oddly in the line of sight for the Orchestra for 7 hours before finally having a purpose.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/19/17
Lot666 said: "greenifyme2 said: "I was also annoyed that big metal piece hung there for 7 hours doing nothing."
Would someone please explain, using a Spoiler box if appropriate,what this metal piece is and what purpose it serves? Our tickets are in center orchestra row M and I'm wondering if it will impact our view."
It’s just a metal set piece that is hanging there with no function. It’s huge and I can’t imagine a seat where you wouldn’t be able to see it. It doesn’t negate the amazing performances, just a little disappointed it didn’t eventually lower or do anything spectacular.
It's almost like it's just a giant scenic red herring. Like it's there to fake you out into thinking it will be lit up for the Angel's entrance at the finale of Millennium Approaches, and then to trick you into thinking it will lower into a spectacular new set when Prior climbs to Heaven in Perestroika. Truly bizarre.
I do want to eat some crow about the Angel. The puppetry was used to great effect in Part 2, even if awkwardly executed at times. That first entrance just felt like such a damp squib at the end of Millennium when I saw it. I found Perestroika to be a much more theatrical and exciting production in general, which might even out the experience for people who prefer Millennium as a play. The acting is mostly very good throughout both.
Understudy Joined: 1/10/15
bstoll1 said: "Toying on getting a last-minute ticket but as mentioned before a common available ticket seems to be last row of the theater. Not sure if it's worth it even if I am saving $100 or so. Would greatly appreciate feedback from those who sat in nosebleed seats."
I sat in the second to last row. The sound was pretty quiet (I'm not sure if the actors were miked?), but I could understand everything that was said. I could make out faces, but had to focus closely for detailed facial expressions. The man in front of me used tiny binoculars. I was happy with my seat for the price, and I'd do it again. I still felt connected to the show and was moved by the performances. However, if your hearing or vision isn't 100%, it may be worth it to wait for a chance at a closer seat with TDF.
As for the hanging pole...
It must have been within my vision for the whole show, but I didn't notice it until it was used for the rain towards the end of the second part. I do remember thinking it was silly that it wasn't raised up higher so the pole wasn't visible, but it didn't impact my sightlines or anything.
^That functional pole is flown in and out. I believe we are talking about the much larger set piece up in the rafters, which may have been less visible from the Simon's steep rear mezz.
Understudy Joined: 1/10/15
Scarywarhol said: "^That functional pole is flown in and out. I believe we are talking about the much larger set piece up in the rafters, which may have been less visible from the Simon's steep rear mezz."
Ah, okay. I have no idea what you're referencing, so you can't see it from the back of the mezz.
Broadway Star Joined: 5/19/17
Scarywarhol said: "It's almost like it's just a giant scenic red herring. Like it's there to fake you out into thinking it will be lit up for the Angel's entrance at the finale of Millennium Approaches, and then to trick you into thinking it will lower into a spectacular new set when Prior climbs to Heaven in Perestroika. Truly bizarre.
I do want to eat some crow about the Angel. The puppetry was used to great effect in Part 2, even if awkwardly executed at times. That first entrance just felt like such a damp squib at the end of Millennium when I saw it. I found Perestroika to be a much more theatrical and exciting production in general, which might even out the experience for people who prefer Millennium as a play. The acting is mostly very good throughout both."
I ended up not caring much for the Angel actually. I was very intrigued by her at the end of Part 1 but in part 2 she just annoyed me. I’m not sure if it was the character or the actress, and the incessant “I, I, I” ‘s. It’s like she should have been mic’d with voice distortion. It was cool how they moved her around but I think I may have liked her better if Beth Malone had been in again.
For those who are interested, there is a WONDERFUL new book that was recently released called The World Only Spins Forward. It is a very thorough oral history of Angels in America. Kushner, directors and cast members who have done productions of Angels, and many more people share their insights on the play and history. It was a fascinating read, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to know more about this truly wonderful and historic play.
Leading Actor Joined: 5/6/16
went last night. it was stunning. give andrew the tony. cant wait to go back. if youre criticizing this, you voted for trump, or worse.
Broadway Star Joined: 10/28/17
Go see this any way you can. I saw the Friday and Saturday performances and thought it was a dazzling theater experience, and so special to share it with the same audience for both parts. I found my jaw hanging wide open on multiple occasions. The entire cast is fantastic (I'm sure Lee Pace will get more comfortable by opening) and the production is wonderful. This morning I was thinking about the brilliance of the set and lighting concept: how the first few scenes appear in comparison to what's onstage during that final scene.
I was particularly blown away by Andrew Garfield, as everyone is mentioning. I was a fan of him from film but hadn't seen him onstage - now I see that he is an incredibly generous, present theater performer. I have no idea how he's playing this exhausting role night after night. I do hope he's caring for his voice and such. After this, I gladly will see him in anything he appears in, stage or screen.
Featured Actor Joined: 10/16/10
For Friday/Saturday's 7pm performances, did Part I end at 11:10pm and Part II at 11:25pm?
Broadway Star Joined: 10/28/17
Theater3232 said: "For Friday/Saturday's 7pm performances, did Part I end at 11:10pm and Part II at 11:25pm?"
If I'm remembering correctly, I believe Part 1 ended closer to 10:45ish and Part 2 at around 11:15. Does someone remember exactly?
Leading Actor Joined: 12/17/15
I'll be in NYC at the end of April and would love to see ONE of the halves. (Only have a spot for one).
Are tickets available from the box office for just one part? If so, I'm not understanding what I'm looking at.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
How high is the stage? Is the fifth row too close?
Fifth row should be great. You just won't really see the floor, if watching turntables is of particular interest.
greenifyme2 said: "It’s just a metal set piece that is hanging there with no function. It’s huge and I can’t imagine a seat where you wouldn’t be able to see it. It doesn’t negate the amazing performances, just a little disappointed it didn’t eventually lower or do anything spectacular."
Is it hanging up high in the house? It doesn't impede your view of the show, right?
Broadway Star Joined: 10/28/17
Lot666 said: "greenifyme2 said: "It’s just a metal set piece that is hanging there with no function. It’s huge and I can’t imagine a seat where you wouldn’t be able to see it. It doesn’t negate the amazing performances, just a little disappointed it didn’t eventually lower or do anything spectacular."
Is it hanging up high in the house? It doesn't impede your view of the show, right?"
Nope, definitely doesn't impede your view. It's probably the highest rigged set piece, huge as it is, and I don't think it can even be seen from the mezzanine.
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