#1
Posted: 9/17/10 at 12:55am
GOING IN: I've read the play. I've seen the HBO film. This was my first time seeing the show performed live. I did not see PART I first. So there's some perspective.
THE PLAY: I knew the play was a masterwork. The story is of a particular genius of construction, so there is no need to further discuss the nature of the work, so let's go straight to the interpretation.
To do this piece you need to present it with at least a nod of theatricality. The text itself acknowledges very much that this is a performance piece to a LIVE AUDIENCE on a stage, as the tradition goes. Therefore, I think what director Michael Greif has done is very proper. Appropriately effective without going over-the-top. The design of the set functions well and doesn't get in the way of the text. The stagehands have the scenic changes choreographed very well and they try their best as to not steal focus, although not always 100% successful.
And now...the highlight of this production...THE PERFORMANCES.
I have seen 241 productions, live, (I keep immaculate records) and the acting in this show is perhaps the best that I have ever witnessed. From EVERYONE. Not one weak individual. All eight of the artists in this company are TOTALLY INVESTED into the souls of the characters. It was astonishing. Astonishing. Any student of acting would benefit to see what these eight remarkable artists do on that stage.
CURTAIN CALL: The final line was spoken. The lights went to black. A woman in the house lets out a quiet "Bravo!" which sparks very appreciative and heartfelt applause. Not thunderous or over-trying or obnoxious. This applause was genuine and classy. The company bowed and exited. But the applause continued. And continued. And continued. Finally, Frank Wood and two other actors came back out and attempted to beckon the rest of the cast to re-join them on stage for a second curtain call, which did not happen. So they bowed and waved at the audience telling us to "go home and thank you!"
IN CLOSING: Signature's production of ANGELS IN AMERICA looks good on paper AND actually delivers. It's going to be one of those shows that universally lives up to the hype -- a rare instance for New York theatre. Do your soul a favor and GO SEE THIS PRODUCTION. You will ABSOLUTELY regret missing this one.
THE PLAY: I knew the play was a masterwork. The story is of a particular genius of construction, so there is no need to further discuss the nature of the work, so let's go straight to the interpretation.
To do this piece you need to present it with at least a nod of theatricality. The text itself acknowledges very much that this is a performance piece to a LIVE AUDIENCE on a stage, as the tradition goes. Therefore, I think what director Michael Greif has done is very proper. Appropriately effective without going over-the-top. The design of the set functions well and doesn't get in the way of the text. The stagehands have the scenic changes choreographed very well and they try their best as to not steal focus, although not always 100% successful.
And now...the highlight of this production...THE PERFORMANCES.
I have seen 241 productions, live, (I keep immaculate records) and the acting in this show is perhaps the best that I have ever witnessed. From EVERYONE. Not one weak individual. All eight of the artists in this company are TOTALLY INVESTED into the souls of the characters. It was astonishing. Astonishing. Any student of acting would benefit to see what these eight remarkable artists do on that stage.
CURTAIN CALL: The final line was spoken. The lights went to black. A woman in the house lets out a quiet "Bravo!" which sparks very appreciative and heartfelt applause. Not thunderous or over-trying or obnoxious. This applause was genuine and classy. The company bowed and exited. But the applause continued. And continued. And continued. Finally, Frank Wood and two other actors came back out and attempted to beckon the rest of the cast to re-join them on stage for a second curtain call, which did not happen. So they bowed and waved at the audience telling us to "go home and thank you!"
IN CLOSING: Signature's production of ANGELS IN AMERICA looks good on paper AND actually delivers. It's going to be one of those shows that universally lives up to the hype -- a rare instance for New York theatre. Do your soul a favor and GO SEE THIS PRODUCTION. You will ABSOLUTELY regret missing this one.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
--Aristotle
