I saw it tonight and think I'll be letting it sink in for a bit. I really liked the structure of the play going back and forth between the two time periods, and how you got to put together what was happening with the characters. The second act really locked into place, especially (spoiler?) as the two sets of characters began to share the stage. Definitely a slow burn, but a worth while one if you have the patience for it.
Billy Crudup made the strongest impression as Nightingale, and watching him blunder in act 2 was a lot of fun. Raul was a little more subdued than I'm used to seeing him, but he had some nice moments too. His accent seemed a little vague at times, but he can work that out during previews. David Turner was fun as the scorned poet and Tom Riley was a dashing Septimus.
Lia Williams had to grow on me a little bit as Hannah, but by the end I really liked her. I think she just had to get comfortable with the audience and find her rhythm, but hey it's a first preview!
The production is sparse, almost reminding me of the set to the recent Sunday in the Park revival. In fact when the show curtain went up (yes there is one for all you who need to know) that's what came to mind. Everything is white except the table and two chairs, and an easel in the back holding the prospectus drawing of the new garden.
For as much as some people complain about Stoppard being too dense, boring or hard to follow, I thought the actors found many laughs in the material and I never got lost with the action. I went tonight on a whim when I heard they had rush seats, but I already had tickets for Wednesday and I'm kind of glad I'm seeing it again so soon. For me it was like a movie I watch once, think about for a few days, and then want to rewatch because it keeps bouncing around inside my head.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!