ARCADIA @ the Barrymore- Page 2

[Ariella]

Posted: 12/30/10 at 8:27pm

Yeah, I was surprised at first but I agree with Emcee et al that Raul's casting could add an entirely new dynamic to the show. There's a lot of potential with Val and Bernard as contemporaries - instead of Bernard simply condescending to a younger and more idealistic man, they're equals with opposing views. Definitely not how I've ever read the play or seen it performed, but still interesting.

And bjh, I couldn't disagree with you more about Esparza.

[Papacusco]

Posted: 12/30/10 at 8:55pm

The show is brilliant
The actors will be fine
Just one word of advice to those who have never seen the show GO OUT AND READ THE PLAY FIRST
Its an amazing script but if you dont know the play you wont follow it for quite a while
Theres a turtle that moves across the stage for one thing

I just bought my ticket
Cant wait to see it again and this time with Raul

[wonkit]

Posted: 12/30/10 at 10:01pm

One of my favorite lines: "Sit!"

ETA: By the way, Plautus is a tortoise, not a turtle... Updated On: 12/30/10 at 10:01 PM

[mallardo]

Posted: 12/31/10 at 5:31am

Not sure why there's concern about Raul. He's very similar in age and type to Ed Stoppard in London. The only question mark will be Raul's English accent - how was it in The Homecoming?

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 12/31/10 at 7:44am

For the record, I wasn't expressing concern, only making an observation. He's older than traditional casting and (o, forgive me!) looks it, but I -- like many of you -- am very curious to see what effect it will have on the show. I played Valentine in college, so I'm especially looking forward to my perceptions of the text and the relationships being shaken up.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/31/10 at 10:48am

Raul's played British characters many times before: The Homecoming, as you mentioned, Chitty, Taboo. He actually did Arcadia a long time ago in Chicago -- he played Septimus. Anyway, all of the Brits I've seen him play have had slightly different accents, because of background, time, or place, and some have been better than others (mostly because of the crazy speech thing he was doing with Philip Salon), but for the most part he's fine. I think the particular accent for Arcadia will be different from those other ones, though, since, of course, there isn't really just one standard/generic British accent. I don't think it's anything to worry about.

I will be out of town when the marquees and whatnot go up, and can't see this until after it opens. I'm going to be that person and say that someone has to promise me they'll take and post photos of the theater. Putting that on record now.

[Weez]

Posted: 1/1/11 at 10:38am

Its an amazing script but if you dont know the play you wont follow it for quite a while

Don't be a buffoon. I knew NOTHING of this play when I saw it in the West End, and I had NO problems following. I didn't know what to expect, and I was simply blown away.

The problem with Raul is that he will forever be "playing age 35" in my head. I loved Company. So sue me. :P And having seen both Esparza and Stoppard Jr on stage, the latter does play younger for me.

The Val question is going to be the Hamlet question, isn't it? "HOW CAN HE BE 30 AND A STUDENT AND ANGSTY?! THE PLAY IS OBVIOUSLY RUBBISH!". Students come in all ages, especially post-grad, and angsty 30 year olds seem a lot less preposterous now I'm getting there myself than they did several years ago.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/1/11 at 11:32am

The problem with Raul is that he will forever be "playing age 35" in my head. I loved Company. So sue me. :P

But that's a problem in your perception, not in the actor. Yes, we carry all of those memories forward with us when we see actors take on new roles (I've just read a book that touches on this about memory and theater), but you can't really blame that on the performer. And it would be sad if that restricted what he or she is able to do, in your mind, no? I adore the guy and I adored Company even more; it's not to say that I don't "see Bobby" at certain moments in other characters, but you can't really let that make other things implausible. IMO, anyway. Otherwise, what's the point?

[Weez]

Posted: 1/1/11 at 11:46am

The point was to make a little joke, but at least if anyone seriously agrees with me, they've been rebuffed in advance.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/1/11 at 12:11pm

Haunted Stage?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/1/11 at 7:19pm

That's the one.

[ken8631]

Posted: 2/7/11 at 11:37am

Are any center orch seats TOO CLOSE for this theatre? Don't want to miss anything sitting too close - high stage?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/7/11 at 11:46am

I have spent many, many nights in the front row of that theater, and sat pretty much everywhere else. I wouldn't say the front few rows are ideal, but as front rows go, the stage isn't super high. I'd say the best place to be in that orchestra is 7-10 rows back, but if you want to look up some nostrils, sitting closer shouldn't be too tough on your neck.

Updated On: 2/7/11 at 11:46 AM

[peachesr]

Posted: 2/7/11 at 12:02pm

I'm annoyed I won't get to see this, I'd be interested to see Billy Crudup and, more importantly, Tom Riley, you're in for a real treat with him

[ken8631]

Posted: 2/7/11 at 12:29pm

Thanks - will try to go back a little further......

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/7/11 at 12:40pm

By the way, if anyone happens to go by the now-open box office, could you ask if they are planning on having any kind of rush? I'm not in New York right now.

[theatrepaul]

Posted: 2/7/11 at 4:38pm

I assume this is based on the recent London production?? If so, you are in for a real treat. It is BRILLIANT. Might see its when am next in NY

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/7/11 at 6:19pm

I think it is that production, no?