Agnes of God

[wicked_beast4]

Posted: 8/15/08 at 11:50pm

Does anyone here think that a revival of Agnes of God could ever work? I think it is a great play, and I am saddened I could not see the original run at the Music Box. Thoughts?

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/16/08 at 2:38am

I think AGNES OF GOD was very much a play of its time; a sort of feminist version of EQUUS. That said, I could definitely see a revival at a theatre like the Roundabout or if a major star - even a major theatre star like Cherry Jones were interested in it.

I watched the archival video recently at Lincoln Center of the original cast. Its not a great script but it does make for exciting theatre and the original performances (especially Amanda Plummer's) were extraordinary.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/16/08 at 2:42am

One of my favoirte plays. But whether "today" is the right time to bring it back, I don't know. The worse the economy the more people want their entertainment to be happy.

I haven't read it in a really long time....does it feel dated? Has it stood the test of time?

I know I'd plunk some hard earned cash to see it: but I was going to see Godspell, too!!!

[Michael Bennett]

Posted: 8/16/08 at 3:00am

Well, like Equus - its not a show that would be brought back without some major star power behind it. But like Equus, there is no denying the theatrical power of Agnes of God while you are in the theatre watching it...

[DidYouReallyHearMe]

Posted: 8/16/08 at 11:19am

At Orlando Shakespeare Festival's Playfest John Pielmeier conducted a reading of his new play, definitely a new age Agnes and he hopes to get it to NYC soon. Also, he did mention he's working on get Agnes back to the city.

[NobodyNeedsToKnow2]

Posted: 8/16/08 at 2:07pm

I definatly think it stood the test of time! My own generation will get something out of the show that others may not have. When the local community theatre did it recently, my friends I talked about it for days. Coming up with our own theories and discussing the religon aspect, ect.

My favorite part was that in modern day setting, whenever someone does something wrong, there is a reason for it. A mental illness, and a diagnosis. Agnes defies that. It makes you uncomfortable, and it makes you question what you want to believe versus what the show is MAKING you believe. I think it a timeless show because, as I said, each generation will have something new to bring to it. I think it could definatly be revived!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/16/08 at 4:38pm

Michael Bennett...I totally agree with you that it would need at least one of the women to carry some star power behind it..to be a finanacial success and to get truly noticed. And I doubt it would be THAT hard to powerhouse all three roles. (Although I'd prefer to think of Agnes herself being a newcomer.)

I played the psychiatrist in college...one of the most difficult roles I've ever tackled. Now that I'm actually the right AGE to play her I'd love to do it again.

Must dig out script...thanks for making me thing about it OP!

[kissmeimirish]

Posted: 8/16/08 at 10:55pm

I think it would work as a limited run. MTC? Roundabout? and, if we're casting, I vote for Mamie Gummer as Agnes, Laura Linney as Dr Livingstone and Tyne Daly and Mama Miriam - I mean Mother Miriam Ruth.