Anybody attend The Royal Family last night?

[bundy5000]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 9:02am

I am seeing the show tomorrow and was just wondering if anybody saw it yesterday.

[winston89]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 9:35am

I did and did so after looking forward to seeing the play for awhile. Everything got applause, the sets the entrance for each of the actors. However, the one thing that didn't get applause and rightly so was the acting. The show has potential, however, I felt that that potential was lost during the middle of act one. It sure does have an interesting plot and the right cast to pull off what could be a good story. However, something is missing that prevents them from dong so.

A woman with whom I was speaking too at the first intermission spoke to me about how she felt it was too chatty so to speak and how they should cut some stuff out. I told her that the odds of that happening are on the slim side due to the fact that the play is not new and is in fact a revival.

I did want to love this play. The story sounded so good and the list of actors was enticing. But, with the 27 dollar student rush I might go back to see it later on in its run after the actors have gotten more into the swing of things and more into the pacing of the play.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 9:39am

I'm seeing the show tomorrow and will share my thoughts. Sorry you didn't think it was firing on all cylinders, Winston. What did you find wrong with the acting? Anyone in particular stand out, for good or bad reasons?

Updated On: 9/16/09 at 09:39 AM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 9:43am

You're asking WINSTON?

Come on, Whizzer.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 9:44am

Haha, I know! But he's the only one who's seen it so far!

[winston89]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 9:51am

I think that it has potential. I really do. I just think that a vast majority of the humor in the play is very fast paced and quick witted. And, the main problem was that they needed time to work on the timing of the jokes. I do feel that that is a problem that will be fixed during previews when the cast has had more time to perform the work.

And, Yankeefan, if you can easily get a full picture on what kind of person someone is just by a message board of all places, then I fully tip my hat to you.

[Calvin]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 10:44am

I saw it. I don't usually like to comment too much after first previews though.

I didn't see anything particular wrong with the acting, with maybe one person as an exception. I'd call it fairly typical MTC fare: light and mostly enjoyable though nothing that's really very likely to stand out in the season.

And it's quite long: two intermissions, just short of three hours total, but I think improved pacing should bring that down.

[bundy5000]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 10:50am

anybody stage door it after the show?

[winston89]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 12:07pm

Calvin, I guess I used the wrong choice of words. When I said acting I meant timing. I think that the pace of the play was not where it could have been and I do feel that the dialogue was meant to be spoken one line rapid fire after another. I did have the impression that there is a particular tempo for this play that the cast has yet to pick up on.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 2:24pm

I lostinterest in this production once Stephen Collins withdrew from the project.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 2:29pm

What's so great about the set?

[winston89]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 3:33pm

The set was the first thing that got people clapping. It was a very grand and very well done two story set that depicted a duplex in the 20's. Overall it was very well done and easy on the eyes.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 9/16/09 at 5:40pm

Seeing it Saturday night so we shall see.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 9/18/09 at 9:34am

I saw the third preview last night and had a pretty good time. Calvin really was right when he said, "I'd call it fairly typical MTC fare: light and mostly enjoyable though nothing that's really very likely to stand out in the season."

Rosemary Harris is really wonderful in the role of Fanny Cavendish. As the matriarch of the family she lands each zinger and quip with aplomb. The woman is a living legend and if for nothing else but her performance everyone should go see this play.

I have a fondness for Jan Maxwell, and she did not disappoint. Her long monologue at the end of act two was outstanding and got a nice round of applause. I will most likely make a return trip just to catch both of their performances again.

The whole thing felt like one of those silly old MGM all-star cast romps. Nothing much important, or otherwise, happened, but the dialogue was a whole lot of fun. If you're looking for a good plot, this sure isn't the play for you, but if you're looking to have an enjoyable evening out with good actors and a zippy script then give The Royal Family a try.