Anyone see 33 VARIATIONS last night?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 9:47am

I'll be there later in the week; just wondering what anyone who went last night thought...

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 9:57am

Yes, and I thought it was excellent. I did play piano for 12 years though, so I definitely felt like I could relate to the piece. The beginning was a bit slow, but Act 2 was outstanding overall.

Jane Fonda really held her own and gave a layered and well thought out performance. She also looked fantastic up on that stage. All the supporting players were great as well, especially Samantha Mathis, Susan Kellermann, and Zach Grenier. A special mention to Diane Walsh, the piano player, who was nothing short of brilliant.

The sets and lighting were phenomenal and I really enjoyed the direction for the most part.

The play is very well crafted and certainly makes you think and allows you to learn something in the process...and it can only get better from here. Highly recommended.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 10:04am

Thanks much. What time did it let out?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 10:08am

it was about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

[being.jeremiah]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 10:27am

Nice to know! I see this Wednesday next week. Um, how was Colin Hanks?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 10:33am

He was fine. Certainly held his own. Had a couple of good lines, but did not have the showier role. The daughter and Beethoven probably had the most fun roles to play.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 11:55am

I'll be there next Wednesday as well! SO looking forward to it.

[n2005]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 12:07pm

Here's another one who'll be there next Wednesday. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it , I'm really excited for this show.

Did any of the cast sign at the stage door? Updated On: 2/10/09 at 12:07 PM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 1:55pm

"Did any of the cast sign at the stage door?"

Yes, they all did. It was a very pleasant stage door experience (minus the two losers next to me who didn't even see the show and just wanted Jane to sign some stuff for ebay...I hate when people do that).

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 1:58pm

I love that Jane took pictures of the crowd, she is too cool. Great to have this diva back on Broadway.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 2:01pm

Yes, before Jane Fonda signed for the crowd, she took out her camera and took pictures of us...the fans...probably to remember her first preview of her Broadway comeback after 46 years! It was wonderful.

[being.jeremiah]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 2:52pm

It was a very pleasant stage door experience (minus the two losers next to me who didn't even see the show and just wanted Jane to sign some stuff for ebay...I hate when people do that).

I hate that, too. I mean, c'mon, making business out of the theatre (haha). But seriously, at least make an effort... see the show before having celebrities sign your "treasured possessions" that go straight online.

[n2005]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 2:52pm

Those pics could be on her blog! Didn't think she'd come out and sign , I wanted to get Colin Hanks but if I meet Fonda I may be starstruck for the first time in my life.

[April Saul]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 3:23pm

Hi Trace--
If you had TDF seats, how were they? I'm using TDF tix for this Saturday night, but I'm thinking it can't be too bad, because I don't believe that theater has a balcony; true?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 3:29pm

Any seat in that (small) Eugene O'Neili Theater is a good seat. I sat in the last row for an early preview of SWEENEY TODD, and the view was fantastic, so for around $35 on tdf, any seat you get will be a good one.

My friends and I use the $59 discount code and were in Row L of the orchestra on the aisle. Amazing seats for such an awesome show.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 3:30pm

I got my tickets via TDF. $36, and that included the service charge.

The cheapest ticket is $67, without discounts.

For once, I'm not complaining.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 2/10/09 at 10:01pm

Jane has posted some pics from last night on her blog.

http://janefonda.com/friends-backstage-after-first-public-performance/

[boombaboy]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 12:11am

This show is fantastic,we saw the second preview, it will probably win the Pulitzer and the Tony and acting awards for Ms. Fonda and for the supporting cast who were uniformly terrific. The production is magnificent, the writing is excellent, it is beautifully paced, very moving and thoughtful and I plan to see it again.

[InfiniteTheaterFrenzy]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 12:52am

I thought Colin Hanks was excellent.
Just to address that point.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 9:25am

I can't believe I'm on Jane Fonda's blog!!

[WOSQ]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 9:45am

The play is very strong, and for a second preview the production is in very good shape.

[cglaid]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 3:10pm

Is there student rush for this? I am dying to see her on the stage!

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 2/11/09 at 3:43pm

I thought that was your handsome, blurry mug, WAT!

[fflagg]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 12:15am

A really interesting play. Mr. Kaufman was there who thanked people for coming to the first week of previews. The perf was about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Colin Hanks was good; although he is supposed to be a straight nurse. In NYC??? :)

Great set, wonderful music, and seamless transitions from past to present.

Fonda is wonderful and at her age kudos to her for coming back and having to memorize many long monologues and to endure physical deteriorations.

Note to Hanks and Mathis: shame on you both for smoking! The minute they left the theater they lit up. They lost their moms to cancer and should know better. Fonda, sunglasses and dog in tow, signed many autographs and seemed happy to see the common folk. :)

[Kad]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 12:27am

There IS student rush for this. Available starting at 6, for $30, 1 per ID.