Joined: 12/31/69
DIE MOMMIE DIE has *gorgeous* costumes & sets, & was very fun, but i need more emotional depth in a show...but thats *my* issue, not DIE MOMMIE DIE's; i realize that its supposed to just be "fun", so i guess that its just not my kind of show.
but i *was* really impressed with the sets & costumes!!!
especially the daughter's dresses, particularly the green print she wears in the last scene, that was lovely!
Glad you loved it, folkyboy!
Broadway Star Joined: 4/21/07
I also thought Ashley Morris was a real standout as Edith. Edith is such a great role to begin with, but Morris really made it happen. I guess this is her first major acting job. Kudos to her!!
So did I think she was the standout!
I'm looking forward to working the opening night party tonight-anyone going to the show tonight?
Broadway Star Joined: 4/21/07
were you working there last night, Jane?? maybe I saw you and didn't even realize it!!
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
Matthew Murray at Talkin Broadway gives it a rave:
http://www.talkinbroadway.com/ob/10_21_07.html
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
Variety is also Positive:
"Gliding around in smart 1960s pantsuits and immaculate wigs, Charles Busch is radiant in his play, "Die Mommie Die!" But his campy drag glamour is made even more satisfying by the vehicle built around it. Thanks to Busch's script and exceptional leading perf, the surfaces of this comedy-thriller -- about the murderous meltdown of the pre-Nixon Hollywood family -- roll back to reveal provocative statements about the power women can lose when a man walks into the room."
http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117935143.html?categoryid=33&cs=1
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
Theatremania is Mixed-to-Negative:
"Nonetheless, the reason to see the play is Busch, once more employing his cunning vocal tricks as the put-upon, scheming Angela. He's got all the great-ladies-of-the-silver-screen mannerisms -- the shoulder-swaggering walk, the cross-legged sit, the withering stare, the self-sacrificing chin quiver, and especially the scene-ending rictus of horror. Unfortunately, director Carl Andress hasn't seen to it that the other cast members have their leading lady's expertise. Morris, Hansis, and Hoch mistake exaggerated film emoting as simple ineptitude; while Nielsen, whose mannerisms are becoming increasingly cloying, once again goes over the top. She prods amused response, but her portayal is out of kilter with the material being kidded. "
http://www.theatermania.com/content/news.cfm/story/11831
theatremania is mixed but certainly not negative----if you read the entire review
its pretty positive
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
Also from the Theatremania review:
"It's these artists, as well as lighting designer Ben Stanton, who strike the right tones throughout a piece that's otherwise often tone-deaf and yuk-deprived."
You don't call that negative? Calling a comedy "tone-deaf" and "yuk-deprived?" Sorry, but by any objective standard, that's negative.
He really only likes Busch and the design team, but hates the play itself and the entire supporting cast and finds it unfunny and grating -- which is why overall it's a "mixed-to-negative" review.
Chrisd-No, I wasn't there Sat. night. I don't work weekends except on special occasions. Tonight was fun, lots of paps and stars, great party! They gave out the most fabulous plastic red lipsticks which opened to be a pen.
I liked the show, loved Busch, but was not wild about the supporting cast either.
New York Times LOVES it!
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/22/theater/reviews/22brant.html?ref=theater
I am so glad! Thanks for the link!
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
The AP (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/living/arts/theater/s_533878.html), the Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/culture/2007/10/22/2007-10-22_draggin_lady_not_enough_to_die_for.html), and the Post w/ two-and-a-half stars(http://www.nypost.com/seven/10222007/entertainment/theater/busch_goes_back_to_camp_in_rev.htm) are all mixed, liking Busch and his design team, but less impressed with the rest (including the play itself).
Thanks for posting those links, Margo. I found myself agreeing with the negatives, but I think there are enough positives to recommend the show!
Leading Actor Joined: 1/5/05
i think it's dumb of The Post to talk about how the sets seem too polished considering it IS playing Off-Broadway. they'd have bashed the fact that the sets seem too dilapidated if they'd have pared them down.
Chorus Member Joined: 10/1/07
The show is hilarious, saw it on Friday evening, exactly like the movie, the best part are the many faces of Charles Busch.
I really loved when his voice would suddenly drop an octave.
Yes! I should see the show again because they cut about 30 minutes from the first preview, which I saw. I bet it's tighter and better now.
Broadway Star Joined: 4/21/07
personally, I felt that they were somewhat rushing through it, but it may be because I've seen the movie (and many times at that).
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