Gee, I am sure that Simon Gray (a well respected and wonderfully bright British playwright) would be happy to see people on BWW so merrily trashing one of his most respected works.
Butley is NOT for everyone and anyone who buys a ticket to ANY play or musical without knowing what they are saying, deserves to be disappointed and should have no right to complain about money lost.
This not a musical nor is it a play for those who do not want to think. You will enjoy it more IF you have a literary background, but you don't need one to appreciate Gray's humor and his ability to skillfully craft a play that uses language well and examines the complicated human interaction and self-destructive tendencies of a man in a downward spiral. You DO have to pay attention and you can't put your brain on hold.
While some critics did not appreciate the play or the performances there were a number who did and the Boston production of this show directed by Martin and starring Lane was also a success.
If you are up for something different in the theater and you can engage in something more challenging than Wicked (which by the way I am NOT criticizing) then buy a ticket and see what you think. It is a character study you may enjoy.
"Life is a lesson in humility"
