Barefoot Sunday Matinee Review

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/29/06 at 7:09pm

It's better than The Odd Couple. However, my own being on stage for 2 hours could be better than The Odd Couple.

It's not a perfect show by any means. It's very decent at the moment. The theater was 2/3 full. The main problem, besides the sitcom-like situation, was the severe lack of chemistry between the cast members.

Patrick Wilson is the one of the in the cast. His performance (at this early date in previews) is the most developed of the four. I remember reading that he takes his shirt off, but he didn't today.

Jill Clayburgh is unrecognizable in the blonde wig. She was great, but not up to par with her co-star the terrific

Tony Roberts, who is delivering one of the best performances this season. He delivers the material with the perfect tones and everything else.

Amanda Peet was the weakest link, but became more relaxed during the 2nd act. Her line delivery at the top of the show seemed forced, almost like a high school student given a play script for the first time and told to read it. But she takes her clothes off and that makes up for it....for me, at least.

The set is great, one of the few I've seen that has a roof! The '60s music had the audience singing along.

Tony zoomed out the stage door, but everyone else signed and posed.

[beacon1]

Posted: 1/29/06 at 7:18pm

Did you talk to Mister Wilson?

I'm glad he's doing well in this production.

What did you think of the use of the 60's music?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/29/06 at 7:20pm

He's extremely friendly.

While the 60's music was a great touch, it wasn't necessary. Having Amanda sing Downtown for the first five minutes wasn't necessary. I think it would have been more effective (and less costly) had they used original music.

[beacon1]

Posted: 1/29/06 at 7:40pm

"He's extremely friendly."

That's what I keep hearing. I can't wait for MY stage door experience. (Less than three months, Mister Wilson!)

[DoogieB]

Posted: 1/29/06 at 8:49pm

Of course the 60's music wasn't "necessary" but I think it served the show well, and I would not take it out for original music. Part of the reason this worked better than The Odd Couple was because it captured the 60's feel, whereas The Odd Couple seemed almost dated. The Odd Couple could've, in fact, benefited from some 60's songs. "Downtown" etc. got the audience in the mood for the show they were about to see.

Also, I think the cast is what this show has going for it. All performers are very tight, with good chemistry, from all the way to the telephone repair man to Peet and Wilson. And I really cannot understand how someone, although there are many, did not like Amanda Peet's performance as Corie. She seemed perfect for the role, I thought.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/29/06 at 8:56pm

I for one loved the show. i thought it was very pulled together for just 4 days in. I thought the cast was uniformly excellent and excellent chemistry all across the boasrd. I thought the music was a great addition.