CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF First Preview Review (No Spoilers) — Page 4

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#76

Cat

Posted: 2/17/08 at 4:55pm

I wont be seeing it for another month got my tickets for the 18 of March but I'm overly excited! I'm sure ANR will be splendid!

DidYouReallyHearMe did you like Rose's performance at all?

#77

Cat

Posted: 2/17/08 at 6:30pm

but hey, no one answered the question "which version of the show are they using?"

Does Big Daddy appear in act 3?

that's a really big mic...

#78

Cat

Posted: 2/17/08 at 7:32pm

"Does Big Daddy appear in act 3?"

yes

#79

I wrote in my first post that I think they are doing a sort of combined version. Big Daddy does eventually come out in Act III (though most of the act he is gone), but you still hear his cry of pain towards the end, so IIRC, there's a bit from both versions.

"Some people can thrive and bloom living life in a living room, that's perfect for some people of one hundred and five. But I at least gotta try, when I think of all the sights that I gotta see, all the places I gotta play, all the things that I gotta be at"

#80

Cat

Posted: 2/17/08 at 9:08pm

Does Big Daddy make the awkward elephant joke?

I'm still confused as to how this can be played for laughs? I directed the show this past year, and while there are moments that are hilarious, overall, somethings just wouldn't work as a broad comedy.

I'm hoping to see it over spring break. Mainly for Anika, but I'm interested to see Terrence's interpertation of the role. It's definately the most difficult role in the show and I'm curious as to how his aloof turns into wooden (becuase that sounds more like a directing issue).

"I'm afraid that the children that the two of you would spawn would come out in costume, off book and belting Merman."

#81

Cat

Posted: 2/18/08 at 10:19am

Will be in New York in March and have considered seeing this play. Would you recommend it or are there other plays you would recommend?

#82

Cat

Posted: 2/18/08 at 10:24am

Do not hesitate to see this play, Mike. The show is excellent...and to see these four cast members on the same stage...you'll be kicking yourself if you don't see it.

#83

Cat

Posted: 2/18/08 at 10:26am

After reading some of the criticisms about Rashad on this board, I am baffled.

She is criticized because she gives the same performance for every show she is in. She is a one note stage actress, and after five shows of the same, it is snooze-infusing.

"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)

#84

Cat

Posted: 2/18/08 at 10:33am

I thought she was completely different in Bernarda Alba and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof...I'm a fan.

#85

Cat

Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:25pm

Can anybody tell me the running time - need to figure out the train scenario ?!?! Thanks much in advance

#86

Cat

Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:28pm

First preview started at 7 and was over by 9-50 or so. There are two intermissions. I imagine the show might be running a bit shorter now.

#87

Cat

Posted: 2/18/08 at 8:09pm

Thanks. When you normally get to New York once a year and it is for a limited time, its hard to know how to budget your time. No matter how much research you do, it seems to be a gamble on some shows. Some better than expected, some worse than expected. I found this site by accident and have enjoyed reading the posts.

#88

Cat

Posted: 2/18/08 at 8:20pm

Very excited to see this on Weds- cant give a recommendation yet, but would definitely see "August" and "Seafarer" as well, if you are coming to NYC in March.

#89

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 2:39am

Just wondering when do critics usually start to view the show? I know reviews dont come out til opening night.

#90

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 10:13am

They usually start attending at about five performances before Opening Night, up until the last preview.

The more prominent critics will get one of the earlier slots.

#91

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 10:13am

Generally the last four days of previews are when press sees things.

#92

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 1:55pm

DepaulTheatreKid, Anika Noni Rose was the only actress really trying in this production. But she still didn't have that sense of urgency in her. But overall she was alright.

Edit: And keep in mind, it's not the actors, it's the director. Debbie Allen clearly proves in this show that she doesn't know what she is doing.

Updated On: 2/20/08 at 01:55 PM

#93

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 4:18pm

Thanks I understand....I somehow am still terribly excited to see this production

#94

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 4:21pm

I was really excited about this until I found out it wasn't a musical. I thought Debbie Allen was directing and choreographing this piece.

#95

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 5:33pm

"I wrote in my first post that I think they are doing a sort of combined version. Big Daddy does eventually come out in Act III (though most of the act he is gone), but you still hear his cry of pain towards the end, so IIRC, there's a bit from both versions."

To me thats a cop out. The play is much stronger when Big Daddy leaves screaming at the end of Act 2 - and his only "appearance" in Act3 should be the cries of pain. I'm not surprised though considering who is directing. Debbie Allen has no artistic taste at all.

#96

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 7:44pm

I just got back, and have to say that out of all the plays I have seen this season, I liked this one the least ! Maybe I have been spoiled by "August" and "The Seafarer" (I will even throw "Mauritius" in there, which I loved), but I usually dont compare one show to the next.

I had such high hopes due to the cast, but I agree with an earlier post. The only one that seemed to be giving their all was Anika Noni Rose. Unfortunately, she has to play off of Terrence Howard, who I thought was awful.

Phylicia Rashad overacted to the max !!! I love James Earl Jones, but he never should have been cast as Big Daddy. It was either the poor directing, or his delivery, but every single line that came out of his mouth led to laughter !!!

When did "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof" become a comedy???!!!

When the audience starts cracking up after hearing from the Dr. about the true fate of Big Daddy, something is REALLY wrong !!!

Debbie Allen was sitting in one of the boxes on the right side. I knew I was in trouble when she laughed the loudest at some of the more serious parts of the play !!!

Running time was around 2:50--- "August" seems shorter !!

Updated On: 2/20/08 at 07:44 PM

#97

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 7:45pm

DidYouReallyHearMe... Why so 'catty'? I gather that you are planning on auditioning for Maggie at some point? There really is no need for personal attacks bordering on cruelty is there? You really should research Williams and discover that much of his writing was intentionally dark comedy. Regardless of your or other's assertions that this production takes the wrong tack, the audience is eating it up.

#98

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 8:20pm

i'm so sorry you didn't enjoy it Testing. did the audience seem to enjoy it overall? i love this show and really want it to do well...

#99

Cat

Posted: 2/20/08 at 8:27pm

For the most part, they seemed to enjoy it, but I think most of that was due to the "star power"- (just the feeling that I got by listening to people during the intermissions, and at the end of the show)

Mr. Jones might have received the loudest entry applause that I have ever heard.

I really wanted to like it too ! I love Anika Noni Rose. She is SO talented, and in person, one of the sweetest people you could ever meet. Unfortunately, like the rest of the cast, she suffers from the (MIS)-direction of the show.

#100

Cat

Posted: 2/21/08 at 2:08pm

Bump

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