CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF First Preview Review (No Spoilers)- Page 4
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF First Preview Review (No Spoilers)
Depaultheatrekid
Stand-by Joined: 1/6/05
#78Cat
Posted: 2/17/08 at 9:01pmI 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.
#79Cat
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 like mike
Swing Joined: 2/18/08
#82Cat
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.
-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)
craig238
Stand-by Joined: 2/20/05
#85Cat
Posted: 2/18/08 at 1:28pmFirst 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.
I like mike
Swing Joined: 2/18/08
#86Cat
Posted: 2/18/08 at 8:09pmThanks. 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.
Depaultheatrekid
Stand-by Joined: 1/6/05
#89Cat
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.
-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)
jbdc
Leading Actor Joined: 3/17/07
DidYouReallyHearMe
Featured Actor Joined: 11/29/04
#91Cat
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
Depaultheatrekid
Stand-by Joined: 1/6/05
#94Cat
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.
#95Cat
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
roadmixer
Leading Actor Joined: 7/28/07
#96Cat
Posted: 2/20/08 at 7:45pmDidYouReallyHearMe... 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.
#98Cat
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.
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