CORPUS CHRISTI starring...well...ME- Page 3

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 1:11am

After the show Monday night, Eddie Varley and I discussed what a remarkably balanced, respectful and poignant work this was -- and not necessarily the kind of writing one would normally associate with Terrence McNally. While McNally has certainly written pieces that have demonstrated a great deal of sensitivity and emotional depth before, he's obviously more known as a writer of comedy and funny quips than for works such as this one, which is a serious rumination on the nature of religion and love and faith and how these issues resonate in contemporary America.

When one recalls the storm of controversy that surrounded the original production at the Manhattan Theatre Club, where the theatre and cast were targeted by the religious right with death threats, bomb scares and political demonstrations that nearly led to MTC cancelling the show -- don't you LOVE "true" Christians? -- it was gratifying to be able to experience the work here at Cocteau Rep, on its own terms, in a purely artistic manner (though, of course, the political underpinnings of the piece itself were abundantly evident). The commitment of the cast and director to the material was so complete and honest and heartfelt that one couldn't help, but be affected by it.

The protestors of the earlier production couldn't get past the theatre's press release of Christ being depicted as a contemporary gay man in Texas (none of them had seen or read the play before the protests began) and as a result, couldn't hear the very plain, simple and respectful message of tolerance and forgiveness and love and acceptance of ALL people in the spirit of basic Christian teaching that McNally was presenting (though this isn't a "Christian play"). It's that rich and powerful message that every member of this production has fully embraced and manages to express in true, unadorned, simplicity.

Again, I use the word "remarkable" to describe this production and I hope that it has a life far beyond tomorrow night.

Updated On: 7/20/05 at 01:11 AM

[NYadgal]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 1:19am

Margo, you always find the perfect words...

Yes, it was remarkable.

My reactions to parts of it were quite powerful, and the message of tolerance and love was delivered beautifully by an incredible ensemble of actors.

Each of the actors radiated their own beauty and brought life to the story in a touching way.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 1:24am

Oh, and one word for Robbie - FABULOUS!

xoxox

So proud to be a part of your world!

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 7:54am

I am still thinking about the production, it's simply brilliant.
So glad you all had a chance to see it, here's hoping it continues somewhere soon and all the best for tonight's performance.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 8:44am

Eddie, so am I! It has really stayed with me in a profound way.
I was trying to find the words to describe how and why it moved me so deeply last night... hard to do it justice.

Wishing them a wonderful performance tonight, and I will be first on line to buy tickets when the run is continued somewhere!

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 9:44am

And lets talk about that possible extension. What would it take and when will we know?

I can't believe I missed it. I HAD a ticket for last night but ended up having emergency oral surgery yesterday (like *that's* an adequate excuse...). And short of blowing off my daughter's birthday party, tonight's show is out of the question. I try *never* to miss a RobbieJ performance.

[robbiej]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 10:16am

It'll take a big chunk of money. I'm starting hooking very soon. I'm considering it my Mary Magdalene duty.

Ya know, my boyfriend turned to me and said, 'WHY was this show so controversial. It's just a beautiful message of hope and tolerance and love. If this is really what Jesus is about, I'm converting.'

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 10:40am

Let's get specific...how MUCH money? I don't think I'm marketable on the hooking circuit, but I *would* do a couple of overtime shifts for the cause...

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 10:53am

robbie: do I get producing credit if I hooked for the cause?

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 11:00am

Do I sense a germinating SAVE CHORPUS CHRISTI movement afoot?

[robbiej]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 11:03am

Could you imagine.

And, cookie, I have no doubt you could raise the money single-handedly...so to speak.

[kissmycookie]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 6:10pm

You've got about two hours left before the last performance of this (though hopefully not). Please go catch this wonderful production!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 7/20/05 at 6:31pm

Stand back. If this show isn't saved from closing, Namo's gonna be PISSED.

[etoile]

Posted: 7/21/05 at 12:18am

Well, Findingnamo, If you really want to save CORPUS CHRISTI there are a few things YOU need to do. First, find your corner...of the sky. Start a thread calling for the show to be saved. Bump the thread every few hours. If that doesn't help, start another thread to save the show. (Perhaps throw in a petition for a cast recording... what have you got to lose?) Maybe you could suggest a cast change. Wouldn't Harvey or Bruce be perfect...playing any character? Drum up interest by linking an interview or two.

Oh, also you my want to shill...

No, not for yourself, but for money to mount a production of the show.