Posted: 12/9/24 at 3:29pm
Diana's a pagan name (roman goddess of the Moon/Virginity/the Hunt) but it is associated with divinity, which makes sense for the character. I don't know how specific or symbolic the names of the characters are. Leslye Headland has discussed in interviews that the play is loosely autobiographical (Diana and Mark are loosely based on her real siblings, Johnny as far as I know is not.)
Posted: 12/9/24 at 4:03pm
I really loved this play in Berkeley, and I think the current cast is still doing good work, but it didn't land quiiiiite as strongly for me on this go-round, and I think it really came down to Quinto and Woodley's performances. The three people who are repeating from Berkeley Rep are great, and I think several new members of the cast (especially Mare Winningham and Rebecca Henderson) are wonderful. But Woodley didn't feel like as much of a live wire as she did in Kerstin Anderson's performance. And Quinto's Mark...I can't quite put my finger on why, but he felt less fully fleshed somehow than Lucas Near-Verbugghe did.
Still, it's a wonderful play, and I'm glad I had the chance to see it again.
Posted: 12/9/24 at 4:31pm
Yes agreed, Woodley is the weakest....shrug.....
Posted: 12/12/24 at 11:24am
For those who have seen this how will the reviews be tonight? We don't see it until the weekend...
Posted: 12/12/24 at 1:44pm
I would predict positive but not glowing reviews.
Posted: 12/19/24 at 3:25pm
Absolutely loved this! I needed a good Christmas story - albeit a bit ****ed up - to get me into the holiday spirit! Glowing performances without a weak link and I was so horribly impressed by how each character was drawn out within the first 15 minutes. That SecondStage had two great family dramas back-to-back speaks well for the genre as well as the company. Too many great performances to single out but Mare Winningham shines particularly bright.
Perhaps it’s not everyone’s ideal Christmas story, but for me it was a nice antidote from all the Hallmark junk that tends to clog tv this time of year. Sometimes finding the Christmas spirit is looking for it but, instead, finding its absence. This somehow made my December a little bit brighter.
Updated On: 12/19/24 at 03:25 PM
Posted: 12/23/24 at 12:22pm
Saw this yesterday and did not love it. The first 15 minutes, I was all in and laughing and then the next whatever felt like an eternity. I have 4 siblings and a lot of family complications, but this isn't what I wanted for the holidays.
Posted: 12/23/24 at 12:33pm
rachelfran said: "Saw this yesterday and did not love it. The first 15 minutes, I was all in and laughing and then the next whatever felt like an eternity. I have 4 siblings and a lot of family complications, but this isn't what I wanted for the holidays."
That sounds more like it's your own issues -- not the show's.
Posted: 1/18/25 at 9:51am
Just wanted to share this lovely NYT article At Home with David Rasche:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/01/15/realestate/luxury/david-rasche-home-maplewood-nj.html?unlocked_article_code=1.qE4.nvKa.HIouIzpdL0wo&smid=url-share
Posted: 1/18/25 at 10:50am
this was solid but unremarkable. it has its moments, but i found the casting a bit odd.
I love Mare Winningham but theres a kindness in her face that undermines this character. Didnt get much from Quinto or Woodley. Lowell and Sears acquit themselves nicely, but i think its Rasche, Molly Bernard and especially Rebecca Henderson who thrive best with the witty dialogue.
