Cactus Flower 3-2-11 Evening show

[Eris0303]

Posted: 3/3/11 at 11:12am

I've stated many times on the board that I've always prided myself on the fact that I've never come out of a show saying "I hated it". I've always been able to find that nugget or "silver lining".

Well, last night I came pretty darn close. I still can't even use the term "hate" when it comes to the show because it does have good moments.

I was front row center which ended up being much too close for this show. I'd sat front row at this theatre before but this was the first time it felt uncomfortable. So, if you're planning on seeing the show I would recommend sitting a bit further back. The tickets were through goldstar and were only $9 for those of you interested in discounts.

Jenni Barber was cute and funny. She hit her marks but it seemed like she was overcompensating in an attempt to "carry" the rest of the cast. I felt her performance was the most "real".

A big reason I wanted to see the show Maxwell Caulfield whom I've been a fan of for a long time. He really let me down with his performance. His American accent was fine but his performance just seemed very lackluster to me. Lois Maxwell was serviceable as Stephanie but ultimately not a peformance I could shout about.

But I don't really fault the actors - I really feel it was the direction that was the biggest detractor. Scene changes were awkward and sudden. Intermission was awkward and jarring. One moment we're in a scene and then it's intermission. There was no climax or anything that you usually find.

Jenni was definitely the best directed of the lot. She really seemed to be listening to what other characters were saying. The show didn't feel dated but some of the jokes fell flat. Most of the laughs were from John Herrera's character and he was in only three scenes I think.

I liked how they made the use of their small space in regards to the set and scene changes. And the use of music is probably the best thing I can say about the show. They used pop hits of the 60's during scene changes and each show had something to do with the scene that had preceded it. There was one scene change that was done in full sight of the audience which was odd since all of the others were done during blackouts.

In a nutshell I'm glad I experienced it but it's not a show I would plan on revisiting. I'm also glad I didn't spend more than $9 on it.

[D2]

Posted: 3/3/11 at 12:27pm

I saw the matinee yesterday. 2 1/2 hours of my life I won't get back. Dated, unfunny, misdirected. Jenni Barber worked very, very hard, but I was left with the uncomfortable feeling that she was cast strictly for her resemblance to the young Goldie Hawn, and then left to her own devices to figure out what to do. She managed to be charming while everyone else looked decidedly lost and uncomfortable (w/ the possible exception of Herrara, as Eris noted).

Luckily I was given the ticket. Even $9 is too much to pay.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/3/11 at 12:33pm

I paid $28 (through tdf) and am going tonight. Will I want to kill myself afterwards?

It's too bad...I was really looking forward to this.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 3/3/11 at 12:36pm

Dated, unfunny, misdirected

See, I didn't feel it was dated at all. Yes, it takes place in a different time but the situation doesn't feel dated. Just look at the new Adam Sandler film which is based on this.

Will I want to kill myself afterwards?

I don't think you'll want to kill yourself because that's pretty overdramatic. There are bright points in the show.

Updated On: 3/3/11 at 12:36 PM

[D2]

Posted: 3/3/11 at 12:47pm

"Just look at the new Adam Sandler film which is based on this."

Do I have to?

Not having seen the new film, all I can say is that I surmise they've made a few concessions to modern mores, such as they are, that are not/were not present in the 1965 script for CACTUS FLOWER. Which is, for the most part, what is being presented.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/3/11 at 12:55pm

Haha...I just meant you were happy you only paid $9, and D2 was happy he went for free.

I paid $28...so I might be regretting it even more as I'm sitting there tonight. We'll see!

[Eris0303]

Posted: 3/3/11 at 1:00pm

Not having seen the new film, all I can say is that I surmise they've made a few concessions to modern mores, such as they are, that are not/were not present in the 1965 script for CACTUS FLOWER.

I haven't seen the Adam Sandler film and I'm not saying it hasn't changed anything. But the bare-boned situation doesn't feel dated to me.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/3/11 at 3:08pm

I'm hoping that things improve as the cast works in front of live audiences.

I loved the original play and saw it twice: once with Lauren Bacall and Barry Nelson and then with Betsy Palmer and Lloyd Bridges. Both times were delightful experiences in the theater for me.

As I'm a friend of Max Caulfield's, he's sent me a few e-mails about this and was very happy with the way it was shaping up.

Sometimes comedy needs to be played in front of crowds to iron out the kinks. Let's hope so.