DOWNSTATE - reviews- Page 3

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 12/28/22 at 11:33pm

Gotcha. Francis Guinan as Fred is the one for me but agreed the acting in this is not to be missed. It’s an incredible ensemble cast. 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/28/22 at 11:38pm

He’s extraordinary. That final scene with the two of them at the table is just…yeah. 

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 12/28/22 at 11:41pm

It’s all so layered. I truly don’t understand how Bruce Norris’ mind works and captures all of this. Genius. 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 12/28/22 at 11:53pm

Brian Hutchison is the only new cast member since the run started at Playwrights, replacing Tim Hopper, who left on 12/11. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 12/28/22 at 11:55pm

Bill Snibson said: "Gotcha. Francis Guinan as Fred is the one for me but agreed the acting in this is not to be missed. It’s an incredible ensemble cast."

In an ensemble with zero weak links, Guinan and especially K. Todd Freeman stood above the rest for me.

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 12:25am

Sorry to butt in here again but I'm still confused about this, so if anyone could explain what I missed in either a spoiler box or a DM I'd be very grateful! 

chrishuyen said: "Though question about the last couple scenes because it all happened pretty fast:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Why were Gio and Effie arrested? Was it because he wasn't supposed to have weed? Effie was screaming about how she was registered and legally allowed to have it, but I couldn't tell if that meant that she was misinterpreting the arrest to be something else or if it was more the fact that she had it around Gio that was the issue.

"

 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 12:28am

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Funny you ask that - my friend and I discussed this tonight  he picked up on it and I didn’t. When the cops come at the end, they say something about them detaining a minor so she’s under 18.

 

[chrishuyen]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 12:30am

Ah yep I definitely missed that comment, thanks! 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 12:31am

It’s VERY fast and I missed it the first time, too. :)

[Huss417]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 10:33am

Does anyone happen to know if they have an online lottery? On their site there is also no info regarding rush seats for those over 35. 

Any info would be appreciated. :)

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 11:15am

I don’t believe there’s anything like this for this one. Could be wrong but so don’t believe so. 

[Huss417]

Posted: 12/29/22 at 12:14pm

Jordan Catalano said: "I don’t believe there’s anything like this for this one. Could be wrong but so don’t believe so."

Thanks.

I'll walk down to the box office next week. The three dates I can make next week all have decent availability.

[raddersons]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 8:27am

Here I am regretfully realizing I missed a play during the last extension week of its sold out run…

Has anyone tried rushing this? Looks like if I wanted to try, today is my only chance. I don’t even know what the rush policy is. I can’t call the box office to ask until they’re already open, at which the tickets might already be gone.  Would rather not waste my time if they don’t even have one.

[steve.sometime]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 9:41am

https://www.playwrightshorizons.org/tickets-packages/buy-show-tickets/wait-list-policy/

They only have this under 35 Young Member policy on the website. But most Off-Broadway houses have a cancellation line, even if it's not explicitly said anywhere. This could be your last resort. Call the box office before waiting in line though. Good luck!

[Pashacar]

Posted: 1/3/23 at 12:47pm

Jordan Catalano said: "He’s extraordinary. That final scene with the two of them at the table is just…yeah."

Agreed so much. Everything just hit me so hard in that moment, and it's been seared in my mind since. I  said to my partner afterwards that I could have watched them sitting there and not saying anything for another hour.

Also, re: rush, even though they don't have an official policy, if you're willing to risk some time, I might hang at the B.O before curtain. My performance had at least an open seat or two, and one woman had an extra ticket she was trying to get rid of on line.

[Dan6]

Posted: 1/7/23 at 7:06pm

I saw the penultimate performance this afternoon and just want to express my gratitude to everyone on this thread who called my attention to the production and made it a must to include in my semi-annual NY theater trip. I can’t imagine anything on this trip will top it - it’s one of the most impeccably acted, directed, and written plays I have ever seen, and a testament to what provocative theater at its best can be and can do. I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. Kudos to everyone involved. (Btw Tracy Letts was in the audience this afternoon.)

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/7/23 at 7:22pm

So happy you got to see it!

[Bill Snibson]

Posted: 1/7/23 at 9:06pm

Possibly the most spectacular acting I’ve seen in a very long time. So happy I saw this and happy for everyone else that got to see it. 

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/7/23 at 10:04pm

I demand a transfer!

[Ptero2]

Posted: 1/7/23 at 10:19pm

If this transfers I pledge to personally buy three more tickets

[BoringBoredBoard40]

Posted: 1/7/23 at 11:14pm

I wonder if there is a universe where 2ST might partner with PH on a transfer, considering they also have produce Bruce in the past it would make sense

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 1/8/23 at 2:03am

BoringBoredBoard40 said: "I wonder if there is a universe where 2ST might partner with PH on a transfer, considering they also have produce Bruce in the past it would make sense"

I just don't think there's single ticket demand for this play with the current cast. The PH run did not sell exceptionally well until the very end of the run, it's tough tough subject matter for Broadway, and no stars. It would go into the category of "prestige money-loser." Even if it is one of the finest plays I've seen since theatre's grand reopening.

Updated On: 1/8/23 at 02:03 AM

[JBroadway]

Posted: 1/8/23 at 2:37am

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "BoringBoredBoard40 said: "I wonder if there is a universe where 2ST might partner with PH on a transfer, considering they also have produce Bruce in the past it would make sense"

I just don't think there's single ticket demand for this play with the current cast. The PH run did not sell exceptionally well until the very end of the run, it's tough tough subject matter for Broadway, and no stars. It would go into the category of "prestige money-loser." Even if it is one of the finest plays I've seen since theatre's grand reopening."

 

You can't really lump it in with the "prestige money-losers" if it's a non-profit run, which is what BoringBored was suggesting by saying it could go to 2nd Stage.

But yes, even for a non-profit I wonder if there's enough demand to make it worthwhile for them, considering it papered for a lot of the PH run.

 

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 1/8/23 at 8:54am

Hope it comes back to Chicago at least! Love to see this. 

[Poconopanther]

Posted: 1/8/23 at 2:01pm

Was very fortunate to see Downstate’s final performance last night. WOW! The story and cast were incredible!

While I’d love to see it transfer to Broadway (for the possible honors it could receive) there was something about being in the small theater. I felt like the proverbial “fly on the wall.” Doubt that could be replicated in a larger house.