Deuce to Close in Previews?- Page 2

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 12:46pm

i hope it doesn't close in previews...because i would like to see it again when everyone knows their lines.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 12:46pm

I'm not surprised in the least. This show was worse than IN MY LIFE.

[Mattbrain]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 1:01pm

What is it about this show that makes it so bad?

[Nipper]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 1:41pm

It's not that bad, it's just that it really boils down to being about... nothing, in particular. Two old tennis players sit around talking about the past. POSSIBLE SPOILER: The basic conflict is the fact that something Angela's character did basically prevented them from winning the Grand Slam, and although neither character says it, that was the end of their doubles partnership, and their tennis careers, as neither went on to play single. And neither character thought the other liked her. Nothing deep & profound, which is why I suppose people are trashing it.

And yes, the two ladies have to be fed a few lines (6 times, from what I could hear 5 rows from the stage center, 2nd preview). But they cover nicely, looked like the characaters were simply stuttering to find something to say to one another, to me.

The problems with the play have nothing to do with the actors. They were superb, IMO. But the play itself is not and will never be a "classic".

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 2:19pm

Drop on by & say Hello, Dolly as Mrs R & I see it tonight

As far as closing in previews, a few pop into mind

One Night Stand
Breakfast At Tiffanys
Senator Joe

Updated On: 4/14/07 at 02:19 PM

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 3:23pm

What's interesting here is how this came to pass. DEUCE was on the Primary Stages schedule for this season, with Seldes and a star to be named (Zoe Caldwell's been mentioned at this boards, but not confirmed) and was yanked, apparently ungraciously, once Lansbury's interest was known. So it wasn't read only by a handful of zealous folk looking to nab Angela.

Had this opened at Primary Stages, off-broadway, small, with less fanfare, perhaps the play's shortcomings would've been seen rather differently. But in the glare of the primo spotlight, a new play has a very different impact. It'snot just that shortcomings are magnified -- it's the level of expectation about the substance, the overall weight of the evening. What is thin on Broadway is a character sketch, or a "small canavas" play in an off-broadway house.

But once Lansbury chose this for her return, the play took on a whiff of Something Important, or at least, something of substance.

But wait -- wasn't it McNally who had the big falling out with Lynn Meadow at MTC because she pulled one of his plays that was undercooked?

It's terrific to be prolific, but perhaps Mr. M freezes his own plays before digging in and doing the hard work of revision. DEUCE might've done well to start at the Westport Playhouse or some such to test the play's chops independent of stars turns.

[courtnyj]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 3:44pm

I'll be there tonight. I considered not going because I have alot of work to do (taxes anyone?) but it should, at the very least, be an interesting experience.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 3:48pm

You are right, Auggie, the expectations were huge. Is it possible that the people at Primary Stages were not all that thrilled about what it was they finally read or was it "yanked" from their season by McNally looking for a more high profile production?

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 3:57pm

Oh fiddlesticks.... I have a ticket for the May 31st perf...would someone tell me what happens in the event that "Deuce" does close early on? Since I got the ticket from TeleCharge, will they refund my $$? The only bright spot is that I'll have a chance to see a different play/musical on that day. Inquiring minds want to know... from Roman in Austin, Texas... the official Patti LuPone FANatic....

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 4:01pm

Keep in mind this is only a rumor that has sparked this discussion. There has been no announcement of this yet, and frankly I would be a bit surprised if it did close prior to the opening. Time will tell.
As for your ticket, I believe refunds are given for the ticket but not for the service fee.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:06pm

No matter what, I do not see Mc Nally reading a Tony acceptance speech for this

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:09pm

I think Frost/Nixon has it in the bag.

[AC126748]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:21pm

But wait -- wasn't it McNally who had the big falling out with Lynn Meadow at MTC because she pulled one of his plays that was undercooked?

Yes. McNally's DEDICATION was supposed to open the newly renovated Biltmore back in 2003, but Meadow rejected it (and rightly so; the play was--and is--a mess). He took it to Primary Stages, who produced it, along with his STENDHAL SYNDROME. Since them, PS kinda became his home base, the way that MTC once was. We'll see where he stands with them after this.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:24pm

FROST/NIXON?

I think UTOPIA has it in the bag.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:29pm

No matter what, I do not see Mc Nally reading a Tony acceptance speech for this

Even if it won Best Play it would be the producer reading a Tony acceptance speech for it.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:30pm

I wouldn't be so sure about that one...

Not true, the playwright usually reads it.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:31pm

The Best Play Tony Award is awarded to the playwright AND the producer.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:33pm

I think Frost/Nixon has it in the bag.

I'd say it's too early to make that prediction. Neither CORAM BOY nor RADIO GOLF has begun previews.

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:37pm

"What's interesting here is how this came to pass. DEUCE was on the Primary Stages schedule for this season, with Seldes and a star to be named (Zoe Caldwell's been mentioned at this boards, but not confirmed) and was yanked, apparently ungraciously, once Lansbury's interest was known."

Auggie, the play was shopped around as a star vehicle early on in hopes of getting a big enough name for a commercial Broadway run. When the production team was unable to nab anyone of mainstream notoriety, it was licensed to Primary Stages with Seldes and Caldwell as the stars.

As you said, once Lansbury got a hold of it and showed interest Caldwell was dumped and the move to Broadway was made. Those that have worked inside on the project weren't suprised as the goal was always to get someone big enough to bring it to a Broadway house.

I do agree that it might have faired better somewhere else first to work out its problems, but I don't see them closing it unless Lansbury wants them to.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:49pm

Radio Golf is a great play, but I can't see it beating Frost or Utopia.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 5:55pm

I think that for the past few years the producer read the speech (not for the History Boys but for Doubt and I Am My Own Wife)

[fflagg]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 7:14pm

This is a very tacky thread.

Why does everything have to be analyzed and ripped to shreds?

I have never seen Ms. Lansbury live and look forward to it; let her read the phone book and I will buy a ticket.

And Ms. Seldes ain't no slouch either.

La da da da da.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 7:20pm

Judge for yourself, fflagg. I saw it and found it to be absolutely horrendous. Report back after you see it.

If only it sounded as good as the phone book.

Why does everything have to be analyzed and ripped to shreds?

This is the theatre! Is there any other way?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 7:40pm

What I have a hard time grasping is "why?" What's the point of the play. Why is it relevent to audiences today? It seems kind of pointless and the whole setup seems stupid.

And you know I'm going to ask, what's the show curtain?

I can't wait for the grosses next week.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/14/07 at 7:41pm

They didn't have a performance this afternoon, but they were rehearsing all day (the swarms of autograph collectors by the stage door indicated that.