Did anyone see the first preview of Deuce tonight?- Page 3

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 1:06am

The thing is, up until about 10-15 years ago, previews were ALWAYS less expensive than regular performances after the opening -- often by $25 or more. But, that was when producers still actually cared about the quality of the product they were putting on the stage and weren't motivated solely by greed (heck it wasn't that long ago when balcony/rear mezz seats still cost under $20, but I digress). Occasionally, that still happens (like with TARZAN last year which had a top price of $75 in previews when they knew they would still be working out all of the swinging and harness issues and that they would have a lot of technical issues to work out in front of the audience). JOURNEY'S END had a $25/ticket offer for previews even more recent than that to help spread word of mouth (not that it's helped unfortunately).

Just because producers CAN get $110 for a play that's not performance ready, doesn't mean that they SHOULD. And it's a myth that previews are always somehow disasters waiting to happen. I've seen very early previews of dozens and dozens of shows over the years and 90% of the time, the show is in outstanding, nearly flawless shape. In a few other cases, it's been somewhat rough going here and there, but still a decent representation of the play. In New York, on Broadway and in the main Off-Broadway houses, it's a rare occurrence when something is just flat-out not ready, even as early as a first preview -- there's a difference between actors dropping a line or two here and there, but otherwise giving a solid account of the play, and a show that simply wasn't anywhere near being something worthy of being presented to the paying public. In the latter instance, it's irresponsible and unfair for producers to be charging full price for such a mediocre product and they know better, but simply don't care due to their greed.

That said (here's my disclaimer), I should emphasize that I'm speaking in generalities here and since I was not at the play tonight, I have no opinion as to the current condition of that show (or, obviously whether it's fair to charge full price for tonight's first preview or not). I simply think that if we're talking about a brand new work, play or musical, that is opening cold and has never had the benefit of an out of town engagement, it's obviously going to need a lot of work and that a conscientious producer recognizing this might strongly consider cutting the ticket price a bit for those audience members brave enough to act as guinea pig to a work that is in no condition to be presented to the public yet.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 1:11am

I'm not defending charging full price for previews.

I'm just saying, if you DO pay full price (even if it is overpriced) for a preview, you know that there is a chance that the show may not be opening night quality, so don't bitch and moan when it isn't. You bought the ticket.

***Again, I'm speaking in general terms, not about this show.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 1:31am

"from the second row, I could hear almost every other line being fed to them from the wings"

AC, that was too funny!
I wouldn't see this play, it just doesn't appeal to me. But glad that many people will see their favorite actresses on a Broadway stage.

[etoile]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 2:38am

"I'll cut slack if the attendees tell me their ticket prices were lowered since the actors hadn't learned their lines and the audience didn't get a full performance." Tad harsh perhaps? Would someone feel the audience, paying full price, didn't get a full performance if a performer frolicked around not knowing their dance steps?

There are usually various means of discounts available for shows during previews and many take advantage of a lower ticket price. Those paying full price, should like any consumer, accept the caveat of buyer beware.

[being.jeremiah]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 3:08am

J-U-L-I-E. W-H-I-T-E.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 4:52am

WannaBeAFoster, you are too kind. It was an excrutiating evening. And neither star made much of an impression with the thin, meandering dialog they were handed. I did like Seldes' curls and Angela looked great in red. But...what a waste.

I didn't have any problem with the ladies being prompted, but the sound effects (the WHAP! of the balls being hit and the tennis applause) were very distracting and often drowned out the two stars.

Updated On: 4/12/07 at 04:52 AM

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 6:50am

First of all, papa, I did not in any way, shape, or form, attack the actresses. I remember when previews were lower-priced, and this seems like a perfect advertisement for going back to that, or, better yet, postponing.

And etoile, missing a couple of dance steps is not "frolicking" - in my case, it was having three rehearsals before dancing on a stage for the first time in my 44 years. FYI, I did mention to the director after the show that I felt bad that people paid full price ($15, mind you, not $110) to see what ended up being our first run-through. And every time my show is mentioned by someone who obviously has knowledge of what went on but won't admit why, it becomes creepier, and it's certainly more than a little stalkerish. Aren't you the one who always lectures on looking out for that sort of thing? And now you're an indirect participant. You've lost your right to ever call anyone a hypocrite, etoile.

Back to the thread.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 7:15am

So is this another LEGENDS?

Will Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrell be touring the country when someone decides to do a tour-revival in 20 years?

[bschneid76]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 7:24am

I will be seeing this show May 9th, my main purpose to see it is to see Ms. Lansbury, I don't care if the script isn't the greatest, just the chance to see Angela is way worth the price of admission.

[D2]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 8:01am

One caveat about preview audiences: How many people in the audience last night knew they were seeing the first public performance, ever, of a new work with a star who hasn't been on the Broadway stage in over 20 years? Or in tonight's audience, or tomorrow night's audience?

Yes, most of the theater savvy around here know the difference between dress rehearsals, previews and regular, "frozen" performances of the finished product. But most members of an audience don't have a clue what they are seeing - they bought their tickets at whatever price point and as far as they are concerned they've come to the theater from wherever they've come from expecting to see a performance, period.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 8:18am

'Best' line in the play: "As long as I'm regular, I'm happy."

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 8:31am

D2, the audience was well-aware that this was the first preview and that this was Ms. Lansbury's first time on stage in over 20 years. The buzz was all throughout the audience before the show began. The second the curtain went up with the two ladies sitting in their respective chairs, the audience cheered for a full minute -- not typical entrance applause, mind you. This was a Wednesday night, after all. I don't think too many clueless tourists would be showing up to a play -- any play for that matter -- on a Wednesday night. These were well-informed New Yorkers in the audience.

[D2]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 8:31am

Yes, that was funny in THE GOLDEN GIRLS too. Many times. Many, many, many times.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 8:48am

How many people in the audience last night knew they were seeing the first public performance, ever, of a new work with a star who hasn't been on the Broadway stage in over 20 years? Or in tonight's audience, or tomorrow night's audience?

...most members of an audience don't have a clue what they are seeing - they bought their tickets at whatever price point and as far as they are concerned they've come to the theater from wherever they've come from expecting to see a performance, period.


That's their own fault for being unknowledgable consumers. If they're paying $110, they should know what they are paying for and, if they don't, it is no one's fault but their own.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 8:52am

That is the best line in the play?

Correct me if I am wrong, (there is a first time for everything, you know) but with this "limited engagement" and every theatre buff within lobbing distance salivating at the thought of seeing Lansbury just taking a crap, is there really ANY CHANCE of them cutting their losses and closing this thing in previews? I highly doubt it. She could walk on, script in hand if necessary, and people wouldn't care.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:13am

Yeah, Suleen - it got the biggest laugh in the show.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:17am

I can see the headlines now: FAULT!

[Kringas]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:20am

When Cherry Jones forgot her lines in DOUBT that one time, and needed the script brough her - did we stone her?

Some people on this board were pretty harsh about it, yes.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:25am

... missing a couple of dance steps is not "frolicking" - in my case, it was having three rehearsals before dancing on a stage for the first time in my 44 years.

Everybody's got an excuse. But some are HILARIOUS to think about.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:28am

Ah yes, the King (Queen)? of secretly attending performances by multiple BWW posters - who are told of it eventually, btw.

Because that's not at all weird nor creepy.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:34am

Tickets are sold to the public for all sorts of events, Rath, such as "Deuce" or "Basement Fling" or what-have-you.

A person is free to buy tickets or a person is not. That's free market capitalism for you!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:36am

Nice deflection! And so so true!

What's really interesting about February Frolics (subtitle: Basement Fling) is that it wasn't announced here, except as a hidden news item. Someone had to make an effort to get that info, as I knew it wasn't something to invite people to based on the little I had to do, and the little preparation I had for it.

But still, someone made that extra effort to find out about it, knowing that. Just to have something to mock and make fun of me for. Not only made the effort to find the info, but actually spent their Saturday evening there, and paid to get in. There is something odd and troubling and oh-so-obsessive about that.

Anyway, back to the wonder that is DEUCE!

Updated On: 4/12/07 at 09:36 AM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:39am

Just doing my best to get things back on track after you gave us the lovely "dancing onstage for the first time ever" image to ruminate upon.

As for Deuce, I'm a little suprised that you're not salivating at the stage door waiting to get a crushed straw hat signed by the stars.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:41am

"As for Deuce, I'm a little suprised that you're not salivating at the stage door waiting to get a crushed straw hat signed by the stars."

I didn't get to keep the hat.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 4/12/07 at 9:45am

Your little tale of "someone" having to make so much effort reminds me of an old New Yorker cartoon I saw eons ago. A man walks miles and miles into the desert and digs a hole and buries himself. From underground you see his eyeballs and his thought is: "If they loved me, they'd find me."

I can't wait to hear how Deuce evolves as it goes along, as Cellar Stumbles might have if it had an open ended run.