#1
Posted: 7/2/05 at 12:39am
This isn't going to be so much as an attempt at a review as it is an attempt to get a discussion going about the play, based on some thoughts I had that I'm going to share. There's certainly a lot that I missed, and I know there are people here who can help me. So, for those of you who decide to do so, please forgive my ignorance, and I thank you in advance.
I knew the basic plot outline of the story, but I was truly almost completley new to the play. I'd never even read it. I know, sin. But it's true. This was my first legit exposure to the piece. And, well, I thought it was brilliant, but it's a tough play.
I don't even think I'm equipped at all to address much about the production, because of my new-ness to the material, but I think Natasha was absolutely brilliant. I've been waiting almost two years to see her in person, and she's everything I had hoped for.
My first area of unclarity is about the relationship between Blanche and Stanley. First off, John C. Reilly gave one hell of a performance, IMO, and he's lost quite a bit of weight. I say that because I remember a lot of people commenting on his physicality, saying that Stanley needed to look like something Blanche would find attractive and needed to be impressive when shirtless, I think. I sensed very little sexual tension or chemistry between the two of them, but by the end I was wondering if I was supposed to, seeing as the scene in which Stanley got Blanche into bed looked quite a bit like rape. And, if it wasn't, or wasn't supposed to be, then I'd agree with the criticism about the lack of sexual chemistry between Reilly and Richardson. And, if they're supposed to be attracted to each other, I couldn't see why. There wasn't much likable about Reilly's take on Stanley, save for the sweeter moments he had with Stella. So, what is it supposed to be? I feel like I got sort of mixed messages from the production.
And now, the end. I know I'd sound awfully stupid if I was just like "well, what happened?" so maybe I'll go into my thought process a bit. The noises that happened, I assume are what's going on in Blanche's head. But what's the point of the "flores para los muertos..." bit? First I thought it was an alert that Mitch's mother had died, since Blanche and Mitch were together when the woman first appeared (and she's creepy, by the way). But rather, Blanche was the one running from her, not Mitch. And the people who come to Blanche at the end - I don't know why this is so difficult for me to grasp, but at first I thought she was being committed to an institution or something. Then, I was under the assumption she had died... but as to how or why, I didn't pick up.
I'd like to think I can tell myself that this confusion can be attributed to my almost pure lack of prior exposure to this material, because honestly, I'm a bit embarassed at how much I appear to have been confused about, but I'd really like to talk about this, and I figured where better to go?
So... I open the forum.
P.S. Studio 54 looks.... so weird. It actually almost looks bigger with the seating setup, and the seats are quite comfortable, but it'll take some getting used to. Certainly different. *sigh*
I met both John and Natasha after the show - John was quiet, but very, very gracious. Natasha is spunky and friendly. She signed for everyone and took pictures, as well. She was a pleasure!
A work of art is an invitation to love.
I knew the basic plot outline of the story, but I was truly almost completley new to the play. I'd never even read it. I know, sin. But it's true. This was my first legit exposure to the piece. And, well, I thought it was brilliant, but it's a tough play.
I don't even think I'm equipped at all to address much about the production, because of my new-ness to the material, but I think Natasha was absolutely brilliant. I've been waiting almost two years to see her in person, and she's everything I had hoped for.
My first area of unclarity is about the relationship between Blanche and Stanley. First off, John C. Reilly gave one hell of a performance, IMO, and he's lost quite a bit of weight. I say that because I remember a lot of people commenting on his physicality, saying that Stanley needed to look like something Blanche would find attractive and needed to be impressive when shirtless, I think. I sensed very little sexual tension or chemistry between the two of them, but by the end I was wondering if I was supposed to, seeing as the scene in which Stanley got Blanche into bed looked quite a bit like rape. And, if it wasn't, or wasn't supposed to be, then I'd agree with the criticism about the lack of sexual chemistry between Reilly and Richardson. And, if they're supposed to be attracted to each other, I couldn't see why. There wasn't much likable about Reilly's take on Stanley, save for the sweeter moments he had with Stella. So, what is it supposed to be? I feel like I got sort of mixed messages from the production.
And now, the end. I know I'd sound awfully stupid if I was just like "well, what happened?" so maybe I'll go into my thought process a bit. The noises that happened, I assume are what's going on in Blanche's head. But what's the point of the "flores para los muertos..." bit? First I thought it was an alert that Mitch's mother had died, since Blanche and Mitch were together when the woman first appeared (and she's creepy, by the way). But rather, Blanche was the one running from her, not Mitch. And the people who come to Blanche at the end - I don't know why this is so difficult for me to grasp, but at first I thought she was being committed to an institution or something. Then, I was under the assumption she had died... but as to how or why, I didn't pick up.
I'd like to think I can tell myself that this confusion can be attributed to my almost pure lack of prior exposure to this material, because honestly, I'm a bit embarassed at how much I appear to have been confused about, but I'd really like to talk about this, and I figured where better to go?
So... I open the forum.
P.S. Studio 54 looks.... so weird. It actually almost looks bigger with the seating setup, and the seats are quite comfortable, but it'll take some getting used to. Certainly different. *sigh*
I met both John and Natasha after the show - John was quiet, but very, very gracious. Natasha is spunky and friendly. She signed for everyone and took pictures, as well. She was a pleasure!
Updated On: 7/2/05 at 12:39 AM
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