Evening at the Talkhouse

[Addison D.]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 2:01pm

Has anybody here seen the New Group's production of Wallace Shawn's 'Evening at the Talkhouse'?

I found it to be cryptic, painfully tedious and self-indulgent.  Francine Prose and Ben Brantley found it a dark but important piece of social and political commentary.  

We could all be right, of course--perception is reality to some degree--but I'm curious to hear what other theater-goers thought. 

[After Eight]

Posted: 3/13/17 at 2:35pm

Its ideas were muddled, and it had more than its share of longueurs. But it also had an amusing quirkiness and some clever word play  that provided enough laughs to make the evening satisfactory. I enjoyed Wallace Shawn's performance, and found Matthew Broderick to project a measure of charm in his now very low-key performing style. 

I was also happy to hear "Tammy" played at the piano. That's one we don't hear too often any more, and yet it beats anything offered on Broadways nowadays by a couple of country miles. 

I also enjoyed the marshmallows and candy they served as one entered the theatre. More plays should follow that example!