FULLY COMMITTED Previews- Page 2

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 9:58am

This astute review ^ answers all the questions I had about the material, which by its very design is rigged for a small space. Intimacy is key, perhaps even more than other solo plays.  One guesses the success of "Buyer and Seller" led people to re-examine this piece as a vehicle for JTF.  On paper, it makes perfect sense.  Yet the play (a revision done two years ago at the Adirondack Theater Festival, though admittedly with an actor who wasn't ideal) isn't the freshest piece of material, even acknowledging its considerable charms.  In fairness, as you note: The size of the venue can disarm, an audience can feel as if they are eavesdropping on unguarded moments, the suspension of disbelief becomes part of the easy bargain.  But one you have a lot of space around the performer, we become acutely aware that we are in a Broadway theater watching a bravura turn.  If the turn is say, Jullie Harris as Dickinson or Plummer as Barrymore, or (more recent) Midler as Mengers perhaps we enter into the bargain more readily.  Watching a beleaguered restaurant staffer  have an especially challenging day, even with  opportunities for voices and lightning shifts of behavior, might just draw attention to contrivance.  On the other hand, that may be an appreciated level of contrivance for some, and the show could be a hit.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 10:16am

I was in the mezz (on tdf) and it seemed pretty full, though how many seats were sold at full (or any price) I couldn't say. 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 11:15am

It's on TDF for the weeknights ahead.

[QueenAlice]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 11:18am

I'm kind of curious how much a draw Jessie is. 

[lightguy06222]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 11:30am

whizzer nails it....

 

The show felt a bit like a clunker to me...  JTF is giving it all hes got, and as he performs the role more and more I'm certain he will settle into it, and bring on alot of laughs.

I laughed a couple times, but overall I was completely underwhelmed.

The set is GORGEOUS and HUGE and UNNECESSARY for this little, off broadway play.  Would have worked much better in a smaller space.

ALSO, it was pretty much boring.  I get JTF is a wonderful actor and a wonderful draw, but watching him answer phones for 90 minutes was repetetive and banal.

I like when a one man show tells a STORY and we're actually intrigued and invested (absolute brightness of leonard pelkey)

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 11:49am

I'll go out on a limb and say I don't believe this production is a referendum on JTF's audience, but more likely the synergy of performer and material.  If he were in a play with other actors, say a two-hander, a new piece, or a hotter and edgier solo play, he'd probably command a large advance. I don't think you can ever divorce actor from role/play when discussing b.o.  

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 11:57am

Are we seeing any potential Tony love here?

[Golenboybway]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 1:38pm

I have a question and this goes for most plays on Broadway. Last night I was sitting mid mezzanine and I heard Jesse perfectly! Do actors in plays wear mics?

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 4:55pm

It depends on the production and the house. Some pieces have lots of sound design elements that might require the use of mics, and some houses are large enough/have bad enough acoustics that mics are helpful. But it's not a hard and fast rule either way. 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/2/16 at 8:25pm

Though body mics are seldom used in non-musicals (Paul Newman in "Our Town" was the one time I recall the use obvious), stages are "sweetened" now, and so the voices are picked up by other indirect miking. Last summer a sound designer told me completely unamplified performances are increasingly rare, outside of opera.   

[Icey Noah]

Posted: 4/3/16 at 7:59am

I wondered about mics as well. Saw the first preview on Friday. We were 5th row orchestra. Looked like he had a mic wire but it was hard to hear. Any audience laughter at all overpowered him. I wonder if they will adjust that or leave it alone to avoid sounding over-amplified? I've noticed a lot of shows seem quiet to me, but this one was particularly hard to hear. 

Updated On: 4/3/16 at 07:59 AM

[10086sunset]

Posted: 4/5/16 at 11:10pm

My feelings after seeing this tonight largely echo Whizzer's review.

This is not meant to be a shot at JTF but he doesn't feel like the right match for the material.  

During the performance, I kept thinking this would be well suited for Jim Carrey.

The late, great Robin Williams would have been a perfect match.  The piece needs that type of energy. 

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/6/16 at 8:19pm

He needs to shave the fuzzy beard too. I dont think it works for someone channeling multiple characters.It obscures his face. 

[nycward]

Posted: 4/7/16 at 11:03pm

I saw this play in its original production back in 2001 at the Cherry Lane Theatre (I believe?). I saw a young actor as a replacement named Christopher Fitzgerald. It was clear then what a talented young man he was. He was just delightful in the part and the intimate setting made for a pleasant evening of theatre. When I read that it was being revived on Broadway for JTF, it felt like a mistake being made to cash in on a popular actor who was on hiatus from a TV show. From what I have read I suspect that my instincts were right. I like JTF but this play just seems like it will get lost on a Broadway stage. Not every show belongs on Broadway even with a talented performer in the lead.  

Updated On: 4/7/16 at 11:03 PM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/8/16 at 1:44am

Is the stage high for this one?

Debating between a seat front row mezz vs. side orchestra on the aisle. I figure it's not worth the premium prices for some center orchestra seating. LoL

[10086sunset]

Posted: 4/8/16 at 5:33am

Sat in the Front Mezz and the view was great. 

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/13/16 at 4:05am

Am I correct in assuming, like AN ACT OF GOD, the majority of the show is JTF seated at center? 

[PJPan]

Posted: 4/13/16 at 10:03am

LimelightMike said: "Am I correct in assuming, like AN ACT OF GOD, the majority of the show is JTF seated at center? "

Mostly center, yes, but he's either seated, standing, or walking around the desk (which is center).