Fallen From Proust at Signature Theatre

[Razz77]

Posted: 1/12/05 at 11:01pm

Has anyone seen (or is anyone planning to see) the world premiere production of "Fallen From Proust" at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA? I'm going Friday night but wanted to know if anyone has any reports already...

(This is the theatre that did the insane LaChiusa/Kudisch/Kuhn/Danieley "Highest Yellow" last month...whee!)

[Razz77]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 12:19am

Just to update those in the Washington area thinking about seeing this...I saw it on Friday night and enjoyed it despite the fact that it is completely not my kind of show. The acting is quite good across the boards -- I thought that the female (Hope something...) was initially extremely fake towards the beginning but she grew into her character. The set design makes you want to crawl onstage and have a drink -- The Signature Theatre never fails to completely change and make perfect use of their space.

The show is a ROMANTIC COMEDY by all standards...It is almost like watching a television sitcom get played out on stage -- I couldnt help but think the entire time I was watching it that it was really just a MOVIE. It has lots of qualities that would make it a perfect romantic comedy film. The plot is clever -- really nothing more nothing less -- lots of startling surprises in the second act (that become predicatable once the first few are revealed). Its hard to talk about without spoilers. The title is extremely clever.

It's only about an hour and 25 minutes long with a fifteen minute intermission (although its posted as 1 hr 45 minutes outside...but its still in previews). The director sat near me and was taking furious notes the entire time -- the audience was HORRIBLE. If you go, please clap just for the sake of the cast.

Overall -- I recommend it. I think it will get better with previews, and its only $35. Support this wonderful regional theatre that dares to be different, even if its kind of...interesting....

[GypsyRoseLee]

Posted: 1/17/05 at 2:27am

Unfortunately, I missed The Highest Yellow, but after your review, will definetly be seeing Fallen from Proust!