'Fifth Of July' with Richard Thomas

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 8:40am

Is this the same play that is based on the 1982 movie'Fifth Of July' with Richard Thomas? Also, if anyone has seen the play(or movie), is there any explicit scenes considering the nature of the role he plays?

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 10:01am

What does that mean: 'considering the nature of the role he plays?'




Allison MacKenzie
Peyton Place, New Hampshire

[Unknown User]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 10:15am

Doesn't he play a gay character? But I also read that it is also a made for t.v. movie(correct me if I'm wrong). So I guess that answers my question.
Updated On: 8/13/06 at 10:15 AM

[Jon]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 10:21am

The play is not "based on the movie." The play came first. It was then videotaped for HBO. The character Thomas played is gay - and a paraplegic. No, there is no exp[licit wheelchair sex. Jeff Daniels plays his boyfirend - I think maybe there is one kiss.

The role was previously played on stage by William Hurt, and ironically, Christopher Reeve.

It's kinda sad that people now assume that plays are based on movies, rather than the other way around.

[pab]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 10:45am

Jon, which production was William Hurt in? I saw it on Broadway with Jeff Daniels and Christopher Reeve. Was there an Off-Broadway production? As far as I know William Hurt has only appeared in one Broadway play and that was Hurlyburly.

[TheEnchantedHunter]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 10:53am

It was never a movie--the Circle Rep production was taped with most of the original cast intact for WNET/American Playhouse in 1982. It's available on the Broadway Archive series.




Mayella Ewell
Maycomb, Alabama

[Jon]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 10:55am

The show started Off-Broadway with Hurt. (actually, it started at Yale Rep). When it moved to Broadway, most of the cast was the same except Reeve replaced Hurt, who had a movie committment. Daniels was in all versions: Yale Rep, Off-Brosadway, Broadway and HBO. A young Cynthia Nixon was in the HBO broadcast, but I don't think she did it on stage.

[Producer2]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 1:07pm

My uncle produced the play on Broadway. Swoosie Kurtz won a Tony Award for her performance. Saturday Night Live's Laraine Newman came in for awhile. So did Kathy Bates. It was shocking when Christopher Reeve had his accident after he played this part on Broadway. My mother can remember kissing him on opening night.

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 8/13/06 at 1:15pm

Being a major fan of Lanford Wilson, I love this play. I first saw it off Broadway with William Hurt. Also, Nancy Snyder originated the part of Gwen and Swoozie Kurtz took over the part when it moved to Broadway. I believe all of the cast - except for her and Mr. Hurt - moved to Broadway.
Also , there were some major book revisions when the show moved - particularly in the role of Gwen. I have to say thee changes were for the better.
The first two times I saw the show I was disapointed in someone. William Hurt was excellent while Ms. Snyder wasn't that good. On Broadway, Ms. Kurtz stole the show , while Mr. Reeves was dreadful. Jeff Daniels also was amazing. In a non flashy role surrounded by eccentric characters he gave one of the most believable and heart felt performances I have ever seen.

It wasn't until Mr. Thomas took over for Christopher Reeves that the show completely gelled into an amazing ensemble piece - though Swoozie Kurtz still walked away with the show.