Frozen

[cmleidi]

Posted: 4/2/04 at 2:15pm

I've read in several places that this production will be in contention for the Tonys this year, but I can find nothing about an actual Broadway production. Is it actually moving to Broadway by the end of the eligibility period?

[EffieWhite]

Posted: 4/2/04 at 5:00pm

If FROZEN moves it will be in contention. A move is anticipated, but not yet set.

[BoyWithTheBugle]

Posted: 4/4/04 at 11:19am

If it does move Swoozie needs to win a TONY! Amazing performance.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 5/1/04 at 8:22pm

Saw the Saturday matinee today, and found much of it extraordinary -- everything involving the heartbreaking but formidable Swoozie, in a role unlike anything she's played. The only drawback, and it's a minor grumble, was the 2nd act's inability to top the power of the first. The last scene of the first act is so harrowing, and stunningly written and played by Kurtz, the audience can barely get up for intermission--a rarity. People around me were in tears. In the move from MCC, Swoozie's promotion to above the title is not only deserved, it will surely nail her a Tony. Her only stiff competition -- unless my mind is going -- is Eileen Atkins.

But this is a unique spin on a sort of noble cliche -- the surviving parent of a defiled and murdered child defined by grief and rage. Instead of the usual saint who goes through the Kubler-Ross scale in record time, this woman has fascinating ups/downs, set-backs, and finally, something close to healing. This eccentric British mother of a vicious pedaphile's victim takes us on her dark journey toward facing then letting go, a twenty year process that intersects effectively with the killer's evolution and catharsis. Her obligatory confrontation scene -- no spoilers -- is certainly wonderful, but again, not as gripping as some of the set up material. I found the Laila Robbins role -- rather like the shrink in AGNES OF GOD (complete with smoking issues) -- effective but a bit schematic. Some of her own personal backstory issues feel dragged in, digressionary when we want to stay with the central drama. The play fits into the unweildly Circle in the Square very nicely. Don't be put off by the subj matter -- you people who've read THE LOVELY BONES will be in for a different ride than that book offered.

Updated On: 5/1/04 at 08:22 PM

[magruder]

Posted: 5/1/04 at 8:26pm

Well, don't forget Tovah Feldshuh and Phylicia Rashad, but by most accounts, Swoozie is a stong contender for an Actress in a Play Tony nomination.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 5/1/04 at 8:30pm

Oh God, Magruder, I'm losing it. And I just saw Rashad last week. Yes, yes, of course. Not a bad year for women, especially when you lump the musicals in. The Kurtz performance may score with voters because it's a new play, not a revival, and not a one-woman gig. Also, latecomers in the season are notoriously favored. I don't think anyone will forget Swoozie's focus and command over this part. It's also one of the most intimate pieces of work in a while -- "small" in the best sense. No scenery is chewed or even nibbled, even as we feel the size/depth/breadth of this ordinary woman's pain, anger.

Updated On: 5/1/04 at 08:30 PM

[sabrelady]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 3:42pm

Exactly . As a new play it will get more attention(deservedly so) and both Swoozie & the character are triumphant @ the end. A pyrrhic victory which will prob result in a lot of votes. Updated On: 5/3/04 at 03:42 PM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 5/3/04 at 3:54pm

I haven't seen Frozen, but what you've described reminds me of my reaction to the novel Deep End of the Ocean (not the film). The book was so unflinchingly honest in the woman's reactions and emotions, not so sugar-coated or heroic like a Lifetime film. I remember how surprised I was by her thoughts and actions just at the moments the story would be headed toward a typical cliche and yet, what would normally seem shocking, made perfect sense and made the character that much more sympathetic. The thoughts of the character were so well-written, there was no way it could translate to the screen (much like the storytelling of Stephen King) and the film bordered on cheese, but it was a decent effort.