GREY GARDENS - First Preview- Page 3

[being.jeremiah]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 12:34am

got comp tickets for the performance tonight- christine ebersole is simply phenomenal! she deserves that spot on "mount richmore" and more. she is grey gardens. "jerry likes my corn" is creepily funny, "around the world" is seriously sweet.

side note: yes, there are windowcards- $10. the off-broadway recording is $20, the canvas bags are $30. and tons of shirts.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 9:46am

I had drinks with friends who saw Tuesday's show. They perhaps represent the dilemma here: one adored the first act, one adored the second, and each found the other wanting.

I'm late to this party. Haven't seen the show, but from the CD, I certainly find it of a piece. The score seems to have Sondheim shadows ("Jerry Likes My Corn") and some Brown (PARADE) echoes ("Hominy Grits" and Daddy's Girl"--both of which I hope haven't been cut.) Can't wait to see the show Saturday.

Then there are "Around the World" and "Another Winter in a Summer Town" which belong entirely to this composer and lyricist, and at least on the CD, are heartbreaking.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 1:13pm

"Another Winter..." and "Will You?" are instant standards. There may be a couple of others, as well.

It's very interesting how various people will prefer one act over the other. The first act feels very much like a traditional musical and the second act is more contemporary--and that's perfect. It also gives folks like Ms. Ebersole and Ms. Davie the opportunity to show off their impressive vocal range.

Updated On: 10/5/06 at 01:13 PM

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 1:24pm

I would be interested in knowing if the people who prefer Act I are people who have never seen the film, and if the people who prefer Act II are the ones who are familiar with it.

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 8:50pm

Grey Gardens was originally to have opened on November 2nd but has apparently shifted the opening to November 20th, extending previews by over two weeks. This suggests that more revamping of the material is going to be made.

No one so far has mentioned Mary Louise Wilson in the role of Edie's mother. How is she? She is wonderful on the OB recording.

Updated On: 10/5/06 at 08:50 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 9:19pm

the opening date has not changed. that is a false rumor.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 9:20pm

I've never seen the movie, only select songs from the score. I'm seeing it on the 14th as a newbie. I'll be sure to post my thoughts.

[istoleatv]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 9:21pm

I have been a fan of the movie for about 8 years. I made a special trip to NYC to see it off Bway. The debate about 1st Act vs. 2nd Act is really interesting to me. Of course I loved the 2nd act because it's like the documentary, but the 1st Act is very fun. It is an amazing thing to watch Christine play both characters, and her voice and poise are amazing as Big Edie. I can't wait to see all the changes they have made!

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 9:27pm

The show hasn't popped up on tdf yet...is it selling out? Are they selling standing room for previews? Thanks!

[Gypsy9]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 9:59pm

To: jrb_actor

I received an E-Mail tonight from BroadwayBox.com offering tickets for $65 for "Preview Performances Now--Nov.19, 2006" for Grey Gardens. From this information I am inferring that the opening has been moved up to November 20th (not Nov 16th as I originally stated--I corrected the date in my original entry).

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 10:10pm

that email is either incorrect or reads wrong. opening has not been moved.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 10:38pm

I can say this freely here -- this show is my new obsession. I missed it OB, but I am swept away by the album, the emotional arc of the evening as a whole is heartbreaking. Going first Saturday afternoon.

Are the orchestrations larger but still in keeping with the OB? What's that haunting instrument on "Another Winter...", harmonica? For some reason that song reminds me of "Night Song" from Golden Boy. Not to take anything away from it.

[Just_John]

Posted: 10/5/06 at 11:47pm

I just got back from it. It's amazing. I had not seen the movie and enjoyed the first act more. But adored the second act as well.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 8:15am

How was the reception and house size?

The show seems to have somewhat sluggist box office, despite the Off'bway SRO.

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 10/6/06 at 10:00pm

I am seeing this in two weeks but have fallen in love with the OCR. I am not happy to hear about the cut songs, especially Better Fall Out of Love, but still can't wait to see the show and hear the new songs.