Gary: A Sequel To Titus Andronicus Previews - Page 7

[borneback12]

Posted: 3/14/19 at 12:33pm

I love Taylor Mac. And I loved nearly all 24 hours of his 24 Decade History show in SF.  My issue with this show is that it didn't have a consistent plot or persective.

[CoreyRyan3]

Posted: 3/14/19 at 12:38pm

Any reports on running time? TIA.

[mattyp4]

Posted: 3/14/19 at 12:40pm

CoreyRyan3 said: "Any reports on running time? TIA."

It's supposed to be 95 minutes with no intermission.

[52889j]

Posted: 3/14/19 at 12:42pm

Mike Barrett said: "Would left or right mezz make a big difference for this show?"

 

 If it's one or the other, go right.

 

[Swiss Miss]

Posted: 3/14/19 at 10:11pm

CoreyRyan3 said: "Any reports on running time? TIA. "

It let out at 9:40 tonight. Felt longer in parts. 

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 3/15/19 at 7:04am

Hm... this is one production that I don’t think I’ll ever decide if I liked or not. I lean more towards like because I really loved the performances (mostly) but this play is - in every sense - a mess.

It’s a political comedy tragedy farce gender battle spectacle morality play clown show and if it hurts your eyes reading that, it won’t make you feel much better having it all shoved down your throat at once by Taylor Mac’s script. It’s one of those situations where there’s SO much flying at you at one time, whatever you latch onto is acceptable takeaway. Frankly, it’s all softballs, since the three wildly different perspectives masquerading as characters on stage, clashing against one another, are not... all that different? It’s strange to me to Mac would not have wanted more than three cisgendered white people talking to each other about the inequality and injustices of the world. As is, it just sounds like a bunch of ideas made to sound Revolutionary and get the audience clapping. But... we all agree already, I think? The artist should be valued. The service worker should be paid more. The rich should spend their money not on fancy things, but on caring for the less fortunate. War begets war. It should be called “The Liberal Agenda in One Act,” and I say that as an extremely Liberal person.

The good: Julie White is killing it, as always. Kristine Nielsen has such a gift of a role; there’s so much there. She does definitely need some more time, not necessarily to familiarize with the text but to find all the shadings that will make her role prime for accolades. Nathan Lane is being reliably exactly who he is, which is the highest praise you can give a singular talent of his kind. He’s a legend for a reason.

Now, I’m not the most familiar with Taylor Mac’s work, but from the sound of it, it’s got that scrappy, DIY feel that judy presents in all judy’s own pieces I’ve heard of. You get the feeling it is forever a rough draft that is also exactly as judy intended, for better or worse. It feels like a slow 90 minutes, long story short.

[BenElliott]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 11:58am

So I saw this last night with a rush ticket. I stopped by the theatre a little after 1 and got a front row center seat with a warning that I was in the splash zone. Overall, this is a great, bizarre, absurdist play that's got a little bit of Brecht in there and is led by three brilliant comedians who are at the top of their game. Does the play make any sense? No. Not at all. Do not walk into this wanting a plot or anything like that. This is absurdism, therefore it is absurd. All three of the performers here are brilliant with the standout for me being Julie White who is Tony worthy here.

Now for SPOILERS:
You will get soaked in every bodily fluid imaginable if you sit in the front row. There's blood spraying the audience, p*ss spraying the audience, and sh*t spraying the audience. Santo's designs are incredible. I think this might be some of his best work. Elfman's score is minimal and the sound design is a bit problematic, but that'll probably get straightened out soon. The play is a bit odd and I do think that there's a lot that remains unexplored, but there's so much to applaud here. It's a really bold production and those speeches are beautiful. Look out actors, there's a lot of beautiful monologues here for character actors and actresses. The dance number is a bit odd with the dancing uncircumcised penises. I think the audience was more shocked than amused. It kind of comes out of nowhere and looks a bit, *ahem* realistic. My biggest issue is that this isn't a musical. This show is screaming to be a small, three person chamber musical. It at least needs a couple of musical numbers worked in there. Overall though, check this out. It's bizarre and absurd and really funny.

I do think it's a mess, but I did like it. The tone is somewhere between one of Shakespeare’s comedies, a Brecht play, a Yorgos Lanthimos film, and Monty Python. It's also surprisingly heartfelt and has some very strong dramatic moments. It's ultimately a play about how the world we live in today is a revenge tragedy and that the lower working and middle classes have been left to clean up the mess. It's a wonderful reflection of our current society. I didn't think Mac's themes were muddled at all, Judy's just chosen a very unorthodox way of presenting them. This will not be for everybody and I suspect that this show will get locked out at the Tonys, but I do think it's a wonderful new play.

[Danielle49]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 12:36pm

This was the show that I was most excited for all season — it was everything I hoped it’d be. An absurdist, physical piece that blends Shakespeare, literary finesse, broad comedy, and clowning in a bloody mishmash that makes for a fantastic night of theater. Several more serious moments really hit last night following the horrible current events headlines over the past couple of days. Taylor Mac has crafted a singular (if inevitably imperfect) piece about the terrors of the world, class division, gender roles, comedy’s ability to soothe or distract us from the ugly. The more I think about the show, the more I love it. It’s a hot mess in the best way possible.

And what can I say about the CAST? All three actors are impossibly brilliant. Like impossibly. Julie White seemed to be the biggest crowd pleaser, but I found myself in awe of every choice Nathan Lane made on that stage. He’s a comedic master, legend, and every other superlative that comes with it. It’s such a privilege and honor to see that man perform.

I also saw the show via rush. I got to the box office a little before ten and there were only a few of us there. All got front row, with the warning about being sprayed with blood. We got a bit of blood, a little pee, and I was in the direct line of fire when Nathan Lane did a massive spit take. Then we walked out and it was raining. My roommate and I joked that our entire night had just been us being covered in fluids.

Updated On: 3/16/19 at 12:36 PM

[Nycat63]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 12:43pm

Danielle49 said: "This was the show that I was most excited for all season — it was everything I hoped it’d be. An absurdist, physical piece that blends Shakespeare, literary finesse, broad comedy, and clowning in a bloody mishmash that makes for a fantastic night of theater. Several more serious moments really hit last night following the horrible current events headlines over the past couple of days. Taylor Mac has crafted a singular (if inevitably imperfect) piece about the terrors of the world, class division, gender roles, comedy’s ability to soothe or distract us from the ugly. The more I think about the show, the more I love it. It’s a hot mess in the best way possible.

And what can I say about the CAST? All three actors are impossibly brilliant. Like impossibly. Julie White seemed to be the biggest crowd pleaser, but I found myself in awe of every choice Nathan Lane made on that stage. He’s a comedic master, legend, and every other superlative that comes with it. It’s such a privilege and honor to see that man perform.

I also saw the show via rush. I got to the box office a little before ten and there were only a few of us there. All got front row, with the warning about being sprayed with blood. We got a bit of blood, a little pee, and I was in the direct line of fire when Nathan Lane did a massive spit take. Then we walked out and it was raining. My roommate and I joked that our entire night had just been us being covered in fluids."

By front row do you mean AA?  Is BB likely to also be in the splash zone?  It may be my only option if I want to sit close so just want to be prepared.  Also did you have to crane neck much or is stage low?  I’m leaning toward BB over mezz but would love your take since you presumably sat one row up.  Thx!!

[Tom5]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 2:06pm

I'm so grateful I hadn't yet purchased tickets for this. After talking to people who had already attended previews I realized I not only dodged a bullet but blood, urine and feces.

[theatregoer3]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 2:49pm

After reading raves on here, I went to this on Thursday night. Oh wow do I regret that decision. This was a mess from beginning to end and not once did I find it funny. And I know the plot of Titus and I LOVE dark humor. It just felt so rushed and unfocused. I’m glad others on this board really enjoyed it, but this was a hard pass for me.

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 4:28pm

Join me in the consensus that this show is going to be VERY divisive amongst viewers.

It basically should be titled “A Very Bizarrely F***** Up Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum” (and yes, I’m aware this play has a Roman setting)

I’m still processing what I just saw (and I literally said “What the F did I just watch?” as I was walking out). I’m tilting toward the “liked” column. It was amazing to see three masters of comedy serving up the bloodiest ham ever to hit a Broadway stage. There was highbrow and lowbrow comedy, as well as some fantastic asides and monologues. I think there needs to be more tightening and it seemed to be a little too talky at times. The set was absolutely magnificent and definitely enhanced the dialogue.

I’m not sure why everyone is giving heavy praise to Julie White. I think she did a fine job, but I didn’t think that’s where the meat was. Honestly, I think if I had seen Kristine in that role (her original), I would’ve thought she was woefully underused.

TDF sat me in Orchestra Center C (5th Row) - 102, and nobody is doing stage door between shows it seems

[James2]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 5:36pm

I saw the matinee and quizking101 pretty much had the same thoughts as I.  I'd like to add some warning for people seeking rush.  I sat in C13, and the partial view here meant missing anything Nathan Lane did on stage right (which judging from the sound and the laughter was physical humor with the corpses).  I definitely felt a little cheated by that, so I may see it again if I can get a more centered view.

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 7:15pm

Saw "Gary" this afternoon and am headed soon to "Kiss Me Kate." Rarely have I been so in need of good old-fashioned musical silliness and Cole Porter songs.

Which is not to say I didn't enjoy "Gary." I gasped in awe at the set and laughed a lot, but to be honest I didn't fully get it. So I'm looking forward to having time to read the comments here later so you can all help fill in the blanks. (I heard a man talking to someone before the show saying a friend had seen it and loved it 'but didn't understand a single thing being said."

(I typically skim comments just to get a feel for a show -- shows I know I'm seeing --  but don't read them thoroughly in advance, same with reviews for shows I see past previews. But the comments can be of great help later dissecting it all.)

 

[Fordham2015]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 7:20pm

I was also at today's matinee and mostly enjoyed myself. The play is absurdist in the extreme, and the plot is basically nonexistent, but it's a rare chance to see three ingenious comic actors hamming it up.

Lane and Nielsen are brilliant as always, especially in the early sections with the more broad humor- the fart jokes and clambering over bodies are juvenile to be sure, but I still laughed a lot. They also both have great entrance applause lines, especially Nielsen.

Agree with above poster that the praise for White isn't justified- she has a few funny moments, but I found her a bit grating at times (in fact, Lane's annoyed quip to her about being middle class was my favorite line of the show). I certainly don't think White deserves to be in the featured actress conversation when there are already contenders like Celia Keenan-Bolger, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Joan Allen.

The one part of the show that is Tony-worthy is Santo Loquasto's absolutely incredible set- the detail is stunning.

Elfman and Irwin's contributions are somewhat limited until the climactic corpse dance number, which comes out of nowhere but I thought was great.

One other note: People who've seen a lot of Rudin shows in the last few years likely know that he likes to keep a cast member or two secret until the end (the daughter in Blackbird, the boy in Three Tall Women, etc). He slightly abuses that privilege in this show (though admittedly to funny effect).

Overall not one of my favorites, but a very enjoyable way to spend 95 minutes. Worth grabbing a TDF ticket for sure.

Updated On: 3/16/19 at 07:20 PM

[mamaleh]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 7:28pm

To anyone who has attended the show thus far, did you notice whether they are offering standing room yet for sold-out performances?  I think I'd prefer that to getting sprayed by bodily fluids/solids.  

[quizking101]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 7:29pm

mamaleh said: "To anyone who has attended the show thus far, did you notice whether they are offering standing room yet for sold-out performances? I think I'd prefer that to getting sprayed by bodily fluids/solids. "

They were still selling rush and other tickets by the time the doors opened so I’m guessing not

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 7:47pm

I echo that this is absolutely insane. I think the majority will loathe it, but I thought it was pretty wonderful in a weird way. The play is total nonsense. Lane, Nielsen, and White are all equally brilliant, but I do agree that White is hysterically neurotic. She's just so funny. Maybe it's her funny voice and physicality, maybe it's the wig and blood soaked costume, maybe it's just the writing, but she's just so funny. Lane and Nielsen are brilliant sad clowns and they work their way through those Shakespearean speeches beautifully. They get to show their comedic and dramatic skills very well here. I do agree that this could've used a couple of musical numbers. It almost seemed like there would be when two of the characters began to plan some sort of musical. Ultimately this is an old-fashioned vaudevillian clown show. I think it will totally bomb, if I'm being honest. The audience around me seemed to absolutely hate it. It's in a weird place where it's almost so low-brow that it's high-brow. It's just deliciously macabre.

[broadwayrocks2]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 8:25pm

It is definitely absurd but i did enjoy it . There are still many previews before critics . I am betting there will be some changes made , George Wolfe is known for making drastic changes while in previews . Santo's set is amazing . I am not familiar with Taylor Macs work but from what i have read this is right on par .

[Danielle49]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 9:28pm

Nycat63 said: "By front row do you mean AA? Is BB likely to also be in the splash zone? It may be my only option if I want to sit close so just want to be prepared. Also did you have to crane neck much or is stage low? I’m leaning toward BB over mezz but would love your take since you presumably sat one row up. Thx!!"

Yes, I was in AA! BB may not be in as much danger of getting a sprayed, but I wouldn’t wear white if you’re sitting that close just in case. The stage is very low — I’m 5’ 3” and I was looking up but wasn’t in any way uncomfortable. I’d recommend sitting closer than not anyway to see the three actors at work. I do, however, wish I could’ve seen the set in full effect.

Hope that helps!

[Zapoca]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 9:55pm

I sat in the 39 dollar seats

Awesome view in the booth and you don't have to worry about rush/not getting splashed

[cotous6]

Posted: 3/16/19 at 11:42pm

Just found this article:

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/danny-elfman-gary-broadway-taylor-mac-806458/

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/17/19 at 12:16am

"every bodily fluid imaginable" ?    Well as someone who has ACTUALLY done care of the dead there is a lot of stuff. Vitreous humour dripping out of eye balls, mothers milk, any shooting from some over swollen udders?. OH and the best- REGURGITATED STOMACH CONTENTS! Lemme tell ya, ya moves a dead body around whatever was in the belly  gonna come out the mouth.. No none o that?  then it ain't every bodily fluid imaginable. ( I actually like the milk bit - could really be done  very classy)

[Jakeevan942]

Posted: 3/17/19 at 12:41am

Saw the show tonight from a Rush ticket in the front row center. It seemed that one the three people in the dead center of the Row AA center really got messy, but this might vary depending not he placement of performers and things that cause the mess.

Count me in the "I have not a clue what happened, but really enjoy it" camp. I can't wait for a published script of this, so I can try and make sense of any plot that may have been there. I have a keen appreciation for low comedy, so the premise was right up my alley. Given some major crude content, this won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it was certainly worth a $40 ticket, if just to watch Nathan Lane work from that close up.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

And Rudin's uncredited extra cast appearance at the end, this show a full five performers, was one of the funniest bits I've seen on stage in a long time.

 

[cotous6]

Posted: 3/17/19 at 1:23am

Jakeevan942 said: "Saw the show tonight from a Rush ticket in the front row center. It seemed that one the three people in the dead center of the Row AA center really got messy, but this might vary depending not he placement of performers and things that cause the mess.

Count me in the "I have not a clue what happened, but really enjoy it" camp. I can't wait for a published script of this, so I can try and make sense of any plot that may have been there.I have a keen appreciation for low comedy, so the premise was right up my alley. Given some major crude content, this won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it was certainly worth a $40 ticket, if just to watch Nathan Lane work from that close up.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

And Rudin's uncredited extra cast appearance at the end, this show a full five performers, was one of the funniest bits I've seen on stage in a long time.

"

What time did you get your ticket at?