Glass Menagerie first preview - Page 3

[Gothampc]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 12:48am

I really wish I could see this production. I love the script, but I've never seen a production that truly did it justice.

Same with me. Every production I've seen has been such a letdown. And I don't understand why because I don't think it's a difficult play. I think people don't trust the material, and like Shakespeare, want to weigh it down with unnecessary stuff. Like Tom's homosexuality. It's completely unnecessary because the play is not about Tom's sexual preference.

Anyway, the production in my head stars Brenda Blethyn as Amanda.

Updated On: 9/7/13 at 12:48 AM

[jm31]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 11:48am

Being someone who is unfamiliar with the play, would it be appropriate (meaning any nudity, graphic scenes) for my little sister who is 15 to come with me to watch it?
And I know it's previews but around how long does it run as of now?

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 11:54am

No nudity, nothing too inappropriate for a 15 year old, but the material is very nuanced. Obviously don't know your sister, but not sure she'd truly appreciate it. Depends on the 15 year old.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 12:10pm

I remember when 15 year olds couldn't wait to grow up and be treated like adults. Now nobody wants to let them.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 12:54pm

I'm so pleased to hear that the show is being as well rec'd as it was in boston. I truly fell in love with it.

My dd who is 16 (and not terribly mature) fully appreciated and loved the show.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 2:07pm

I got a partial view seat for tonight. How partial is it? Do I miss anything really good?

[CarmenDeBris]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 2:29pm

Where's your seat?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 2:53pm

I think it's like G14 or something?

[BwayTday]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 3:39pm

I actually think Tom's implied homosexuality adds a lot to the piece, especially in this production. It is a lot more tactfully incorporated when compared to the recent off-broadway revival (which I actually thought had a lot of pluses). Since Jones' Amanda isn't as abrasive and smothering, his sexuality further justifies his angst. It also gives another layer to his relationship with Jim. The dynamic between the two characters in this production is the most interesting and compelling I have ever seen it be.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 3:53pm

Cool. Maybe I can move to the mezz or something. Thanks!

[chanel]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 3:53pm

John Tiffany talks about Tom's gayness and where he goes at night. Zach Quinto evades the question. Cherry Jones talks about learning to love the character of Amanda and what she's been through.

(Scroll down to second item on the page)

http://www.out.com/entertainment/michael-musto/2013/09/02/nick-gruber-reality-show-youtube-zach-quinto-broadway-branden-james-agt?page=full

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 7:04pm

I'm so excited to see this. My seats are actually in Row K on the other side, the odd numbers. So hopefully I don't miss anything too stellar.

[kdogg36]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 9:56pm

Can't wait to see this on October 5!

[indytallguy]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 10:04pm

Saw the matinee today. Really enjoyed the play and each of the actors is giving a wonderful performance. Felt like it was firing on all cylinders. So much so that I want to see it again just to fully appreciate the talent and the humor and tension they calibrate so well throughout the production. Quinto and Jones were my faves.

Had an orchestra aisle seat (H-101) and had I not read reviews that talked about the water on stage, I would have been hard-pressed to know that's what it was.

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 9/7/13 at 11:44pm

My student rush seat at tonight's performance was K15 (but I moved to K13 at the beginning of the second act; I think the woman next to me found a new seat) and I didn't find the view to be that obstructed at all. For those side partial view seats, the further back you are, the better. (RentBoy, did you see it tonight? Does that mean I was sitting next to you?)

I don't have much to add to what has already been said here; I agree that it was an exquisite production. I've studied the play (and loved reading it) but have never seen it performed, and this production just made the play resonate with me even more.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 12:19am

I think I was actually right in front of you, so sorry if I was too tall! But yeah, I didn't mind the view. Def. better to be house right than left.

As for the show, I wasn't blown away, but I was satisfied. My first time seeing Cherry Jones and she did not disappoint.

Celia too me has this strange stage voice that she uses and her accent went from Southern to Cockney and back. I thought she was fine, but I didn't think she was a revelation or anything.

Quinto was my least favorite. I just didn't buy him as Tom. It just didn't feel like a lived in performance but rather an actor doing the part, if that makes sense. The moments didn't feel real and his line readings felt forced.

Gentleman Caller was really great. I loved his take on it and his scene with Laura was really beautiful.

The direction was interesting. I'm a big fan of all the flourishes, but I'm not sure the choreography really worked for me. I didn't really quite get why they needed to choreograph setting a table? Also, it's cool that there is water around the set. I'm guessing it's to indicate a lot of things (ocean out there, more fish in the sea, island), but honestly my friend didn't even see the water, and sounds like most other people didn't either. I'm taller, so I saw it. But why go through all that work and not even highlight it at one point? They didn't put any lights on it or anything? Seemed like a strange choice. And the moon rising out of the water seemed a little strange. I think there was just a simpler and more effective way to do the show, but hey, I didn't hate it. It's def. worth seeing.

[April Saul]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 12:40am

Hey #!Elphie, that was me next to you! And I did move over to Row G center where there were a bunch of empty seats at the intermission.

Wow, this was just amazing! Or as I said to the creatives sitting in the last row as I was leaving, I guess I will never have to see another production of this play again, because none will match what you've done here.

I thought all four of the actors were wonderful, that the music was subtle and evocative...and that I, too, might revisit later in the run, it was just that good.

[followspot]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 12:50am

Just as with Tiffany's ONCE, definitely recommend the mezzanine for a full appreciation of movement, effects, and stage pictures.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 3:47am

Just so you all know, it's not water. It's black, viscous goo. The Times I'd awoke piece on it when the production was in Cambridge. Plain water would ne'er reflect the way the goo does.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 10:24am

Oh, good to know. Even so, what's the point of it? There's never any indication of it or any visual mention of it. No one in the orchestra even could see it?

[followspot]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 10:50am

SET SPOILERS

The liquid blackness (what everyone is calling "water") is to give the image of the apartment being isolated from the world — from the mezzanine it looks as if the set is floating in nothingness. Objects at the edge of the set — most often actors looking out — are beautifully reflected — yet trapped, and there are periodic lighting effects illuminated within the blackness (stars and moon) that the characters react to.

Updated On: 9/8/13 at 10:50 AM

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 11:57am

April Saul, it was nice to meet you!

To me, the "liquid blackness" looked like a shiny, black marble-like solid material. I could see the stars and moon, and it did give me a sense of the apartment being isolated from the rest of the world. I can imagine the effect was more pronounced and stunning from the mezzanine.

[followspot]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 12:15pm

It wasn't solid — it rippled when an important object was thrown into it late in the second act.

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 3:43pm

I understood that it's not solid after reading this thread; I was just explaining my perspective when I saw the show, without having been told what it was. I couldn't see the ripples from my seat. My point is that from the orchestra (at least from where I was), it's not obvious what the material is.

[Kad]

Posted: 9/8/13 at 6:37pm

Saw this today (from a very nice center orchestra seat purchased day-of at a discount!) and found it totally stunning and beautiful. Hard-pressed to come up with any criticisms- it was moving and gorgeous in every aspect.

The goo was certainly visible from Row F (where I was), but I imagine it's really more effective from the mezz.

Bernadette Peters was also in attendance, so that was neat.