Glass Menagerie first preview — Page 4

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.

I was there this afternoon as well, and I loved it. Tiffany's simultaneously eerie, beautiful, haunting, and ethereal direction is truly the star of this show, which isn't to say that the performers aren't excellent, because they are. I have to admit I was bored senseless by the much buzzed-about Judith Ivey/Roundabout production from a few years back, so I was nervous I would be equally bored here. But thankfully, I was thoroughly riveted. Quinto is an exceptional Tom, Keenan-Bolger is a stunning Laura, Smith is a charming and warm presence as The Gentleman Caller, and one of our great stage actresses, the exceptional Cherry Jones is unsurprisingly brilliant as Amanda. Whizzer hit the nail on the head in saying that the Booth must have some magic in it when it comes to four-person plays, after this and VIRGINIA WOOLF.

I was knocked out by the direction and the set design, as well as the beautiful lighting. I have to admit I wasn't crazy about the bizarre moon-shaped neon light that rose and sunk from the stage floor. And Quinto and Keenan-Bolgers' accents did waver a bit throughout. But for the most part, this is a truly beautiful production that moved me very much. And I hope the instant standing ovation and two curtain calls (the audience probably would have clapped for a third, had the house lights not come up) indicate that audiences are enjoying the show as well. And aside from a phone going off during act one, the audience behavior was great. There were moments when I swear I could've heard a pin drop. This production is chock-full of some truly transcendent moments.

A note about the rush seats...I was seated all the way against the wall, house left, about six or seven rows from the stage. I missed a good chunk of the action in the first act, much of which takes place at the dining room table, which is placed stage right. The rush seats on the left side of the theater are definitely partial view, just FYI. I was able to move to the rear orchestra during the intermission and had a great view from there. So, if you decide to rush, just be prepared to possibly be seated house left, and to miss quite a bit of the action.

Updated On: 9/9/13 at 07:35 PM

I thought the same thing, Kad! I'm just glad I wasn't a few rows in front of me (I'd guess Row D) of the orchestra, in the house left obstructed view seats. The seat furthest against the wall in that row was literally facing another wall.

The view from the rear orchestra was great, although I do regret not moving up to the mezzanine to see the show from that vantage point. I was honestly surprised they didn't put the rush seats in the last row of the mezz, where they've been for many of the shows at the Booth.

Oh, and for those wondering, the show is running two hours and thirty-five minutes at this point. The woman at the box office told me beforehand the running time was 2:15, which it definitely isn't.

Updated On: 9/8/13 at 08:10 PM

I saw this afternoon's performance from the mid mezzanine and thought I had the perfect view. I loved the set design and the stage had an appearance of weightlessness. The entire cast put on a great performance.

I saw the show this afternoon (did I really miss Bernadette Peters?!) and unfortunately I didn't have the experience everyone else seems to be talking about.

Without going into cruel details, my main issue is I felt like everyone on stage was "acting" too much; and I was hugely disappointed no one actually went onto the beautiful fire escape.
Going into the theatre I had the highest of expectations, but couldn't get into the production at all.
I'm totally willing to see it again, perhaps after previews, it's great so many people are enjoying it though, that's what matters.

At 12 I ran to the box office right as it was opening and got a student rush ticket, I was last in a pretty long line of students. The box office lady at first gave me a seat way house right, and I heard a lot of the action was stage left, so I asked her to switch it left, no problem. Then as I was entering the house, it turns out she gave me one for the evening show, which I promptly exchanged, and asked again for a house left. I was all the way on the left, but was able to move two seats in.
It was the right move.

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"and I was hugely disappointed no one actually went onto the beautiful fire escape. "

Isn't it somewhat of a metaphorical element? You can't really escape?

Someone reported they got $59 tickets. Is there a code for that? Thanks!

i know everyone here wants to deep throat spock, but i thought he blew. he had moments, ok, seconds, really, of...something, but he was so overtly performing. it was jarring compared to the other performances. maybe that was a stylistic thing? whatever, i hated it. and really that accent? or absolute lack thereof? it was...disappointing. he's no christian slater, that's for sure.

cherry was gob-smckingly brilliant. she's a national treasure and should be declared as such. she owns that stage. we are lucky to be able to see her in what will assuredly be a tony-award winning performance.

celia and brian are wonderful and their scene sparkles like the menagerie itself.

bob crowley and natasha katz are geniuses. say no more. their world is magical.

but spock...sigh.

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Updated On: 9/11/13 at 10:21 AM

Someone clearly does live there. That someone just probably redecorated to make it too fancy for when seemingly important and sophisticated company comes over for the first time.

Updated On: 9/11/13 at 10:59 AM

ESPECIALLY Natasha Katz.

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He was Joe Mantello's equal in Angels in America. I had theretofore not seen anyone do better than get close to Mantallo's remarkable achievement.

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Joe, what about American Horror Story: Asylum? Or the scene in the original American Horror Story where he went toe-to-toe with Jessica Lange?

It is definitely my opinion that the man can act, and, granted having not seen this production and probably never will, I wonder if overacting is from just finally being on Broadway, which may settle down over time.

Updated On: 9/11/13 at 11:32 AM

I totally bought him as the odd man out in that tiny house of oddities.

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