Golda's Balcony in SF

[justme2]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 3:18pm

I am posting this here as I am not sure enough people go to the regional boards yet.

A friend at work had comp tickets to this show at ACT in SF last night. I went in skeptical of the show, and came out amazed that Tovah didn't win the Tony award this year. I was impressed by Tovah's acting and her complete control over the audience. What a role for an actress!

Again, a riveting performance; she WAS Golda Meir. The set was very simple, yet effective and the video work against the background was done very well. I could hear audience members sniffling throughout the show, and when it ended, NO ONE JUMPED UP TO GET TO THEIR CARS! This is very unusual for SF audiences. Tovah received a 5 minute standing ovation (one of those deserved ones!) and her curtain speech was wonderful, grateful and heartfelt. There was a DVD available in the lobby for a documentary of the show's journey, and I will be checking for it on amazon first, as the price was a little steep.

My one complaint with the show is about the bombing and gunfire sound effects. I realize they are done for dramatic effect, but please...I am tired of having heart attacks at the beginning of shows.

If you are in SF, don't miss the show; it's only here for 24 performances.

[teth]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 4:30pm

Good to hear.

When is it closing again?

[justme2]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 4:51pm

it's only here for two more weeks, I beleive. I think we saw the first or second performance of it.

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 6:14pm

is she touring it at all? or is the announced Valerie Harper doing all tour cities?!?!?

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 6:28pm

Saw it in NY & it was great. To bad one person shows like this are not preserved

[justme2]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 6:30pm

hmmm, I saw nothing about Tovah touring after this stop...so I can't answer that.

I am hoping that the DVD documentary has a LOT of the show on it. This was a fantastic piece of theater and I felt lucky to have seen Tovah in the role.

[TxTwoStep]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 6:32pm

i really enjoy Tovah in L&O and would like to see her live in such a meaty role.

[mominator]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 6:33pm

Glad to hear youenjoyed it. I was lucky enough to catch it in NY.
Tovah was just outstanding in the role.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 7:11pm

I'll have to check it out.

[thirdrowcenter]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 7:14pm

I saw Golda's Balcony off broadway and I was awestruck by Tovah Feldshuh's performance. She is perfection.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 7:30pm

"...came out amazed that Tovah didn't win the Tony award this year."

You are far from alone on that one. I saw it off-Broadway and also the final performance at the Helen Hayes. It's absolute insanity that that woman has no Tonys on her mantel.

Updated On: 7/27/05 at 07:30 PM

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 8:08pm

I saw this in Los Angeles a few months ago and was shocked speechless at her performance.

I also just saw "I am my own wife" and was also amazed. . . but I believe he did win the Tony.

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 9:37pm

I thought Tovah was robbed of a Tony for Golda's Balcony. She was jaw droppingly amazing, and the amount of stamina it must have taken for her to deliver the performance she delivered every night...wow.

And yes, Jefferson Mays did win a well-deserved Tony for I Am My Own Wife.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 11:31pm

This is not part of the national tour. The national tour starts in Ft. Lauderdale, October 18th.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 7/27/05 at 11:55pm

Add me to the list that thought Tovah was robbed of a Tony last season as well. Dont get me wrong Phylicia Rashad did very nice work in A RAISIN IN THE SUN, But...Tovah in Goldas Balcony was trully a master of their craft at their absolute best. She took a story that interested me personally very little, and made me care more than I ever thought possible. If you live in CA - go see it! It is a Brilliant work!

And while I agree Mays winning the Tony was indeed the correct choice, the play itself (I am my own Wife) didnt move me that much. In fact my personal favorite, and hoped for win of last season was THE RETREAT FROM MOSCOW! Wonderfully acted and sublimely told!

[teth]

Posted: 7/28/05 at 12:21am

OK! Now I'm convinced by all of you. I will try to see this before it leaves.

[justme2]

Posted: 7/28/05 at 12:31am

Don't wait too long, teth!

The audience last night was FULL. The ACT theater isn't that big, either.

I am still in awe over her performance last night. It was one of the first times I actually felt someone deserved the standing ovation she received!

[teth]

Posted: 7/28/05 at 12:58am

Yikes. If it's full, then that means there won't be any half-priced tix.

OH! August 13. I thought it would close the week after or something. Now I'm sure I can definitely see it. (still have summer school...errr)