Goodbye, THE CLEAN HOUSE!

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 5:17pm

This was one of my top theatrical experiences of the season, and I wish it much luck regionally. Lincoln Center really put together a top notch production with fantastic actors. I will miss this show, and hopefully I can see another production of it elsewhere in the future! Wishing it much luck at the Lortels and Drama Desks!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 5:21pm

It's too bad this show never really got its complete due. It really was a highlight of my recent months of theatergoing. A commercial transfer would have been very nice for them, but, alas, it's a play with no big stars in it. Look how well that aspect worked for Little Dog Laughed.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 6:47pm

Not too well for Little Dog

It closes 3 months after opening. Never saw an offering for The Clean House unfortunately

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 7:25pm

I didn't care for THE CLEAN HOUSE, and don't understand where all of the praise comes from. It's third-rate absurdism, if you ask me. Jill Clayburgh and Blair Brown are, however, divine.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 7:30pm

did anyone see Ms Ruhl's Eurydice in New Haven? It looked fabulous

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 7:34pm

It's coming to New York in May. I'll see it then.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 7:36pm

2nd Stage is putting it on as their early-summer production. They're heavily advertising it inside the theater.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 8:03pm

It'c coming to Providence's Trinity Repertory in April. I am going to look into seeing it.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 8:56pm

I just read the play for the first time. How I WISH I could see this on stage!

I don't read every single NEW play that comes out, but I did pick up this one with a high recommendation from two NY theatre vets. And when I heard Vanessa Aspillaga was in it, who I worked with before, I just HAD to get to NY to see it. But then they posted a closing notice the next day. Shame!

I had NEVER had such an external response to reading a script before. I was laughing. I was crying. I was in hysterics. This is one of the most poetic, genius, and moving plays I've read.

***SPOILER AND A QUESTION ABOUT THE SHOW***

At the very end of the play, I was expecting Charles to shoot himself in the head, as Matidle's father had done when his wife died laughing. This didn't happen in the script, but was that impression given in the show? As a director, that's what I would do. At least that was a strong impulse I had upon first reading.

AND...in the script, they have the English translation of the Portugese jokes.

***END SPOILER***

I'm very upset I didn't get to see the NY production. I'm sure it'll become popular at regional theatres. I'm an actor, but I REALLY want to direct it.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 9:08pm

Vanessa Aspillaga gave a FANTASTIC performance! She and Ms. Clayburgh are going to be fighting for the Featured Actress Lortel and Drama Desk Awards. They were both wonderful.

***Answer to your SPOILER question***

Charles does not shoot himself at the end, but I can see how that might be a logical assumption by reading the script.

I hope you get a chance to see a regional production of it. The Lincoln Center Library might have a copy of it to view now that I think about it, since it was at Lincoln Center.

Updated On: 1/25/07 at 09:08 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 9:10pm

Hook - I'll preface my statements by reminding you of how much theater I see through-out the year (not to gloat, but just to help explicate my feelings).

The Clean House was truly one of the most fulfilling theatrical experiences I've ever had. I cannot begin to put my feelings for this play into words. It has to be one of the best things I've seen in recent memory and definately has a place on my "Best of 2007" list (even though it opened in 2006.)

Regarding your question, I very much agree with you. While he didn't off-himself, I remember thinking that it would have been much more fulfilling if he did (it sounds weird, I know, but I think you'll get it). Ana, afterall, was his Beshairt.

I don't know if you read the introduction to the play (which is in the published edition, if that's what you picked up), but it specifically states that Ana and Charles should also play Matilde's mother and father (which they do in the show.) "Ana's transformation at the end of the play should be full circle for Matilde, dead to living and back." She doesn't specify about Charles, however. If the full circle nature applied to him, too, he indeed would have killed himself.

It's a play that really deserved a longer run - perhaps even a commercial transfer - though due to the lack of any "big name" actor or playwright, will fade into the obscurity of off-Broadway.

I'd love the chance to direct it, though I doubt I'd be able to do it justice.

Any other questions about the play, PM me or post them here. I'll be glad to answer. Updated On: 1/25/07 at 09:10 PM

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 10:09pm

I was at the performance they taped for the library, so it will definitely be available for viewing once the show closes.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 10:46pm

I thought it closed already?

Yes, I did read that note in the introduction. Remembering that now, to me, it just makes it even MORE sense for him to shoot himself in the end. It seems like the script allures to it but the curtain comes down JUST before he would get the gun and pull the trigger.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS PLAY!

Which role did Vanessa play? Matilde? I could see her in that role. If not, Ana, but she's too young for Ana unless they do old age makeup.

How was the set? How did the balcony work?

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 10:51pm

Closes on Sunday. Vanessa played Matilde. Concetta Tomei played Ana.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/25/07 at 11:16pm

God, Vanessa is PERFECT for Matilde. I should send her a note! Shame I'm going to miss her.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 9:09am

Oh well, Foster. There's always TRANSLATIONS...which people don't seem terribly interested in on this board.

EEEW! A straight play with no stars?????

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 9:14am

Yes, everyone go see TRANSLATIONS!

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 9:16am

I have definitely been wanting to see TRANSLATIONS - need to check on discounts.

[AC126748]

Posted: 1/26/07 at 9:19am

Here you go, Rath:
BroadwayBox Translations discount