Grey Gardens, take 2

[ashley0139]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 2:50pm

I got the chance to see Grey Gardens for the second time yesterday afternoon. I had only seen it about 3 weeks ago, but I had the chance to come into the city for a day and decided to see GG again, because I loved it so much the first time.

This is honestly my favorite show on Broadway right now. I find it to be so brilliant and moving and hearbreaking and funny and tragic. There were no understudies for this performance. Everyone was in top form yesterday. I was sitting front row, center, and everything was perfect. There is not a weak link in the cast. Everyone is truly perfect in his or her respective roles. While I normally love Sarah Gettelfinger, I just think this role was not for her. Erin Davie owns this role. Her steady progression to insanity is evident, especially during Daddy's Girl. And the back and forth between love and hate between mother and daughter is beautifully played out between Erin and Christine. The second time, I was able to notice the little things I hadn't last time, which made the show all the more enjoyable. Erin is such a joy to watch in Daddy's Girl, Bob Stillman is hilarious with every line he speaks, Sarah and Kelsey are both fabulous as the children, Matt Cavenaugh got huge laughs as Joseph Kennedy, Michael Potts is great in his smaller role, and John McMartin is perfection in human form. I don't think it's even really necessary to mention Christine, who is obviously blindingly brilliant. I really like the replacement of Being Bouvier with Marry Well and Better Fall Out of Love with Going Places. I do really like Body Beautiful Beale and wish they had kept that in. The sets are spectacular and really work perfectly for the show. I noticed this time that in the second act the "ghosts" in the second act wear the costumes they wore previously, but they are old and tattered. I hadn't noticed it last time, but it really works.

By the end of the show, I was in tears and fighting to keep from disturbing everyone around me with my sniffles. I have never had that happen to me at a show. The second time around, I understood much better what was happening and was able to take it all in better. I really like the use of the "ghosts" or whatever they are of the past. They remind the audience of what the characters' lives had been like and what they could have been. When Christine started "Another Winter in a Summer Town," I visibly shivered. That one song is so poignant and touching and heartbreaking. And I love that at the end of that song she is in the exact same position as Erin was in the first act after reading the telegram. The parallels we see between the second act and the first act are really brilliantly done. Honestly, I think this is the kind of show that really needs multiple viewings to get everything. I know many people who have enjoyed it more the second time than the first. Even though I loved it the first time, I loved it even more the second time and would go back and see it again tonight if I could.

That's my attempt at an in-depth review. It's kind of more stream-of-consiousness than organized by act or whatever. I'm not as knowledgeable about the technical aspects of a book or the lighting or whatever, but I hope I am able to convey the emotions and performances well enough.

As for Tony nods, I would hope to see them for Christine (obviously), Mary Louise, Matt Cavenaugh, Bob Stillman, and Erin Davie.

For those who are wondering, they are now selling the new cd at the theatre. I picked it up, and those few cast members who came out the stage door (matinee, Christine didn't come out nor did Mary Louise and John (who never do I hear) and Matt) had never seen it before. I handed it to them to sign and they all went, "Oh this is pretty what... OH WAIT THIS IS THE NEW ONE." And looked it over. Erin was excited her name was on the cd. They got it in on Friday night so anyone can now pick it up at the theatre.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 2:53pm

Great Review! Glad you had a good time!

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 2:55pm

Thank you for posting! I agree and thought that Erin Davie's "Daddy's Girl" was the highlight of the first act. I'm curious though: Where did you sit the first time? I had rear mezz seats when I saw it and I want to know if being close really makes a difference (as I would like to see it again).

[WickedGeek28]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 3:04pm

I don't see Little Edie as insane at all, radical - absolutely, but I don't feel like Erin's performance shows progression to insanity.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 3:58pm

it is absolutely there, wicked. absolutely.

and even if it weren't, it's the events told in this act's fictional day that send the women spiraling into who they are in act two.

[MotorTink]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 4:03pm

I'm so glad you enjoyed it again! I can't wait to go back to see it for a second time.

The "ghosts" coming back in Act II was one of my favorite parts of the show.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 4:31pm

Defyinggravity- the first time I sat in the first row all the way on the right, so I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help with the distance. Although I do know that, if you're sitting in the front row, sitting in the center is best because if you're on the right the couch is blocking your view and on the left the piano is.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 4:49pm

I never tire of GREY GARDENS and focus on different aspects of the story and characters each time. It's truly rich.

Glad you loved it the second time, Ashley.

(I have sat all around the theatre, but never farther than 12th Row Center Orchestra or Front Row Mezz. Every seat I had was excellent.

[defyingravity11]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:03pm

Thanks so much ashley! This show is my current obsession :)

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:04pm

Mine too!

[MotorTink]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:09pm

mine three! :)

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:12pm

I am thinking about going this coming week to see Maureen Moore in the show because I want to see what happens when there is someone in the cast besides Christine, whom I ADORE. I really want to support the show, too.

(So glad you feel that way, Mo!)

Updated On: 4/1/07 at 05:12 PM

[ashley0139]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:37pm

Me four!

I would love to see Maureen in the role, just to see a different take on it. Eventually I will see her.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:43pm

Tickets are available for the entire week Maureen is in through TDF for under 35 bucks!

I love this show so much. I can't imagine coming to NYC and not seeing it at least once (which I have done everytime I've visted since October.) So I'm pretty sure I'll cave in and go. That's what happens when you're "obsessed," right?

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:44pm

Me five!

Okay, I haven't actually see it, but I got the CD in the mail yesterday and I love it. It is on the top of my list if I go to NY this summer.

[Dirty_Rotten_Guy]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:46pm

lovely review, ashley

i would love to see this show for a third time when im in the city this may
such a gorgeous show

[GYPSY1527]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:49pm

Judt wanted to add that I also adore Grey Gardens and will be seeing it agian this weekend to catch Maureen Moore in the role. I couldn't resist the TDF offer and will be bringing my family to spread GG love!

Updated On: 4/1/07 at 05:49 PM

[AC126748]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:52pm

I'm seeing Maureen Moore for the first time on Wednesday (thanks, TDF!). It'll be my fourth time seeing the show, including off-Broadway. I love it.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 5:55pm

You guys are great! I hope you inspire others--as you have me--to go see Maureen in the role.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 6:18pm

I actually am bringing some friends this wednesday night myself. I have seen the show 3 times with Christine. I am interested to see Maureen's take on Little Edie.

[MotorTink]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 6:19pm

I would love to see Maureen in the role, just won't be happening this week. Have a great time everyone.

**continues to listen to OBCR**

[ashley0139]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 6:25pm

Just started listening to the OBCR rather than the OOBCR, and I am thrilled by the new parts. I can now actually listen to Mother, Darling and Daddy's Girl.

And a random question: does anyone know who plays Little Edie in Prologue of the show? It's obviously Christine's voice, but who do we actually see?

[SNAFU]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 6:36pm

I assumed it was Erin in Edie drag

[broadwaybaby086]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 7:26pm

When you see them through the screen? It is Christine. She just has a quick change. You can see the clips and such for when they need to take off the outer layer of clothing and there's just a scarf on her hair.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 4/1/07 at 7:44pm

Really? Because the way they've staged it you never see her face and I assumed it was because it wasn't Christine. Either the mirror or binoculars are covering her face. But that makes sense that it is.