Posted: 2/29/16 at 6:30pm
Started previews a couple of days ago, looks interesting, anyone see it yet?
Also thanks to all of those who go early and take the time to post about the shows. Reading the early reviews can be so helpful
Posted: 3/5/16 at 1:11am
anyone seen this yet? ill be there tomorrow night but just curious if anyone had thoughts on this compared to the apple family plays.
Posted: 3/5/16 at 8:23am
I saw it a few nights ago and really enjoyed it. It's slightly less political than the Apple Family plays, and I do think that Nelson's writing is at its best when he's writing about something that can be seen as a controversial topic. I liked the Apple Family plays a bit more as a result, but I still thought this was very good. Maryann Plunkett was excellent (no surprise). That woman could read the phonebook and make it seem like an emotional experience. Other than her, I didn't think there were any standout individual performances as there were in the Apple Family plays, but that wasn't a problem. This ensemble worked as such a cohesive unit that it was a joy to watch. I highly recommend it.
Posted: 3/10/16 at 10:47pm
I saw this tonight and completely loved it. It will wind up being one of my favorite plays of the season. I loved the Apple family plays, but thought the writing in this was really beautiful. Its wonderfully directed and the cast is fantastic. Maryann Plunkett is just incredible in her part and as BJ states, she could read the phone book and I would be rushing to buy tickets.She has some fantastic one liners here, including my favorite, "She talks while cooking, doesn't she have to f*cking measure?!"
Jay O Sanders is truly excellent as well, and I love the way he throws his voice in this. Meg Gibson and Lynn Hawley were very good in their roles as well. The play is less political, but I thought it was a great introduction to the family and definitely lays good groundwork for parts 2 and 3.
I don't think there will be much this season that I enjoy better than this.
Posted: 3/10/16 at 11:36pm
So having not seen any of the others, this is okay to see as first timer to this writer?
Posted: 3/10/16 at 11:39pm
In all seriousness I came here to recommend the small plates and shrubs at The Library.
Posted: 3/11/16 at 12:21am
RippedMan said: "So having not seen any of the others, this is okay to see as first timer to this writer?"
This has nothing to do with the Apple Family plays so you can go into this blind, as I did. It might be a different story when dealing with the second and third plays in this series.
Posted: 3/15/16 at 6:58pm
Has anyone had trouble hearing the dialogue? A couple of people here in the office said that they missed some lines. They said there is even a sign at the Public notifying audiences that the sound level is "conversational." My hearing is good, but I'm wondering if I should get the listening device? I'll be sitting in Row D.
Posted: 3/15/16 at 7:54pm
macnyc said: "Has anyone had trouble hearing the dialogue? A couple of people here in the office said that they missed some lines. They said there is even a sign at the Public notifying audiences that the sound level is "conversational." My hearing is good, but I'm wondering if I should get the listening device? I'll be sitting in Row D.
I had no problem.
"
Posted: 3/29/16 at 4:43pm
Is this show worth seeing on its own knowing you won't see the rest of the series? My mom has asked me about seeing it this weekend and I doubt she at least will see the rest of it. There are only a couple seats left so I'm wondering whether to snap them up.
Posted: 3/29/16 at 5:06pm
I think the play does stand on its own. Yes, it would be better if you could also see the two plays that will follow this one. But if you're in town only briefly and probably won't see the other two, I think you can enjoy this one. I think it's wonderful. I loved it.
Posted: 3/29/16 at 5:13pm
Thanks. Very helpful. I'll have to see what she decides she wants to do.
Posted: 3/29/16 at 9:03pm
ChiTheaterFan, I'd agree with macnyc. I saw it this weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was unfamiliar with Nelson's work prior and am really keen to see the next two parts. With that said, I didn't leave the theater with a sense of needing to see parts two or three, and there certainly wasn't a cliffhanger or anything of the sort. Frankly (and again, maybe this is just me being unfamiliar with the Apple plays), I'm not sure you'd even know there were to be a parts two and three if you didn't know, if that makes sense.
I think it's worth seeing, even if you(r mother) won't be able to see the other two.
Posted: 3/29/16 at 9:09pm
Thanks. It's her birthday trip so she gets to call the shots but this is very helpful info I can give her! :)
