I RAN to buy Jerusalem tix...now I'm reading how people hate it!

[MimiJudith]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 11:58am

So the Ben Brantley review made me run to buy tickets to see Jerusalem this Sunday. Okay, that and the fact that it has Mackenzie Crook (Gareth from The Office). But now I'm reading loads and loads of very negative reviews about this play. Some people say it's a masterpiece, while others say it's a load of hooey. Yikes, I'm envisioning a long, boring three hours within which I won't understand most of what's being said. Is that the upshot?

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 12:00pm

I didn't "understand' the play but I was enthralled for all three hours of it.

[GimmeABreak2]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 12:01pm

Some people say it's a masterpiece, while others say it's a load of hooey.

Well it seems like it'll have to be up to your own opinion then! I fall on the side of masterpiece (as I've elaborated in other threads on the play). And if you're a fan of Mackenzie Crook already I think you'll love it, he's great in it.

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 12:03pm

Why don't you see it for yourself and decide on your own instead of letting opinions of other people affect how you feel?

I was also enthralled for all three hours. I never had a problem understanding what was being said, though I don't believe I came away understanding the ENTIRE meaning of the play. All I can say is see it for yourself.

[silversurfer2]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 12:05pm

I agree with Jordan: I too was enthralled for the 3 hours, but did some of it go over my head, sure. But Mark Rylance gives a legendary Performance. Go and make up your own mind.It may surprise you.
Updated On: 4/26/11 at 12:05 PM

[matty159]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 12:08pm

Just go and enjoy it without taking into account anything you have read. I thought it was, as Jordan said "enthralling," and it is definitely a thought provoking piece. I am still not 100% sure what it was all about, but it has certainly provoked a lot of good conversation. Definitely do not discount anything that is said or done in the first act. I think that the pacing, frivolity, and fun of the first act contain a lot pieces of information that makes everything that happens later more significant.

Like a David Lynch film, much seems superfluous and insignificant at first, but for me at least, I would love to see the show again to put the pieces together. Count me among those that loved this one...and is maybe overthinking it.

[mybigsplash]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 12:08pm

I'm in the boat that thinks it's the biggest case of "Emperor's new clothes" on Broadway. There is more to say about the play than is actually in the play. To me it's like going to an upscale art gallery and seeing a moldy piece of garbage on display that everyone is calling exquisite "art".

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 12:14pm

I absolutely loved it. I've seen it three times already.

[mybigsplash]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 12:27pm

It would take me at least 3 times seeing this show before I could determine whether it actually has a context or subtext.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 4:21pm

Some people say it's a masterpiece, while others say it's a load of hooey.

That's pretty much the consensus of every show that opens every season.

[tazber]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 7:28pm

I RAN to buy Jerusalem tix..

Best thread title ever.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 7:37pm

I loved it. But even if it's not your cup of tea, it's worth it for the performances of Rylance and Crook, and also for the amazing set.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 7:43pm

Boy, the opinions of strangers mean a lot to you. First, the review made you buy tickets, now opinions make you dread it.

Just go with an open mind and judge for yourself.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 8:08pm

I'll admit it took until the second intermission for me to actually understand why I'm supposed to like or care about anyone in the show, but from start to end I was enthralled about Mark Rylance's performance. It keeps you going when the other parts of the show list a little bit.

Definitely go and judge for yourself. Your own opinion is the only one that should matter to you (unlike others who think their opinion should supersede all others).

[wendilin622]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 8:08pm

As a theatre fan, it is absolutely a show worth seeing. Even if you love or hate it, its one you'll never forget.

[After Eight]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 8:12pm

Mimi,

Why didn't you inform yourself about this play long before Brantley's expected snob hit rave? After the very first preview negative statements were voiced on this board. One person minced no words in calling it a crashing bore and a fraud. He pointed out its glaring deficiencies in several posts and was told in no uncertain terms to shut up and get lost.


Funny thing though, it seems that the show's adulators have no qualms about repeating their adulation again and again, as in this thread, and are met with no reproach.

Funny how that works.


As for understanding it, I don't think you'll have the slightest problem in doing so. In fact, it's easier to understand than the author would doubtlessly wish, since it's clear to see how the play undercuts the author's own premise. The problm is not one of not understanding, but of being bored and irritated beyond belief. I hope that won't happen to you.

[josiahjosiah]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 10:52pm

I've seen it twice now and was completely enthralled both times. I think both the script and the performances are incredible. In fact, I love the writing so much that I've just ordered a copy of the play from Amazon and can't to wait re-live it again. And I have to say that the internet is a blessing: since seeing it the first time I've read dozens of articles, mostly from the London press and blogs that have only enhanced and deepened my appreciation of the play by giving me more specifics about the context. But what makes this play great is that it is not just about "them." It is about "us." Go and enjoy a wonderful night at the theater, and if it grabs you, dive in and find what so many other people have thought who also consider this a great play. I attached a link for one of my favorite articles here. I hope you find it helpful, as I did.

If it's not your kind of thing, it's still a spectacular performance with a lot of talent on that stage and worth every penny and moment spent, which beats a night at home in front of the TV. (IMHO)
Butterworth's Jerusalem: the full English

[josiahjosiah]

Posted: 4/26/11 at 10:52pm

I've seen it twice now and was completely enthralled both times. I think both the script and the performances are incredible. In fact, I love the writing so much that I've just ordered a copy of the play from Amazon and can't to wait re-live it again. And I have to say that the internet is a blessing: since seeing it the first time I've read dozens of articles, mostly from the London press and blogs that have only enhanced and deepened my appreciation of the play by giving me more specifics about the context. But what makes this play great is that it is not just about "them." It is about "us." Go and enjoy a wonderful night at the theater, and if it grabs you, dive in and find what so many other people have thought who also consider this a great play. I attached a link for one of my favorite articles here. I hope you find it helpful, as I did.

If it's not your kind of thing, it's still a spectacular performance with a lot of talent on that stage and worth every penny and moment spent, which beats a night at home in front of the TV. (IMHO)
Butterworth's Jerusalem: the full English

[After Eight]

Posted: 4/27/11 at 1:09am

"Even if you love or hate it, its one you'll never forget."

If one hates it, I wouldn't think being unable to forget it is a good thing, or a persuasive inducement for seeing it.

In fact, I think ithat would be a very unhealthy thing, since the human psyche naturally tries to make us forget unhappy experiences.

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 4/27/11 at 2:22am

The show has totally stayed with me...In a nutshell, its wildly entertaining, funny, poignant and devistating.

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 4/27/11 at 2:22am

The show has totally stayed with me...In a nutshell, its wildly entertaining, funny, poignant and devistating.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/27/11 at 5:20am

No, what has gotten attacked has not been opinions, but ATTITUDES about the posters.

Why would you care, After Eight, whether others don't agree with your opinion. Why are you right and they are wrong? They are opinions, and everyone is entitled to their own. Calling those that DO like it pretentious snobs says more about you than it does them.

If they enjoy it, so be it. I have hated and loved many shows that both posters and critics have felt the opposite way. I have also been a part of the majority for many other shows. SO WHAT? Nobody is wrong or right.

I'm not defending the show, I haven't seen it yet. I'm defending EVERYONE'S right to like or dislike ANY production without being told it's a character flaw to do so.

[wendilin622]

Posted: 4/27/11 at 5:37am

After Eight, you are making it sound as if you were tortured for 3 hours. Or was in some sort of physical pain during the show. You can personally not enjoy something and still appreciate/respect ONE aspect of the production (I would imagine in this case it would be Rylance's performance. Or the set. Or Mackenzie Crook's performance).

If were talking about unhealthy behaviors, the hatred and the way that you go after this show/people who liked it fits the description. You are more than entitled to your opinion but....

[After Eight]

Posted: 4/27/11 at 6:08am

"Why would you care, After Eight, whether others don't agree with your opinion.


I don't.

"Why are you right and they are wrong? They are opinions, and everyone is entitled to their own"

Including me. It cuts both ways.


"Calling those that DO like it pretentious snobs says more about you than it does them."

It says nothing about me since that's not what I said. I said that the play is a snob hit, not that everyone who likes it is a pretentious snob. This distinction was already elaborated in a previous thread. People should read words carefully and not read into words carelessly.


Basically, the problem here is one of hypocrisy, pure and simple. If this is a forum which ostensibly allows for divergent opinions, then they should be allowed. A person who hates a play should have the same right to state his/her dislike as vociferously as he/ she pleases as many times as he/ she wishes as someone who loves the play does, and as they have done in this thread. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. People should face up to their own inabilities to deal with differences of opinion, instead of inventing specious pretexts about " attitudes." And I'm not referring to you here.

[After Eight]

Posted: 4/27/11 at 6:17am

To wendilin:


"After Eight, you are making it sound as if you were tortured for 3 hours."

In theatrical terms, i was. But that's not the issue here.


"If were talking about unhealthy behaviors, the hatred and the way that you go after this show/people who liked it fits the description. You are more than entitled to your opinion but...."


But....what?

You've just exemplified perfectly what I addressed in my previous post.