Is He Dead and The Homecoming this past week

[adamgreer]

Posted: 2/19/08 at 11:00pm

Two very different plays, two very different reactions from me. But, I loved both shows, albeit for different reasons.

Is He Dead was so refreshing, because it was nice to just sit and watch a play that was nothing but a comedy (probably why I also enjoyed November so much). The cast was fantastic, and Norbert Leo Butz may soon have to clear another spot on his mantle for his second Tony. The whole thing is a complete farce, but it's clever and well-done. I laughed continuously throughout, as did most of the audience. The entire cast was great, although I was surprised at how little most of them had to do. The show really is a vehicle for Norbert (and he was the only actor, incidentally, to get entrance applause) and he carries the weight of it on his shoulders. With a lesser actor, the whole thing could get old very quickly, but Norbert manages to keep it interesting, and keep the audience laughing. Sadly, however, the Lyceum was less than half-full. They closed off the balcony, and moved all those people to the mezz, which looked to be about a third of the way full. The orchestra was about half-full. Nevertheless, the cast was on top of their game, and gave it their all. I definitely recommend this (and enjoyed it a lot more than two of the other new plays this season- Seafarer and Rock n Roll).

This evening, I saw The Homecoming, which I went into knowing NOTHING about. I had never seen a Pinter show before, and had not read this one, so I was in way prepared for the craziness that was Act 2. It took me completely by surprise and fascinated me. Ian McShane was wonderful. I may get shot for saying this (particularly with Company airing this week), but I think Raul Esparza does some of his best work in this show. I thought he was brilliant, to be perfectly frank. Act 1 is a little slow to get going, but the payoff is worth it. It definitely evoked some very differing reactions from the audience in the orchestra tonight (which was very full). The woman next to me slept through most of the show, while the couple behind me left at intermission. Others, myself included, seemed to really enjoy it. There was lots of nervous laughter, particularly in Act 2, when it starts to become clear what is happening.

On a side note, I have never seen as many latecomers as I did at The Homecoming tonight. People were still arriving well into Act 1, even after the married couple arrives. I was amazed.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 2/20/08 at 9:52am

Sounds like you had a wonderful time!

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 2/20/08 at 10:09am

Great reviews of two wonderful shows!