Isherwood on the new OSAGE cast

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 7:43am

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/16/theater/reviews/16osag.html?_r=2&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

[scaryclowns223]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 8:14am

This is interesting, because I saw the show again last night and, while I found it to be entertaining and certainly a wonderful play, it was lacking something that the original cast had and this cast did not. The new additions were great, but they weren't quite adept as the original cast members at keeping with the pace of the play and really landing the humor. HOWEVER, they all made the roles their own and did a good job of being individuals in their roles.

Whereas it was Deanna Dunagan's show before, it is now unquestionably Amy Morton's- and her arc is awe-inspiring and terrifying.

The show is still great, but you just can't help but compare to what you saw before.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 8:15am

I saw both and can't compare. Granted, my first time was in previews almost 8 months ago.
Updated On: 7/16/08 at 08:15 AM

[DMsquared2]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 12:52pm

I'd love to see Deanna Dunagan reprise her role in the movie (last time I heard there are three studios battling over the rights to the play).

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:14pm

I saw the play this past Friday for the first time. Parson was fantastic, but had she been up for the Tony against Morton, I would have been outraged had Morton lost. Morton simply commanded that stage, and she truly impacted me in ways that I can't even begin to explain. I will say though that Parson gives a great performance, and I agree with Isherwood that there is a sort of childish pleasure throughout her performance.

*SORT OF SPOILER*
Molly Regan is a riot, but her last scene with Amy Morton doesn't really pack a punch, I don't think she handled the revelation of the big twist that well.
*END SPOILER*


The rest of the cast was top-notch with a few exceptions here and there. Having said that, it is Amy Morton's performance the one that I feel I'll remember the rest of my life as one of the most intense and impacting performances I have seen.

*SPOILER*
When she screams "I'm running things now!" at the end of Act II, I got chills down my spine, and at intermission I had to sit there in awe for a good time, then I had to run downstairs to have a cigarette (and I never smoke when I go to the theatre). It was just too intense to describe
*END SPOILER*

Thanks for posting that review Yankee.

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:35pm

I actually wanted Amy Morton to Win the Tony over Dunagan. My jaw just dropped to the floor at the end of the second act, and I too ran for a cigarette! I really hope to see it again this fall. it will be interesting to see who is cast in the touring production.

[BustopherPhantom]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:43pm

I gotta see this bitch before it closes.

[Patash]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:48pm

I only saw the replacements. But I too was overwhelmed with Amy Morton's performance. I can't stop thinking about it weeks later. Estelle Parsons was wonderful as well, and Mr. Isherwood's comments comparing her interpretation to Deanna Dunagan's echo what several friends have said.

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 3:00pm

I do think Amy Morton dominates this show.

Estelle comes off as much more maternal than Deanna's monstrous mother-from-hell. I think that makes her outbursts all the more shocking and devastating. Both of those women have the devil in them when they play Violet. In the end, I felt much worse for Estelle than I did for Deanna. She made Violet a human. A dreadful, terrifying human. Barbara is just written to dominate when Violet and Barbara are played well, but Estelle gave Amy a run for her money, I think. It's hard to compare though. Estelle and Deanna are both so powerful and venomous.

As for the rest of the cast, Molly Regan was very funny. Sure, she was no Rondi Reed, but she's not "fat, old Aunt Mattie Fae" anymore. Mattie Fae is now less of a force like her sister. The lines were still funny and I still think she left the impression she needed to leave. Frank Wood as Bill is, I think, better suited. Jeff Perry seemed too old to me. Molly Ranson was SUCH an improvement from Madeleine. Dear God, that girl's voice could drill holes in a wall. Molly was very funny and not at all annoying. Michael Maguire was excellent as Bev. Many say he couldn't be understood, but I beg to differ. Sure, some things are slurred a bit more than others, but HELLO! He's hammered. The point gets across and the story is told. What needs to be understood is understood and he even got a few more laughs than Dennis (R.I.P.). Jim True-Frost was great as Little Charles. Ian was a bit too... weird, I guess is the word I'm looking for. Lastly, Robert Foxworth as Charlie was also great. He and Francis both gave very funny, well-acted performances.

Overall, I don't think anything was lost with the cast. There are some things I miss, but there are also some things I wish had been discovered by the originals. It's nice to see that the casting directors know exactly what they're looking for and cast talented replacements. Too often, plays are disregarded on Broadway. It's about time the got the same kind of attention as musicals. Thank you, "August!"

[jennyish]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 6:22pm

I'm glad the new cast members are getting positive reviews. I haven't managed to see this show yet and I was disappointed to miss some of the original cast.

[gustof777]

Posted: 8/3/08 at 7:47pm

in case anyone was wondering. Madeline Martin is back in the show...I'm guessing back from filming Californication and is slightly better from the Imperial but you can still hear dogs from Jersey crying every time she opens her mouth.