"It's Only a Play" Preview Thread — Page 2

"But my issue is that play is a strange mix of insider type jokes...and then lots of common denominator ones that made me grown..."

Now, now, the play is not that long!

But it truly is just a series of inside jokes. I saw a production of it in LA 22 years ago and there is only so much a good cast can do with it. This production, buoyed by Nathan Lane, will probably score as a Broadway event but that's about it. The play itself is a meal that will leave you hungry if ever there was one.

Updated On: 8/29/14 at 06:49 AM

To quote a theatre insider friend -- "With this cast if they wanted to do a FUNNY and WELL WRITTEN show biz comedy, they should have just done a bang up revival of Light up the Sky, a much better show." I've never heard anyone say that this script has much going for it.

Still I'm anxious to see it and have my ticket for November. Isn't Matthew Broderick stumbling over lines a usual occurrence?

Does Stockard Channing still have that kabuki mask-like face from OTHER DESERT CITIES that doesn't move at all? I was hoping that was just temporary botox because she was playing an uptight Republican.

Did anyone do the student rush for this? Any ideas about how early one might have to get there?

Sorry...what's the "other" site ? I'd like to read those. How was Murray Abraham in the play ? Can't imagine anything but wonderful.

http://www.talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=2231297

---

"Thankfully, though, it’s worth it for the cast, except for Matthew Broderick (whose character isn’t very interesting)"

Maybe the character isn't interesting because the bland and lazy Matthew Broderick is playing him. He's probably giving the same non performance he's given for the last 20 years.

Updated On: 8/29/14 at 07:15 PM

Ok I just got back from the show tonight, and I personally loved it! I can see why others have criticized it: Some moments were slow with some "groaner" jokes as someone here put it, but I found it to be hilarious most of the time. There were a lot of insider jokes, but a lot of it is just overall cleverly written, hilarious and engaging in my opinion. I thought the cast was great, and Rupert Grint was a very pleasant surprise. He has well earned his place on Broadway in my book. Overall, while some moments were weak, the show as a whole struck me as very strong and very funny. I would definitely recommend it.

"Did anyone do the student rush for this? Any ideas about how early one might have to get there?"

I did the student rush this morning. I got there at around 8:45 and was first in line. The line wasn't all that long by 10:00. I got a seat in the 4th row of the orchestra, far house left. Great seats. It was marked as "obstructed view" but there were only a couple times when an actor went out of sight. Definitely great seats in my opinion.

I also did the stage-door tonight. It was very packed, needless to say. Rupert and Micah were the only ones to come out, which didn't especially surprise me. Rupert came out and signed just for the people in the front of the barricade on both sides (he didn't go around the corner to the people on the sides like actors sometimes do). The stage-door man said he wouldn't pose for photos, but when people asked him for photos, he seemed happy to oblige. Micah did not seem to expect anyone to want to talk to him, but when people called him over he was happy to sign and take pictures (though he didn't have his own pen).

Saw tonight's second preview, and have to agree with what's already been said. Broderick was mehhh, but the rest of the cast was excellent, even Mullally who still came across a little Karen Walker-esque.

I happened to walk past the theater on my way to work around 10:40 this morning. There was no line, and was able to get an obstructed view seat, orchestra row H seat 21 for $37. The obstruction was minimal, and i was able to see 99% of all the action. I still managed to move up one row, into the center aisle seat, for an even better view.

xoffender45 is that a student rush or general rush? Thanks!

Double post

Updated On: 8/31/14 at 06:12 PM

Just saw Saturdays matinee,so glad I'm " not in the business" just a theater fan-I LOVED it, laughed all afternoon along with rest of audience!

I happened upon this article and it's driving me crazy:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2737971/Rupert-Grint-sports-smokey-eye-ahead-opening-night-It-s-Only-A-Play.html

All over the article they keep saying these pictures are from BEFORE the show on "Opening night" when they were all taken AFTER the show on the first preview. That's he's wearing the eyeliner to begin with. Is it weird that it bothers me? I guess it just shows their ignorance of the theatre world. They don't mind posting incorrect facts if it will make readers think that Rupert Grint walks around with eyeliner in his regular life.