Its Only A Play (2.0)

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Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 3:13am

Couldnt find the original thread on here, and no one seems to have shared thoughts on the new cast, so...

Went to the Matinee yesterday, bought a ticket for back mezz, they sold so few tickets they moved the entire Mezz into the orchestra and there were still 3 empty rows (yikes).

Its Only A Play was a massive waste. While the cast is giving it their all and theres some funny lines (the exchange between F Murray and Matthew regarding a paper bag I almost died) its extremely miscast (seriously how was Megan playing the part she was and not Stockards part) and horrendously misdirected (its a farce why is it directed at a snails pace. Perfect example,when they are searching for the phone, wheres the frantic energy, furniture should be tipped over, coats thrown etc) and **** Matthew Broderick has the range of a block of wood and Micah Stock is a poor mans Jim Parsons, and god bless Martin Short for doing his best Nathan Lane impression, I enjoyed Maulik a lot (although its scary how much he can pull off "boy wonder" considering he's 41!) and Katie seemed like a great choice for the part and I felt for her at times. In addition all the references have just made an even worse play (remember this originally closed out of town in Philadelphia back in the 70s, theres a reason) that much more unbearable especially when it takes a weird meta turn toward the end, the sad part being it has some very true things to say about the industry (while the delivery was awful the content of the O'Neill monologue and the Marriott monologue really struck a chord with me), but its lost in Kardashian jokes.

Look, Nathan Lane is coming back in April. If you REALLY need to pay $300 to see Mr Lane in something, go see him in the next 6 weeks in "The Iceman Cometh" at BAM.

Why they extended I have no clue (I suspect greed is involved) and just goes to show even when Mr Davenport produces a hit he still manage to run it into the ground.

Updated On: 2/12/15 at 03:13 AM

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 9:01am

Totally disagree

I have a pro video version of Iceman with, I believe, Jason Robards. I am content with watching that. $300 for a show? Maybe if I had Trump bucks but other than that No way

To those who wish to enjoy

Poster Emeritus

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 9:24am

The recent plummet in the show's grosses should answer any and all questions about Nathan Lane's box office prowess versus Broderick's.

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 9:47am

I was at the same performance and also benefited from the half empty house. I had a rear mezzanine seat and we all got moved to the front mezz where I sat second row with no neighbors which was great - albeit depressing to look behind me at the emptiness!

I enjoyed the show but I'm glad I didn't pay $200 for it! The biggest issue I had was the length. I knew going in that it was 2 hrs 30 min (with intermission) but living through it I just felt like it dragged. Perhaps that was a function of the slow pace that LightsOut90 mentioned. At the end of the first act someone behind me wondered aloud if it was over.

I thought Stockard Channing was very good - some excellent one liners and facial expressions and while yes Micah Stock does have Jim Parsons tendencies, his character has a lot of great lines that I think he delivered well.

It was interesting to hear the audience reaction to different jokes, many of which a casual theater-goer might not get. The more serious turn with monologues lamenting changes in the industry was OK with me. After all, New York without Broadway is Newark.

I like a good rhyme more than a good time

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 11:25am

I think the attendance draw for this show was established early with the combo of Lane/broderick who both did promos for the show together and separately. Neither actor draws as well apart as they do together. Since Short is only staying through the end of March, not sure why they would extend unless Lane is returning for the final months.

The only review of a show that matters is your own.

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 12:01pm

"Why they extended I have no clue (I suspect greed is involved)"

The show was making lots of money with high grosses when they extended. Only on this forum would "making a wise business decision" be called "greed".

Some of their casting decisions may not have been so good, but I'm curious if those who always call greed, would just close and walk away from a show making money.

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 12:19pm

I don't know who's spending $300 for ICEMAN but I spent $37/tix for weeknight balcony. I'll see him enough from there!

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 12:26pm

"I think the attendance draw for this show was established early with the combo of Lane/broderick who both did promos for the show together and separately. Neither actor draws as well apart as they do together."

If Matthew Broderick had left instead of Nathan Lane "It's Only a PLay" would still be selling out or close to it. Nathan Lane is a draw. With the exception of people who want to see "Ferris Bueller" Matthew Broderick is becoming less and less of one.

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 12:29pm

"Neither actor draws as well apart as they do together. "

You can't be serious re Lane. A legend.

<-----I'M TOTES ROLLING MY EYES

Updated On: 2/12/15 at 12:29 PM

#10

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 12:36pm

Matthew Broderick is Nathan's Garfunkel.

#11

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 12:38pm

Nathan Lane is like Batman…..

Updated On: 2/12/15 at 12:38 PM

#12

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 1:36pm

lol, Matthew Broderick is Teller to Nathan's Penn Gillette.

<-----I'M TOTES ROLLING MY EYES

#13

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 1:59pm

But without Teller's timing.

#14

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 2:02pm

I had always been under the impression that Teller is the genius of the group, with Penn as the flamboyant showman mouthpiece of the duo.

#15

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 2:47pm

I have never seen a performance suck the energy out of the room like Broderick's in this play. Lane is a reliably entertaining performer and can certainly draw an audience.

Broderick isn't and can't.

"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."

#16

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 2:51pm

I didn't see Nathan Lane in this, only Martin Short. But from what I know of Nathan Lane, I wondered if it would even be plausible to believe that his character could be best friend's with Broderick's.

I like a good rhyme more than a good time

#17

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 3:10pm

That is what is called acting.

Poster Emeritus

#18

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 3:30pm

I enjoyed Maulik a lot

Really? I thought he was horrendous. I found Grint more believable in the role.

#19

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 4:09pm

I saw the play on Tuesday night and realized it's poorly written and it has its problems but I really enjoyed it. I think Martin Short is remarkable in the role and is starting to ad lib quite a bit. I also enjoyed Micha Stock. His every appearance lit up the stage.

I have to agree with others about Matthew Broderick's lack of energy as an actor. The show's pace died once he entered and it only regained its gumption in spits and spurts from that point on.

I left the theater wondering how I could have enjoyed the show as much as I did. I guess there were enough one-liners and zingers to keep me happy. Actually, I wouldn't mind seeing it again.

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

Updated On: 2/12/15 at 04:09 PM

#20

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 4:11pm

Hey guys. I'm seeing the show tomorrow night. I appreciated reading all your feedback and critique of the show. Perhaps I'll like it. Also, I know this isn't a stage door thread and I don't mean for it to start being one, but I plan on sticking around after the show. Has anyone had any luck? Thanks!

#21

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 4:38pm

With Lane gone, you should have no problem other than actors leaving thru a side door to escape signing. Doubt there will be any crowds like the mass hysteria that happens after every performance of If/Then

Poster Emeritus

#22

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 4:43pm

@MrRoxy. Thank you very much. My friend and I would be happy to meet the cast, but our main concern is Matthew Broderick. That's our hope.

#23

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 4:49pm

You should have no problem if he is your target.

Poster Emeritus

#24

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 6:22pm

If this were a musical and not a play, I would agree that Lane alone would keep the crowds coming in. However in plays, he is not the same draw. I have sat in theaters during The Nance, Butley and November so I can attest to that. This is not to even imply that Broderick comes close to Lane in talent but there is no mistaking their ability to sell tickets together, i.e. the Producers, the Odd Couple and this current play as examples. If this play had only cast Lane originally, it would not have extended twice. I think McNally and the producers figured that out because Broderick was not in the original plan for this play.

The only review of a show that matters is your own.

#25

Its Only A Play (2.0)

Posted: 2/12/15 at 11:26pm

"I have to agree with others about Matthew Broderick's lack of energy as an actor. The show's pace died once he entered and it only regained its gumption in spits and spurts from that point on. "

Every show he has been in since "The Producers" he seems to be considered fairly awful, dull,wooden etc. Amazing how much mileage he got out of that one show !!

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