Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
To Mysteriousgrowl:
You use words like "seem" and "suggest" in your post, which seems and suggests to me that you assume and surmise too much in your interpretations of these negative reactions, so much so that you've misjudged what they're all about. A person can be angry and affronted if the play angers and affronts. It's as simple as that. Since you haven't even seen it, then I would you say you presume quite a bit in assessing others' reactions.
As to the discussion you seem to demand, as opposed to the "pummeling of wings," that discussion took place in the FIRST thread on this play. If you use the search feature, I'm sure you can find it.
As for the notion of "insecurity," you have yet to explain that one.
And as for not "addressing me directly" in your post, please, how disingenuous can you get? At least ljay and the others, rude as they were, made no bones about who they were whaling into.
I did not address you directly. How is that disingenuous? It sounds a little paranoid. I'm sorry if your seeing it that way bothers you. But I'm okay with you making the inference. That's your issue to own, not mine.
Also, I did not "demand" discussion. I *suggested* it's a more useful route than setting up combative dichotomies.
Also, I followed the first thread the entire time it was around. And despite your bemoaning the existence of this thread, you've certainly shown no qualms about contributing to it, even when not directly addressed.
The notion of "insecurity" comes from what I described as (what I've perceived to be) the accusatory anger and paranoia in the tone of some responses, yours included, referring to the play as a "snob" hit and using conspiratorial language like "cachet" to describe critical consensus. Maybe you disagree with me, and that's fine. I have no problem admitting that's only my perception.
And finally, I don't understand what my not having seen the show has to do with offering my opinions on people's reactions to it. I've made no judgments about the play itself. I've simply comparing responses to it to responses other shows receive. I've noticed a marked difference, and I've talked about that. That's all.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
I just got back from the show and I really liked it. I have to echo others in praising Mark Rylance's performance. Probably one of the best stage performances I've ever seen. I was completely engaged the entire time. I thought the play was funny, smart, and the characters all had a lot of depth. I think with certain aspects of the show, specifically the way that it ended I need to keep thinking about it. I would love to see it again and pick up on things that I undoubtedly missed. Definitely a great show. Hopefully it does really well in reviews tomorrow and come Tony time (I don't see how Rylance can not win that award...)
I saw the matinee today and I really don't know what to make of it. I've spoken to a number of people who told me they were bored to death during it and two friends who left at intermission so I didn't know what to expect. I can tell you that I wasn't once bored with what was on stage which in retrospect is very odd because I have no idea what it was that I was watching. I can't tell you what this play was about, at least not right now. I don't think there was an actual plot, but maybe I'm wrong. I really expected a "snob" show that hammered some message into you for three hours until you thought you'd seem something brilliant but that's not what this was for me. I don't really even know if there was a "message" or a "point" to it, which I really enjoyed. Some of it even bordered on theater of the absurd in a way.
As for Rylance, I've found him to be the most overhyped and overpraised actor alive these past few years, even though I enjoy him but I do think he deserves a fair amount of the praise he's getting for this. It's not the greatest performance ever put on a stage like the quotes outside the theater suggest but it's definitely one of the strongest of this season and damnit, I couldn't tell you why. lol
I need to sit in a room alone for a few hours and just think about it.
Also, does anyone know the name of the song that played at the end? I thought it was really beautiful.
Stand-by Joined: 4/14/09
"Who Knows Where the Time Goes?" by Sandy Denny
Youtube - Sandy Denny -Who Know's Where the Time Goes?
Jordan, I felt the same way to some degree. I'm not sure I could fully describe what the play was about (actually, a friend asked me tonight, and I was still stumped as to what it was about). What I saw is beginning to register a bit more, but I knew immediately that I saw something special. And I really enjoyed it.
I feel like there is so much to analyze here, that the more I continue to think about it, the more I'll understand? Or maybe not. I'm still not entirely sure.
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/28/09
Now that it's been a week since I've seen it, I still can't really figure it either. I knew I loved it right after I saw it, but it has settled in my mind in a strange way. I like it just as much now, but it has almost become like a recurring nightmare. It really is, to me, very gutsy theatre.
Leading Actor Joined: 11/10/07
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/28/09
While it isn't the kind of play that makes things easy on the audience, I don't think it's only for "snobs". I like when I see a play that challenges me. But I was also very entertained and found it very funny.
"It's easier to say something you didn't like or understand is for snobs than to say you didnt get it or even that you plain just didn't enjoy it."
Absolutely. I'm always wary of people who define their reactions to art more so in terms of other people's reactions than the specifics of the piece itself.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
"I'm not a snob and thoroughly enjoyed all three hours."
The expression "snob hit" does not mean that everyone who likes it is a snob. It merely refers to a kind of play that snobs will love, and even more importantly, will love proclaiming loudly that they love while turning up their noses at the unenlightened hordes.
I am a theatre snob: I like good theatre that makes me think and feel.
Can't wait to see this.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
Chorus Member Joined: 4/24/11
1st act was just okay. Supporting cast not very strong, other than mackenzie crook. 2nd act was really good. 3rd act was brilliant! mark rylance is mesmerizing and breathtaking. sitting perfectly still, speaking calmly, softly, he was captivating. go see this one if you haven't already.
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