JOURNEY'S END closing this Sunday!

[jochang621]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 1:50pm

This is so depressing. An amazing piece of theater, it is a quiet revolution that moved the audience's mind subtly with a group of soldier's simple concerns about living in the front lines.

This show will be missed.

Anyone going to the last performance?

[retrogirl44]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 2:09pm

hi jochang: I work there (aisle # 1, orch) and would be happy to chat with you. I have watched the play every other night for 4 months, and never was bored.

[BigsCanYouHereMe?]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 3:49pm

I will be there. Looking forward to some drama for one night. With all the shows I have seen lately, I cannot wait. Last closing show I was at was Proposals by Neil Simon so it has been a long time.

[antiandrewx]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 3:52pm

I'm seeing it tomorrow night for my second time, very sad that it is closing.

[Amneris]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 4:00pm

saw the show again last night for the 2nd time. I still can't believe it's closing. What an amazing piece of theater. I also had the pleasure of sitting next to Richard Thomas who was incredibly sweet.

[jochang621]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 4:01pm

antiandrewx, i hope you enjoy it for the second time! i love getting lost in their world with all the little things of their daily lives in the context of something much bigger than them.

jefferson mays - what a performance. i can't imagine watching him every other night, what a treat!!

retrogirl, unfortunately i'm not going to be there closing night! i'm just so sorry to see it close so early, it was nice having it open to see whenever i could.
Updated On: 6/8/07 at 04:01 PM

[jochang621]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 4:04pm

oh cool, i hope richard thomas enjoyed the show! i saw him in twelve angry men, he's an amazing actor as well. i'm sure as an actor, he appreciates the talent that he sees onstage.

at least tickets have been selling more! retrogirl, have you noticed that the theater seems more full these days?

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 4:20pm

Im sad =(

I wish I can go to see it again ......

j*
Updated On: 6/8/07 at 04:20 PM

[jochang621]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 8:35pm

The cast members are saying the last night is going to be very emotional... should be a really great show to watch.

[retrogirl44]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 11:18pm

Almost sold out tonite, except the balc. To answer your Q: Absolutely, especially the past 3 days and last weekend! However, people forget that we started previews on feb 8. It was a limited 4 month run. Unfortunately, for the past 3.5 months, we were practically empty. No mezz. or balc. I believe that it was a difficult play to market, and the marketing was terrible, i.e. the photographs and layouts of the ads, etc. Who knows what the budget was? However, even when there were perhaps 200 in the house, the performers never gave less than 1,000%, every single perf. Not one perf. missed by any actor. A lovely group!
It's just really too bad that the very recent rush of word of mouth is soooooo late! But better late than never, and the buzz during the walk-in tonight was
really wonderful, and the people are asking great questions about the show. These producers of this show could have closed shop months ago, but didn't. Probably lost a bundle, but in my 35+ years of theatregoing, I can say without a doubt that this was one of the best and m0st thought provoking pieces I've ever seen. Could one ever imagine an empty set, no actors, nothing but the thoughts and emotions of every audience member one huge tangle of SILENT HEARTBEATS ??!!! (that's only 1 of many moments). To work here every night, was a gift, if not difficult. By that I mean, one can not watch it EVERY single night--I'd be a basket case. Too emotional.
All you actors and aspiring actors out there, don't miss. You'll be sorry... (There are still tix available for the weekend!)

[Just_John]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 11:25pm

So its definately not going to extend after winning the tony?

[retrogirl44]

Posted: 6/8/07 at 11:29pm

Yes...
-Boyd Gaines is going to be in GYPSY w/Lupone and Co., Jefferson Mays is doing PYGMALION in the fall....

[AnnaLouise1986]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 12:19am

And Stark Sands will immediately be on location the day after (that Monday) for a film he's doing. It really is over. It couldn't be more bittersweet that this show is going out with dignity.
Updated On: 6/9/07 at 12:19 AM

[jochang621]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 1:06am

it's going to be so bittersweet if/when they win the tony for "best revival" and no one can enjoy it after the great publicity.

I was just thankful that it opened past May, which was when I saw it!! I was really afraid it wouldn't stay open that long, but so relieved I got to experience it.

I hope the ticket sales continue through the weekend, as I'm sure it will. I can't believe none of the actors have ever been out.

[retrogirl44]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 1:26am

believe away! An ensemble whose love exudes onstage. Wow, almost like the old days when Marian Seldes was in Deathtrap for god knows how many years, never missing a perf. Some kind of record, but I forgot...

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 1:32am

I had the golden opportunity to catch this masterpiece on Tuesday night (the 5th). I can't even find it within myself to describe the experience. It was one of the absolute finest acting jobs I have EVER witnessed. Hugh Dancy damn well deserved a nomation with Mr. Gaines (who was stupendous in his role, as well). Jefferson Mays (FINALLY go to see him live for once) and plan on booking a pair of tix to PYGMAILION in the fall just to see him again! "Sorta cutlets, sir." had me laughing ... a lot, and Stark Sands was GREAT, too! Top-notch performances throughout. The lighting, the set, the raw emotion and intensity that oozed from the Belasco. Thank you, boys, for giving the theatre world something to cheer for! Thank you for letting us into your world, into the trenches. Thank you Belasco staff for housing such a wonderful experience. Here's hoping something of the same influence and impact comes around once more ... Someday.

[jochang621]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 1:44am

well said, limelight... when i saw it as well, i almost feel like i didn't fully *get* it until days later... or maybe my emotions were processing for the entire time. I would do anything to see it again.

one of my favorite parts is when trotter recites the strawberry jam poem to mason, and jefferson may's expression as he walks away... a comic mix of disdain, not quite knowing what to do, and trying to be courteous!

is it common for shows to pick up right before they close? or is the house filling up thanks to the tony buzz?

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 1:59am

Honestly, I think it's a little bit of both. Having since opened to such 'critical acclaim' (i.e.: word-of-mouth), the show's found an audience -- Of course, it can be looked at as 'all too late'. I don't think of it that way at all, though. I feel that for a while, people weren't all that sure on how to take to the piece, they were probably a little iffy, maybe a little scared even: "Is it going to spark flames because it's rumored to be an anti-war piece?", "Is the subject matter lively enough to sit there for over 2 1/2 hours?", "Are the performances worth it?" I feel that the cast and crew deliver on every-which-facet. Wholeheartedly. Will they take the top prize? I'm not sure, but I damn sure hope so. As far as I'm concerned, I have a new 'dream role' in Stanhope.

[jochang621]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 2:05am

do you also think that people are coming to see what the "critical" fuss is all about? not necessarily because they would see it otherwise?

[retrogirl44]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 2:05am

it's common, however, we who work in the Front of House, always know when the sentiment for a play is REAL or not.
This is a combo of show closing, incredibly good buzz.
Patrons have engaged me in numerous conversations. I have noticed from Day 1, that everyone brings a bit of their life to this. For example, much of the core audience in the first 3 months were war veterans, WWII (men in their 80's and wives), Vietnam, Korean War, and were literally sobbing at the end, unable to get up from their seats. Somewhat weird but wonderful hearing grown men cry. Personally, the play gets to me, in the way in which men communicate.Something SOOOOOOO real in true life, right? THAT's what I think people relate to.

[jochang621]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 2:06am

retro, that's really cool to get the insider's perspective on how an audience reacts as a whole to this play.

[retrogirl44]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 2:38am

curious..have you read the post by "harrison" at 2:35 am on All That Chat? I know people have diverse opinions about stuff, but does this person seem like an uber intellectual drama professor, or failed playwright? How can one enjoy a show when dissecting every detail. Ya gotta let it flow, sometimes? Get caught up....

[jochang621]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 10:29am

retrogirl, can you provide a link to his post? i'm curious what harrison has to say...

[Testing1232]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 11:09am

I still want to try some tea w/ onion !!!

[Autumn2]

Posted: 6/9/07 at 1:48pm

I saw the show twice and really loved it. But what a staff they have at the belasco! One usher, a black woman in the back of orchestra level just screaming at people. My husband asked her to direct him to the mens room and she pointed towards the ladies room. When I told her that, she yelled at me! Then there is them manager that smells like she has been drinking and looks like she is about to fall over! The first time we saw the show my arm fell off my chair and they told me to see the manager. Not helpfull at all! Then ther is the usher who's phone keeps buzzing while she is seating peopole, and keeps looking to see who called. I never see this at other theaters!! Does anyone esle have any similar experiences? They should get rid of the entire staff and start over!!!
Updated On: 6/11/07 at 01:48 PM