Jason Alexander to Replace Larry David in FISH IN THE DARK in June — Page 2

I saw the matinee yesterday and enjoyed the show a lot. Is it "profound"? (Inside joke.) No, it isn't shocking or groundbreaking. What it is is funny. Very consistently so. I do not like Larry David as a performer, but I do like his writing. So for me, seeing Fish in the Dark with Jason Alexander (TDF seat, third row mezzanine) was great. After all, as George Costanza, he essentially played Larry David all those years on Seinfeld, so he's really good at it.

It's a family drama that kind of starts off like The Lyons, the Linda Lavin play, but veers off into different territory. Jason Alexander plays it big and broad (I didn't see David in the role), but it works for me. He's basically George Costanza having a very bad week: flailing about, thinking about food at inopportune moments, trying to have his way with women so far out of his league it's laughable, etc. Since I am a big fan of Seinfeld, I liked all of this. Also, because the show is on stage rather than network TV, the situations can be risque.

The cast is great and game for anything. Of course Jayne Houdyshell is a standout as the mother. Glenne Headly, Ben Shenkman, Lewis J. Stadlen, and Marylouise Burke are terrific as various flawed family members. Jake Cannavale is wonderful as the half-naked Diego, and his bit is very very funny. (What you DON'T see is even funnier!)

I am very interesting in hearing from people who have seen both David and Alexander in the role. From what I have read, I get the feeling that Alexander skipped some of the prototypical David mannerisms and catchphrases.

Compared to my evening show, the unfortunate Preludes at LCT3, Fish in the Dark is a work of genius!

Updated On: 6/11/15 at 11:50 AM

How is the Mezz overhang at the Cort? Is it close to the stage? I'm hoping to book a seat, just trying to think about catching the action from a decent vantage point...

Having seen both - and this may be sacrilege to say - I thought Jason actually transformed the whole evening for the better. He was really impressive. It made you feel like he really deserved to find a new vehicle on stage. Larry was enjoyable, but Jason was galvanizing. His command, characterization, and energy really drove the play in a way it was lacking previously. I thought he was fantastic - and seemingly so did the audience.

"How is the Mezz overhang at the Cort? Is it close to the stage? I'm hoping to book a seat, just trying to think about catching the action from a decent vantage point..."

Honestly, pretty much anywhere in the Cort especially in the orchestra and mezzanine is a good view. I've sat in all different parts of both the farthest back P in the orchestra (that was where I sat for this) and row F in the mezzanine and it was a great time in each. The overhang if you sit in the rear orchestra obstructs a little bit of the drop curtain but other than that nothing. I've never sat in the balcony as I don't really like sitting that high up but those don't mind it say that the Cort has a good one.

I've sat on all three levels of the Cort and can honestly say I've never had a bad experience, and the balcony provides a great view that feels so close. I wouldn't avoid it at all.

Limited edition signed by the original cast of Larry David's Fish in the Dark, now starring Jason Alexander. Proceeds will support Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS in Rita Wilson's name in support of the fight against Breast cancer. These limited prints are $175.00 each and will help support a great cause. Don't Miss Out on your chance.

About the Artwork

Purchase an original and limited edition print for Larry David's hit Broadway play Fish in the Dark. The Limited edition print of 100 copies from a total series of 300 is signed by the entire Broadway Opening Night Cast. The prints were created by renowned artist Brian Strumwasser, and are not sold anywhere else except here on eBay. This wonderful signed limited edition print comes directly from the Broadway company of Fish in the Dark.

Brian Strumwasser is an accomplished make up artist and visual artist. Every season he chooses a very small selection of Broadway shows from which he produces beautiful artwork. This print was created by Brian Strumwasser in honor of Larry David's Fish in the Dark. It features the Playbill cover of Fish in the Dark, as well as a gorgeous pop art interpretation of the show's author and star Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm). The print has been signed and numbered by Brian Strumwasser. The print image measures 6.5" x 6.5" is printed on 8.5" x 11" 120 lbs paper. Additional information (including a reiteration of its numbering) is also included on the back of the print. Signature placement will vary based on the number of the print. Specific numbers can not requested and will be fulfilled in the order they were purchased.

Cast Signatures

Proceeds benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised more than $250 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. Broadway Cares awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide and is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Dancers’ Resource and the Stage Managers’ Project. For more information, visitbroadwaycares.org

About the Artist

Brian Strumwasser is a New York based visual artist who also works in film, print, and Broadway as makeup artist and hair stylist. He has worked with some of the most celebrated people in the entertainment industry. His work as a makeup artist has graced some of the most prestigious magazines. With his tremendous talent and outgoing personality he has worked the fashion industry, film, television, runway shows, Broadway, and have published work in magazines such as: Make-up Artist Magazine, People, Vanity Fair, Women's Wear Daily. Learn more at brianstrumwasser.com

About Fish in the Dark

A NEW STAR JOINS “THE HOTTEST TICKET IN NEW YORK!” (Los Angeles Times). See Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander in Larry David’s Fish in the Dark for six weeks only beginning June 9th. Good seats are available at last for the show the New York Times calls “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster.” Learn more at fishinthedark.com

I saw last Friday's matinee, and I thought the show was just okay. One thing that puzzled me was Glenne Headly-- she has absolutely no body awareness at all, and it detracted from my ability to process her character. Had I closed my eyes, everything would have been just fine, but her clunky walk (has she ever had to walk in heels before?) and her clumsy indicating mannerisms were just too much like community theater for me. Other than that, I really enjoyed the show, but I was disappointed in Headly's performance.

"Perez said the show has extended 2 weeks this morning on The View. "

yes it has.

FISH IN THE DARK EXTENDS THROUGH AUG. 1

I also didn't quite get Glenne Headley in this. She is a likeable stage presence but her airy-fairy delivery seemed at odds with everybody else on stage, and little she said seemed convincing.

no complaints about the rest of a stellar cast. Jason Alexander is a pocket rocket of comic dynamism. I loved his performance so much, a masterclass of comic neuroticism. Unmissable. I didn't see David but I am more than fine with JA.

I rushed this past Friday and got there a little after 8. I was sixth in line and got box seats.

Thanks for sharing herewegoabc! Were the box seats partial view in any way? I remember sitting in a box for Waiting for Godot and missing some of the action.

Looking for some insight on timing. My train leaves Penn Station at 5 on Friday so I'd like to squeeze in a matinee. My preference is Fish in the Dark since it closes soon, but would I cut it too close? I'd leave my bags at my hotel near Macy's, so at least it's somewhat on the way. Otherwise, thinking I may have to go with Hand to God due to the shorter runtime.

I went back to the show last night to see how Alexander and Headly were handling the material.

I must say that I enjoyed it so much more this time around with Alexander in the lead. He truly was hysterical and helped cover the flaws in the play much better than David did. At this point maybe Alexander can just play Larry David better than Larry David can.

He did cut some of the famous catchphrases, including, "Pretty, pretty good." Less pandering is never a bad thing though!

I unfortunately wasn't the biggest fan of Headly's performance. The description above of an "airy-fairy delivery" was dead on, and it felt at odds with the rest of the cast. (So does Perez's performance, but that's another matter...) Rita Wilson played Brenda very much like Cheryl Hines would have played her, plus they both had a similar look. In fairness to Headly, the role isn't that well-written; it's pretty hard to root for Brenda when Norman is constantly trying to do the right thing and is very clearly the put upon hero of the piece.

Houdyshell and Shenkman were stronger than I remember and both landed all of their laughs.

The scene changes were faster, but some of that death certificate stuff wears thin as the night goes on. Act two is still weaker than act one, and it all ends abruptly, but I laughed a lot and had a good time. Definitely worth the return visit to see Alexander's Norman.