MARY JANE Previews

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/1/24 at 12:08am

Rachel McAdams makes her Broadway debut in the new play Mary Jane, starting previews at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre tomorrow (April 2) before an April 23 official opening. Joining her in the cast are April Matthis, Susan Pourfar, Lily Santiago, and Brenda Wehle. Mary Jane is written by Amy Herzog and directed by Anne Kauffman; the limited engagement concludes on June 2.

“Captivating, affectionate, and compassionate, it’s the story of a single mother in an impossible family situation. Faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, Mary Jane relies on unflagging optimism and humor, along with the wisdom of the women around her who have become a makeshift family, to take on each new day. But will inner strength and newfound friendships be enough to see her through?”

Who’s going?

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 4/1/24 at 12:56pm

Originally there was a traffic jam of shows starting previews on the same day, with this, Mother Play, and Uncle Vanya. The latter two have both delayed by a day, so if anyone wants to see a first preview tomorrow, this is the one to go to.  Still plenty of seats left (though fewer than there were last night.) Here's hoping it doesn't get delayed too. 

eta: Stereophonic was originally scheduled to start previews April 3, but added one to start on April 2 as well.

Updated On: 4/1/24 at 12:56 PM

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/1/24 at 1:35pm

MemorableUserName said: "Originally there was a traffic jam of shows starting previews on the same day, with this, Mother Play, and Uncle Vanya. The latter two have both delayed by a day, so if anyone wants to see a first preview tomorrow, this is the one to go to. Still plenty of seats left (though fewer than there were last night.) Here's hoping it doesn't get delayed too."

Stereophonic also begins previews tomorrow.

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 4/1/24 at 3:58pm

My mistake. I forgot that they added the preview to start a day early than originally intended.

[AC126748]

Posted: 4/1/24 at 4:00pm

Is the Rachel McAdams's first professional stage appearance ever? If so, it's gutsy for her to do a play like this that's a real acting tour de force. Wishing her the best.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/1/24 at 4:11pm

Looking forward to first preview reports! I do think this is her first professional stage appearance! 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 10:52pm

TodayTix lists a 1:35 runtime, no intermission

[jbm2]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 10:54pm

Any discount codes for this? 

[yyys]

Posted: 4/2/24 at 11:05pm

friend who went tonight said it was almost 2 hours tonight, but it's first preview.

 

EDSOSLO858 said: "TodayTix lists a 1:35 runtime, no intermission"

 

[Sytwix]

Posted: 4/3/24 at 8:36am

jbm2 said: "Any discount codes for this?"

for preview performances;

Code: MARYJFAF

 

[Auggie27]

Posted: 4/3/24 at 8:45am

I saw the original NY production with Carrie Coon, which was exquisite in every way. That staging had a kind of coup de theatre in the middle (no spoiler) that involved a set change. The play is naturalistic, but the production offered a theatrical prism on the story that allowed an almost metaphysical construct, the piece's gritty details measured against a benevolent universe. Will be curious to see if that imagery is used here.  

It's a beautiful, ambitious play, its economy remarkable in light of all that it aims for. And achieves. 

[bwaydreamer]

Posted: 4/3/24 at 11:00am

Auggie27 said: "I saw the original NY production with Carrie Coon, which was exquisite in every way. That staging had a kind of coup de theatre in the middle (no spoiler) that involved a set change. The play is naturalistic, but the production offered a theatrical prism on the story that allowed an almost metaphysical construct, the piece's gritty details measured against a benevolent universe. Will be curious to see if that imagery is used here.

It's a beautiful, ambitious play, its economy remarkable in light of all that it aims for. And achieves."

Fully agreed with you.  Loved every moment of this original production and I hope this transfer keeps all that was so special downtown.  I think Rachel is a perfect actress for this part so I have high hopes.  One of the best plays I've seen in the past ten years for sure.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/3/24 at 4:41pm

Any first preview reports?

[bigbelterbaby]

Posted: 4/3/24 at 4:46pm

There’s some on Reddit. Also saw a video of first bows on Twitter. Apparently the actors don’t wear microphones so McAdams will need to learn how to project so the back of the house can hear her clearly. She is aware of this and has been working with a voice coach. 
…

[dearalanaaaa]

Posted: 4/3/24 at 10:33pm

hearthemsing22 said: "Any first preview reports?"

I was here tonight! I think the runtime was great, and McAdams is a brilliant actress. I didn't understand the ending at all, 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

So we get to see Mary Jane center stage with this Buddhist religious leader (the title escapes me). She claims to have a headache, they try to determine the gender of her sons fish while he's in surgery and may or may not survive. Eventually, her migraine becomes so large and this white light appears above her. This message got lost on me-- does it mean she's confronting God? Experienced a religious awakening? Does it mean her son died? Is she dead for some reason too? I wish it wasn't so ambiguous, but I'm sure it's meant to be that way.

There was an understudy on tonight, but I wouldn't have known because all around they did a good job with the work! The two sets maneuvered around each other very nicely and only added to the meaning, and I thought the audience was very respectful tonight, an added bonus.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/4/24 at 8:29am

Forgot to ask this as well...did Rachel stagedoor? 

[Voter]

Posted: 4/4/24 at 6:20pm

What is the current run time for this play? And what is the content warning? 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/5/24 at 3:05pm

Voter said: "What is the current run time for this play? Andwhat is the content warning?"

I don't want to be rude. But do you bother to check the plays website, or just rely on these message boards?

[gibsons2]

Posted: 4/5/24 at 3:55pm

I keep reading on Show score that some reviewers have difficulty hearing Rachel McAdams and other actors. Is it still the case? Are the actors using mics or not? Does anyone have info on that? 

[Voter]

Posted: 4/5/24 at 4:00pm

hearthemsing22 said: "Voter said: "What is the current run time for this play? Andwhat is the content warning?"

I don't want to be rude. But do you bother to check the plays website, or just rely on these message boards?"


To be honest yes. Most of the time, they don’t even post it on the website. 

[Voter]

Posted: 4/5/24 at 4:04pm

hearthemsing22 said: "Voter said: "What is the current run time for this play? Andwhat is the content warning?"

I don't want to be rude. But do you bother to check the plays website, or just rely on these message boards?"

For the example, th current revival of Sweeney Todd’s website does not mention the gun shot sound effect that happens in this production. Also, there is no content warning for Mary Jane on the website. So next time, don’t be rude pleas 

[MayAudraBlessYou2]

Posted: 4/5/24 at 4:24pm

I find it so frustrating that most official show sites don't list the running time (personally speaking, its the one piece of "extra" info I need, so I can plan my day properly). But @voter, a helpful hint: if you are on the show's site and click over to the telecharge/ticketmaster/seat geek page as if you're buying a ticket (ie: click on a "buy tickets" link or click on a performance in their calendar), the ticket seller website almost always lists the running time.

A little bit worried that they aren't using mics for this considering McCadam's lack of stage experience. It's a lot for her to learn at once, and seems like they should be at least using area mics to "sweeten" and lightly amplify the dialogue on stage.

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 4/5/24 at 4:33pm

Voter said: "hearthemsing22 said: "Voter said: "What is the current run time for this play? Andwhat is the content warning?"

I don't want to be rude. But do you bother to check the plays website, or just rely on these message boards?"

For the example, th current revival of Sweeney Todd’s website does notmention the gun shot sound effect that happens in this production. Also, there is no content warning for Mary Jane on the website. So next time, don’t be rude pleas"

I was not saying this with any intention of being rude. Just wanted to make sure you used all options before coming here. Show websites usually (key word. Usually) have trigger warnings and run times listed on their websites or where tickets are sold. 

[FirstRowBalcony]

Posted: 4/7/24 at 12:02am

Saw this tonight and had no trouble hearing McAdams (I was in the 3rd row of the mezz)

I thought McAdams was absolutely devastating. She should not be missed.

Was on the street at 9:50

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 4/7/24 at 10:20am

Saw this Friday from the last row of the mezz and could hear pretty well. 

Peformances including McAdams are the reason to go. The play itself does good character work but largely feels like a series of vignetttes at times. 

Updated On: 4/7/24 at 10:20 AM