MARY STUART Reviews

Don't see any reviews yet, but bumping this thread for when they do start popping up.

TheaterMania is Very Positive:

"Do you want to behold true Broadway bravura? Then make a bee-line to the Broadhurst Theatre, where Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter are blasting from the stage like twin cannonades in Phyllida Lloyd's production of Friedrich Schiller's swanky costume drama Mary Stuart, in which McTeer plays the title role and Walter is Queen Elizabeth I. Not surprisingly, with this majestic pair dominating the combustible material like the monarchs they're impersonating, woe be unto anyone who tries crossing their path.

...

Those who saw the show's London Donmar Warehouse production in its original thrust-stage venue (also with McTeer and Walter) may have to deal with an adjustment seeing it on a proscenium stage. Some depth has been lost, a development further exaggerated by Ward moving forward his false and painted-black back wall. The change has flattened the play in more ways than one, too often giving it the diminishing look of an historical tableau. Luckily, though, there's no flattening the brilliance of Walter and McTeer. "

http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/reviews/04-2009/mary-stuart_18586.html


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Backstage is Very Positive:

"Though the first few rounds are a trifle sluggish, the Donmar Warehouse production of Friedrich Schiller's Mary Stuart builds into a thrilling bout between battling royalty. As adapted by Peter Oswald and directed with a contemporary angle by Phyllida Lloyd, this 18th-century chestnut set in the 16th century has the look and feel of the 21st. The male characters are decked out in drab modern business suits, and the religious conflicts between England and Scotland come across as remarkably similar to tensions between Israel and the Arab countries or between Sunnis and Shiites. Oswald's use of words such as negotiations and terror give the play a relevant sting.

...

The first act is difficult to get through, with tons of exposition and Anthony Ward's black-and-gray sets and costumes providing little visual distraction. But the second act opens with a storm -- literally. The highly anticipated meeting between the imprisoned but defiant Mary and the triumphant yet insecure Elizabeth begins in an onstage downpour. It's a stunning stage effect and sets up the central conflict brilliantly: Mary sensuously rejoices in the rain, running freely with arms outstretched, while Elizabeth cowers under an umbrella, surrounded by her courtiers. From there, Mary Stuart delivers several dramatic roundhouses and scores a knockout."

http://www.backstage.com/bso/reviews-ny-theatre-broadway/mary-stuart-1003964116.story


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Talkin' Broadway is a Rave:

"One has been stripped of everything, yet remains as supple and optimistic as a young bride. The other has the world at her fingertips, yet can't escape the binding authority into which she was born. They're among the strongest people of their time, and yet they're slaves to posterity and its most unfeeling arbiters. These cousin queens are Mary I of Scotland and Elizabeth I of England in name, but in word and deed they're fulcra of social, sexual, and religious reformation. Most importantly, in the majestic revival of Mary Stuart that just opened at the Broadhurst, they're explosive examples of acting at its juiciest.

...

Apparently, Oswald, Lloyd, and everyone else want you to remember that the more the world changes, the more it stays the same. But even if you can't (or won't) draw such historical allusions, this Mary Stuart proves that great theater and great women, whether actresses or monarchs, never go out of style."

http://talkinbroadway.com/world/MaryStuart.html

Associated Press is a Rave:

"It's quite a faceoff.

"Mary Stuart" superbly explores the link between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, royal relatives locked in a grim battle that only one can win. But what elevates this adaptation of Friedrich Schiller's venerable play to even greater heights are the thrilling performances of the actresses who portray these formidable ladies: Janet McTeer as Mary and Harriet Walter as Elizabeth.

The suspense is palpable despite the fact we know how the play will end. Credit director Phyllida Lloyd and adapter Peter Oswald, who have created a taut tale of political intrigue, a bruising contest in which the prize is England itself.

...

But the women are the main focus here, and when the two queens finally meet in Act 2 after an artfully prolonged build-up, the fireworks are more than royal. Call them electrifying, lifting this version of "Mary Stuart" into the realm of high-powered, classic drama."

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/04/19/entertainment/e160010D25.DTL

The Hollywood Reporter is Very Positive:

"Bottom Line: Friedrich von Schiller's 200-year-old historical drama comes to blazing theatrical life.

Friedrich von Schiller's 1800 historical drama of royal intrigue comes to blazing life in director Phyllida Lloyd's staging, imported to Broadway after hugely acclaimed stints at London's Donmar Warehouse and on the West End. Starring Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter, both making far-too-belated returns to the New York stage, "Mary Stuart" looks to be the prestige hit of the spring season.

...

Walter and McTeer deliver superbly riveting performances. The former is all tight control, gradually peeling away Elizabeth's formidable reserve to display the deep anguish caused by her immense responsibilities, and the latter provides an emotive, vigorous turn that emphasizes Mary's passion, both physical and emotional.

..."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/theater-review-mary-stuart-1003964062.story

As much as I liked this production...I have to go with Joe Turner for best revival. Though it will be a great race!

I was at opening night tonight, and it was electric. This is not a show to miss. The performances are spectacular. Watching the two women is like watching an acting master class. This is sure to be nominated for Best Revival, alongside Joe Turner and Norman Conquests. What a great year.

Play Revival is a bloodbath this year.

In addition to the ones you mentioned MiracleElixir, I think All My Sons, Blithe Spirit, and Exit the King all have very real shots as well.

Ack, it IS a bloodbath

Speed the Plow
The Seagull
All My Sons
Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Mary Stuart
Exit the King
The Norman Conquests
Blithe Spirit

Hmmm. I think Speed will be forgotten, and both Stuart and King have the potential to be overlooked, and regarded simply as acting showcases. All My Sons hasn't a shot in hell. I didn't like Blithe Spirit, but everyone else seems to, and it's doing well at the box office.

At this early juncture, I'd predict:

The Norman Conquests
Joe Turner's Come and Gone
The Seagull
Blithe Spirit

Are these all the revivals this season?:

Equus
The Seagull
A Man for All Seasons
All My Sons
Speed-the-Plow
American Buffalo
Hedda Gabler
Blithe Spirit
Exit the King
Joe Turner's Come and Gone
Mary Stuart
The Norman Conquests
The Philanthropist
Desire Under the Elms
Waiting for Godot

sheesh

This seems unprecedented. Has there ever been a year with this many play revivals?

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I think part of the reason for the plethora of Best Play Revival contenders is that many were productions of either the Roundabout or Manhattan Theatre Club, now both firmly ensconced in Broadway houses and both subscription houses. Remove the two of them and we'd have: All My Sons; Blithe Spirit; Joe Turner (and that's Lincoln Center); Norman Conquests; Exit the King; and Mary Stuart. All of them would be worthy contenders in any season.

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Updated On: 4/20/09 at 08:54 AM

New York Daily News is Mixed to Positive:

"...With Tony winner Janet McTeer ("A Doll's House") as Mary and Harriet Walter as Elizabeth, who signed her rival's death warrant, there's a pair of powerhouses on the thrones of Scotland and England.
The talky first act is a long runup to a fictitious meeting between the queens, which comes after intermission and finally gets this potboiler bubbling.

The scene gives the mighty McTeer a chance to roar, while Walter's Elizabeth eviscerates with a withering gaze. In the end, the portrait of Elizabeth ? imperious and insecure, manipulator and puppet ? is more complete.

..."

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/arts/2009/04/20/2009-04-20_a_family_battle_royal_in_mary_stuart.html