Man and Boy
Man and Boy
#1Man and Boy
Posted: 9/9/11 at 11:56pm
It seems Roundabout has given us another doozie. The biggest question I have is why revive this play? It flopped the first time around, and I'm sorry to report this isn't an undiscovered gem of the past that deserves a second chance. The characters are all fairly unlikeable. I certainly didn't care what happened to any of them and therefore the play lacked any dramatic tension.
There's a lot of financial mumbo jumbo, and although not overly confusing, it turns out the details are all for naught. What should be interesting is the rocky relationship between father and son, and the drama behind their feud is never really explored.
Slight Spoiler? Act One is basically a set up for a big red herring that ends up having no bearing on Act Two. A love interest of the boy is given a lengthy opening scene only to disappear for the rest of the play. Act Two opens with the entrance of Langella's wife, an unnecessary character better left mentioned and not seen.
Despite the fact that Act Two begins immediately where Act One ended the two acts seem to have little to do with one another. The second doesn't build on all the set up of the first.
The play takes place in what is supposed to be a small, dingy basement apartment in Greenwich Village. The set is quite possibly the most spacious, albeit it dirty, apartment I've ever seen in the village.
Langella is giving a fun, almost campy at times, performance, but the rest of the cast is all over the map. If the Roundabout was able to secure Langella for a show was this really the best property they could find to showcase his talents? I have to wonder in general what Roundabout is thinking. After coming off their biggest hit since The Pajama Game is this really the way they want to kickoff their fall season? I think they need to go back to the drawing board.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#2Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 12:05amI became interested in this play when I saw that Adam Driver is in it. I fell in love with him as Louis in Signature's Angels in America. I hope to see it.
<-----I'M TOTES ROLLING MY EYES
thismyshow
Broadway Star Joined: 2/21/11
#2Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 12:10am
seeing this sunday, super disappointed to hear its somewhat of a mess 
#3Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 12:21am
Jane- I didn't see Driver in Angels in America, but saw him in Mrs. Warren's Profession and The Forest. I think he could be a fine actor, but I've only seen him give performances with accents, and that seems to trip him up a little.
Also his character to me was a little unlikeable, and despite the large amount of stage time seemed underdeveloped.
thismyshow- I wouldn't describe this as a "mess." Just a bad play that shouldn't have been revived.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#4Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 1:00am
I was in the audience tonight. All I can say is: I really wish I took more notes in Econ 101.
There was a lot of crazy stuff going in the nosebleeds, such as one man actually ANSWERING HIS PHONE during the show's first five minutes, and then walking to the exit and beginning to talk AGAIN before he slammed the door loudly behind him.
Also - Adam Driver slammed a door at the end of the first act and shattered the door's window, sending shattered glass flying everywhere. Thought this was part of the show for about two seconds until the next line was "I can't see you in there, Vasili!" Langella was great, but did trip up on a couple of lines towards the end.
This show was probably not the best idea on Roundabout's part, especially when it's stacked against much more exciting non-musical fare this coming season (The Mountaintop, Venus In Furs, The Submission). But Adam Driver is riveting (I too fell in love with him as Louis in AiA - he basically humiliated Zachary Quinto's interpretation). If you're an Adam fan, I'd still suggest seeing it, as he has a meaty part that cements why I think we'll be consistently seeing him on Broadway for a long time.
#5Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 1:14am
Astrid- Did you really think Driver had a meaty role? I thought it was sorely underdeveloped.
****Spoilers*****
I mean this guy decided to change his name and not speak to his father for FIVE years. They kept hinting at this big falling out at his 18 year old coming out party, and I think Driver even said he couldn't speak to him after what "he [his father] did to him." Yet we never really found out any truly awful thing that transpired between the two, certainly nothing bad enough to go to the drastic measures Driver took to distance him from his father.
Also it turns out he really didn't hate his father all along, but this comes so late in the play and is never fleshed out. It seems like there could be so much more dramatic possibility that is never mined. Perhaps the play would be better as a two or three person play focusing just on father, son and Sven.
*****End Spoiler*****
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
Updated On: 9/10/11 at 01:14 AM
#6Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 1:34am
Oh, I definitely agree that there's very little closure to any of the characters' issues. I don't feel like that was just an issue with Adam's character, it was an issue with the play as a whole. As for his role being "meaty," I do think we get to see his character grapple with a wide range of emotions, and he's the character that we learn the most about.
But maybe I'm just biased! I think Adam is great - there's something very old-school about his acting style and his demeanor that I think is part of the reason people are finding themselves drawn to him - and I think that comes through in Man and Boy.
Updated On: 9/10/11 at 01:34 AM
Tom-497
Featured Actor Joined: 12/18/05
#7Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 1:52am
I knew nothing about Man and Boy beforehand. After a rocky start, I thought tonight's performance improved a lot -- the extended Act I confrontation/negotiation between Langella and another business tycoon was quite entertaining, and I was genuinely surprised by the tactics Langella used in trying to get the upper hand.
But, as someone else mentioned, Act II doesn't really follow through with what seems to have been set up by Act I. I wouldn't go so far as to say that Act I is a "red herring," though - to me, Act II was just an illustration of how even the best laid plans can go wrong. Or, as one character says late in the first act, "Don't count your chickens."
Still, I definitely preferred the blithe treachery of Act I to the somehat overextended soul-searching of Act II. And I agree that the introduction of the wife adds little (except formally, perhaps -- the artistic son's loving Act I girlfriend is replaced by the calculating father's Act II gold-digger).
Anyway, I'm glad I saw Man and Boy, and I thank Roundabout for their $10 early previews.
After Eight
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
#8Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 8:15am
I share Whizzer's sentiments. It was not wise to revive this drab, inert, underdeveloped lplay.
A dispiriting evening, all around.
iluvtheatertrash
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
#9Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 9:59am
Yes, but how is Langella?
Ha! In all seriousness, I'm not sure how I feel about the play. But Frank Langella is my idol and I brim over with excitement every time he's on stage. The first time I saw him live, in "Match", I was completely blown away. And ever since then, I've studied his performances on film and stage. He's extraordinary... Looking forward to his memoir!
I was in the minority, I know, but I was completely riveted by "A Man for All Seasons". So maybe I'll enjoy this one...
On a side note, did anyone watch his Ted Koppel interview on PBS a week or so ago? Great stuff!
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
Gaveston2
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/28/11
#10Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 10:08am
It's easy to criticize.
But if this isn't the great NAMBLA musical we've all been hoping for, what do you people recommend instead?
#11Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 10:47am
Anyone remember Langella in the film Diary of A Mad Housewife? (1970) I recommend it highly for a glimpse of his brilliance. He and Carrie Snodgress were perfect together!
I am so in the mood to see it again but it's never on tv. I may have to buy it~
And how can I leave out the BRILLIANT Richard Benjamin!
<-----I'M TOTES ROLLING MY EYES
Updated On: 9/10/11 at 10:47 AM
#12Man and Boy
Posted: 9/10/11 at 11:00amI was there last night as well. Nothing to add really, as Whizzer's comments pretty much perfectly sum up how I felt. There was no reason to revive this play. I like Langella a lot, but he seems to get campier with each performance.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
#13Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 12:55am
I saw it this afternoon from the $10 first previews seats and I enjoyed it. Side note: I saw Wesley Taylor, Eliseo Roman, Raul Esparza and Sherie Rene Scott all before the show coming out of the New 42nd Studios next door (I may have the name wrong). I just thought I'd share.
I enjoyed the play, I especially liked the convention they employed where 2 characters were in one room speaking, 2 others were in another room speaking and you heard a bit of one conversation, then you were tossed to listen to the other and back to the first conversation and so forth. I thought that aspect was very well done. I wish we had seen Virginia Kull's character beyond Act 1 as I enjoyed her quite a bit. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would, it certainly kept me engaged and anticipating how the remainder of the play would unfold - so I was never bored, yawning or checking the time. Act 2 was weaker, it took a dark turn and felt a little easy but the overall ending was appreciated. *SLIGHT SPOILER* Many times you go into a show and always expect some kind of resolution, and I felt we didn't get it so much in this play (it seemed intentional) and I kind of liked that because so often, in reality, things DO remain unresolved. *END SPOILER*
It isn't something I'd see again. My first time seeing Langella and he was quite formidable. I also agree the finance talk halted the momentum a bit, but there were some comedic moments interwoven that made those 10-15min at least bearable. It's not something that warrants a repeat viewing, and if you're on the fence you may want to skip it. But, if you already have a ticket, you may - like me - enjoy it more than you think.
Act 1 - 75min
Act 2 - 45min
No show curtain :)
Updated On: 9/11/11 at 12:55 AM
#14Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 1:03amdshnookie, all the people you saw coming out of New 42nd are in rehearsal for a reading of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE.
Tonya Pinkins: Then we had a "Lot's Wife" last June that was my personal favorite. I'm still trying to get them to let me sing it at some performance where we get to sing an excerpt that's gone.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
#15Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 1:39amthank you! I was wondering what was in the pipeline. I almost mustered the courage to speak to SRS, but she was on her cell phone so I simply gawked.
#16Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 5:33pm
I saw it last night. The play itself isn't amazing, but it isn't bad at all either. I found it interesting that the play really focused on what was happening "in the moment" instead of revealing the past, or more information about characters than what was needed to tell the story. It makes sense that the girlfriend is not seen after she leaves, since she is at her show (that said, I really enjoyed Kull and hope to see her in many shows in the future).
While the play is odd I found most of the performers to be great. Langella is such a force when he is on stage, and I enjoyed his chemistry with both Driver, and Siberry.
I went into this show not knowing what to expect (as I do with most of Roundabout's plays). These past couple seasons Roundabout has been putting on many great productions, while still remaining true to their mission and presenting plays that are rarely done. That is why Roundabout, MTC and Lincoln Center are important for Broadway, they will produce shows the commercial guys would never touch. I would never expect to see "Man and Boy" produced commercially, but it is nice to see a good production of it.
David walked into the valley
With a stone clutched in his hand
He was only a boy
But he knew someone must take a stand
There will always be a valley
Always mountains one must scale
There will always be perilous waters
Which someone must sail
-Into the Fire
Scarlet Pimpernel
#17Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 6:09pm
I saw the matinee today and I don't know what to make of it. It was a very good production of a not good play (the reverse of what Roundabout has been known for). I don't agree Langella is giving a campy performance, but he is giving a very "Frank Langella" performance. He reminded me of the character he played in that horrendous film THE BOX from a couple of years ago, even down to his costume.
The first act sets up absolutely nothing in the second act, I thought. My friend fell asleep about 30 minutes into it and I really couldn't blame him for it. There was nothing in the script to keep you interested or wondering what was going to happen. Nothing was at stake, nothing really to be gained or lost. He doesn't have a good relationship with his father and his father is a business man who's hiding out at his apartment. There - That's all 75 minutes of act one. And it just went on and on and on and on and on and on. By the time act two came around and there was FINALLY some tension and drama, I was intrigued. But really it was too little too late. I honestly want to know WHY The Roundabout feels the need to put on these plays that people could care less about. I'd much rather see them do a great production off THE CRUCIBLE (It's been 10 years, it's time for another one, guys) than a little known for good reason play like this.
But the performances were all good. So, yeah. it has that.
#18Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 6:20pm
Jordan, I agree with your assessment. What I meant when I said Langella was almost campy at times was that he was giving a very mannered performance, or a very "Frank Langella" performance as you put it. I think sometimes when older actors start to do, and let's face it most do, they start to border on camp at times. He certainly isn't on the level of Joan Crawford in Straight Jacket or anything, and I didn't mean to imply that.
Still days later I can't think of why Roundabout chose this play.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#19Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 6:32pmAttending a Roundabout show is like your best friend telling you to "Open your mouth and close your eyes and you're gonna get a big surprise". You know there's a possibility of it being good but chances are it's gonna taste nasty.
Ed_Mottershead
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/20/05
#20Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 6:38pmYou guys just saved me a lot of money. Because your critiques were objective and analytical, you decided it for me, as I respect both your opinions. So much for this weekend (any suggestions or should I just do Priscilla or Follies again?). At least next weekend we'll have Mountaintop and Relatively Speaking up and running (I'm inclined towards Mountaintop). Open to suggestions for Off or Off-off Broadway. Thanks.
BroadwayEd
#21Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 6:42pm
Ha, that's funny.
One of my friends who went to Man and Boy with me said that it was like seeing "I Remember Mama" at the MUFTIs, but at least there you know it is only running for a weekend and done for the sole purpose of letting fans hear the score once more. It would be ludicrous to do a full scale Broadway production of "I Remember Mama," neither commercially nor in the non-profit theaters. It's not that the show is SO bad, but just that there is no reason to do it, and there are so many more compelling works to put on.
If there existed a play version of Encores or MUFTI Man and Boy would be a perfectly acceptable choice (although things like "Moose Murders" and "Me Jack, You Jill" would be a lot more fun). There is just no reason to spend the time and resources on producing this play at this level.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#22Man and Boy
Posted: 9/11/11 at 6:50pmEd, go check out The Submission or if you want a musical see Play it Cool, where Sally Mayes is giving a knockout performance!
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
kyle4
Leading Actor Joined: 10/9/10
#23Man and Boy
Posted: 9/13/11 at 3:22am
hey guys !!!
i am BACK !!!!
saw the second preview of this... sorry i missed the first !!!!!
and i BLOGGED about it... right here...
http://thetheaterbuff.typepad.com/the-theater-buff/2011/09/man-and-boy-second-preview-thoughts.html
missed you guys !!!
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO KNOW?!!!!!
kyle4
Leading Actor Joined: 10/9/10
#24Man and Boy
Posted: 9/13/11 at 3:22am
hey guys !!!
i am BACK !!!!
saw the second preview of this... sorry i missed the first !!!!!
and i BLOGGED about it... right here...
http://thetheaterbuff.typepad.com/the-theater-buff/2011/09/man-and-boy-second-preview-thoughts.html
missed you guys !!!
WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO KNOW?!!!!!
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