The mere extreme division on this show makes me want to see this (that Brantley rave didn’t hurt, either, I admit…not that I always agree with him on shows, but when someone writes that enthusiastically about a show – especially when saying it is something unique and special – it’s hard to not get excited).
It’s been extended to October 20th and, just my luck, I will be in town the following weekend. Anyone have an idea of what the chances are of it extending one more week? (I’m not even sure if it’s possible…the next show coming into the mainstage opens on November 16th, but I’m not sure how early they need to get into the space).
Okay, so I got to see this last night and my thoughts are kinda all over the place. I'll start with what I liked about it. I really liked the first act; I thought it was so incisively well-written and it absolutely flew by. I watched the "Cape Feare" episode before seeing the show, and I'm glad I did because about 60% of the audience was totally lost by time the break came between acts one and two. And about 10% of them left then. I'd say about 10-15% left during intermission. I liked the performances a lot; each actor is so strong and has the stamina of a workhorse on speed. It's almost exhausting to watch them feverishly tear through this complex, and wildly original piece for 2 hours and 20 minutes. And I absolutely loved the premise of the play, and what it had to say about pop culture, conspicuous consumption, myth-making, and all of that. There is a lot to admire about the brilliance of this story and how each act fits in with the one before (and after) it.
Now, what I wasn't nuts about, mainly, was the uneven writing. I thought the first act was strong, the second was completely hit or miss, and I thought the third was wildly imaginative and undeniably brave, but frankly the execution just didn't cut it for me. The strongest moments in the uneven second act came from the conversation about the "selling" of lines. I also thought the way it ended was chilling and smart (ditto goes for the final moment of the third act, neither of which I'll spoil here). For me, the play sort of unravelled in terms of execution as it progressed and took more and more risks.
It's only September, but I'd all but guarantee that this is going to be the most divisive stage production of the season. I understand why someone would throw themselves at it, as Brantley did, and I also understand why someone would throw themselves out a window because of it. I definitely didn't hate it, but I definitely didn't love it either. I'll say one thing though, it's certainly been on my mind quite a bit today, which is more than I can say for a lot of stage productions I see.
I truly do applaud Playwrights Horizons for championing this piece, flaws and all. It's an incredibly brave venture for them, which seems to have paid off in terms of reviews and ticket sales. It's just...not for everyone.
Saw the matinee today, and was surrounded by befuddled blue-hairs wondering what the **** was happening. In Act One, one of the characters said they enjoyed something more because they were drunk, or somesuch, and the lady behind me said, rather loudly, "I wish I was drunk watching this play, maybe that would help?"
Surprisingly, all of the people saying they didn't get it all stayed for Act 3.
A previous poster was pretty far off saying no one over 40 would be into this, considering The Simpsons is already 24 years old...
I would LOVE to revisit this play. I wonder if they’re going to do a return production (which would be a first from them, I think?) or if it might be getting a Broadway debut… Color me excited for 3/26
Play Esq. said: "I consider this among the best plays of the past decade. The Wit production I saw in Chicago only secured that notion, even with far less resources.
Sign me up and all the friends and family I’ve attempted to explain this play to!"
I saw the Wit production too, right after I moved to Chicago in 2021. Absolute magic.
TotallyEffed said: "I regret missing this but I remember not going because I do not watch The Simpsons. How well does one have to know the TV show to get into this play?"
I would say you don't have to know the show at all to understand the play. If you want to, you can watch the episode "Cape Feare", which is what inspired Mr. Burns. It's considered by many fans and crew members of The Simpsons to be one of the show's best episodes.
theatergoer3 said: "their offical account just responded to a comment asking if it's a revival and replied - two perfect nights...
This seems dramatic for a gala or reading but it might just be that."
Nonprofits are known for making a mountain out of a molehill where their galas and benefit readings are concerned :) Those things account for a not-insignificant chunk of their operating costs.
TotallyEffed said: "I regret missing this but I remember not going because I do not watch The Simpsons. How well does one have to know the TV show to get into this play?"
While I haven’t seen the play, i know “storytelling” and how stories change over time is one of the biggest themes. The actual content of the story is less important than the method in which it’s being told.
Scarywarhol said: "It would be hard to get excited for this unless it were a full revival. The staging is half the show."
I don't totally disagree but it's my all time favorite play so not going to miss this one. Tickets are on sale now. Prices are kinda steep if you're not a member but it's only two days.
"Pardon my prior Mcfee slip. I know how to spell her name. I just don't know how to type it." -Talulah
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