Munk's REAL "Virginia Woolf" comments

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 12:57am

I was excited to see this, but also apprehensive because during the last show I saw (LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT) with two intermissions and with a running time of 3 hours, my ADD was out of control and I had a hard time focusing. So, I finally sucked it up and went tonight.

Let me first say that I am not a fan of the play in general. I think it's brilliantly written, but it just does nothing for me. In other words, I can appreciate it's greatness, but I can take it or leave it. Commenting on the play is irrelevant because this is a revival, so I'm not going to go into what I think of the play.

This is, without a doubt, a solid, fantastic production from top to bottom. The direction by Anthony Page is solid and fantastic, and the set by the great John Lee Beatty is wonderful. The sound design is so wonderful that you don't even realize that the actors are, in fact, not without microphones.

I had heard so much about Mireille Enos and how she's brilliant, but honestly, I didn't see the brilliance. She was certainly good - funny even (as she drank more) but her way of speaking reminded me of a bad Judy Garland impression. It's not that it doesn't work - she does quite well - but it was a confusing choice, atleast to me.

David Harbour is fine. He never really impressed me, and he never really wowed me. I was unmoved and left very underwhelmed by his performance. I'm not saying that he's bad - he's far from bad - but he's sort of bland.

Bill Irwin, who was brilliant in THE GOAT, is excellent. His forte is certainly comedy, and he's a very physical actor, but I never really believed his performance this time. I know it's been said in other reviews, but I never believe for one second that he loves Martha, or that they're even a married couple that, despite all their bitterness, truly do love each other. He made some very strange choices with inflection and emphasis of certain words - he reminded me of a tranquilized Jim Carrey. All around, he was excellent, but certainly not solid.

So finally, the brilliant Kathleen Turner. In my opinion, she is truly, truly fantastic and relevatory as Martha. I think this performance will be talked about for a long time - it is certainly one of the greatest I have ever seen onstage. She is certainly giving Cherry Jones a run for her money! I can't praise her enough.

I recommend this to all of you - you must try to go! It's a very draining show, and you have to work as an audience member, so don't go if you've had a long day and want something light. This is the only other play revival I've seen this season other than TWELVE ANGRY MEN, and I think they both have an excellent chance at this year's Tony.

[Thenardier]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 12:59am

Sweet...

I wish I could see all these dramas...Now, I am just saving up for Streetcar....and 12 Angry Men

[broadway86]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:00am

I completely agree with your comments about Turner, Harbour, and Enos. Kathleen was EXCELLENT. La Turner + Martha = Tony Award.

I appreciated Irwin's work a little bit more. I also need a little bit more time for the play to really sink in. Were you at today's matinee?

Thenadier-

See "Streetcar" ASAP. Updated On: 3/31/05 at 01:00 AM

[Thenardier]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:02am

I can't until May...when I come home from school...

I have been dying to see it!

(Love Natasha)

Except all I can think about is the Simpsons episode entitled: "A Streetcar Named Marge"

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:07am

No, I saw it this evening.

Broadway: do you agree with me about the Judy Garland sounding Enos?

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:11am

Thanks for the review, Munk.

I agree with most of your points.

I'd be interested in hearing your critique of the play itself at some point, if you'd like to share it. I think one of the problems of this revival is that it lacks a certain intensity throughout, especially in the final scenes, which undermines the overall production. I think that this IS a great play, but that this production lacks the passion and emotional commitment which would demonstrate that.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:14am

Well, without going into much detail, I have never understood why this play is considered such a masterpiece. I kept just saying "oh, maybe it's something you need to see staged." But this staging definitely didn't make any more or less of the play. I just thought it was a superb production of a play that does nothing for me.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:32am

What do you think of the film with Burton and Taylor?

Personally, I wish I'd been alive to see the original produciton with Uta Hagen and Arthur Hill. Friends who did describe it as it seeming like they were watching live fireworks on stage and they devastated by the experience.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:34am

This is, without a doubt, a solid, fantastic production from top to bottom.

I had heard so much about Mireille Enos and how she's brilliant, but honestly, I didn't see the brilliance.

David Harbour is fine. He never really impressed me, and he never really wowed me. I was unmoved and left very underwhelmed by his performance. I'm not saying that he's bad - he's far from bad - but he's sort of bland.

Bill Irwin, who was brilliant in THE GOAT, is excellent. His forte is certainly comedy, and he's a very physical actor, but I never really believed his performance this time. I know it's been said in other reviews, but I never believe for one second that he loves Martha, or that they're even a married couple that, despite all their bitterness, truly do love each other. He made some very strange choices with inflection and emphasis of certain words - he reminded me of a tranquilized Jim Carrey. All around, he was excellent, but certainly not solid.

I recommend this to all of you - you must try to go!

Munk, I know you think I pick on you, but really, read the above excerpts from your review of the show and tell me how we can take you seriously?

You don't care for the play (that is fine) but you say that 3 out of the 4 cast members are not so good. And that you never believed Martha and George are a real couple. That is a big problem!

I will give you credit for not telling us about the after-party, however. But based on this "review" I trust you had a great time.

[BlueWizard]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 2:26am

Munk, I highly recommend the movie version (directed by Mike Nichols, with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton). About an hour of the play is cut out -- to good effect (the play is too long, IMO) -- but the core of the work is there. The performances are also top-notch, as is the interpretation. Watch the movie, and tell us what you think!

Updated On: 3/31/05 at 02:26 AM

[Theatreboy33]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 8:16am

I agree with margo on this revival. It just completely lacked the needed emotional intensity for me. And as for everyone giving the tony to Turner already, I don't think it will be quite that easy with Cherry Jones' performance accross the street. Now that is sheer brilliance.

[broadway86]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 10:08am

"Broadway: do you agree with me about the Judy Garland sounding Enos?"

Yeah. She actually sounded like a friend of mine when she's drunk.

I thought it was kind of funny when she raised the glass; "Hump the hostess...."

[MaTakeALookAtMe]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 11:07am

Thanks for the review, Munk. Although I agree with you about not being overly into the play, I would like to see this, but will not be able to any time soon.It's great to hear good news about Kathleen Turner, she is great.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 11:28am

I, too, would suggest that those of you who do not like the play should see the film version. It is with THAT intensity that I believe the play should be performed to work.

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 11:33am

I must be in the minority here. I thought Enos and Irwin were the highlights, with Turner not quite plumbing the role for all its worth.
I really got Irwin coming at George as this being the night where he stopped letting Martha win, which is how their relationship appears to me: they fight, Martha wins.
Cherry Jones is still the more remarkable performer of the two in this year's Tony race. Her only downfall is that she has a Tony already.

[broadway86]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 12:20pm

singer-

When did you see the play?

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 1:37pm

This is a brilliant production. I saw it again last night (we were going to see FIDDLER, but decided to see this again.) It's such an amazing production, and Ms. Turner really knocks it out of the ballpark.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 2:42pm

mef, you were there 3/30 8 PM?

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 2:47pm

"mef, you were there 3/30 8 PM?"

Yes. I was sitting second row of the mezz. Where were you?

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 3:43pm

Up in the balcony - that's where the student rush tickets are. Strange!

And if we're ever going to be in TS at the same time (or you know when you want to see WOOLF again) I could get you 2 student tickets so you don't have to pay full price.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 3:46pm

I'm surprised that you didn't enjoy Mireille Enos' performance. I thought she was great; even better than the first time I saw her. If anyone is a little sluggish, it is David Harbour. He's the weakest link, IMO. Kathleen is going to win the Tony, hands down.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 3:48pm

Yes, David Harbour IS the weakest link. It't not that I didn't think Enos was GOOD, she didn't really impress me like I had been led to believe.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 3:51pm

I do not see how anyone could hand the Tony to Turner over Jones.
Jones' performance is in an entirely different league.
Turner was great in the first two acts, but really runs out of steam too early in the third and the whole play suffers greatly because of it.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 3:52pm

I loved that Enos' Honey comes in smashed. Harbour's Nick was just blah-not good, not bad. It was like going to a restaurant and being served three plates of foie gras and a hot dog.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 3/31/05 at 3:54pm

"Turner was great in the first two acts, but really runs out of steam too early in the third and the whole play suffers greatly because of it."

Really? I thought her third act opening soliloquoy was one of the best parts of the show. I'm very interested in seeing how the race between Jones and Turner goes, and if others (esp. Richardson) give them a run for their money.