Munk's THE GLASS MENAGERIE review- Page 2

[Madame X]

Posted: 4/14/05 at 3:31pm

For me:

* I loved Paulson. She made the show for me too. She was just so broken. Good word Bunchamuncha - her shyness was just so palpable.

* I too am mixed about Slater. I thought he was fine, but then he got called "Shakespeare," and I didn't see that aspect of Slater's portrayal of Tom at all. Bunchamuncha said he played Tom angry - isn't he supposed to be angry and conflicted though? I guess people also griped that he is/isn't supposed to be gay, but just in the words, I didn't necessarily see that Tom was, or had to be played, gay.

* While I was watching it, the Laura/Caller scene really captivated me as well, but Margo pointed out something in her review that made me realize that the Gentleman Caller isn't supposed to be that charming. He was a star in HS, and as time went on, he ended up being "just" a shipping clerk; he's trying to find his past glory. I haven't seen any other productions of the play, but that portion of the text made me think Lucas plays the Gent Caller a little too suave. I don't think we're supposed to fall for him the way we (or at least I) did.

* Might as well talk about Lange too. I thought she was fine. I didn't see anything particularly special about her performance, but that's just me. Oh and I sat 2nd row ctr mezz and heard everything fine.

* PS - I saw the incest and it confused me.

I don't think it's the greatest revival ever, but I was surprised it got totally panned the way it did.

[WISHIHADATONY]

Posted: 4/14/05 at 5:46pm

Munk, your review was insightful, enjoyable to read, beautifully written and helped to guide us in making a decision perhaps, of whether to see this production or not. Who could ask for anything more? You Are Great! :)

Posted: 4/14/05 at 10:52pm

I actually can't wait to see this show..I am a big fan of Jessica Lange and Josh Lucas. I'm traveling from out of state for other reasons and got tickets because of those actors, AND always wanted to see a Williams play. It's interesting to see how the reviews are so all over the board on Amanda and the Gentleman Caller. From film versions the Gentleman caller is full of bravado and hopes for the future. It seems like from the reviews that this is how Lucas plays it. Is this considered a long run from March through July?? Do the principal actors generally show up for all of the performances. Am looking forward to seeing this play despite the complaints of the production in this play.

[Kristie-K2]

Posted: 4/14/05 at 11:02pm

If you are a Lange fan, you will love her!!!!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/14/05 at 11:18pm

I'm a big Lange fan, and she wasn't incredible. Totally underwhelmed, but, I hope you have a great time.

[Kristie-K2]

Posted: 4/14/05 at 11:55pm

There has been some awful things said about this play....I am so glad I saw it before all the reviews came out......What I saw was brilliant!!!!Pure magic!!!!Critcs did not influence my opinion....I never read reviews on plays or movies until I view the projects........When I saw Hugh Jackson in Oz, I loved it...when I saw Miss Peters in Gypsy, I loved it....but when I got home, I read awful reviews.....What plays did these critics see?.....Seeing OZ, Gypsy and Menagerie are great memories for me!!!!You New Yorkers are soooo lucky!!!!I am just so grateful that I got to sit in a Broadway Theatre and watch some great shows!!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/14/05 at 11:58pm

Peters got mostly good notices.

JackMAN got all raves. What reviews did YOU read?

[Kristie-K2]

Posted: 4/15/05 at 12:03am

I read the Miss Peters was miscast and The Boy from Oz was awful and the music was terrible, But Jackman was good!!

Posted: 4/15/05 at 12:05am

Kristie - just so you know you're not alone, our theatre party - in fact, the entire audience we saw it with - adored Menagerie.

[Kristie-K2]

Posted: 4/15/05 at 12:08am

I love you darling!!!!!Finally someone who loved this show!!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/15/05 at 12:09am

I didn't say I wasn't moved and I didn't say I didn't enjoy it. I did enjoy it and I was moved. But it's a pretty bad production.

And OZ got bad reviews because it WAS a terrible show...

Posted: 4/15/05 at 1:25pm

Just wondering ~ I see that TGM has ticket sales from 48% - 52%. In your expert opinions; is this going to shut down soon? I'd really like to wee this play but not being a New Yorker if they shut it down early do they refund your money, or what? Unfortunately I paid full price for the tickets as I thought it was going to be a smash and of course because of my favorite actors, Jessica and Josh are both in this play. Despite all of the negativity I was looking forwared to seeing it and deciding for myself. Thanks for your answers.

[bunchamuncha]

Posted: 4/17/05 at 11:29am

I saw the show again last night, free ticket in the 3rd row center - I wasn't about to say no.
On second viewing, I had an audience that found everything funny. It was actually distracting. It's not a Spamalot anticipation funny, it's a "I think I'm supposed to laugh now" funny. Which caused me to not be as heartbroken at the Gentleman Caller scene. The audience broke up the tension.
But Paulson still blew me away with just how delicate she is. To me this play is more Laura's story than Amanda's.
I liked Lange better, her diction was clearer, but her voice still doesn't project to the 3rd row.
Slater seemed to be going more for laughs, his facial expressions added to the humorous tone that was set.
And I've decided I just think Josh Lucas is wrong for the part. I didn't buy his sincerity this time around. Maybe the audience broke him too, but he just came off too smug in this performance.
I find it interesting to be able to watch mannerisms the second time, that you don't catch the first time b/c you are too engrossed in the story. Paulson literally shakes in scenes, and wrings her hands raw. Slater's foot tapping only adds to his characters impatience and Lange, well even though I liked her better this time around, she still overacts the part.

[Eileen2]

Posted: 4/17/05 at 11:47am

I thought the Glass Menagerie was ok, but far from the great show I expected. I typically love Jessica Lange but felt she was a bit over the top, even for this character.

The laughs did throw me. The play wasn't meant to be interpreted that way and I know several people, myself included, to find the direction towards the laugh distracting.

The set design with the menagerie was surprising, you can practically miss it. The hospital curtains to the dining room was annoying.

Munk - Great review, but I disagree on your opinion of The Boy from Oz, that show was a lot of fun.

Eileen