My thoughts on SPEED-THE-PLOW

The most dynamite performances I've seen in quite a while are on the stage of the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Raul Esparza and Norbert Leo Butz are blowing the roof off the place in Neil Pepe's first-rate revival of David Mamet's second-rate play SPEED-THE-PLOW.

Esparza is giving what is perhaps the best performance of his career (I'm a fan, but was in the camp that found his work in COMPANY to be one-note). Butz, thrown into the production last week, is giving the second-best performance I've seen from him (his work in FIFTY WORDS is unquestionably his best ever), but even second-rate from Butz is extraordinary.

The fact that they're playing the roles as cokeheads (Esparza more than Butz) adds to the urgency of the piece. Their chemistry and showmanship is palpable and I consider myself lucky to see these two theater stars (they ARE stars) play off one another. It's a real treat and a terrific gift to New York City.

Elizabeth Moss falls into the trappings of a poorly written part. Perhaps she was so underwhelming because of the non-stop kinetic energy of her costars.

All I know, I was exhausted leaving the theater. I can't imagine how they feel.

ETA - I believe this will be my last review for a while, as I embark on a theater-going trip to England for the month of January this weekend. I'll be around periodically; I expect someone to keep me updated on all the theater news that happens while I'm gone; and you can count on commentary on the shows I see when I return in a few weeks. Happy January, all.

Updated On: 1/2/09 at 04:56 PM

Have fun on your trip Yankee!

Thanks for the review, can't wait to see it. But, I have seen Fifty Words and I still think Norbert Leo Butz's performance in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is his best so far.

You guys are making me so excited! I'm going wednesday, for my birthday.

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I have to agree, I love Macy, but am nervous about him stepping into this role.

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I think these characters CAN be older (look at the recent British production), but that it works better if they're about the same age. So for me, the issue would be that Macy is so much older than Raul. Not that he's too old for the part. They're almost even more pathetic if they're older. But they're both fine enough actors that I know they will make it work, and I look forward to seeing yet another take on the relationship.

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Did anyone see THEATRE TALK last night?
They had two British theatre writers who said this SPEED THE PLOW is vastly inferior to the recent Spacy/Goldblum version, and went as far to say that certain things were actually stolen from that production.
Anyone seen both and can comment on that?

All this criticism of Moss is a tiny bit unfair, seeing as her character (and most female Mamet characters, come to think of it) is highly underwritten.

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I like Elisabeth's performance a lot, but I don't think it's completely fair to blame the comparative lackluster nature of hers entirely on her. I really don't like the middle scene. I always get bored. But I don't think that's entirely her fault, at all. It's repetitive, it's too long, it's slow. Especially relative to the first and third, which are the scenes that make the play worth watching.

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Completely. But if you're implying that it's lost for good, I disagree.

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I guess I'm going back Tuesday to attempt a student rush ticket to see my favorite actor Mr. Butz live again!

JEALOUS. JEALOUS. JEALOUS. Is all I can say of anyone getting to see what must be the wonderment of Butz and Esparza together! I am HEARTBROKEN that I can't see them.

Someone talk me out of seeing either Becky Shaw or The American Plan, next weekend! Please????? (I am sort of jesting, sort of not.) Mind you, I did see this WITH Pivens.

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When I went last Friday night it still had Piven on the cover, but now it is just the show's logo.