My thoughts on THE STORY OF MY LIFE (spoiler alert)- Page 2

[colorandlight2]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 1:50pm

I think WBAF hit the nail on the head!

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 1:59pm

I agree. It was a smart comment.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 2:20pm

WBaF...very insightful. I think Adding Machine is an interesting case to look at. If it had tired to make a go of it on Broadway everyone would be saying, "This belongs off-Broadway," "If this was off-Broadway it would run for years."

Well it did try to run off-Broadway with wonderful reviews and positive word of mouth. Still the show couldn't survive. I believe if it had run on Broadway, even for a month or two, it would have a shot at regional life. Now, even with a cast recording, it will be largely forgotten. A shame too, as it was excellent.

As far as the ending of Story of My Life is concerned, I appreciate the current ending with all the loose ends. As Alvin says, you have to write the stories you know. Thomas doesn't know the story of him killing himself, so he can't reveal it. Alvin is in Thomas' mind, and therefore all the stories must be based on information that Thomas knows.

Life leads us with loose ends. When someone kills his/herself we may never understand why. Thomas can only live with the memories he has.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 2:39pm

I think that feeling of lack of a "cathartic moment" comes from the fact that the show has a kind of circular structure, and essentially ends where it began. However, I don't think a lack of that "moment," is necessarily equivalent to lack of ability to be moving. I like the show a lot. I do agree that it doesn't have that pinpoint-able moment of release. But I do find it moving. I was moved when I saw it, and continue to be after. I don't mind the loose ends at all -- life doesn't always leave us with everything tied up all neatly. I think what people are connecting with in this show is that it presents a story that asks you to take a look at your own life, and those can be some of the most unsettling stories to see. It's about what you take away in addition to what you experience in the room.

[raulmark]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 2:55pm

off topic, I know...but I loved "Adding Machine"..saw it twice
going to see "Story of M Life" next week...I read the spoiler, even though it said "spoiler" I suck, oh well

[dwperkins]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 3:04pm

I could not believe how boring this show was!!!! It was ersatz Sondheim combined with boring pop ballads. The "story" was so obvious that you knew what was going to happen by the first 10 minutes. The lyrics were as if you took an actual conversation and put it to words, no poetry whatsoever. The show had no magic. It was completely prosaic. ALso it was an hour too long. I have to say it was one of the most tedious nights I have ever spend in the theater.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 7:13pm

Um, I don't know about any of you, but I didn't know where the story was going? So...?

(off topic, but damn, I wish I had seen Adding Machine. I love the music, and I would love to put it with a visual. If only one of the non-profits could have taken it under their wing.)

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 7:15pm

It's not too late.

Psst...LCT. Put it into the Helen Hayes for a few months once 39 STEPS dries up and before Second Stage takes over.

[raulmark]

Posted: 2/12/09 at 9:25pm

I would love Adding machine to come to Broadway...even better, it should be made into a movie. A great Director who knows about mood and light should Direct. I know it's probably not "commercial" enough, but as long as it comes on blu-ray, I'll be happy
I've officially gone OFF topic. Sorry