You just said you thought Julia Roberts was good, yet you agree with Barnes when he said he hated her? Do you even know what you're saying?
There are many redeemable qualities about this production - mainly - the opportunity to see this work performed. The lighting and set design are perfect, and I love the original score. I thought Paul Rudd was excellent, and I liked Cooper, too. Roberts was lacking, but I was so engrossed with the play that she didn't bother me. There's no doubt that more of a character actress could have made this revival great instead of just good (it will never be amazing due to Mantello's limp direction, but perhaps it's because he's afraid to direct Roberts.) I would like to see the show again - I loved it.
I liked FESTEN too. I think it's a great play. It's one of my favorite things I've seen this season, despite the awkwardness of the production and the abominable Ali McGraw, the material, design, and direction really interested me.
"If you are going to do something, do it well. And leave something witchy."
-Charlie Manson