Network or Ferryman

I will be in NYC over Christmas because of a wedding. I have purchased tickets to see Network. I have already seen The Ferryman, earlier this evening. It is a major production, the likes of which we see very infrequently. I cannot imagine that any production of Network will even approach the magnificence of this production.

The last time I personally saw a production of this quality was when I saw Cate Blanchette in Streetcar in DC 6 - 8 years ago. I may have to go back to Nicholas Nickelby to think of such a 'large' production in which every single performer more than pulled his weight. Even the baby got extra laughs tonight, due to some in character ad-libbing.

The play has much humor, but also is a punch in the gut. It was truly exhilarating. It will be talked about for years and years to come. Go see it. I doubt you will be able to get discount tickets once the reviews come out, so you would benefit by getting them before the reviews. I cannot imagine that Network will have discounts any week-ends in December.

I highly doubt The Ferryman will be talked about for years and years to come ... even as good as it is.

Having seen both shows in London I would say they are not really comparable. The Ferryman is a strong ensemble production of a fairly decent script, one I found weaker than August Osage County to which it has been compared.

Network is an inventive staging featuring a significant star turn by Bryan Cranston of a classic movie whose thees are very timely. It is far less likely to be reproduced on it scale in other settings where The Ferryman holds strong possibilities for regional productions in the future.

Either is a good choice. Which one depends on what you value most.

Brantley already raved about THE FERRYMAN in London. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doubled on the praises for the NYC production.

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Definitely The Ferryman over Network, it's a superior script and the kind of ensemble you rarely see on the stage, beautifully directed by Sam Mendes. "Network" pales in comparison to the film but Bryan Cranston is excellent. It's a lively production but a superficial adaptation of what was, arguably, an incisive and compelling film. You should also consider "The Lifespan of a Fact" (lots of fun and brilliantly acted), "The Waverly Gallery (though a play about Alzheimer's may be a deterrent) and "To Kill a Mockingbird". It's a strong year for plays.

Thanks again to everyone that replied. I think it would be hard to pass up seeing The Ferryman but I just last have to check out Network at a later date. Definitely read and heard that Cranston delivers a great performance and I really think that storyline is so interesting in the world we currently live in. Thanks again!