Olivier-winning LIFE OF PI On Broadway - Reviews & News Thread — Page 4

I was also at yesterday's matinee. Having read the book more than a decade ago and having seen the movie many times since then, I was impressed by the production, but, above all, by Hiran Abeysekara's masterful performance. Sure, the visuals and puppets are splendid, but he elevates it from what could be empty spectacle to the spiritual and philosophical level of the source material. Unfortunately, he's so good that most of the other actors look mediocre by comparison, thus making the writing sometimes sound hokier than need be, and, really, what was up with everyone's accents? Minor quibbles, though. Hiran and the physical production are must-sees, so, ultimately, the show worked for me, and I left the theatre moved.

I sat in mezzanine D1 for act 1, which was a perfect vantage point for taking everything in, but being in the midst of teenagers wasn't working for me, so I asked to move to the empty rear left box at intermission, which was also a fantastic view.

My views from D 1 and the box:

We have some interesting plays this season and I hope the reviews shake things up for awards season!

Just picked up my TDF ticket for this. Happily, I'm in the front mezz.

You likely already know this but if not/others - If you like the music, I believe a ‘soundtrack’ of the play is on the usual streaming services.

binau said: "You likely already know this but if not/others - If you like the music, I believe a ‘soundtrack’ of the play is on the usual streaming services."

I went back and looked after your post and added the word "play" to my search on YouTube music and found it! Thanks! I am in heaven now!

Genuine question: a number of posters on this thread have referred to the "book" being good or bad. Is it common to use this term to refer to the script of a non-musical play?

This was the last show I saw on my NY trip, and the staging is incredible and the lead has incredible energy and passion throughout the grueling physical performance.

The sets, lighting and puppetry are phenomenal. Front mezzanine may be optimal for viewing but I was in row K on the orchestra center aisle and you could see everything perfectly. You would probably not want to be in the first 4-5 rows, however.

I'm a bit torn about the book, because while the lead was excellent, much of the rest of the cast was all over the board. Some were very good (Pi's mother) to stunningly dreadful (Pi's uncle). It made assessing the play a bit more difficult, especially in Act One.

In the end, go for the thrilling stagecraft and lead actor. They will make you believe in the magic of Broadway!!!