Our Town w/ Paul Newman

[WillParker]

Posted: 1/26/05 at 9:54am

Last night I watched the DVD of the most recent revival of 'Our Town' starring Paul Newman. Can someone (or mulitple someones) refresh my memory as to how this production was critcally received, particularly the performances of Ben Fox & Maggie Lacy as George & Emily? Also interested in opinions of those of you who saw the show, not just what critics thought. Thanks!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/26/05 at 6:40pm

I saw this production on Broadway and was very disappointed. Our Town is one of my all time favorite plays, but I will say I had more of a problem with the direction than anything else. I thought this same production that was taped for PBS translated better for some reason, but still something was missing. I had seen another production of this play at the Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Maryland a few months before and that production was much, much better.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 1/26/05 at 6:59pm

Our Town IS my favorite play of all time, and I jumped at the chance to see this, especially with an actor such as Newman. Although I enjoyed it and thought all of the performers were brilliant, something was missing, and I couldn't put my finger on it. I remember leaving the theatre half satisfied. Is the production available on DVD? I taped it off the TV a few years ago but it came out grainy.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 10:36am

I saw this b4 the Bway transfer & liked it very much. Jane Curtain (sp) was one of the weaker performances I recall. I remember liking Ben Fox better that Maggie. He seemed more comfortable in the part ( i mean I believed him more)> I also liked Mr Newman but remember being disapointed that every one required a mike. ( I cut him some slack for losing projection due to only working in film for 40 yrs)

[Eileen2]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 11:14am

Where is it available on DVD? I was fortunate and got a good last minute ticket shortly before it closed. It was a wonderful production and it was very well done.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 11:24am

I had to watch this for my theatre class. I agree that something was missing.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:25pm

I saw this production toward the very end of its run. I loved it. I not only teach the play regularly, but I've directed three productions of it and played George Gibbs in a third.

I found the play to be well directed and acted. My only cavil was the height of Ben Fox. He towered over Paul Newman in the soda fountain scene and looked more apt to be a quarterback than a baseball player. Still, he acted well.

I recall having my reservations about the gal who played Emily, but it was too long ago for me to be specific. I remember that she rose to the occasion in her farewell speech, though.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 1/29/05 at 12:31pm

She was pretty, and I thought the guy who played Editor Webb was too old.