Posted: 9/10/19 at 2:22pm
Posted: 9/10/19 at 2:28pm
Posted: 9/10/19 at 2:38pm
carolinaguy said: "JSquared2 said: "carolinaguy said:Doesn't one of the acts have to do with a womanizing film producer trying to seduce an old flame? I don't know how that will play today.
Right -- because that sort of thing could NEVER happen in this day and age."
Obviously it happens. And it's not funny. And this is a comedy, isn't it?
Comedians have been taking unseemly, sad or even tragic events, finding the datk humor in them and making audiences laugh about them for maybe 5000 years. In fact, 2674 B.C. was the first known instance of a comedian responding to groans with "too soon?" I'm sure if this had been described as a film producer trying to rekindle a romance with an old flame, no one would have issues with it.
Posted: 9/10/19 at 2:53pm
I would rather see these two do it....
Posted: 9/10/19 at 3:12pm
ACL2006 said: "Broderick hasn't been good in anything since HOW TO SUCCEED...
NICE WORK could have been a much better show with someone else in Broderick's place."
I'm not asking this to cause any trouble but as a genuine question. Did you see him in It's Only A Play? Thoughts?
Posted: 9/10/19 at 5:44pm
<<edited by BWW staff>>
I ADORE all of Brodericks' mannerisms and can't bear to even LOOK at SJP.
Updated On: 9/11/19 at 05:44 PM
Posted: 9/10/19 at 6:57pm
I enjoyed Broderick in The Seafarer at Irish Rep last season.
I'm not familiar with the play, but I'm looking forward to seeing this duo onstage together.
Posted: 9/10/19 at 9:03pm
Posted: 9/10/19 at 11:28pm
goodlead said: "
Do we really need a Neil Simon revival? Hasn't comedy evolved beyond his 1960s sensibility?"
I was thinking the same thing. I saw the movie version of California Suite a few months ago on TCM and could not believe how bad it was; I knew it was dated, but I have enjoyed other movies / revivals that were dated, and still enjoyed them. The constant (dated) jokes included in NS plays make some of them almost unwatchable.
I don't remember Plaza Suite super-well, but i had the same structure as California Suite (PS was first), and I remember the second act as being terrible 40 years ago. The last act was very funny then (don't remember how many references there were to products, movies, current events, etc., but bet there were plenty), but based on a gimmick...the bride-to-be won't come out of the bedroom. Not sure that will age well.
Posted: 9/10/19 at 11:39pm
Its entirely possible that authors/playwrights eventually fall out of favor due to changing sensibilities. I'd argue that the mark of a true classic is its ability to withstand that test of time. The comparison to Shakespeare is apt: its clearly "outdated" but is revived, taught and revered despite that obvious fact.
So the question really is whether Neil Simon's work withstands that test of time. SJP, Broderick, and some producers seem to think so. Im not sure I follow why, if someone thinks that comedy has "evolved" they should see this, but theres a haughtiness to the notion that "comedy itself" has moved past this, and theres a disturbing familiarity in the idea that since there are things in the play that (thankfully) are no longer socially acceptable, we shouldn't see it at all. Cancel culture at its finest.
All that said, as likeable as SJP is, I'm not paying $ to see this; its not a particularly compelling story.
Posted: 9/11/19 at 12:08am
I think reviving the play with the two stars is a smart idea and it will sell very well with the tourists.
I do not remember how good the film version of California Suite was but it made Maggie Smith a star and won her an Oscar.
I would be curious to see what the people who make comments about SJP's looks look like themselves. Somehow I think it would be rather tragic.
Posted: 9/11/19 at 2:37am
loved Broderick in The Seafarer and a few seasons back in An Evening At The Talkhouse
Posted: 9/11/19 at 7:02am
SmoothLover said: "I think reviving the play with the two stars is a smart idea and it will sell very well with the tourists.
I do not remember how good the film version of California Suite was but it made Maggie Smith a star and won her an Oscar.
I would be curious to see what the people who make comments about SJP's looks look like themselves. Somehow I think it would be rather tragic."
Maggie Smith was already a star with a Best Actress Oscar for Miss Jean Brodie.
Posted: 9/11/19 at 8:48am
It's been a while since we've had a major Simon revival.
it's a very funny play with 6 showcase roles for its two leads.
At first I wasn't thrilled with the casting. On reflection, these two might just be terrific.
Visitor from Mamaroneck is a very good and moving one act play (Maureen Stapleton's honesty and pain amid composure in the movie is unforgettable).
Visitor from Forest Hills is a damn good romp.
Visitor from Beverly Hills is problematic. Not only is it the least of the three one acts, it might be very challenging in the metoo age. We see a woman resisting the seductions of a Hollywood power player and ultimately succumbing. This could be cringeworthy. Worse, any effort to deconstruct it to bring out the underlying questions - is she a victim, does no not mean no, is this seduction or coercion - would likely be disastrous. This is not Oklahoma or My Fair Lady or any full length play that can be compellingly considered through a new lens... it's a very dated one act sit com.
Posted: 9/11/19 at 12:35pm
Jordan Catalano said: "Do we really need to see Shakespeare? Hasn’t theatre evolved since then?
Do we really need to see Sondheim revivals from the 50s/60s/70s? Hasn’t musical theatre changed since then?....
"
Neil Simon is no Shakespeare. Neil Simon is no Sondheim.
But if stale one-liners from early 1960s sitcoms are your thing, get your tickets now!
Seriously, PLAZA SUITE has moments that go beyond vaudeville/early TV sitcoms, but you'll have to wait through a bucket of cheese to get to them.
Posted: 9/11/19 at 5:13pm
I'm very excited to see SJP and Broderick on stage together. SJP has been so busy with tv and film the past few years that it will be great to see her back on Broadway.
Posted: 9/11/19 at 6:32pm
SmoothLover said: "I think reviving the play with the two stars is a smart idea and it will sell very well with the tourists.
I do not remember how good the film version of California Suite was but it made Maggie Smith a star and won her an Oscar.
I would be curious to see what the people who make comments about SJP's looks look like themselves. Somehow I think it would be rather tragic."
Will be interesting to see...I guess it will all come down to how much people want to see the two stars together.
For what it is worth, CALIFORNIA SUITE was NOT Maggie Smith's first Oscar. It was her second. Her first was Best Actress (as opposed to Supporting) in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie; she was in a number of movies before CS, and was a huge stage strain London. I can't help thinking that Downton Abbey is what made her the icon she is today, and she has even said that in interviews).
Posted: 9/12/19 at 11:40am
I'm not sure if this has been mentioned , but there is a wonderfully taped live performance of "Plaza Suite" with Jerry Orbach and Lee Remick in all the parts. This was done by HBO in the early 80's when they filmed several stage performances, "Vanities" and " The Williamstown production of "Sherlock Holmes" with Frank Langella being two others. Both Mr. Orbach and Ms Remick are perfection. Despite that, I really don't like the play that much and the thought of watching Matthew Broderick ruin another show makes this an absolute won't see for me.
Posted: 9/13/19 at 9:44pm
George in DC said: "I'm not sure if this has been mentioned , but there is a wonderfully taped live performance of "Plaza Suite" with Jerry Orbach and Lee Remick in all the parts. This was done by HBO in the early 80's when they filmed several stage performances, "Vanities" and " The Williamstown production of "Sherlock Holmes" with Frank Langella being two others. Both Mr. Orbach and Ms Remick are perfection. Despite that, I really don't like the play that much and the thought of watching Matthew Broderick ruin another show makes this an absolute won't see for me."
It was Lee Grant not Lee Remick but agree it was great. Grant is also in the last act of the movie version and I can still remember the very loud and long laughing it received in the movie theater.
I bought my tickets for Boston but do have concerns about how the play will hold up. Thinking maybe they do a switch on the male/female roles for the middle act might be interesting.
Posted: 11/11/19 at 12:57pm
Marc Shaiman writing original music for the PLAZA SUITE revival. This makes me even more interested in seeing it now! It seems to be selling very briskly based on current seat availability.
