"Prelude To A Kiss"- 2/21 (Mat)- W/ SPOILERS

[Testing1232]

Posted: 2/21/07 at 6:38pm

Ok, so just got back from a nice nap---- just about 2 hours worth-

I dont even know where to begin.

Positives: Well, I like the AA Theater, and there was SOME good acting.

Thats about it---

Went in a little familiar with the storyline, however, I had not seen the movie, nor the previous Broadway production.
(Although the entire time I was thinking that Mary Louise Parker was perfect casting for the role of Rita)

In the role of Rita, I felt that Annie Parisse was terrible- I understand that the show is VERY early in preview stage, but it seemed like the entire show she was reading right from the script. The chemisty between her Rita, and Peter, played by Alan Tudyk (who was better than Parisse, but not great) just was not there. Their dialogue, especially in the beginning during the "courting" stage was simply horrendous (lines like "I would really like to see you without your clothes on" were comical.

Best of the cast without a doubt were James Rebhorn and Robin Bartlett, as Mr. & Mrs. Boyle. The only time this show felt enjoyable at all was when they were on the stage.

As the Old Man, John Mahoney was okay given the role. (or lack thereof)

The entire premise of this story is far-fetched, but is more made unbelivable due to poor acting.

The Old Man wants to recapture his youth, by kissing the young bride-to-be (Rita) - Rita, in turn, wants to see what its like to be older, so she can bypass all of her fears and problems with her life, and the world in general.

So, their eyes meet, the kiss happens, and they exchange souls.

Unfortunately, you never get the sense that Rita is unhappy with her life or is nervous about being married. Rita and Peter are dating for a mere few months before Peter pops the question, and Rita accepts in a second.... no doubts in her mind. This is what she wants to do. So, she gets cold feet on her wedding day...
So do most people !!

The story is very far-fetched... in order to come close to pulling it off, the acting would have to be supurb. Unfortunately, it was very subpar !!

[AC126748]

Posted: 2/21/07 at 6:41pm

Wow. I saw it last night and had a completely different reaction. I was on the verge of tears towards the end. I thought Parisse played Rita PERFECTLY--ditzy, spaced-out, flighty. I thought she and Tudyk had a charming chemistry.

I already have plans to see it again next week.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 2/21/07 at 7:18pm

Thats the beauty of the boards, AC--- different perspectives...

Audience today seemed bored to tears.

I would have loved to see Mary Louise Parker's take on Rita-

I thought that Parisse played the "switched" Rita better, but thought her acting was way too scripted during the 1st Act.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/21/07 at 7:48pm

I completely agree with everything you said about Annie Parisse. I saw the show last night and thought it was extremely forgettable. I enjoyed Alan Tudyk and John Mahoney, but Parisse's line deliveries were almost laughable. I was looking forward to seeing this show, and was sorry to have left disappointed.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 2/21/07 at 8:07pm

I agree that Tudyk was better.... I think he would have been even better with a better Rita to work with.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/21/07 at 8:36pm

He did look incredibly hot with his shirt off.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 2/21/07 at 8:41pm

I was kinda focusing more on Parisse in the bikini, but that's just me ...LOL