Punchdrunk's Sleep No More coming to NYC in March- Page 2

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 1/12/11 at 8:05am

Go see Cheek by Jowl's MACBETH at BAM in April, then go see SLEEP NO MORE!

Or don't. What do I care?

[fosca3]

Posted: 1/12/11 at 10:04am

I've got my reservation, and it's in the first group in that evening (as recommended here -- thanks )

I am so excited for this, cuz I can't even imagine what it's gonna be like...

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/12/11 at 10:20am

Fosca, it's perfectly enjoyable on your own. Since there isn't talking among the audience anyway, the experience itself isn't one of socializing (although space is put aside for that if friends want to meet up after separating). You WILL probably want to talk about it after, but you won't want to reveal any spoilers.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 1/12/11 at 10:58am

I really wish I could see this. It's the sort of thing I've always wanted to experience.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/12/11 at 1:29pm

(although space is put aside for that if friends want to meet up after separating).

Do they separate you if you go with someone, or is that just if you choose to go different ways?

I'm really excited about this, but the uncertainty of exactly what it is (which I'd like to preserve) is admittedly making me a little nervous!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/12/11 at 2:01pm

The nervousness is what makes it fun. Let's just say they aren't committed to keeping you with the parties you arrive with. I stuck by my boyfriend both times I saw it and it wasn't a problem. It would probably be tough to stick with more than one other person, however.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/12/11 at 3:24pm

That's definitely part of the excitement. I'm going with one or two others, so hopefully that will be okay!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/12/11 at 3:29pm

It's fine. You can also arrange to meet back in the bar if you get separated. We went in with a friend of ours, ran into him a couple of times across the evening. Then met at the end and compared notes on what we'd seen.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/12/11 at 6:37pm

Cool. One last question: do you suggest familiarizing oneself with Hithcock and/or Macbeth before going? I'm probably going to at least read Macbeth, but I'm wondering how necessary it is.

[maesmass]

Posted: 1/13/11 at 10:45am

It isn't completely necessary. The first time I went was without re-reading Macbeth and the plot I saw happen was definitely bits that I could easily recall from studying it in high school. If anything maybe just read a quick synopsis to refresh yourself.

That being said, the "Sleep No More" I saw completely was able to stand on its own without prior knowledge of either. Remember you may not see more then one "scene" while you are there. Sure you can follow a character around but the first time you go is definitely about discovery.

[fosca3]

Posted: 1/14/11 at 7:51am

This may be a stupid question, but if everyone follows Macbeth around, wouldn't that get a little out of control?

Now that I've read these comments, I do have a question --

For anyone who's seen this -- how do YOU recommend doing it?

Just wandering aimlessly, or following one character (they move around?), or sticking to a path, or following the 'mass' of people (or isn't there one?)

Like I said, I can't really picture this, and I want to try to see and experience as much as possible. It's hard for me to stay over (maybe 'expensive' is a better word), so I will probably be only be able to see this once

Thanks for any ideas or suggestions

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/14/11 at 10:03am

This is the closest I will come to a spoiler: My friend got this posted on the Times Art Beat blog the other day. In the original blog post there was a clip of Ben Brantley's snarky review of the Boston production, and here's my friend's reply:

I believe Ben kind of missed the boat on this one. If you are a very passive viewer you might get bored within an hour but if you actively participate (i.e. find a character and follow 'their' plot line, then go off and follow another character, etc) you will find that 3 hours barely scratches the surface of this piece. In Boston there were 17 actors in plot arcs that criss-cross each other and to see everything requires multiple visits; I went several times and still haven't seen it all. The scale and detail of what they pull off is mind-boggling and like nothing you have ever seen before. Caveat: if you are expecting Shakespeare's words you will be disappointed; this is a mostly wordless dream state interpretation of the plot liberally dosed with Hitchcock references. Stunning.

I will say that my boyfriend and I wandered through the building on the first visit we made, and saw several scenes unfold around us. The second time we went we followed several characters. Both were fulfilling evenings, but the second one is remembered as the eventful one.

Also, in a dark and shadowy world, (especially one influenced by Hitchcock and his love of doubles), it's not easy to know for sure if you're looking at MacBeth, or Malcolm, or Banquo. If you follow them, their interactions may reveal it to you. Sometimes it is funny to watch a band of audience members walking fast down a hallway trying to keep up with a character.

And that is the MOST detail I shall reveal because this is one happening where discovery is the thing.

[KateElysia]

Posted: 1/30/11 at 8:42pm

I was able to see the production in Brookline 3 times and knew someone in the cast so I was able to discuss it with him afterwards. It truely is an amazing experience. I personally found that being alone was the best because you can do what ever you want. Was really nervous at first but just go for it, I wish I had. Not going to lie I think it is best to see it twice and trust me most people who saw it, saw it again and and again and again and brought friends,it gets addicting, and you just want to talk about it afterwards, it sold out in a heartbeat and the demand was so great that they exteded the run for another month. The first time I went it was like being dropped into a an oober dark alice and wonderland and you can run around and explore, maybe follow a character or hang out in a room. That way the second time you have gotten your "sea legs if you will and you can follow someone, be prepared to run, because they will take off. Although following Macbeth is fun, you would miss so many awesome things, so I suggest following him once. My personal favorite was the witches. The mask can be a pain (I forgot it was there, honestly) and if you have contact lenses I suggest wearing them. They look like white venitian masks, I think that's what they're called, with long noses. People with glasses; they let them wear the mask on their forehead, but if you take it off the stage crew will come after you. Travel light. There was a coat check, but your not going to want to carry around a bag or anythin for that matter. After seeing it once I brought a coat my ID, Credit Card, and chapstick. It's just better to not have anything slowing you down. Dress comfortably, this is not a "hey let's get dressed up" show, so no heels ladies, I mean you can but you will be mad at yourself at the end of the night. It night be cold at first but I suggest leaving sweaters and what not at the coat check, because you will want to abandon it at some point during the evening. Just as a heads up, I would not call this a kid friendly show, there's a lot of innopropriate things for children not to mention they will prob pee themselves due to fear. I don't want to say much more because I think the less you know the better off you will be. Have fun!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/30/11 at 8:49pm

Hearing all of this makes me wish I could see it more than once, but tickets for the New York run are so expensive! I will have to make do with just going once, but I'm glad I'll get to see it at all.

What about it is fear-inducing? I have about a five-year-old's threshold for scary things.

Updated On: 1/30/11 at 08:49 PM

[KateElysia]

Posted: 1/30/11 at 9:03pm

lol, nothing major, it's very dark and can be spontaniously loud. Nobody like jumps out at you or anything. As a kid I would just have been scared cause it's dark. It has a very eerie feel, like a haunted house but there will be no masked chain saw murderer coming after you...I guess for adults it can seem a little intimidating at first but excitement takes over quite quickly. If you're only seeing it once, definantly try to follow a witch, Lady M or Macbeth (either one is great), and give yourself sometime to explore. That would be my suggestion.
Also, the centraal story is Macbeth, so definantly read up, sparknotes would even do it. As far as the Hitchcock goes, It will help you understand those scenes better. I found myself so easily sucked into Macbeth that the Hitchcock part took a backseat. YOu gotta keep on your toes because some of the actors play characters in both Macbeth and Hitchcock, so don't get confused. Updated On: 1/30/11 at 09:03 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/30/11 at 10:38pm

Yeah, I'll read Macbeth before I go. I don't have many Hitchcock reference points, unfortunately but I think I'll be fine.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/31/11 at 10:54pm

Yay, I just bought tickets.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/8/11 at 11:20pm

I got my tickets! I can not wait. Apparently, this version is even bigger and on different (or more?) levels.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 2/8/11 at 11:23pm

I have read that there are 90 rooms. 90! There were 40 in Boston and that was a LOT.

I've also heard there are more actors and characters.

Oh, and emcee, they don't jump out of the dark and try to scare you or anything. It's just that you're in a shadowy dream world, that engages your senses in a way you might not be used to. You will probably look at the world a lot differently for the first couple hours after you see the show.

Updated On: 2/8/11 at 11:23 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/8/11 at 11:25pm

They WANT us to become poor! Take ALL our money. I'll have to whore myself for tickets.

[yay_gerb]

Posted: 2/9/11 at 12:35am

Updated On: 2/12/11 at 12:35 AM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/9/11 at 12:55am

Hopefully it will be open ended.

[yay_gerb]

Posted: 2/9/11 at 1:51am

it would be great if they could keep it open through the summer.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 2/9/11 at 9:57am

I hope so too but the thing about Punchdrunk is they do these short hit and run productions. It would be just like them to have 500,000 New Yorkers wishing they could have seen Sleep No More.

On the other hand, I do believe they are looking to do a more open ended run of their next show in London.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 2/9/11 at 10:05am

I've been reading up on this, and have been listening to the rave reviews of friends who have attended.

All I need to do is clear my calendar and book some tickets! Fascinating.