RABBIT HOLE first preview REVIEW

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 1:06am

RABBIT HOLE Review

Geniuses Lindsay-Abaire’s new play, “Rabbit Hole,” fortunately has arrived just in the time to save an anemic Broadway season. Miraculously this brand new world premier, now playing at the Biltmore theatre, is now in previews and is better shape than most long running hits. This splendid play will no Doubt (well actually it is damn near as perfect) give theatre enthusiasts something to be thankful for; a true blue dramedy we can rejoice in. An emotionally charged, comedic yet passionate, two hour powerhouse that will not succumb to the winter blues, but instead spring eternal into what will hopefully be a very extended run of one of the best plays of this decade so far!

Without giving away too much about this hauntingly complex five person masterpiece, the basic outline is this: A mourning wife and mother, portrayed by the incomparable Cynthia Nixon with more inner potency than a determined mule, is faced with an incomparable decisions as she deals with the loss of her five year old son. Should she mourn in the same way as her husband (John Slattery)? Should she follow her sharp witted mothers (Tyne Daly) neurotic yet compassionate advice? Or should live be as simple as her free spirited sister (Mary Catherine Garrison) makes it all seem? After all it is New York; and don’t New Yorkers deal with life in their own special ways? Or so they would like to think!

Nixon gives the most mesmerizing performance on the Biltmore stage since MTC restored it to its present spangle a few seasons back. That stage is certainly on fire when Nixon goes head to head with each of her remarkable co-stars; especially the incomparably talented, and soon to be two time Tony bearer Tyne Daly. As Nixon’s mother, Daly has every single nuance nailed and it is only the first preview. Her mother attitude and dry wit and sardonic humor abounds in spades as she and her family deal with the untimely death of her grandchild. It is because of Daly and Nixon’s solid acting chops that one realizes we all must deal with loss in our own very special and private ways. How these two are able to spin the story to suit an audience is an art all its own; much like Brian F. O’Byrne and Cherry Jones did in last seasons “Doubt.” The task seems quite plausible with help from three of the most enthralling supporting talents on today’s stage. Mary Catherine Garrison brings a young innocence and unbelievable charisma to the role of Nixon’s sister that any fluently articulated performer may overplay. And no overplaying of any sorts does John Gallegher Jr. channel as the culprit of a very unearthly crime. John Slattery is a perfect mate that goes toe to toe with Nixon’s heavily burdened being. But when all is said and done, it is Daly & Nixon’s turns as the unknowing and wavering guardians that will leave audiences so stunned that a rupture of applause will engulf the aptly suited theatre upon the emotional curtain call.

Director Daniel Sullivan proves why his eye for detail is certainly unmatched. In the hands of a lesser conductor, “Rabbit Hole” may have not been the raving success it will most likely be. It doesn’t hurt that his ensemble of technical designers are full of unwavering talent. John Lee Beatty has created a set so lifelike in quality, that the air even permeates real life. Instead of feeling like one has entered a theatre, the theatergoer feels ready to move right in to the rotating marvel of a home. Beatty is one of the hardest worked and underappreciated scenic designers for the stage and with “Rabbit Hole” exemplifies how a set can be life like and certainly Tony Award worthy.

A more rewarding play cannot be found on any continent this season. They may try to invade our houses with transfers and revivals, but David Lindsay-Abaire has arrived not only on the great white way, but with “Rabbit Hole” has been added to a list of the greats! If there was ever a more certainty, it would be that “Rabbit Hole” is without a doubt a smash hit!


Updated On: 1/13/06 at 01:06 AM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 1:22am

Sounds good. Can't wait to hear more about it, especially the sets.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 2:31am

What a thrilling, thorough review of a show I've been crossing my fingers that it will be a hit. I am a huge fan of both Nixon and Daly and I'm thrilled that they are both back on stage, with what sounds like great material nonetheless. I'll look forward to seeing it myself! Thanks LaCageAuxFollesFan2 for a great first review.

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 3:06am

This show has my attention now! I'm glad this was a perfect show for you! What's the running time of this show?

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 8:30am

Yet another reason the show was pretty perfect. 2 hours with one intermission. Not too long, not too short - just right and well worth a Biltmore top $$ ticket price of $80 I believe.

[Tricky Joe]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 9:38am

I can not WAIT to see this show. So glad to hear how much you liked it, La Cage. And doubly happy to hear that Nixon and Daly are so good in it. I love them both so. And Mary Catherine too. What a great group of ladies. It's nice to know someone is writing good parts for women. And what a relief it will be to see a GOOD play at the Biltmore after travesties like Drowning Crow, and that Elaine May thing, et al. (Though I did love Sight Unseen in the space.)

How was the audience? Full?

Joe

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 9:47am

Oh YES.....thats the other thing. The audience ate this play up and it was as filled to the brim as you could get. It looked to me that every seat in the theatre was full, with some standing on the back isles. And for a first preview yet. I'd buy your tickets now. Honestly, I'd love to see the play a plethora of more times, but I don't know how long tickets will be available. The shows fantastic.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 12:27pm

Does anyone else have tickets for soon? I'd love to hear what others think. Such a solid, well written, superbly acted show...makes you just THINK and I cant get it out of my head.

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 2:33pm

Do you think the show will have rush tickets?

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 2:39pm

MTC's rush policy is always available, day of show, $25 with a student ID.

[QMAN03]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 3:20pm

Ah, why did you have to tell me this?!?!?! I am so bummed I can't see this. And I'm so close! I'm going in on March 24! That;s just five days after it closes. Here's to hoping it will extend.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 3:41pm

Seeing it on Sunday and cannot wait. Cynthia Nixon is an amazing theatrical actress and should take to the stage more often.

[broadwaygiant19122]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 5:45pm

isn't she planning an off-bway production of jean brtodie as well?

[gustof777]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 5:49pm

Lindsay Abaire is f*cking AMAZING....read kimberly amimbo and fuddy meers because he captures people both the humor and tragic sides...so well. his plays are breath taking in a very subtle way.

[MrBundles]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 6:27pm

thanks so much for the review. just bought my ticket

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 1/13/06 at 7:19pm

Thanks for the great review. I'll be seeing the show when I'm in NYC the weekend of Jan. 27th.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan]

Posted: 1/14/06 at 12:40pm

MEF - I'll be excited to hear what you think. Well, I'll be excited to hear what everyone thinks. Personally, I think it is a Fantastic play that should do VERY VERY well come awards time. But this play is so much more than just awards...its that good.

[melissa errico fan]

Posted: 1/16/06 at 10:26am

I saw yesterday's matinee.

It's a departure from Lindsay-Abaire's usual comedies, and it pays off in spades. This is the best play he has written to date, in my opinion. The cast is wonderful from top-to-bottom. Not one weak link.

The performance was sold out yesterday, and I noticed that several kids seeking student tickets were turned away due to lack of availability. This show is going to be a hit. I'd buy tickets ASAP if I were you.

[Tricky Joe]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 12:50pm

Thanks for the continued good words for this show.

I got my tickets. I'm going next week. Can't wait!

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 10:55pm

Did anyone else go over the weekend or planning on going this week? Id love to know what everyone thought. I can't stop thinking about how impressed I was with this piece. Especially Tyne Daly - talk about perfection.

[PJ]

Posted: 1/17/06 at 11:09pm

I got student rush tickets tonight and loved the show. I though Tyne Daly was a true scene stealer. She has to be one of the best living, and working actors these days. And Cynthia certainly had her moments of brilliance.

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 8:21pm

Youre right...there is another thread floating around arguing over whether or not Tyne should have won for her performance as Mama Rose over a decade ago. One thing is for sure - she CERTAINLY deserves a win here. Again she is given great material, and she masters it at every turn. What a performance. I nearly saw it a week ago, and everytime I see the RABBIT HOLE marketing, Tyne's face still makes me want to go back and see her and the play again.

[QMAN03]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 8:52pm

Any plans of an extension yet so I can see it?

[LaCageAuxFollesFan2]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 11:02pm

Nothing that I've heard about. I'm sure an answer to that question would be more secured after the oficial telling reviews.

[neomystyk29]

Posted: 1/18/06 at 11:17pm

Anymore reviews, I'm really on the fence about seeing this and need to find out if I truly want to soon.