Red at Chicago's Goodman Theatre

[show me chicago]

Posted: 10/3/11 at 2:13pm

Red captures the art and soul of Mark Rothko.
http://www.chicagonow.com/show-me-chicago/2011/10/chicago-goodman-theatres-red-exposes-the-art-and-soul-of-abstract-expressionist-painter-mark-rothko/

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 10/3/11 at 3:58pm

I saw the Goodman production this weekend: liked it but it didn't stack-up to the Broadway production.

In particular, I found that Robert Falls tempo direction considerably slowed the pacing...to the detriment of the play. Where Grandage's presentation was rapid and tight, the Goodman production felt sluggish and a little flabby. The explosive canvas painting scene? Not very explosive here. Also, the set was much larger than that on Broadway (and, presumably, considerably larger than that at the Donmar) which took away some tension and intamacy from the production. The performances were both very strong, if not as impressive as Molina and Redmayne. Of the pair, Patrick Andrews' strong and mature portrayal was the standout.

If you live in Chicago and haven't seen the Broadway or London production, this is certainly worth a visit. If you have already seen either production and are visiting from out-of-town, go see Clybourne Park at the Steppenwolf instead.