Regarding Butley...

[StarStruckGB]

Posted: 11/15/06 at 10:15pm

What did everybody think of it who saw it?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/15/06 at 10:19pm

I had posted a mini review on the following thread: https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?boardname=bway&thread=914829#2606006

"I got a ticket for yesterday's matinee of BUTLEY on tkts and I have to say, I really enjoyed myself. I thought Nathan Lane gave a very emotional, very layered performance and I really felt his pain when he found out that his lover was moving in with another man. There were also a few moments that Nathan's facial expressions and reactions to what was happening were spot on. The very beginning when he kept turining on the lights and they wouldn't work, just conveyed what kind of a day this was going to be for him and he reacted appropriately. I also loved when he opened the desk drawer and you heard all the empty alcohol bottles in there. A nice touch. How fitting that at the very end of the play, when he was sitting in his easy chair down stage left, that he switched on the light and it didn't work. The look on his face was utter depression and sadness and I thought Nathan did a wonderful job. Too bad he didn't get better reviews.

I also loved Dana Ivey and Julian Ovenden. Dana stole every scene she was in. This was the first time I had ever seen her on stage and I was thoroughly impressed. Julian was also excellent and he and Nathan worked well together.

This was my first exposure to BUTLEY (have never seen the movie or a stage production) and I found the play itself to be a little dated and wordy. I also should point out that I was probably the youngest person in the audience by about 20 years and most of the people around me were absolutely hating the show. A handful walked out at intermission. I'm glad I was one of the few in Sunday's audience to appreciate the play and the performances.

Oh and for those of you who care, Dana Ivey and the rest of the cast did come out the stage door to sign. I noticed as I was exiting the theater that Nathan's black car was waiting by the front entrance of the Booth. Apparently he never exits through the regular stage door...I imagine doing this show eight times a week is extremely draining so he would prefer not to do the stage door scene for the run of this show. If you are a Nathan fan, the show is worth seeing for his excellent performance."


Just to let you know, most people, including the critics, did not enjoy this production. I was one who did.

[StarStruckGB]

Posted: 11/15/06 at 10:28pm

Yeah, I'm a Nathan fan myself,
Unfortunately it doesn't look like I'm going to get to see it =(

But from the clips and everything and interviews, it looked fantastic.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 11/15/06 at 10:45pm

Thanks for posting that, WAT. I hadn't caught it the first time around. I'm glad to hear some positivity about the production. I have a ticket next month.

[eujenni]

Posted: 11/15/06 at 11:42pm

I saw Butley last Friday. Mr Lane did not dissapoint me. I thought he gave a wonderful performance as Ben Butley. I felt like I was on a emotional rollercoaster ride. It is a very dark, intense show but Nathan as well as the other cast members give strong performances and it's a well written play.
I understand why some people may not like the show because it's not a "fun" or happy play to watch. Butley's world as he knows it, is crumbling before him and he's fighting back by using his wit and sharp words. Butley is not the nicest guy but I think Nathan Lane showed a softness to the character as well. It was great sitting close to the stage because I saw the emotions in the characters faces. Nathan Lane has the most expressionable face and I just loved seeing him perform "live". I really hope he gets a Tony nomination for this performance.