Review: "Frost/Nixon" Weds Mat-- AKA "Get Thee To The Jacobs Theatre !"

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 6:28pm

Just got back, and to tell you the truth... I am speechless !!

This is just an amazing show ! On the way home, I was trying to put Frank Langella's performance into words. The popular terms, such as "excellent", "fantastic" and/or "incredible" would not do this performance any justice. The words that came to mind were "spellbinding" and "hypnotic" !! You just dont want him to ever leave the stage.

In my 20 years of going to the theatre, I have never seen a performance on this scale ! The only one that I have seen that comes close was Dennehy's Loman in "Death of a Saleman"-

Langella IS Nixon... He becomes this character to an extent that after a while, you dont realize that he is just an actor, playing a role.

Michael Sheen as Frost is fantastic, as well. His makes you believe that he IS Frost, almost to the extent that
Mr. Langella does with Nixon.

The rest of the cast is also very good, with the standout being Stephen Kunken.

The only negative that I could think of is that I will forever be comparing all other actor's performances to Mr. Langella's, and I have a feeling that they wont be able to measure up.

Hand him the Tony now.

To all of those that have tix for this show, and/or plan to see it, you are in for an experience that you will not soon forget.

I will be back to the theatre again next Tues !!

[obsessedjb]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 7:06pm

as excited as I was to see this show before reading this I'm even more excited now! may 6 needs to get here!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 7:45pm

I am still thinking about this afternoon, and anticipating Tues night ! Its incredible theatre !

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 10:04pm

I'm seeing it tomorrow night. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/4/07 at 10:36pm

You will NOT be disappointed !

One of the blurbs outside the theatre said... "anyone that is serious about acting, needs to see Langella as Nixon" (or something close to that)-- ITS THE TRUTH !!!

Performance of the year.

[sidjones09]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 1:26am

Testing1232, you are 100% correct. After seeing Liev Schreiber in 'Talk Radio' I didn't think anyone could top his performance this season, and possibly for seasons to come. But I have the sense that what I saw at the Jacobs was something monumental in theatrical history. I have no words to describe it, I've tried to find some, but I can't. All I know is that anyone who loves the craft of acting and theatre can NOT miss Frank Langella in Frost/Nixon.

My only beef. As good as Michael Sheen and the rest of the cast are, Langella needs his OWN bow. Let Sheen take one, and then Langella. This performance warrants and deserves that.

I think we've also found our new 'Most Overly Used Audition Monologue' in Peter Morgan's script. People will be trying to recreate it for years, but Frank Langella's stamp on it will NEVER be touched.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 1:30am

do not hand Langella the Tony...it belongs to Plummer

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 1:33am

It sure looks like the Tony for this category will be a very interesting one with Langella, Plummer, and Schrieber getting the kind of appraisal they're getting. Gotta love a season full of killer star turns.

[sidjones09]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 1:36am

WithoutATrace I'm just curious. I haven't seen 'Inherit the Wind' yet but I will next week. But have you seen 'Frost/Nixon' yet?

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 1:42am

Langella turned Belber's MATCH a few years ago into one of the most finely crafted performances I have ever witnessed. I have been awe of that performance ever since.

Seeing FROST/NIXON from the front row Saturday evening. The second it was announced, I planned on repeat visits, mainly to experience the brilliant Langella as much as possible.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 1:45am

yes, i saw Frost/Nixon on Monday evening and thought Langella gave an excellent performance. I was just more blown away by Plummer in Inherit the Wind.

[sidjones09]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 1:47am

I'll get back to you next week.

[Roscoe]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 7:34am

I saw it Tuesday night, and was very impressed with the acting and the set. I just didn't think there was much of a play there. It didn't tell me much I didn't already know. It isn't exactly a surprise to learn that Richard Nixon was a slime sucking bottom feeding pile of excrement. I wish it had gone a little further, dug a little deeper, but I thought that about the same playwright's screenplay for THE QUEEN, too.

[MasterLcZ]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 8:12am

I agree. As a play, it's a little bit too slick and facile - I also wish it had dug a little little deeper but it's very entertaining and moves very quickly. But it has the air of something that is only holding time on stage until the movie can be made.

Updated On: 4/5/07 at 08:12 AM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 8:56am

<< Testing1232, you are 100% correct. After seeing Liev Schreiber in 'Talk Radio' I didn't think anyone could top his performance this season, and possibly for seasons to come. But I have the sense that what I saw at the Jacobs was something monumental in theatrical history. I have no words to describe it, I've tried to find some, but I can't. All I know is that anyone who loves the craft of acting and theatre can NOT miss Frank Langella in Frost/Nixon.

My only beef. As good as Michael Sheen and the rest of the cast are, Langella needs his OWN bow. Let Sheen take one, and then Langella. This performance warrants and deserves that.

I think we've also found our new 'Most Overly Used Audition Monologue' in Peter Morgan's script. People will be trying to recreate it for years, but Frank Langella's stamp on it will NEVER be touched.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sid,

Agree TOTALLY --- That monologue was astounding, and I was glad to see the audience recognize its splendor, by giving it applause at the end. Also agree about the separate bow for Langella---- I have not heard that kind of a buzz for a performance while leaving the theatre in a long time. People were absolutely amazed !!! Cant wait to go back !!!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 8:57am

<< do not hand Langella the Tony...it belongs to Plummer
>>

I am assuming that you saw "Frost/Nixon" Without?? I am willing to place a fun, small wager on it--- LOVED Liev.... LOVED Plummer.... ASTOUNDED by Langella !!!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 8:59am

<< I wish it had gone a little further, dug a little deeper, but I thought that about the same playwright's screenplay for THE QUEEN, too.
>>

I think it did (dig furthur) --- Not only was he slimy (which we all know), but you did see a very troubled man. A very vunerable, troubled man.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 9:32am

Yes, Testing, I saw Frost/Nixon on Monday night...and I think Plummer deserves the award...just my opinion. I was not wowed by Schreiber at all (probably because I hated the play itself). He was so much better in Glengarry Glen Ross. All three will certainly be nominated though.

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 9:49am

I think the "problem" that Plummer MIGHT run into, (and let me add that I thought Plummer was great) is the fact that he is sharing the stage with Dennehy-

While Sheen is VERY good, I think Langella is such a standout, that he gets the Tony.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 9:53am

I think the "problem" that Langella MIGHT run into, (and let me add that I thought Langella was great) is the fact that he is sharing the stage with Sheen-

While Dennehy is VERY good, I think Plummer is such a standout, that he gets the Tony.

[sidjones09]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 10:47am

"I was not wowed by Schreiber at all (probably because I hated the play itself)"

WithoutATrace, after reading your next few posts, I just think we have different measurements of performance and probably won't agree. I will agree that I really didn't care for 'Talk Radio' or 'Frost/Nixon' as plays. Not that I think they're bad. I just don't think they are great pieces of writing. But they are 'STAR' vehicles. And I can separate the phenomenal acting that is going on in these plays, from my perceived weaknesses in the plays themselves. These actors make these plays better than they are. I don't marry the play's success or failure to their performances. Schreiber and Langella own those plays, and IMO Langella is giving the performance of a LIFETIME.

Updated On: 4/5/07 at 10:47 AM

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 11:03am

<< IMO Langella is giving the performance of a LIFETIME.
>>

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ !

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 11:12am

I am able to separate good acting from weak plays...Stephanie Block, for example, was excellent in The Pirate Queen, but the musical itself was horrible.

I honestly despised Talk Radio. I have no idea why it was revived (maybe JUST as a star vehicle), but even Schreiber couldn't overcome the weak material. He was good, but I just couldn't wait for the show to end.

Langella, on the other hand, was captivating and held my attention the entire time he was on stage. I just think Plummer did more with his characterization. I will be very upset if Plummer doesn't win. He totally deserves it.

Since both shows have yet to be reviewed though, this is all speculation.
Updated On: 4/5/07 at 11:12 AM

[sciguy]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 11:41am

I have to agree with Testing on this one. I have not seen Liev, but have seen Plummer and Langella's performance. I think it's a close race between two very different roles, but you have to give the edge to Langella. I was at a loss for words to describe his performance. Mesmerizing comes to mind. I was worried that the role would be doomed to parody. Nothing could be further from the truth. As stated, the play is hardly a great piece, but
Langella OWNS the stage every second he was on. The only time the play dragged for me was when he was not on the stage. I found myself not caring much for Frost as he seemed to be the parody. I couldn't help thinking of Austin Powers during some of his lines.
The aforementioned monologue was one of the most riveting piece of theater I have seen. It truly is a great year for Leading Actors in a Play, but seriously, give the Tony to Langella.
I am returning next month just to see this stellar performance one more time!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 4/5/07 at 12:19pm

<< Langella OWNS the stage every second he was on. The only time the play dragged for me was when he was not on the stage. I found myself not caring much for Frost as he seemed to be the parody. I couldn't help thinking of Austin Powers during some of his lines.
The aforementioned monologue was one of the most riveting piece of theater I have seen. It truly is a great year for Leading Actors in a Play, but seriously, give the Tony to Langella.
I am returning next month just to see this stellar performance one more time! >>

I am going back Tues night, and totally agree with you about Langella owning the stage ! I was actually pissed when he wasnt in a scene !! His timing was amazing--- his facial expressions alone are worth the price of admission ! I could see this performance every night and not get tired of it !!