Rock 'n' Roll Previews Thoughts ?

[jaystarr]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 2:04pm

Anyone seeing this tonight ? I was thinking of seeing this show this weekend but they have weird schedule this weekend and the following weekend...

Plus I am little on the fence with Tom Shoppard... For those seeing this one tonight- Pls let us know what you think about this new play ?

Thanks

J

Updated On: 10/19/07 at 02:04 PM

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 2:27pm

I saw it in London last year and really enjoyed it, but it is rather dense for some tastes. Stoppard covers a lot of political and social ground regarding the Czech Republic (then Czechoslovakia, where Stoppard is from) in the 60s thru the 90s, during which time rock 'n roll music -- smuggled into country from the West and imitated by local bands to harsh consequences -- was a potent symbol for an intellectual, academic and personal freedom the protagonists in the play are hoping to come in the future. Many pay a serious price for their political views and resistance and Stoppard explores how several members of this small community of scholars deal with this oppression (as well as their more mundane interpersonal realities) in their day-to-day lives over the course of decades. There's a lot of fascinating ideas and insights in Stoppard's writing here -- as well as some great acting (the three terrific leads from the acclaimed London production have made the trip to New York) and superb direction from Trevor Nunn -- but, again Stoppard is not for everyone.

You might want to read some of the production notes for the show before attending for a bit of background on Czechoslovakia (while it was still under Soviet control) and that period of history:


http://www.rocknrolltheplay.com/files/rocknroll.pdf

Updated On: 10/19/07 at 02:27 PM

[jaystarr]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 2:35pm

Margo,

Thanks .. that's what I thought.. I am just tired of reading books in preparation to see a Tom Shoppard's play. Like last year with Coast of Utopia and its no joke .. the trilogy are almost 9 hours. I like the visual aspects of the plays, but could not care less, if they reach Utopia at all.

Honestly.. Ive gotten tired specially in the SALVAGE part .... I will read what you forward me and see if something I would like... I know that this one is less visual than the trilogy which would really be a struggle for me...

Edit : I did my part and borrowed DVD on the Library "Great Courses on Russian History " and Intelligentsia Movement in Russia - unfortunately I got soo bored.

J



Updated On: 10/19/07 at 02:35 PM

[GladysBumps]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 5:24pm

The theatrical bottom of my drinking days was when I fell asleep/passed out at a Stockard Channing (whom I adore) performance. But then it was a GD Stoppard play, so . . .

Even clean and sober, "Coast" was an effort for me. Were it not for all those terrific guys: Billy Cru, Hawk, Hamilton, O'Bern having such an infectious good time, I would have been outta there like a shot!

Jesus, and I have a TDF for "Rock and Roll" for Monday. Maybe they'll be a strike.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 5:45pm

Atta girl Gladys. Why don't you stay home and watch Dancing with the Stars instead?

[April Saul]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 7:45pm

I am amazed at the way tons of people shell out lots of money to see Tom Stoppard plays and word-y Irish ones like Faith Healer, only to spend the time snoozing! I actually liked Utopia but man, I have had to change my seat to get away from snorers at these things. I am assuming that the huge rush to get Rock N Roll tickets will dissipate as people realize what it is, and that maybe then I can get a good deal on a ticket! In the meantime, it's refreshing to hear people at least be honest about it. I mean, a hundred dollars is a lot of money for a nap, doncha think?

[mrkringas]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 8:35pm

Its perfectly accessible for anyone with an undergrad education and a passing knowledge of the Cold War.

[Effie]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 10:11pm

Saw Rock 'n Roll in London last February with the replacement cast. I think it's a much more focused, accessible and entertaining piece of theater than Utopia. In fact, it served as my Stoppard test. If I liked it, I'd see the Utopia marathon. Just my luck, I enjoyed Rock n' Roll immensely, but was bored stiff by Utopia. Actually, that's not entirely true. I thought Voyage was very good. It was the second play that bored me to tears. So much so that we didn't stick around for the third one.

My problem with Stoppard is that the speeches tend to overwhelm the characters. Not so with Rock 'n Roll. You actually care about the people on stage. Couldn't say the same about Utopia. (Crudup and Hawke excepted.)

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 10/19/07 at 10:56pm

April Saul,

Here's the discount code from Broadwaybox. And when last I checked (last week) there were tons of great seats available throughout the orchestra for numerous dates:

http://www.broadwaybox.com/shows/rock_n_roll_nyc_tickets.aspx

[April Saul]

Posted: 10/20/07 at 2:23pm

Hi Margo--
That's pretty strange! Ever since I noticed the Rock N Roll code on Broadwaybox some weeks ago, I've been periodically trying to pull up decent seats with it and nada. Then, last Wednesday afternoon I stopped by the box office and the guy told me not only that there really wasn't anything decent left in the orchestra, but there never really would be with that code! (That last part I found a little hard to believe)
I will keep checking online in case something has changed in the last few days; I always look for last minute house seats to open up anyway, but this ticket seller was quite convincing,
April

[GladysBumps]

Posted: 10/20/07 at 7:44pm

Dancing With The Stars? I dunno, honey, that might be a little deep for me.