Joined: 12/31/69
Variety, time out New York, EW, and Hollywood reporter really seemed to love it.
The major takeaway from what I read was Gideon Glick's performance was stellar and star turning. Good for him. I thought He deserves it. Hope he gets the tony recognition.
Kad said: "Though I largely enjoyed the play off-Broadway, my misgivings are similar to those in the Towelroad review. I think Harmon isolates Jordan so thoroughly from the rest of queer life to a surprising degree and it is hard for me to discern whether or not that is the point or merely a contrivance to make this thing go. The character is fixated on a monogamous heteronormative relationship to the point of being blinkered, while also having no queer friends, having no willingness to consider other relationship options, and being dismissive of many facets of gay culture."
Sadly, since I ran a support site for LGBT youth for years, that doesn't sound too contrived. With the advent of social media and people being more accepting, there is less of a need/desire of people to sort of form a gay network around them and such when they come out, since their straight network is affirming and supportive, which is good, but then when it isn't enough, there is that sort of void... they often just become the gay friend among all straight people, without developing much in the way of interacting with any gay peers in real life, only on social media and such.
I wish that part were a contrivance in a play, but that rang sort of true for me and what I saw in a lot of (though not all) young people of today.
I went back last night after seeing the show off-Broadway and I loved it just as much. I remembered the comedy of the play quite well, but I forgot how much of an emotional punch this show packs. The scene between Jordan and Laura is so raw and heartbreaking, and from more or less that point on I had tears running down my face for the rest of the show. I don't think the writing is perfect- it gets a little repetitive here and there, and some of the punchlines are telegraphed from far away- but it nails so much about loneliness and dating and particularly the way social media enables us to obsess over potential lovers. I mean, who hasn't done the kind of deep social media dive that Jordan does? Maybe we all aren't as obsessive or needy, but these moments felt really true to life. Elements of the play tend towards the sitcom-y at times, but at its core it's a deeply felt play about loneliness and abandonment, and I think lots of people can relate to that.
The cast, largely in tact from the Pels production, is still uniformly excellent. All three girlfriends do lovely work, especially Lindsay Mendez. Barbara Barrie is also very touching in her scenes- her last phone call with Jordan is a particularly great moment from her. However, Gideon Glick's performance is the reason people should run to this show. I know Ben Platt has been getting most of the attention for Dear Evan Hansen, but as far as I'm concerned Glick is giving the male performance of the season. In the hands of a lesser actor, Jordan would be absolutely insufferable, but with him, you can't help but like him even as he makes truly awful choices. He also really delivers in his big scene with Mendez- that rant is ferociously delivered, but he builds the character's resentment so well that it never comes off as too big. I can't imagine another actor giving a more impressive performance this season, and I would love to see him win a Tony for it.
It does seem like the play is struggling a little with ticket sales, but I can't recommend this one enough. It's such a sweet and sad play, and Gideon Glick's performance is worth every penny. Go.
Just a question, what do you think the rating for this is? (AGE WISE)
It would be so interesting if both Lead Actor Tonys ended up going to young men under 30 this year.
Updated On: 3/6/17 at 05:34 PMFeatured Actor Joined: 1/28/16
So torn between Significant Other and Come From Away for the last show of my trip.
It's not really written for people his age.
Because "people of his age"...what? Was there something in his review that sounded like it was his age that was the problem?
The character is fixated on a monogamous heteronormative relationship to the point of being blinkered, while also having no queer friends, having no willingness to consider other relationship options, and being dismissive of many facets of gay culture.
The character represents a type that actually is not uncommon, but rarely represented in the entertainment media because his is often misunderstood as being "self-loathing". Unfortunately, for too long, the gay community focused on acceptance from outside the community, but not always acceptance within. And thus, often stereotyping themselves with their own community, attempting to define and own what it means to be gay at the expense of their own diversity.
A gay man can seek monogamy without it ever having to mean anything "heteronormative". He doesn't have to seek other relationship options if the other option are not the relationship and life he wants. And NONE of it has to do with his sexual orientation, despite what is trendy or activist-friendly or hip chat among friends at the popular gay bar in town having their favorite drink specials. Gay people can be different. They don't even have to be Judy, Barbra or Liza fans.
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/5/09
"In the hands of a lesser actor, Jordan would be absolutely insufferable,"
He's insufferable in the hands of this very good actor.
"but with him, you can't help but like him"
I had no trouble disliking this self-absorbed whiner. In fact, I couldn't help but dislike him.
"It would be so interesting if both Lead Actor Tonys ended up going to young adults this year."
Platt is 23, and Glick is 28. Those ages are generally just called "adult," except among psychologists.
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/30/15
I think I remember Jordan going on a date with his less attractive co-worker but I forget... does he ever use dating sites/apps, even ones not considered hookup apps?
I just got an email saying all Wednesday matinees have been canceled except March 22, and June 7.
Any reason for the Wed mats cancellations? Curious.
I'm thinking they want to start doing sunday night performances since those will probably sell better then wednesday matinees.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/30/15
Was able to see it tonight. Glicks's performance is so heartbreaking, funny and excellent. Enjoyed it a lot.
@z5 said: "Was able to see it tonight. Glicks's performance is so heartbreaking, funny and excellent. Enjoyed it a lot.
"
I was there too, so many handsome gay guys in the audience...haha. I enjoyed it, I feel like ACT 2 wasn't as good as ACT ! It could have been shorter and I also didn't really enjoy the material as much, but it was a good play. I'd recommend it.
Barbara Barrie is adorable.
Does anyone know if you can get a cast-signed playbill by sending them a letter?
Broadway Star Joined: 12/20/16
Chicken_Flavor said: "Does anyone know if you can get a cast-signed playbill by sending them a letter?"
It's Broadway cares/Equity fights AIDs week. They are giving out signed playbills for a ~$20 donation if I recall. Even if you don't attend, I'm sure if you are around when it ends you can slip in and buy one. Doubt they will give them away.
Chorus Member Joined: 3/5/17
@z5 said: "Was able to see it tonight. Glicks's performance is so heartbreaking, funny and excellent. Enjoyed it a lot.
"
Me too. I think this is a terrific play. It's not perfect but it's a great night of theater, and so far my favorite play that I've seen this season.
Saw this last night and LOVED it.
I snagged a ticket on TodayTix. When I got into the lobby, the house manager gave me a new ticket in the 5th row center orchestra. The audience was very small so they closed the mezz and moved all of us into the center orchestra. Michael Mayer, Ira Glass, William Ivy Long, and Michael Kors were all there last night. I'd say there were maybe 300 of us total - if that. I think I enjoyed it even more because it felt so intimate.
I could go on about the show but most of you have already discussed it in detail. If you haven't gone and you're on the fence: GO!
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/29/08
"The audience was very small so they closed the mezz and moved all of us into the center orchestra."
Oh ****. I'm glad you enjoyed it but that's bad news
Sigh. This show deserves better than what it's getting.
I guess I just don't get the appeal of this show, which surprises me as a 26 year old gay guy. I found the first act dreadfully dull with barely any humor. The second act got better once they got to the fight scene, where Glick and Mendez both deserve Tony nominations and the ending was good but other than that, I found little to recommend about it. Disappointing because I was really looking forward to it.
Caught this again the other night. Still so moving and funny. Please give the Tony to Gideon Glick now! What a wonderful performance. Think this was the 5th time seeing it-counting Off-Broadway run.
I'm a 58 year old gay man and I remember 28. Never thinking you'll meet anyone to spend your life with. Thank God I did at 34 for the last 24 years but I know what Jordan, the character is feeling.
Bravo to the entire cast with a special shout to Barbara Barrie.
I hope this finds an audience. Stephen Schwartz was there!
Applause to the producers who believe in this play in this crowded season.
No!! Just saw on their website and on Talkin' Broadway: Limited Engagement- Final Performances. Love this show. Anyone know what they mean by this notice? The calendar goes to July 2nd on the website for tickets. So, I'm wondering if it will close before then.
Any insiders?!
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