Skintight (previews) - Page 2

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 12:09am

Believe me, I have seen and loved many a show that many critics’ and board members’ disliked including Idina’s If/Then. Hell, I even enjoyed Spider-man even while acknowledging its flaws. I’m more than capable of making my own mind up about a show. But part of the anticipation for my NYC trips is reading about the shows I’m seeing even if they’re not all raves. If anything it may help me go in with more realistic expectations which may very well be exceeded!

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 11:07am

WhizzerMarvin said: "Like Significant Other, we are asked to root for narcissistic, petty, self-involved people who sometimes have redeeming qualities. "

Oh, boy. There's no singing at all, right? I think I'm just going to save my money for the off-Broadway summer musicals.

@RippedMan You put in the code and check dates. They should be highlighted on the map. I forget with the Laura Pels but it's usually mezz and sometimes back orchestra. I think there might be back orchestra in the Pels (unlike the American Airlines, Studio 54, etc.) because if I remember right, the mezz is small in the Laura Pels.

[Alfie6]

Posted: 6/1/18 at 1:54pm

I really liked this a lot, I didn't expect it to be very funny since I enjoyed Admissions and SO but didn't find either of them consistently hysterical. I don't think this as good as SO but it I was laughing from beginning to end, Idinza Menzel was perfect and I could just watch her read a takeout menu. The set was a pretty two-level and the set is used well for some moments involving physical comedy. The only part that dragged for me was the final scene before intermission since Idinza Menzel wasn't in it and the pacing was deadly. In one or two spots the pacing could be tighter but it was a first preview. Some of the lines were also hard to hear because the laughter would go on for a bit and the actor would start speaking anyway. I didn't agree with all the characters on a philosophical level but you are left with some food for thought about beauty, age gaps in dating, and breakups. One of the better shows I've seen at the Laura Pels.

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 6/2/18 at 10:30am

Caught this last night and I have to echo a lot of what Whizzer said. I love Idina, and I loved seeing her do a straight play that highlights her comedic side, but god is her character awful. I’m sure that’s part of the reason why it’s her playing it - the audience stays on her side longer than I think we could if it was anyone else. The “joke” she makes in the last five minutes is truly terrible and needs to be cut. I’m always happy to see her back on the New York stage but I’m conflicted on this one.

That being said there is a lot of good. I enjoyed Jack Wetherall and Will Brittain. Particularly Brittain, who you think is going to be something and it takes you by surprise. Cynthia Mace is also a hoot as the maid. The actor who plays Idina’s son got on my nerves in the worst way. The design is also quite good - I’d live in that apartment.

Unlike SIGNIFICANT OTHER, you can’t root for anyone, except for the one character treated like crap by virtually everyone else. And even he has some glaring flaws.

The final moment is strange considering everything that proceeds it. But, the cast and production is in very strong shape for a second preview. I look forward to hearing what others have to say, and what the reviews look like.

[CoreyRyan3]

Posted: 6/2/18 at 5:27pm

Just returned from the matinee of this one. I sort of loved it. It's sort of exactly what I've begun to expect from Harmon's plays. He puts these unlikable characters on stage that we still see a little of ourselves in and makes us somehow side with them. There are some exceptions to that rule with his plays, obviously. But I feel that of the 3 I've seen (Significant Other, Admissions, and now Skintight), that mostly rings true. I also read Bad Jews back in the day and feel similarly. 

I also don't think I hated Idina's character quite as much as others on this board. She's not amazing by any means. Self-absorbed? Yes. Rude? Yes. But I never got to the point where I hated her character, although I didn't like her saying 2 things at the very end to Brittain and Carrasco's characters that was just flat out mean. She's not a perfect mother or daughter or human, but neither was Edelman's character in Admission or Hecht's in Admissions, or even Gideon Glick's in Significant Other. All of those characters were just as self-absorbed and awful. 

What I think Harmon is a master of is putting a mirror up to the audience and presenting questions and insights that cause you to question your own morals. I think this play does it just as well as any of his others. 

[PSU626]

Posted: 6/3/18 at 4:33pm

I'm about to buy a ticket to see this. There are some seats in Rows B and C available on the date I'm going. Just wondering if you think they would be good seats or whether I should choose something further back. (C seat is on the house right side.)

Just curious about the sight lines, since it's a two-level set. (I recently had a 4th row, house left seat to Boys In The Band and it was terrible. I couldn't see any of the action on stage right because of the speakers and the design of the set.)

Thanks! Updated On: 6/3/18 at 04:33 PM

[CoreyRyan3]

Posted: 6/3/18 at 9:34pm

PSU626 said: "I'm about to buy a ticket to see this. There are some seats in Rows B and C available on the date I'm going. Just wondering if you think they would be good seats or whether I should choose something further back. (C seat is on the house right side.)

Just curious about the sight lines, since it's a two-level set. (I recently had a 4th row, house left seat to Boys In The Band and it was terrible. I couldn't see any of the action on stage right because of the speakers and the design of the set.)

Thanks!"

Hi PSU, I think Row C would be fine for this production, but still think that a seat a little further back would be ideal. Like Row F-L.

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 6/3/18 at 9:37pm

If you’re going to sit on an extreme side I would suggest house left. That’s where we were and we didn’t miss anything.

[gcpcs]

Posted: 6/7/18 at 6:35pm

Hey guys!
I know this isn’t what the board is for, but I bought a ticket for this play for 6/23 (saturday) at 2pm. It’s an orchestra seat on the left side, last row, partial view. And I was so excited I forgot I already had tickets to Three Tall Women on the same day/time! The ticket was $25 and if anyone wants to take it off my hands I’d really appreciate it!!

Updated On: 6/7/18 at 06:35 PM

[MarilynMonroeSmash]

Posted: 6/7/18 at 8:49pm

I saw the show on Tuesday, and really enjoyed it, but it seems like they have cut the awful line in the end. Could anyone say what the line was that they cut? I'm very curious. Thanks!

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 6/7/18 at 10:47pm

MarilynMonroeSmash said: "I saw the show on Tuesday, and really enjoyed it, but it seems like they have cut the awful line in the end. Could anyone say what the line was that they cut? I'm very curious. Thanks!"

I was wondering the same thing; I saw the show tonight and walked out trying to think of what it could have been (there were some awful things said, but nothing that really stood out). 

[CoreyRyan3]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 9:32am

#1Elphie said: "MarilynMonroeSmash said: "I saw the show on Tuesday, and really enjoyed it, but it seems like they have cut the awful line in the end. Could anyone say what the line was that they cut? I'm very curious. Thanks!"

I was wondering the same thing; I saw the show tonight and walked out trying to think of what it could have been (there were some awful things said, but nothing that really stood out)."

SPOILER: (in case it’s still in the show) At the end, after everything has gone to **** and Idina’s character and her son sit on the couch together, she tells him that his little brother (referenced earlier in the play) has been accused of rape at school and he almost has a breakdown thinking that his brother raped someone. And he says “He raped somebody??” through his tears, to which she responds, “No, I just wanted to see what it would be like if things were somehow worse than they already are.”

[ilysespieces]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 1:05pm

CoreyRyan3 said: "#1Elphie said: "MarilynMonroeSmash said: "I saw the show on Tuesday, and really enjoyed it, but it seems like they have cut the awful line in the end. Could anyone say what the line was that they cut? I'm very curious. Thanks!"

I was wondering the same thing; I saw the show tonight and walked out trying to think of what it could have been (there were some awful things said, but nothing that really stood out)."

SPOILER: (in case it’s still in the show) At the end, after everything has gone to **** and Idina’s character and her son sit on the couch together, she tells him that his little brother (referenced earlier in theplay) has been accused of rape at school and he almost has a breakdown thinking that his brother raped someone. And he says “He rapedsomebody??” through his tears, to which she responds, “No, I just wanted to see what it would be like if things were somehow worse than they already are.”"

 

I was shocked that so many people around me laughed so hard at that line, it was in such bad taste. I'm glad to hear it was removed.

[MarilynMonroeSmash]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 2:15pm

Thank you so much!

SPOILER: Its current state, they changed the subject matter to her son now selling weed to sixth graders. The formatting for the joke is the same, but the details were altered. Just in case anyone was wondering.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 2:26pm

MarilynMonroeSmash said: "Thank you so much!

SPOILER: Its current state, they changed the subject matter to her son now selling weed to sixth graders. The formatting for the joke is the same, but the details were altered. Just in case anyone was wondering."

 

Weed isn't funny and doesn't pack anywhere near the same punch as the original line.  If they decide to change the joke to a drug offense, it should be either selling meth or opiods.  Personally I think they should keep it as rape.

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 2:29pm

Happy to hear they've changed the line. It's still not great, but it's better than the rape joke. 

[ilysespieces]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 3:58pm

JSquared2 said: "MarilynMonroeSmash said: "Thank you so much!

SPOILER: Its current state, they changed the subject matter to her son now selling weed to sixth graders. The formatting for the joke is the same, but the details were altered. Just in case anyone was wondering."



Weed isn't funny and doesn'tpack anywhere near the same punch as the original line. If they decide to change the joke to a drug offense, it should be either selling meth or opiods. Personally I think they should keep it as rape."

 

And rape is? Weed might not pack the same punch, but the "joke" as it stood was nothing but gross. It sounds like that punch line still needs working on, but as it was it was awful. But then again, they're all awful people who *would* joke about that, so maybe it did fit? 

Maybe it should just be that he knocked someone up, probably more of a **** up thing to do than sell weed but also not as disgusting as joking about someone raping someone for a punch line. Updated On: 6/8/18 at 03:58 PM

[MarilynMonroeSmash]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 4:08pm

Having seen the show not knowing the prior language, the new joke did still have the impact that was needed in the moment. It made the audience laugh with the punchline. It may not sound the best now in hindsight, but in the theater there was no feeling of grossness or disgust, but more of a connection that this is something that this character would say and its not such an awful thing so we can laugh at it.

[Tom5]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 7:49pm

It's not the grossness that's the problem. It's the bad writing.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 10:35pm

Saw this tonight and enjoyed it enough. When it’s funny, it’s very funny but when it’s not, it has a tendency to drag a lot. The biggest issue with the play is that it’s like two COMPLETELY different plays in one. One of the plays is a really funny and raunchy comedy that you want to go along on the ride for. The other is this serious family drama that wants to explore real issues about society’s obsession with youth and beauty. And the way it stands right now, the two are like oil and water on stage. They try to go back and forth for a while before completely giving up and delving into the family drama and it’s such a sudden shift from the “Rated-R” comedy you’ve been watching, I personally could never fully make the switch over to truly caring. If someone were to ask me if it was a comedy or a drama I honest to god don’t know how I would answer them.

[Jjohansan]

Posted: 6/12/18 at 11:18am

I've been lurking on the website for the past couple of days trying to find some good seats, and it seems like a lot of center orchestra seats are released last minute (within 24 hours of the performance)..Does this have something to do with Roundabout allowing subscribers to exchange their tickets?

[veronicamae]

Posted: 6/13/18 at 11:29pm

Jjohansan said: "I've been lurking on the website for the past couple of days trying to findsome good seats,and it seems like a lot of center orchestra seats are released last minute (within 24 hours of the performance)..Does this have something to do with Roundabout allowing subscribers to exchange their tickets?"

While I don't have an answer to your question, I can tell you they added to performances in July (the 2nd and the 8th), so you might find good seats on those dates.

Also, Idina will be out July 22. (It's on RTC's site.)

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 6/13/18 at 11:41pm

I adored Significant Other and it holds a dear place in my heart, so I was hopeful for this one—but I really could not stand this play. Actively hated all the characters and thought the writing was meandering, boring, and devoid of meaning. Idina was fine, but the role is nothing special so she doesn't get to shine as brightly as we know she can.

Hard pass on this.

(Also, maybe it was an off performance, but I thought the sound design/quality at the Pels was beyond abysmal. I sat mid-orchestra and was genuinely struggling to understand what some of the actors were saying, which is an issue I rarely have at the theatre.)

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 6/14/18 at 7:11am

BroadwayConcierge said: "I adoredSignificant Otherand it holds a dear place in my heart, so I was hopeful for this one—but I really could not stand this play. Actively hated all the characters and thought the writing was meandering, boring, and devoid of meaning. Idina was fine, but the role is nothing special so she doesn't get to shine as brightly as we know she can.

Hard pass on this.

(Also, maybe it was an offperformance, but I thought the sound design/quality at the Pels was beyond abysmal. I sat mid-orchestra and was genuinely struggling to understand what some of the actors were saying, which is an issue I rarely have at the theatre.)"

I saw The Robber Bridegroom (Row J - Left Orchestra) at the Pels and don’t recall having any problem hearing. I’m sitting Row N Center Orchestra this time so this concerns me. I love Idina and this is the first of nine shows I’m seeing on my trip. I’m seeing it next Tuesday (6/19) the day I arrive. 

While I’ve certainly enjoyed some of the 41 Broadway/off-Broadway shows I’ve seen more than others, I’ve never regretted seeing any of them. I’m sure this will be the same. If nothing else, I’ll still see Idina, a buff guy in his undies and, if it’s bad, it will set a low bar for the subsequent other eight shows I’m seeing to surpass. 

A couple or so questions. Did you see any available seats up front? I’m thinking I’ll ask the box office when I arrive about upgrading my seat. I messed up and ordered my ticket through Broadway.com (warning: don’t order tickets after you’ve had a couple of drinks) so I overpaid already, but I’d pay a little more to be closer. 

Also, do you know if Idina atagedoored? I don’t even know where stagedoor is at the Pels. For The Robber Bridegroom, Steven Pasquale just walked out the front door. Also, if she did stagedoor, was the scene crazy? 

[JBroadway]

Posted: 6/14/18 at 9:03am

Miles2Go2 said: "Also, do you know if Idina atagedoored? I don’t even know where stagedoor is at the Pels. For The Robber Bridegroom, Steven Pasquale just walked out the front door. Also, if she did stagedoor, was the scene crazy?"

 

I've been loosely keeping tabs on the stage-door scene via instagram. It seems that she usually does come out and signs - I've even seen a few people post posed photos with her, which surprised me. Not sure if she does photos consistently. 

And yes, the actors just come out the front door. There is no separate stage door. 

As far as the craziness level of the stage-door scene, it's harder to get a sense of that via instagram, but it seems like it's not as bad it has been in the past for other Idina shows. Seems like a manageable crowd, though I imagine it will get worse as the run goes on. 

 

Updated On: 6/14/18 at 09:03 AM