Posted: 2/21/21 at 6:50pm
https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Frank-Langella-Will-Lead-THE-BEAST-IN-THE-JUNGLE-Film-Directed-by-Susan-Stroman-20210221
For those who don't know: this was a "dance play" that had its premier at Vineyard a few years back. It was essentially a play (no singing) that made heavy use of dance as a storytelling device, along with an incidental score by John Kander.
It was one of my absolute favorite shows of that season. But it was horribly underrated IMO. I really thought it was a great candidate for a a Broadway transfer, but apparently I was the only one. Reception was pretty tepid, and it was quickly forgotten.
On one hand, I’m delighted that the material is getting a future life. But I also have a hard time imagining this translating to film. Especially since Susan Stroman’s last cinematic effort has been widely criticized for being too stagey.
Also, I understand that Frank Langella is a much more famous actor than Peter Friedman, but Friedman was extraordinary in this role, and I wish he could've reprised it. I also think Friedman is just a superior actor to Langella in general.
Updated On: 2/21/21 at 06:50 PM
