THE BACCHAE Thursday nite.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 8/13/09 at 11:48pm

Sorry a second thread but somehow I couldn't get on the other one.
Call me crazy, but I really liked it.
Yes it's Greek, and I think the reasons some people didn't like it is because we have such little exposure to this type of theatre (with a little avant garde thrown in).
I felt Groff was perfectly cast as Dionysus, he is constantly being refered to as pretty and he is, and I felt he brought just the right amount of devilish youth. One thing he could work on is his laugh, it's almost there, but it needs a dash more of wildness.
Anthony Mackie is terrific as the strong willed Pentheus, his transformation is scarey, with the right amount of humor.
Joan MacIntosh made a tragic Agave, Andre DeSheilds, George Bartenieff, Sullivan Corey, Steven Rishard and especially
Rocco Sisto all deliver their monologues and scenes with intense imagery, Sisto actually got applause after his eloquent
re-enactment of Pentheus' bloody death.
John Conklin's set is a marvelous spin on classic Greek steps, from where I was sitting, third row far house right, it starts in a messy pile and then zooms right up toward heaven where Groff appears at the End. The rest of the stage is a traditional open circle with a certain crack of water and fire down the center. Jennifer Tipton's lighting is subtle but very fitting for the quasi classical look.
I understand some people's confusion about Kaye Voyce's costumes. They were mostly modern, though the chorus looked a little too LION KING for me, but I did like the color.
Groff's prolougue was a fun way of showing that Dionysus was choosing how he would appear to the common people and he chose Jim Morrison, another androgynous God. whom he does resemble.
And yes the characters do stand center or slightly off and deliver their speeches, that's mostly because they would be wearing masks and therefore it's the words, not the action they are portraying, all the really dramatic things happen off-stage and are vocally interpreted by the actors.
And last but not least is Phillip Glass' marvelous score, and I call it a score because there is much underscoreing of the dialogue which is compelling and his atonal chorus splendidly song by the off beat oddly beautiful chorus. Glass is a very personal taste and I was very moved by it.
Akalaitas certainly has done her homework and presented a stark but hypnotizing vision.
If this isn't everyone's "cup of tea" so be it, but I found it one of the more interesting nights I have spent under the Central Park Stars.

I did the cancellation line at 7:30 and got a great seat, there were a few empty seats but not a lot. And contrary to other posts, I did not see a single person leave and the audience was very appreciative at the end, but remember, catharsis is not the goal here.
Thinking is.



Updated On: 8/14/09 at 11:48 PM

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 12:49am

Oh wow you got there that late and still got a ticket? Good to know! It's good to hear a positive post. I really enjoy Glass' music, so I really want to see this production. It might be stupid to ask, but is the music performed lived - like a band? - or is it pre-recorded?

[coryografer]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 12:56am

Thank you CPD for that informed and positive review. Glass is not my fave composer, but I'm sure his music is very fitting for this production. I was so down from the "reviews" last night. An acquaintance of mine, with whom I have done shows, is in the chorus. Glad to hear a more uplifting review from you. I will not be able to see the performance, but thank you for making me feel better about the production.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 1:18am

Yes Rentboy, the score is played live, I'd like to list all the musicians led by Conducter Mick Rossi.
And the sound by Acme Sound Partners with Soundscape by
Darron L Weat had people near me and me looking for where the drums was coming from, The Thunder Sounds, which are central to the text are Thrilling.
Updated On: 8/14/09 at 01:18 AM

[CAX]

Posted: 8/14/09 at 11:28am

Actually, saw the show last night and I was in the second tier house center. Quite a few people DID leave. I left my thoughts on the initial Bacchae thread, but I thought it was a let down. Groff and Mackey were miscast.