THE CRUCIBLE or LONG DAY'S

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 5/3/16 at 10:20pm

I have room for one more show - a matinee for one of the classics THE CRUCIBLE or LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT.   What would you choose? I haven't seen either before

Already seeing THE COLOR PURPLE, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, SHE LOVES ME and STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE

[ChiTheaterFan]

Posted: 5/3/16 at 10:25pm

Tough but I would choose the Crucible. I found it more compelling. This may have been partly because I didn't think I would like it having not liked Van Hove's View from the Bridge. I thought the acting in both was spectacular but Long Day's dragged on a bit at times. Shannon was the best part to me and while the other actors were good, I felt like the monologues at the end slogged on a bit. I was on the edge of my seat during the Crucible and every actor was really phenomenal--which is impressive in such a big cast. 

 

But I know some here didn't care for the Crucible so who knows. 

[little_sally]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 9:15am

The Crucible

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 9:27am

I know it doesn't answer your question but they're not really comparable? The Crucible is directed by Ivo van Hove who I love, but a lot of people don't, and is an interesting take on the play. Whereas I think LDJ is a better play, but that production is a little more straightforward. I would choose based on what actors you want to see, honestly.

[PJPan]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 9:28am

The Crucible. It's not a perfect production, but I much prefer the story over Long Day's. You'll see some amazing performances.

Great other shows for your trip! I'm sure you'll have a great time.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 9:39am

I did not care for The Crucible at all.  (and I love the play)   I thought the staging was odd (and distracting) and the only time I've never felt any sort of compassion for Elizabeth.

 

(I haven't seen LDJ, but desperately want to!)

[C4b2a3b]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 10:10am

I saw both this weekend. It was my first time seeing both plays. I preferred LDJ. Jessica Lange blew me away, and I find the story more compelling. In any case, they're both really great, and I agree with Neon that you should pick based off the actors/actresses you want to see. 

[Hellob]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 10:45am

LDJ but if you sit in orchestra, go for the higher number seats, side orchestra go for odd numbers. If you don't, you will have Lange's back to you a lot. 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 10:54am

All I know is when we see it, it is on the aisle. This is a godsend for an almost 4 hour show. Scout out bathroom locations and if needed we just get up and go without bothering anyone.

[LarryD2]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 11:05am

Neither of these productions are among the best I've seen of either play. However, between the two, I would choose Long Day's Journey. This production of The Crucible largely falls flat, and I say that as an admirer of Ivo van Hove's past works.

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 12:59pm

Haven't seen LDJ but we found The Crucible a huge disappointment, our least favorite show of the 7 we saw last week. It's a superb play that has been overlaid with one needless directorial flourish after another. The fine acting couldn't cut through the horror-show nonsense throughout.

Also, the design was ruthlessly ugly, particularly the atrocious (and TONY-nominated) lighting. Sometimes that can be a deal-breaker for us right there.

[VernonGersch]

Posted: 5/4/16 at 11:01pm

LDJ it is.  Lange. Shannon.  Done.

thank you all for your input - if only i had another afternoon...

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 5/5/16 at 9:35am

Good choice :)