THE LION at MTC Stage II

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 6/26/14 at 11:04pm

Just returned from opening. Went in not knowing I was attending an opening, mortified by my clothing. Anyway....

Go see it. It's a profoundly moving, beautifully written, exceptionally performed and stunning piece of musical theatre. Not only is Ben Scheuer gorgeous (seriously), but he is astonishingly talented. If MTC is smart, they'll extend and record. I haven't been this moved in a very long time.

Isherwood liked it too:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/27/theater/benjamin-scheuer-tells-his-story-in-the-lion.html?_r=0

[zzdawgg]

Posted: 6/26/14 at 11:29pm

I agree completely! I saw it a few weeks ago and it was wonderful. Gorgeous venue, too.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 7:01pm

Anyone know if there are student tickets or is $30 the lowest it's gonna go?

[macnyc]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 7:09pm

I posted about this earlier. I really loved it. I went in not expecting much, and it was so nice to be pleasantly surprised.

[Jonah332]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 10:39pm

I saw it when it was still called "The Bridge" at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. You really can't go wrong with this one.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 7/4/14 at 11:14am

I got around to seeing this the other day and it's fantastic. Very simple concept executed perfectly. Ben Scheuer is an amazing musician and wonderful songwriter. I had very little knowledge going in but was extremely moved by his story. I would call this a don't miss.

If someone has his album "The Bridge" please PM me because I have a question for you.

[karen24]

Posted: 8/21/15 at 11:29am

Hi - Bumping up this thread to ask a question for anyone who's seen this:

This is coming to the GEVA Theater Center in Rochester this fall. I already have my tickets and am really looking forward to it. GEVA ran an interview with Benjamin Scheuer in one of their publications recently in which, when talking about audience response to the piece, he commented that "...about once every ten performances we do get someone fainting in the more intense part of the show. I've gotten used to stopping the show and calling - from the stage - to hold the show, asking for the lights in the theatre to be turned on and for medical personnel to be called. It's a weird part of my job."

OK, so now I'm curious - is there really something so intense in this show that it would cause this reaction? Has anyone witnessed this? (I don't mind spoilers if necessary.) I'm thinking of going with someone who's very emotional and I'm not sure she could actually handle it if it's really this intense.

Thanks!

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 8/21/15 at 11:44am

karen24 said: "GEVA ran an interview with Benjamin Scheuer in one of their publications recently in which, when talking about audience response to the piece, he commented that "...about once every ten performances we do get someone fainting in the more intense part of the show. I've gotten used to stopping the show and calling - from the stage - to hold the show, asking for the lights in the theatre to be turned on and for medical personnel to be called. It's a weird part of my job."

 

OK, so now I'm curious - is there really something so intense in this show that it would cause this reaction? Has anyone witnessed this? (I don't mind spoilers if necessary.) I'm thinking of going with someone who's very emotional and I'm not sure she could actually handle it if it's really this intense."

That's absurd. There is absolutely nothing intense enough to cause someone to faint. This is the equivalent of horror movies planting fake stories about people fainting and vomiting and being taken away in ambulances.

[macnyc]

Posted: 8/21/15 at 12:18pm

I can't remember anything in the show that would cause someone to faint. I've seen much more intense shows. The Lion is very enjoyable, but it's not for thrill seekers especially!

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 8/21/15 at 12:48pm

There was a bit where he talks about the medical treatment he had to endure for his diagnosis (no spoilers) that could cause someone to react if they are sensitive to that kind of thing.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 8/21/15 at 12:50pm

Karen24: can you link us to this article/interview? I'm having a hard time believing it is discussing the same show. 

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 8/21/15 at 12:57pm

If you want a spoiler about what I'm talking about I can elaborate. But if you aren't sensitive to that kind of thing you'll be fine.

It's not necessarily absurd-- I believe it. I brought a friend who got a little light headed during that part.

Updated On: 8/21/15 at 12:57 PM

[karen24]

Posted: 8/21/15 at 1:51pm

Thanks, all. I've had that type of treatment myself, so I can't imagine I'd find it overly upsetting. And my friend works in a doctor's office, so I think she'll be OK, too.

It's a little clunky, but hopefully this link will take you to the Geva Guide: 

http://issuu.com/gevatheatrecenter/docs/geva_guide_-_fall_2015

If you click through to page 9 you'll see the interview I quoted with Benjamin Scheuer.

[GreasedLightning]

Posted: 8/21/15 at 2:25pm

Found it... thanks! That is so very interesting, and a great interview as well. 

I think (and hope) you and your friend will enjoy it. It is true magic. 

[Susanswerphone]

Posted: 8/21/15 at 3:15pm

I agree with Greased Lightning. This was absolutely enchanting when I saw it last year at MTC! But I don't recall anyone fainting. I'm glad to be seeing him again in September. He opens next week at Merrimack Repertory Theater in Lowell, MA for a month.