THE LITTLE FOXES Previews — Page 4

AC, I respectfully disagree. I appreciated fully that this was a classic not only done in classic style but hitting almost every mark.

I also couldn't disagree more with the poster who said that Sullivan and Linney are treating the play as Chekhov rather than Hellman. I saw nothing Checkhovian (either in a true sense or in a way that word has been corrupted by bad Chekhov playing and direction) about this production.

What I saw was The Little Foxes done in high grand style, with great topical political resonance, and peaks of sublime emotional satisfaction. The set and constumes were consummate. Linney, Nixon, and Thomas were extraordinary in a great cast. I had no difficulty believing Thomas was a man of principle in conflict with Linney's Regina (perhaps his performance isn't adjusting optimally when he's opposite Nixon). Nor did I find him to be barking, but again, this may have much to do with my seeing Linney as Regina and you're having seen Nixon. Clay was an extraordinary Addie, meeting every confrontation with an entitled privileged moment from, say, Oscar or Birdie, with just the right measured subtext. I was very impressed with Carpanini too, who nailed the great final curtain moment. My only uncertainty is Michael Benz's Leo, the only portrayal that may strike some as being a surprising new take on the role. There is nothing blatantly greasy and rascally about Benz's Leo (he comes off more preppy young Republican - he could be a Trump kid - than a slimy dissolute cad). It's almost a "banality of evil" move with a much cleaner cut Leo than we're used to. And while that's intriguing, I missed the theatricality of a tawdry Leo that Dan Duryea reveled in in the movie.

Not sure I'd want to see the role reversal. I'm curious but the cast I saw (Linney as Regina, Nixon as Birdie) was so impressive that I'm not sure I want to run the risk of being disappointed (or, frankly, having my prejudices confirmed - as like many I am skeptical that Nixon is right for Regina, particularly vocally, and the reviews seem to confirm my skepticism). If I went back, I think I'd rather see this pairing again.

Linney as Regina and Nixon as Birdie is a nigh unsurpassable match, and I doubt anyone, including themselves switched, could better it.

Even conventionally pulling off The Little Foxes is not easy. The Channing revival at the Beaumont was very old-fashioned and lifeless. Sullivan's production, however, is vivid, fiercely satisfying great theatre.

And perhaps no American classic could be more right for this moment politically.

Updated On: 5/16/17 at 08:15 AM

So, I have a ticket to see Nixon's Regina and Linney's Birdie next saturday and am seriously considering swapping it for the matinee to see the other cast. I'm coming in from out of town and am ticked I can't see both casts but there's too much else to see. Since I'm only seeing one, did I choose the wrong combo? Seems like a lot of people have Really strong feelings about it.

ChairinMain said: "So, I have a ticket to see Nixon's Regina and Linney's Birdie next saturday and am seriously considering swapping it for the matinee to see the other cast. I'm coming in from out of town and am ticked I can't see both casts but there's too much else to see. Since I'm only seeing one, did I choose the wrong combo? Seems like a lot of people have Really strong feelings about it.



"

I had the same dilemma for my trip last week. I had purchased a ticket for that pairing, and then was reading these forums and questioned my choice. So I swapped dates before I left California (no fee, yay) and saw the Tony-nominated pairing at last Wednesday's matinee. After I swapped the dates, I had some remorse, because people were also saying that they loved Linney's take on Birdie, but it was too late to swap back. Loved the pairing that I saw, but also would have liked to see both to compare. I don't think you can go wrong, really.

I sat there and thought the seats were fine. There are a few very small moments on that side of the stage, but most of the play is staged pretty centrally, so I wouldn't be concerned.

I sat up pretty high in the mezz, centered though. Had a perfect view of everything. Enjoy. It was probably the top 3 of 8 shows that I saw. I loved it. I saw Laura as Regina and Cynthia as Birdie. Again....loved it.

When I saw this, I sat in the last row of the mezz on the house left side. Fine view, no obstructions. The actors did not feel far away. The Friedman is a wonderfully intimate theater with only about 650 seats, and I really don't think there's a bad seat in the house.