THE PHILANTHROPIST First Preview Thoughts- Page 2

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 4/11/09 at 1:56am

I don't think they've announced next season in full yet. All I've heard is Birdie and After Miss Julie. My understanding was Dancin' was done for completely.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/11/09 at 7:34am

DANCIN' was replaced by GODOT.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 4/11/09 at 8:26am

Thanks for your thoughts, guys!

Well..At least ROUNDABOUT is consistent lately about one thing : DISAPPOINTMENT. I was actually reading my NY Time Out last night and I saw an ad for the play..and I was thinking..hmmm... by Roundabout, huh? I am sure it will a disappointing show again!

J*
Updated On: 4/11/09 at 08:26 AM

[mc1227]

Posted: 4/11/09 at 9:01am

The actors did their best with what they have to work with and it isn't much. I'm glad I saw it but I agree with the consensus view that Roundabout has disappointed us this season.

[lindatnyc2]

Posted: 4/11/09 at 11:00am

Very dry and pointless play. It went nowhere.

My friend and I walked out during intermission.

Hope it improves, but I can't see that I'll return or recommend it.

[mc1227]

Posted: 4/11/09 at 12:30pm

I didn't think it was bad enough to walk out of and even though the play was unsatisifying throughout, I did think that the second act was better than the first. The scene with Phillip and Celia did bring something human which had been lacking but I agree that the entire play was somewhat pointless.

[little_sally]

Posted: 4/11/09 at 6:38pm

Roundabout needs to get their act together.

[mc1227]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 10:40pm

Has anyone seen any shows since Friday night? Just wondering if they've made any substantial changes since the first night.

[Sauja]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 11:00pm

Audience reaction was tepid tonight, so I feel a touch out on a limb admitting that I loved it. The casual level of absurdism established in the brilliant first scene was refreshing and unique. Jonathan Cake's one scene is a near-show stealer. Steven Weber and Matthew Broderick are doing fabulous work with (admittedly) terrible accents. Whether as a companion to The Misanthrope or on its own, I think this is a delightful comedy--relaxed, self-assured, and intelligent. Following the abysmal Pal Joey and Hedda Gabler, the Roundabout is atoning for its sins (in my mind) with this delightful production and the glorious Godot.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 11:03pm

Was Jonathan Cake (spoiler) the one who blows his brains out in the opening scene (end spoiler)??

Whoever played that role was by far the best link in the cast and spent all of five minutes onstage...he was very good.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 11:07pm

No...Jonathan Cake was the tall, gorgeous man wearing the hideous purple suit. His acting was great though...and I love his hair and his crows feet. A stunning looking man.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 11:18pm

I secretly loved his suit.

Well, not secretly anymore.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 11:19pm

The suit was horrendous, but he pulled it off and looked hot in it.

[EugLoven]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 11:48pm

I was in attendance tonight...

Following the terrifically bland productions of A Man for All Seasons, Hedda Gabler and now The Philanthropist...

When did the American Airlines Theatre turn into a mausoleum?

Updated On: 4/12/09 at 11:48 PM

[ColorTheHours048]

Posted: 4/12/09 at 11:49pm

When did the American Airlines Theatre turn into a mausoleum?

Lmao.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/13/09 at 12:23am

Apparently they're trying to make up for the pure, unadulterated joy that was THE PAJAMA GAME with this plethora of depressing, forgettable productions.


That's all I've been able to think during HEDDA, MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, and PHILANTHROPIST. That great revival of THE PAJAMA GAME was once a tenant in the theater before, yes, it basically became a mausoleum.