THE PIANO LESSON Previews- Page 2

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 12:07am

It sounds like some of the early criticisms are related to the direction, and LaTanya's involvement as director does give me some pause since she's never directed anything close to this scale before. I'm excited for this production, but maybe I'll wait a bit.

[troynow]

Posted: 9/27/22 at 2:09pm

I did not have that reaction at all to LaTanya. I thought the show was more "naturalistic" vs. presentational. At any rate, the pacing, the movement I give LaTanya credit for the pace of the show. I have now seen the show twice and it is really funny. There just is not this dragging being talked about. 


Also, clearly we are in the majority of thinking its good because so do the grosses!

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 10/2/22 at 11:45pm

Caught it this weekend and if we see a better acting ensemble on stage this year, then this will be one hell of a season. John David Washington solidifies his star-power here and completely drives the play, and Ray Fisher is inspired casting as Lymon. I hope we'll get to see a lot more of both on stage (tbh I only knew Fisher from Aquaman, but now I see he has extensive theatre cred –– including musicals!) Danielle Brooks is similarly strong and has a showcase scene of stage business in act 2 w the 11-year-old.

Then you have old hats like Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Potts who can do these roles in their sleep but they're such a pleasure to watch. It's clear that all the actors are enjoying the chance to sink their teeth into this language.

The staging and set design are uninspired, but that doesn't matter. The writing and performances are enough to carry it. I predict strong reviews and a hot ticket through the rest of its run. And perhaps Denzel can line everyone up for the rumored feature film adaptation.

It ran about 2:45/2:50 but the time flew.

Updated On: 10/2/22 at 11:45 PM

[Dan6]

Posted: 10/3/22 at 12:57pm

To those who have seen it, is Orchestra Row B (which looks like 4th row) center too close? How high is the stage? Would I be better off further back on the sides?

[troynow]

Posted: 10/3/22 at 2:48pm

A bit too close. The show plays well in any row E.

Updated On: 10/9/22 at 02:48 PM

[TheQuibbler]

Posted: 10/8/22 at 11:24am

JBroadway said: "I agree that John David Washington is the highlight of the production; his performance has the MAKINGS of a powerhouse, but maybe not quite there yet. For his stage debut, he already seems extremely comfortable, and his charismatic stage presence anchors the production. I just hope he finds a bit more of the dynamic levels in the performance; right now, it’s all pitched at the same high energy point, and he keeps returning to the same few gestures and line deliveries, regardless of the scene’s mood. But that can easily come with more time in the role. And again, he’s already very good, and feels like a fully realized character.”

You’ve articulated very well my same feelings for Washington. It’s a very confident performance, and he certainly has the ability to spout off Wilson’s dialogue, but I wish there was more variety in the character; it’s possible it’s a choice to make Boy Willie insufferable by the end of the play. Because Boy Willie just talks so much, to really make the performance dynamic there needs to be more variation in the delivery. He may get there. 

The MVP, for me, was Potts. He’s an actor I’ve seen in a few things and he’s never registered much. Here, he’s electric. Another big surprise was Ray Fisher, who is sweet and funny. I also really loved April Matthis in a role that could be forgettable or (worse) that stereotypical ditz you see many plays that struts around the stage making large, broad choices that don’t resemble a human being. She grounds the character and her choices are consistently unexpected and hilarious. 

Jackson is a strong, solid presence throughout and his long monologue about the history of the piano is very effective.

I think the supernatural elements need a little tightening and maybe some of the pace (those large stairs can tend to interrupt the flow). All in all, though, it’s a very good production and, even at nearly 3 hours, it moves along nicely. 

[David10086]

Posted: 10/10/22 at 11:59am

On Friday, October 7 Danielle Brooks was a guest 'On The View' promoting 'The Piano Lesson'. 

On Sunday, October 9 John David Washington sat down for an interview on 'CBS Sunday Morning' promoting the show. What a handsome charmer he is ! 

 

If the show flops, it can't be for lack of promotion. Both actors were very enthusiastic about their roles and the play, and gave very strong interviews. 

[uncageg]

Posted: 10/12/22 at 1:18am

Saw it this evening (Tuesday). Did not care for Mr. Washington's performance. It is obvious that he is a talented man but I felt practically nothing for his character. And to me, it was the direction, or maybe it was just an off night for him. It just felt as if his performance needed to be reined in and bring out the emotional desperation of the character. He also seemed to throw the rest of the cast off at times. There were a few awkward pauses when characters were responding to him.Thank goodness for Potts and Jackson who gave beautiful and very natural performances in the middle of it all. Brooks at times just seemed to be going through the motions and "acting". She did have some beautiful moments. Mostly when Washington was not involved. Her scene with Lymon was simply amazing. She and Fisher just took your breath away. And speaking of Fisher, for me, he quietly walked away with the show. Just an incredible performance. And a Tony worthy one. Also, even for the short time she was onstage, April Mathis was a wonderful Grace.

I loved the set and the lighting was gorgeous. I also really liked the sound design. 

There is merch downstairs. They do not have a magnet yet.

All in all, it is worth seeing. The richness of Wilson's writing is what makes it worth seeing. JMO

 

[Juggalo12]

Posted: 10/12/22 at 2:53am

iluvtheatertrash said: "I must have seen a very different production than others as I think Washington gives one of the worst performances I have ever seen in recent memory. Endless, rapid shouting - often unintelligible - and exhaustingly one-note. Surrounded by terrific talent, further exposing his weaknesses. He ruined an otherwise lovely production for me."

I completely agree. I could not have said it better. He ruined it for me, and I believe he brought some of the cast down with him. I saw it last night, October 10th. I could not believe the endless monotonous delivery, often marred with choppy memorization flow. I was nearly tortured toward the end when his role is extremely wordy. Such writing requires utmost care and talent. Instead, he literally PLOWED headstrong forward without the slightest emotion. Just like a machine spouting loud words ALL AT ONE PITCH. I truly believe it to be the worst performance I've ever seen on a Broadway stage. 

[Jarethan]

Posted: 10/21/22 at 5:11pm

I have never seen this live before yesterday's matinee (I have seen the TV version, which I believe was a somewhat abridged version of the play).  Having seen this production earlier this week, it is already my favorite Wilson play of the eight I have seen, most of them multiple times.  It was for me a very powerful, extremely well-acted, at times hilarious.  The basic premise -- to sell the piano for possible future benefit vs. retain it for its history of the family -- is such a profound concept.  I saw the show with three others, and we had a lengthy discussion about what we each would have done, were we in the same situation.  There was a lot of really good discussion, and more than one very strong opinion.  

I also felt that it was tighter than some of Wilson's plays, which to me can be a little verbose (of course, I also think this is true of Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams, probably the other two greatest American playwrights.   

I did not see Danielle Brooks, but I thought her understudy was perfect in the role.  All members of the cast were outstanding.  I know there have been different opinions on Washington's performance.  I thought that he was superb, desperate for an opportunity to rise above his current life options. There was not a weak link in the lot.  Were a Tony given for Best Ensemble, i can't think of too many shows I have seen over the past -say - 5 years in which the entire cast was as strong as this one.  Too early in the season, but I think that every male performance is deserving of Tony consideration.  i consider Jackson to be more appropriate in the supporting category than lead, which means there are four people who warrant serious consideration

Regarding the criticism of the direction, I will need to see how other directors have staged the final scene in particular.  I admit that I didn't love it, but I don't know what others have done to satisfy the requirements of the script.

GREAT THEATRE!!

[BETTY22]

Posted: 10/23/22 at 4:20pm

I so wanted to love this production, but sadly - I didn't!

It is very heavy handed and also looked a little cheap. 

Sorry. 

 

[KathyGuillory]

Posted: 4/23/23 at 12:05pm

It was an amazing show! I totally enjoyed it. Wish to see it one more time.