THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY Previews- Page 2

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 3/11/25 at 8:44am

Melissa25 said: "The first preview gift was a paperback copy of the novel.

I was one of the few that did not care for Sunset so I was fearful about this but I loved almost every second of it. I do agree with theatergoer3 that it is like a magic trick and the last third should be tightened. Actually I really needed an intermission after an hour. It was just starting to get painful sitting that long and it was so incredibly warm. I prayed for some AC but none came. Anyway I have to say that this is unlike anything I have ever seen. I will be surprised if Snook doesn’t get a Tony. She was mesmerizing. The logistics, camera work and storyboard and direction were all insane. I had many laugh out loud moments and many moments where I felt my mouth agape going how’d that happen. Very smart. A must see."

Glad the heat wasn’t only affecting me! Brutal!

[theatergoer3]

Posted: 3/11/25 at 8:56am

They really do need to turn on AC. The mezz was sweltering throughout. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/11/25 at 9:20am

Assuming there are no discount codes for this? 

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 3/11/25 at 9:39am

I see this in a few weeks. How is the view from the rear mezz (my seat)?

[Jmuep2]

Posted: 3/11/25 at 10:56am

To be a dissenting voice, I saw this last night and while I think it’s a technical marvel of theatricality and acting, I wouldn’t recommend it. (Important caveats — the source material does nothing for me and I’m not usually a fan of one actor shows.) 

While it was impressive to see Snook do all the work, I didn’t connect with any of the characters. There just wasn’t any emotion in this for me. It was all intellectual and considering how long I felt, I got bored. Literally, I found myself spending way too much time thinking about how I preferred Laura Donnelly and THE HILLS OF CAIFORNIA to this. It didn’t help that I found Dorian’s wig to be one of the ugliest things I’ve seen onstage in a while. 
 

On the positive side, it really is a technical marvel. Whoever called it magic is right, but there was a part of me that just was like, "if you wanna make a movie, make a movie"

[RippedMan]

Posted: 3/11/25 at 12:27pm

Technical, how? I tend to love West End imports becaus they tend to be all about the production value. But I'm also not really into solo shows, so I'm not sure my level of interest for this. Love Snook though.

[somecheapfrenchthing]

Posted: 3/11/25 at 4:29pm

I was also at the first preview and although I walked away very impressed with Sarah Snook and the technical feats, I was not moved. To me, this was all about showcasing Snook, but ultimately I thought the one-person-many-characters schtick, while very impressive, blunted the source material and made the show feel overlong - - and it's really not that long. For me, it just didn't capture what I love about the book. The camp felt very effective in the beginning, but I think it ended up robbing the last 1/4 of its oomph. I also wasn't initially bothered by the idea of watching Snook on the screens, but I did underestimate just *how much* (A LOT) would be watching the screens versus the actress. Perhaps if I'd been sitting closer I would have watched her more. I felt stirred at first watching her face and body morph between Basil and Lord Henry with her paint brush and cigarette, but once her pre-recorded, fully-costumed parts entered the story I felt less-engaged - even though it was impressive watching her interact so naturally and impromptu-seeming with the "characters." I'd definitely tell people it's worth seeing for the performance, but this was not a favorite.

Updated On: 3/11/25 at 04:29 PM

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 3/11/25 at 10:56pm

I was very entertained by the show. As others have said it is a technical and acting marvel. Snook is spinning many plates and she makes it look effortless. She’s acting with cameras, videos, with finely choreographed movements. It’s a wonder and she deserves all the laurels. It’s also very funny, campy, cheeky, cutting edge and riveting. 
 

I think the show isn’t necessarily just about the Dorian Grey text. I think there is a lot of subtext about current society, fame, obsession with appearance, and addiction to technology. I felt the goal is to get somewhat burned out by the screens by the end and feel very little if not exhausted by Dorian, waiting for his implosion. A take on modern day fascination with train wrecks. 
 

The directors notes said something about wanting the audience to see the secrets in their own soul. I get that. 
 

The play is the sum of its parts and you can’t have one without the others. Each element is vital. I don’t think it’s fair to minimize Snooks work and say the technology does the heavy lifting (as someone behind me said.) She is the backbone and a mighty one. The way she makes it look effortless is astounding. 

[FLarnhill]

Posted: 3/12/25 at 12:31am

theatergoer3 said: "The whole production feels like a magic trick. A well executed magic trick but a magic trick that you’re aware of.

Snook is tremendous and goes for it (like Chastain a couple seasons ago). She’s probably the front-runner for leading actress in a play. The only thing I would change is start her mania a bit later but for story reasons it makes sense.

The production is very cool but not quite the smash Sunset was in terms ofscreens. I understand the theme of artifice and performance but at times it does create a feeling of distance from the performance.

For a one act, it also felt surprisingly long. Saw quite a few people checking the scripts given out as it got into the last half hour.

That would be my main note even though I know it hadpreviews and the run in London. Find a way to tighten up the last third. With no intermission, it feels longer than it actually is/a bit of a marathon to watch.

But Snook and her camera team got 3 or 4 bows and roaring ovations so it should do well."

Fixed it fer ya

[binau]

Posted: 3/12/25 at 4:14am

The thing about Dorian Gray vs Sunset is at Dorian Gray it felt to me like I was watching screens almost the whole time whereas Sunset still felt like normal theatre with the occasional screen. 

I agree with your take BettyBoy on the material - to me it’s kind of what the gay community feels like so I found it haunting.