TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Previews — Page 9

I just re-read the book prior to seeing the show tonight, and I'm mixed on the adaption, but loved the production as a whole. I found a lot of the writing to be a bit heavy handed and obnoxious, and the ending felt tacked on, unskilled, and clunky. It felt like it kept trying to end on a very serious, impactful note and just couldn't quite figure out which note to land on. 

I though the performances were all pretty fantastic except for Calpurnia. I think that character needs a quiet strength, and I felt the actress wanted to give us these big, explosive scenes, but they didn't need it. And felt like she had been directed to dial it back, but then didn't know what to do in those quieter moments. 

I thought the actor playing Robinson was just fantastic. He had a small part, but just felt like that was a real, living, fleshed-out human being, and just really thought he was brilliant in his subtly. 

The main cast was great, and I think they all suit their parts, but they didn't deliver anything I haven't seen them do before. 

The design was weird. I didn't quite get the idea to set the whole thing in an abandoned warehouse type place. And why the interior of the house needed to rise from the floor, etc. I think it could have been a much more simpler design. 

Also, side note for me, but we never actually see the jury in the court room, correct? I was confused because the stage left seating area had people, and the other one did not, which made it look like a jury. But there were people missing, etc. 

Overall I thought Sorkin did a great job - "Strength and violence are no synonymous" - but I just wish the Boo Radley storyline had been handled better, and the staging more impactful. 

Also, seating wise, I sat in the rear Mezz and HATED it. I hate the overhang, and I love seeing the design of the space, etc, and I just felt trapped. I wish I had opted for balcony. I didn't miss any of the action or anything, but everything felt cropped. And the curtain call was just looking at people's feet. I felt like I didn't quite get the scope of Sher's direction. I'll try and go back and sit in the balcony.

Damiensta said: "I saw show today
And while a good show; Ferryman still my top play of season.
But I have to say Gideon was the highlight of this production for me. He was so good as Dill.
Celia was perfection too but Gideon was my favorite and I hope tony committee doesn’t forget him
"

I completely agree Damiensta. Gideon Glick is one of our greatest stage actors. He was snubbed for no good reason in 2017, he is owed his due. 

 

His performance in TKAM is, as always, impeccable. He knows how to perform exceptional, yet grounded, comedy and then shifts to nuanced drama. The audience laughs at his every comedic line and gasps in pangs of sadness with his drama. I was nervous about adults playing children, however he along with the two other skilled adults transcended that fear. It is a memory play, and it works!

Stephen75 said: "Saw this yesterday and I found it to be stunning. What a gorgeous ensemble, all on the top of their games.

Celia winning the Tony would be richly deserved. Sometime I would just look at her and get emotional. She's appears so small but so powerful onstage, the perfect representation of a young girl and a woman looking back on her life. Some of her line readings will be forever etched in my memory. Does she have a good chance at winning? The only plays coming that could conceivably give her some strong competition are Glengarry, Gary, and King Lear."

I want Celia to win, too. But she most likely will have Glenda Jackson, Laurie Metcalf, Annette Benning, Elaine May, Andrea Martin and *possibly* Keri Russell to compete with. Should be for an interesting race 

Glengarry will be ineligible for this season, no? 

If she goes featured, she'll have hella competition from Fionnula Flanagan and Dearbhla Molloy in The Ferryman, just for starters. It's a very competitive season for the ladies, which is a great thing!

GeorgeandDot said: "I don't think any of the supporting women in The Ferryman are doing anything particularly Tony worthy. I think Celia's biggest competition if she goes featured will be from Joan Allen in The Waverly Gallery."

 

There's also Mercedes Ruehl, Tatiana Maslany (if she's in featured), any of the LEAR women, and Kristine Neilsen (if she's in featured).  

Grace2001 said: "Is merchandise still not available? Also, is opening night through invite only?"

From what I’ve heard, it’s taking the typical Rudin route for plays and not offering merchandise for the production

Ugh, awful to hear.   When the ushers are part of the problem, its the worst.   I'm sorry it impeded your enjoyment.

You could try calling and talking to the house manager. Since it was the ushers’ loud taking (I’d emphasize that part) plus other things, they might accommodate with a ticket to see if again on another date. I’ve heard of it working for other people   

Updated On: 4/26/19 at 03:35 PM

Finally saw this last night. Overall I loved it.

https://humbledandoverwhelmed.blogspot.com/2019/06/to-kill-mockingbird-abts-spring-season.html

It's hard to believe the Shubert was the same theater whose employees were so strict during Hello Dolly! Plenty of phones went off, audience members were seated late, a woman even spoke on speakerphone DURING THE PERFORMANCE.