TWENTIETH CENTURY

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/7/04 at 8:55am

I caught TWENTIETH CENTURY last night and really enjoyed it. I won't go into great detail because it won't officially open for another two weeks, but Ken Ludwig has done a marvelous adaptation of the old show and created a delightful evening in the theater.

First off, the set is clever and sets just the right tone as it "takes off" and creates a sense of a train moving. The costumes are all nice period designs and the lighting is top notch.

Alec Baldwin is marvelous as Oscar Jaffee; overblown, madcap and self-impressed. He handles the physical comedy well and really does a fine job in this comic role. I guess I didn't expect this from a man who played Stanley Kowlaski and Macbeth in his last two appearances on the New York stage.

The revelation of the production, though, is Ann Heche. Wow! A major theatrical star is born here! I didn't expect such a knock-out performance from her. She is Swanson, Lombard and Norma Desmond all rolled into one! She literally lights up the stage and dazzles the audience.

I also enjoyed the comic work of Dan Butler (from TV's FRASIER), Julie Halston and Stephen De Rosa (who plays two roles in the show).

After the performance I visited Alec Baldwwin in his dressing room only to find that Henry Winkler and Chip Zien were also visiting him. Alec was tired, but confident that the show was coming together and felt that he'll be totally comfortable in the role in about another week. Well, that's what previews are for, aren't they?

Please, get tickets for this show. It's run has already been extended and Alec told that it will probably be extended again, but it can't run much longer than June 1st. It's really a fine production.

Updated On: 3/7/04 at 08:55 AM

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 3/7/04 at 10:09am

You visited Alec Baldwin?! Jeez! Posh posh....

[thirdrowcenter]

Posted: 3/7/04 at 12:01pm

I have tickets for Twentieth Century next week and after reading your review, I'm really excited!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/7/04 at 1:52pm

Umm...I thought everyone visits backstage after attending a show. Isn't that standard procedure?

Updated On: 3/7/04 at 01:52 PM

[Broadwaylady]

Posted: 3/7/04 at 7:53pm

That is so funny Dollypop. I was also in the city last night. I was coming from the restaurant and going to the theater. I saw Wonderful Town. On the street, I walked right passed Henry Winkler!!!!!!! We looked at each other at the same time. It did not click who he was until he was passed me. Small world.

Updated On: 3/8/04 at 07:53 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/7/04 at 9:03pm

Oh, I'm sure that Mr. Winkler thought you were the Goddess Diana, or some other literary myth.

[beacon1]

Posted: 3/7/04 at 10:54pm

Dollypop,

I stand in awe of you (actually I'm sitting right now, but you know what I mean.)

How do you get to meet all these wonderful folks? Is there a secret you can share with us "mere mortals"? :o)
For instance, if I go to a show I wouldn't have a clue about how to get to the performers and chat about the show.

I'm impressed to hear that Anne Heche did well. She's been bashed in the press over the past couple of years.

Updated On: 3/8/04 at 10:54 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 4:29pm

Usually a buzz passes through the theater when I arrive. By the time the second act curtain rises, an usher has passed me a note saying that "Mr or Ms _______ would consider it an honor if you would stop by for a visit after the performance". It gets tiresome after a while. There are many times I'd just want to head home, but I don't want to disappoint Patti or Alec or whoever it is who wants to see me.

[Benzy92]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 4:36pm

cant wait! have my subscriber seats.. where did you sit? is the front mezz any good?

[etoile]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 4:43pm

Dollypop is usually fifth row center. It makes it so much easier for the ushers to find him. That, and the dapper "Dolly-RED" clothes.

[tpdc]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 4:48pm

I saw this during its pre-Broadway engagement at Signature in Virginia with James Barbour in the Baldwin role. I enjoyed it very much and I'm thinking of seeing it again in NYC. Ludwig does give Heche a lot of great lines and bits. I'm glad she makes the most of them. I figured Baldwin could handle Oscar.

[sabrelady]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 5:18pm

Good Luck getting a ticket! Supposedly sold out for the run as is King Lear!

[beacon1]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 7:21pm

Well, if I'm ever fortunate to attend a show the same night as Dollypop I'll be sure to listen to the awed whispers and look for a dapper gentleman in fifth row. :o)

I'll be nigh unto greatness! :o)

Thanks for the giggles Dollypop. Work was rough today.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 7:21pm

I had no problem getting tickets for KING LEAR, but then again, they recognized me at the box office.

As I mentioned when I initiated this thread, the cast expects the show to be extended through the end of May and into early June. You might have luck in getting seats for the added performances.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 7:29pm

Oh Etoile, I wish you hadn't mentioned my penchant for wearing Harmonia Gardens red. Now every vagabond who surfs the internet will be able to recognize me when I attend plays and musicals.

I covet privacy.

[beacon1]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 7:32pm

Dollypop,

Don't worry. I'll keep a respectful distance...just outside that 100-feet limit the nice judge explained to me. LOL!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/8/04 at 7:37pm

Thank you for understanding. I don't want this to turn into another situation like the problems Brent Barrett is having with Corine.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 3/9/04 at 8:44pm

BTW: That judge was my Uncle Carmine.

[thirdrowcenter]

Posted: 3/17/04 at 5:48pm

Dollypop I saw Twentieth Century today and I agree with your review totally. I loved the set especially, lighting, costumes, and cast were perfect. It was also so funny that they were going to produce the Passion Play. Very ironic timing. Alec Baldwin was excellent, he has such a comic flair and Anne Heche really threw herself into the part (ha, ha). I would have enjoyed it more if I didn't have to hear talking and eating all around me "he's so fat!!, she's so thin!!!" Well, I'm so nervous. Updated On: 3/17/04 at 05:48 PM