The American Plan tonight (1/30/09)

[adamgreer]

Posted: 1/30/09 at 11:54pm

I went to this show with no real expectations because I knew nothing about it other than the fact that Brantley made it a Critic's Pick. I was weary because it was Manhattan Theatre Club, and the last two shows I've seen there (Top Girls and To Be or Not To Be) were duds. Fortunately, this show is a lot better than both of them. In fact, I thought it was fantastic.

The acting was top notch. All give cast members were great, but the standout was definitely Lily Rabe, who I thought was magnificent. I was particularly impressed with her work in the opening scene, and then in the final scene.

The show moves along at a fast pace, and I was riveted the entire time. I didn't see the big act 2 "twist" coming at all, although the old man in front of me did, because he shouted (literally) "I knew it!" when it happened.

The design was simple, yet extremely effective, with the exception of the infamous Manhattan Theatre Club spinning curtain between scenes.

Overall an excellent night of theater. Sadly, the place was nearly deserted. The mezz was EMPTY after the fourth row (and the side sections were completely empty) and the orchestra appeared to be about 60% full.

One question....before the show started, they made the usual cell phone announcement, which concluded with, "This announcement is sponsored by Dentyne." Was that some sort of joke, or are they actually selling sponsorship of pre-show announcements now?

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 1/31/09 at 12:23am

I thought the production was fine, but the play was awful. I just didn't find it all that interesting, and the twists seemed like twists for no other reason then to have a "twist." I didn't understand why he is considered such a great revival. The play seemed so slight to me. I mean, at the end of it all, what was the point? And I didn't think Ruhl was all that great. I couldn't understand what she was saying half the time.

[Parks]

Posted: 1/31/09 at 2:36am

Thank you for your spoiler-less review! I saw To Be Or Not To Be, which I thought was cute, but was enough to keep me away from MTC for a while...

I'll definitely look into this show now.