The Gabriels What Did You Expect?

Did anyone catch this this weekend? I went to tonight's show and absolutely loved it. Richard Nelson's series of plays have quickly become one of my favorite theatrical events of any season. I loved the Apple Family play and The Gabriels are no different.

These are wonderful characters that I wanted to spend a few more hours with after the play ended. It is a credit to Nelson's writing and the wonderful ensemble that he has assembled. Maryann Plunkett continues to give such a lovely performance, but everyone in the cast are excellent, especially Jay O Saunders (Plunkett's real life husband!).

I was trying to pinpoint what makes these plays work so well. I think the naturalistic style, and the staging, give you a feel like you are sitting in the kitchen with siblings are two things, but that the writing is really what makes it. These are characters I love and care about and Nelson's style draws you in quickly. The humor is sly and quite funny, and there are so many wonderful moving moments.

Overall two plays in I think this series is just as good as the Apple Family series and I can't wait to go in November to see the final installment. On another note, does any one know if there are plans to play these all again once they have all premiered? I'd love to re-visit them all again!

Initially I was disappointed to only be in the city to catch the final installment of the trilogy but now that the Public has announced marathon performances of all 3 plays in one day for dates in early December I'm really hoping to get tickets

I'll be seeing it on Saturday. These plays have been quite special to me, being about Rhinebeck, which is where I live. My business is even mentioned in one of the first cycle's plays. A true honor. Richard is just the loveliest.

http://www.theatermania.com/off-broadway/news/the-gabriels-trilogy-adds-marathon-performances_78361.html