The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?- Page 2

[HogansHero]

Posted: 7/6/16 at 7:54pm

AC126748 said: "Are you joking? Do you really think an experimental, controversial play with no bankable stars (Pullman and Ruehl don't sell out houses) would not only open on Broadway in a commercial production but run for 10 months, mostly in the red (it closed far from turning a profit)? "

Apparently you know nothing of the play, nothing of the actors and nothing of the current (i.e., most recent) season or its plays and actors. I continue to find what you say unfathomable. More so now than before. 

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 7/7/16 at 10:49am

What a wonderful thread. I havent had the chance to see a production live, however I happen to be friends with both the actor who originated the role of the son on Broadway and the actor who played the role in the wonderfully received Remmy Bumppo production here in Chicago previously mentioned. I remember reading the play a few years back and being floored. I dont know that I've ever read a play as quickly as I did when i first opened the script. I think it is easily a top 3 work for Albee, arguably his second to his masterpiece Virginia Woolf. Both actors have talked to me about their experiences in the play and what a treat it was for them to work on this material. Mercedes Ruhl was spoken of so very highly.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 7/7/16 at 10:56am

Is Jeffrey still acting? The last thing I saw him in was over a decade ago..

[HogansHero]

Posted: 7/7/16 at 11:07am

@Jordan, he was in a show at the Cherry Lane a few years ago. I vaguely think I recall he lives in Chicago now, not sure if he is acting there. (and I suspect theatreboy will explain)

 

[promisespromises2]

Posted: 7/7/16 at 11:10am

I wish there were ways to recommend regional theatres to play certain shows.  I live near DC/Shirlington and try to attend the Signature Theatre as often as my budget will let me and have seen a few actresses that I would LOVE to see take on the role of Stevie.  Thank you everyone so much for your input and stories!

[Becky]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 3:11pm

The Other One said: "Becky describes it exactly as I would have.  (Well, I did not think the character of the son was insignificant, but I did not like the actor's performance at all.)"

I should clarify - I though the son's acting was so incredibly bad that it made any impact the character could have had (for me) less significant. But luckily the other performances/story was strong enough that it didn't impact my enjoyment of the show overall. Hope that makes more sense. 

 

[The Distinctive Baritone]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 5:25pm

I also saw the Chicago production at Remy Bumppo and loved it.

Jeffrey Carlson still acts occasionally. I think he teaches a lot too. http://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/8096-jeffrey-carlson

 

[bunnie3]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 7:36pm

During intermission at one perf that I was ushering at for this show, a group of very nice patrons started asking me all kinds of Q s about the show.  I didn t want to ruin Act 2 for them, so I  didn t say too much...but after the show, they invited me to have drinks with them across the street.  Well, they ALL were psychiatrists! and after 2.5 hrs of discussing,  they were impressed with MY insight!  I was astounded....they were so humble, and, to this day, I still don t REALLY think I understand the play.  I saw it about 2wks in a row.

[MarkBearSF]

Posted: 7/9/16 at 9:34pm

I recall that when I saw it in SF with Pamela Reed at ACT it was presented in one act. 
I really think it would be hard to regain the audience after an intermission.

(Of course, I may be misremembering)

[The Other One]

Posted: 7/10/16 at 6:12am

It did not have an intermission on Broadway, either.

[Theatreboy49]

Posted: 7/11/16 at 11:19am

To those asking about Jeffrey, he mostly teaches/coaches now (thats how I know him, hes an excellent coach) but he works when a project he's interested in comes about. He was in Measure for Measure at the Goodman a couple years ago and recently this past spring was in Cymbeline at Yale Rep

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 7/11/16 at 5:49pm

I saw Pullman and Ruehl.  It was dangerous, fresh, hilarious, and thought provoking.

Updated On: 7/12/16 at 05:49 PM

[Roscoe]

Posted: 7/12/16 at 2:07pm

I liked the play very much, despite Mr. Pullman's near total inability to make himself heard in that pretty tiny theater.