#3
Posted: 10/6/12 at 11:42pm
I really looking forward to hearing how Jessica Chastain and Dan Stevens fared.
When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain.
-Kad
#4
Posted: 10/7/12 at 12:14am
I was there and really enjoyed it. The Heiress is a very slow burn; if you'll pardon the analogy it's like edging yourself for three hours: a pleasurable journey of teasing and taunting with a guaranteed big payoff.
The set is beautiful. There's wall to wall carpeting, two large pillars, and 15 foot windows with lavish red curtains. It makes a strong impression when the curtain rises. The costumes are amazing too.
I'll warn upfront that I'm a crazy Chastain fan. I was worried though- what if all her brilliant film performances don't translate to the stage? Could she deliver live? The answer is a resounding yes. She is the real deal.
Act One: awkward, shy, clumsy, naive, trusting, loving. It's all the more juicy knowing that she's going to get to really have some fun in Act Two. The first scene in Act Two when her father really lays into her was terrifying. I couldn't even pay attention to David Strathairn. I could only watch Chastain's face as she reacted to his cruel words. A click went off and her character wasn't going to be the same again. The following scene at night when everything came crashing down finally sent her over the edge enough to deliver the final vindictive acts. Is this where the phrase "revenge is a dish best served cold" come from?
Why aren't the producers doing a better job marketing that Judith Ivey is in the show? They do realize that she'll get a Tony nomination right? She was so funny, scoring laughs with nearly every line.
Strathairn was better in the second act than the first. He was good, but I think could play up the cruel nature of his character a little more.
Dan Stevens was best in the final scene. He's so lovable and affable (I realize he needs to be charming) that his scheming isn't in the slightest bit transparent. You honestly believe he's only in it for love. Chastain needs to believe that, but we don't. It makes it better if we get to have our doubts about his motives.
I definitely want to see this again. It's one of the strongest offerings of this season so far. I hope The Heiress marks the beginning of a long, long stage career for Chastain.
The set is beautiful. There's wall to wall carpeting, two large pillars, and 15 foot windows with lavish red curtains. It makes a strong impression when the curtain rises. The costumes are amazing too.
I'll warn upfront that I'm a crazy Chastain fan. I was worried though- what if all her brilliant film performances don't translate to the stage? Could she deliver live? The answer is a resounding yes. She is the real deal.
Act One: awkward, shy, clumsy, naive, trusting, loving. It's all the more juicy knowing that she's going to get to really have some fun in Act Two. The first scene in Act Two when her father really lays into her was terrifying. I couldn't even pay attention to David Strathairn. I could only watch Chastain's face as she reacted to his cruel words. A click went off and her character wasn't going to be the same again. The following scene at night when everything came crashing down finally sent her over the edge enough to deliver the final vindictive acts. Is this where the phrase "revenge is a dish best served cold" come from?
Why aren't the producers doing a better job marketing that Judith Ivey is in the show? They do realize that she'll get a Tony nomination right? She was so funny, scoring laughs with nearly every line.
Strathairn was better in the second act than the first. He was good, but I think could play up the cruel nature of his character a little more.
Dan Stevens was best in the final scene. He's so lovable and affable (I realize he needs to be charming) that his scheming isn't in the slightest bit transparent. You honestly believe he's only in it for love. Chastain needs to believe that, but we don't. It makes it better if we get to have our doubts about his motives.
I definitely want to see this again. It's one of the strongest offerings of this season so far. I hope The Heiress marks the beginning of a long, long stage career for Chastain.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
Updated On: 10/7/12 at 12:14 AM
#10
Posted: 10/7/12 at 9:43am
This may sell out when the word of mouth spreads, but right now it is not selling out. It seems the producers are playing a game where they're acting like a hit from the onset- it's not on tdf, the discount code is stingy, etc. There is a student rush for $30, and the seats are in the balcony.
I don't think it would be a bad idea for them to give a better discount for previews and really pack the house to generate word of mouth.
Getting Ready, Don't waste you time in the TKTS line. The discount code for performances during the week is $69, which is what you'd pay at TKTS anyway.
I don't think it would be a bad idea for them to give a better discount for previews and really pack the house to generate word of mouth.
Getting Ready, Don't waste you time in the TKTS line. The discount code for performances during the week is $69, which is what you'd pay at TKTS anyway.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#13
Posted: 10/7/12 at 1:05pm
Thanks Whizzer--that sounds like the perfect way to do The Heiress. I have some issues with the play itself--as an adaptation of Washington Square it can seem to miss the subtlety of the novel, and be rather workmanlike when not played for the plays strengths--which, as you say, is that slow burn.
Obviously, not having seen it, I do think that's how Morris should be played though--as completely full of charm, and that the audience never suspects anything, but that may be because of how I read Monty Clift in the part in the movie. I'm glad Stevens seems to do well in the role--I only know him from Downton Abbey and especially The Line of Beauty, in both pieces where he plays an outsider who the audience identifies with as he gets to experience an elevated life.
Obviously, not having seen it, I do think that's how Morris should be played though--as completely full of charm, and that the audience never suspects anything, but that may be because of how I read Monty Clift in the part in the movie. I'm glad Stevens seems to do well in the role--I only know him from Downton Abbey and especially The Line of Beauty, in both pieces where he plays an outsider who the audience identifies with as he gets to experience an elevated life.
#14
Posted: 10/7/12 at 3:54pm
I have to agree with Whizzer. I was there last night as well and I absolutely loved Jessica Chastain. Judith Ivey is delightful and David Strathairn may need a few more performances to get a more layered performance. It was very tight for a first preview (and an added preview at that).
#16
Posted: 10/7/12 at 7:19pm
The direction is fine, but not noticeable. There's nothing revolutionary going on, but I don't think the play calls for that. He lets the text speak for itself, and relies on the actors rather than directorial gimmicks to make it work. (When you have Chastain at the helm why do anything else?)
Truly the more I think about it the more I wish I could go back again this week.
Truly the more I think about it the more I wish I could go back again this week.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#21
Posted: 10/8/12 at 10:06am
TalkinLoud- It is in very solid shape. I think in a week or two Stevens and Strathairn will have added some needed finesse to their performances, but it is certainly worth seeing now if you can't wait!
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
#23
Posted: 10/8/12 at 11:03am
Thanks for the info. Whizzer! I am a crazy Chastain fan,too and I have tix for the end of the month. What's the seating like? I have 3rd row center and I hope I'm not TOO CLOSE to the stage. I like seeing the actors expressions so good sightlines is important to me. I am so excited that the production sounds like a good one. I hope this is the start of something big for Jessica Chastain on Broadway.
#24
Posted: 10/11/12 at 12:32am
Saw this tonight and pretty much agree with Whizzer. What I want to convey first off though is the set is STUNNING.
Slight SPoiler: When the curtain liftedn to reveal the maid lighting the chandelier it took my breath away. That little bit of action alone would make any play worthwhile. However, a little actress known as Jessica Chastain more than accomplishes that.
She is truly excellent in this role that is certainly built for a star vehicle. She has no less than 5 changes in the first act and almost as many in the second. And what gorgeous costumes they are. Superficially one of the best looking productions overall I have ever seen.
For me the one weak link was David Strathairn. I felt like alot of his lines were read a bit flat. But, perhps this will improve with a few more performances. Judith Ivey was having fun with the part, and getting lots of laughs. I do agree aboubt Dan Stevens. He came on and I just wanted to like him. I feel like we needed a more slimy guy than him.
But overall this is Jessica's role. She takes us on a journey and it really is chilling when we get to the final scene. Finally a Broadway show and Actoress living up to the hype.
On an interesting side note, I would encourage anyone interested in the world of the Heiress to visit the Merchant House Museum. Much of the play/book(Washington Square) and design have ties to it, and its inhabitants. Plus it is one of the most interesting in sights to see in Manhattan.
http://merchantshouse.org/
One more note. The last two rows of the mezz are priced at $50 for previews. I would encourage anyone to take advantae of this. (The best deal outside of a student rush). The view was perfect.
Also, as for stage dooring, I waited tonight, and Dan Stevens and Jessica Chastain both signed and couldn't be nicer. They both came out after a relatively short amount of time. The crowd was quite small too.
Slight SPoiler: When the curtain liftedn to reveal the maid lighting the chandelier it took my breath away. That little bit of action alone would make any play worthwhile. However, a little actress known as Jessica Chastain more than accomplishes that.
She is truly excellent in this role that is certainly built for a star vehicle. She has no less than 5 changes in the first act and almost as many in the second. And what gorgeous costumes they are. Superficially one of the best looking productions overall I have ever seen.
For me the one weak link was David Strathairn. I felt like alot of his lines were read a bit flat. But, perhps this will improve with a few more performances. Judith Ivey was having fun with the part, and getting lots of laughs. I do agree aboubt Dan Stevens. He came on and I just wanted to like him. I feel like we needed a more slimy guy than him.
But overall this is Jessica's role. She takes us on a journey and it really is chilling when we get to the final scene. Finally a Broadway show and Actoress living up to the hype.
On an interesting side note, I would encourage anyone interested in the world of the Heiress to visit the Merchant House Museum. Much of the play/book(Washington Square) and design have ties to it, and its inhabitants. Plus it is one of the most interesting in sights to see in Manhattan.
http://merchantshouse.org/
One more note. The last two rows of the mezz are priced at $50 for previews. I would encourage anyone to take advantae of this. (The best deal outside of a student rush). The view was perfect.
Also, as for stage dooring, I waited tonight, and Dan Stevens and Jessica Chastain both signed and couldn't be nicer. They both came out after a relatively short amount of time. The crowd was quite small too.
Updated On: 10/11/12 at 12:32 AM
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