The History Boys tonight...

[Lamc16]

Posted: 4/20/06 at 11:45pm

Not a review really, just a few quick thoughts on the play, as I don't want to give anything away. First of all, it goes without saying that this is a top-notch show and it will be hard to beat come Tony time. The ensemble acting is so tight and everyone is so in tune with each other that there were moments when I really felt like I was watching in on a real class. I lost myself in all of the little moments--the nuances, the gestures, a passing thought in one of their eyes--it is really some of the most exquisite acting you are likely to see this or any season. One of my favorite moments came during the closing of the first act when Richard Griffiths (unbelievably natural and impossible not to watch, by the way), the boys' teacher is talking to one of the boys, Posner (Samuel Barnett, also amazingly talented). It was so simple and lovely and unforced, that there was not a single sound in the audience. I cannot say enough about the acting or the writing itself. It was all just so seamless. Do yourselves a favor and see this show.

[senortenor]

Posted: 4/20/06 at 11:59pm

I saw it last night, and I agree wholeheartedly.

[Lamc16]

Posted: 4/21/06 at 12:33am

Yes, it really is an amazing show. Saw Brantley and Kissel in the audience but was in front of both of them, so could't get a reading of their expressions. I'm sure they both loved it as well though. Can't wait to read the reviews.

[little_sally]

Posted: 4/21/06 at 12:54am

I am absolutely dying to see this play. *pouts*

[bythesword84]

Posted: 4/21/06 at 1:18am

I would be more than happy to see this play clean up as far as awards go. I absolutely adore it, and it is one of the best plays I have ever seen.

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 4/21/06 at 3:02am

I missed it when the whole orginal cast toured to HK *cries*... let's hope I can catch the upcoming film!

[joshy]

Posted: 4/21/06 at 8:51am

I know exactly what you mean about that last scene in the first act. Every time I saw it, there has been utter silent rapture throughout the audience like I've rarely heard before. That scene is so beautiful.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 4/21/06 at 8:52am

YAY! Another History Boys fan!!! WoOT!

so glad you enjoyed the show. it really is a remarkable and brilliant play with a fantastic cast (Jamie Parker... *sigh*)

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 4/21/06 at 9:09am

Yep. You named my very favorite moment in the play, too. It is a small, quiet moment...but it is profoundly moving. This is arguably the best thing out there at the moment. I plan to return.

And Richard Griffiths is extraordinary, even among a totally excellent cast. He embodies, in a huge way, what his character is all about.

My husband is a philosophy/history/English kind of guy. I spent school hanging out in the sciences, predominently. He is much more well-versed in literature and the classics than I, and we were musing about the fact that this show works nicely on a couple of different levels. Certainly, there are references that meant more to him than they did to me, but that didn't diminish my appreciation or understanding of the play one bit.

The History Boys is a lovely, funny, and thought-provoking play that should be firmly planted on everyone's "must see" list.

[Lamc16]

Posted: 4/21/06 at 9:44am

OH MY GOD, Caroline, Jamie Parker was really cute, and so great too! So was Dominic Cooper I was in the first row (which, by the way, was both a boon and a bother) and we caught eyes a couple of times. I am definitely a new fan of his :)

Updated On: 4/21/06 at 09:44 AM

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 2:31am

I was there Thursday night too, my second time seeing the show. Loved it even more the second time. Still amazed by the performances, how every stammer, every pause, every large and small moment, can remain so consistent through both performances I saw and yet look so fresh and natural. A real credit to the actors and director. And while the audience didn't quite each it up as enthusiastically as the first preview - if only because they were old and all I heard all night were the buzzing of the hearing aids - they still really enjoyed it.

As for the critics, I sat near them (surrounded by NT American Associates), and I while I couldn't see too many of their reactions, some seemed to be in good spirits at intermission. I didn't see them stand at the curtain call, but I don't know if that's just a professional thing.

In all, still a remarkable show. I must see it again!

PS. I bought the poster now that it's available. Does anyone know if, in general, if one sends the poster to the theatre, that the cast will sign it if requested?

Updated On: 4/22/06 at 02:31 AM

[mabel]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 2:42am

Lamc16, how was the front row? I'm sitting there for tomorrow's mat. Is the stage really high? It's always such a crapshoot with the front row.

[senortenor]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 6:51am

The stage is kinda high, but it is pretty cool being there with the actors so close and you can't beat the student price!
Updated On: 4/22/06 at 06:51 AM

[mabel]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 12:32pm

So you can see? I was on talkinbroadway, and people were saying they couldn't see the actors (with the desks obstructing them or something) from even the third row back.

[Caroline-Q-or-TBoo]

Posted: 4/22/06 at 12:35pm

i want that POSTER!!!


especially since i already had to give my tickets up, i think i desreve one!

Yes Lam... JAMIE PARKER is unbeliebably cute. He totally makes my day. I love the duet between Scripps and Posner. It's on my iPod and i totally listen to it every day.