The Homecoming first preview tonight- Page 2

[nicole neumann2]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 11:23am

i was there lastnight with my aunt. i loved it. raul was great. the whole cast was great. i would love to see them win a tony and raul whould win a tony too for this show....nicole

[AC126748]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 11:24am

Liev Schreiber was attached to this production for some time, I believe, and he (or someone in his mold) would have been a smarter choice for Lenny. Esparza came off simply as playing at being menacing, and never really achieved the feat of making it seem natural or believable. I was aware of his "acting" from the first time he opened his mouth. His accent was a touch shaky, as well.

On the other hand, I felt that Best tapped into a wonderful primal sexuality with Ruth that made her utterly seductive. She's not the most obvious choice for the role, but she pulled it off with aplomb. In her first encounter with Lenny, she flawlessly handled the difficult emotional change that Ruth executes: going from a coy, agreeable woman to a firebrand in mere seconds. I'll concede that she was a little shaky during her first ten minutes or so, but fully came alive with that character shift and held my attention until the end.

McShane was brilliant, and also quietly heartbreaking. His reading of Max's final speech ("I'm not such an old man...") was about the best I've ever heard it done.

Daniel Sullivan's production is sharp and effective. He is not a director who reinvents the wheel, which works well for a play like this. He used Pinter's trademark silence wisely. The final tableau was striking and memorable.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 11:33am

Esparza came off simply as playing at being menacing, and never really achieved the feat of making it seem natural or believable. I was aware of his "acting" from the first time he opened his mouth. His accent was a touch shaky, as well.

I went to the run-through last week, and that was what I noticed with his performance, too -- that he was doing too much performing and not enough acting, so to speak. It sounds like he's gotten more of the menacing side down, though, which I'm actually glad to hear. He had moments of that last week, and it was something I really wanted to see more of. I know the character is absurd and ridiculous and vaguely nutty, but he has to play it like it's normal for it to be believable. I think he'll get it -- it's just about a tricky balancing act, I think. At any rate, thank you for saying something more substantial than an unfounded "HE SHOULD WIN A TONY" squeal.

[OSUBuckly]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 11:33am

>>Esparza came off simply as playing at being menacing, and never really achieved the feat of making it seem natural or believable. I was aware of his "acting" from the first time he opened his mouth. His accent was a touch shaky, as well.<<

To each his own, I guess. I thought Esparza was just as natural as the play would let him be, as it has some most unbelievable circumstances. Plus, he made for a good foil for Eve Best, as she was on the opposite end of the spectrum on the terms of a personality scale.
Updated On: 12/5/07 at 11:33 AM

[AC126748]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 11:42am

I know the character is absurd and ridiculous and vaguely nutty, but he has to play it like it's normal for it to be believable. I think he'll get it -- it's just about a tricky balancing act, I think.

I agree with you, and I definitely do think he can play the character as written, and play it well. I'll definitely be seeing this production again and I hope that by then he will be working up to his potential. He's halfway there, which is admirable, especially since this part doesn't seem like a natural fit.

And you're welcome.

[Clayford27]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 12:46pm

"I think -- and I've never studied Pinter, so I'm going with my gut and could be completely wrong... someone please correct me if I am -- that's the point. I don't think you're meant to get it. You get what happens -- the story is all perfectly clear -- but you don't get why. Why is Teddy so passive? How can he just sit there and watch Joey on top of his wife? Why they he have a conversation with his brothers about whether or not she's a tease, knowing one of them is trying to sleep with her? Why does Ruth decide to stay? Do the brothers think she knows what's going on? And so forth. Personally, that's actually one of the things I really like about this play... that kind of "... wtf?" feeling it leaves you with, because all of these completely ridiculous things have just happened. But it can definitely be frustrating."

I definitely agree with that. I went last night, a last minute decision, and I absolutely loved it. The play is just so tense and ridiculous and absurd, and it definitely leaves you with a wtf feeling. I was hoping that seeing it might clarify some questions I had after reading the play, but it didn't. Which is fine, because as you said, that's probably Pinter's point. Anyway, I thought the cast was fantastic. I especially loved McShane and Best, both were just brilliant. I really think this production has a lot of potential. I'll definitely be seeing it again to see how the actors have grown with their characters.

[iluvcioffiiluvtea]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 1:07pm

I should read all the Harold Pinter plays. You know, I should get every single Harold Pinter plays that are out there in the stores.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 1:09pm

You would probably get confused.

[iluvcioffiiluvtea]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 1:11pm

Yeah, I think I'd get confused, too. I really don't know which one I'd like.

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 1:22pm

I'd much rather deal with Pinter than Stoppard any day.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 4:20pm

Anybody else go?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 12/5/07 at 4:48pm

Yes, I was there, but I unfortauntely do not have time to post a full review. In a nutshell though, I thought the show was a bit strange and never really "took off" for me. Raul was fine (a hell of a lot better in Company though) and the six actors do need more time to "gel" together. I absolutely adored Eve Best. I saw her last season in Moon for the Misbegotten, and she plays a completely different character here, and it works. She is so sexy and scandalacious...loved her. All of their accents were in and out at times though, but that will be fixed before opening as they get more experience. Ian McShane was also very good. The boxer brother was hot, but the other three characters didn't really leave much of an impression on me. I'll be interested to read what the critics say about this production.

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 2:17pm

I just found out that I am seeing it on Saturday afternoon. The friend I am visiting was offered tickets and we are going. Will post my thoughts after seeing it

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/6/07 at 10:55pm

Anyone go yesterday or today?

[thepinterpause]

Posted: 12/7/07 at 9:04am

I'm going tonight. As my nickname probably implies, I'm a huge fan of Pinter, and The Homecoming way well be the most powerful play I've read. I've never seen it, though. My excitement is palpable. Will post after!

[keen on kean]

Posted: 12/7/07 at 11:19am

Pinterpause - great name! Enjoy tonight, and let us know how it went.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 12/8/07 at 11:42am

Great interview/feature story on Ian McShane from The Times:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/09/theater/09gree.html?ref=arts

[Testing1232]

Posted: 12/8/07 at 6:36pm

<< Yes, I was there, but I unfortauntely do not have time to post a full review. In a nutshell though, I thought the show was a bit strange and never really "took off" for me. >>

Just got back, and unfortunately (because I went in with high expectations), I REALLY didnt like it.

Totally agree with the above. It was beyond strange, and I kept waiting for "that moment" and it just never came.

To me, the entire premise was just totally unbelievable.

********** SPOILERS ****************************



I can never see anyone acting the way that Teddy did once his his own brothers started sleeping with his wife. You never get the sense that he doesnt care about HER. SHE might seem a bit detached emotionally from him, but he seems to love his wife of nine years. Why you would show no emotion when someone else (ESPECIALLY a family member) is having sex with your spouse, is totally beyond me.

Also, they never really get into Ruth's character. Were we supposed to know that she has mentals problems before Act II?

The dialogue at times was ridiculous. The entire "glass of water/ashtray" scene between Ruth and Lenny sounded ridiculous.

I like Esparza, but he just didnt do it for me in this role.

McShane was very good.

I dont know, maybe "August" spoiled me, but I can usually take something positive out of just about any show, and I dont tend to compare one show to the next.

Show was just not for me. Would love to hear other opinions as more people see the show.

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/8/07 at 6:40pm

I just got back from the Saturday matinee. This was my first Pinter play. Quite interesting. Two words, one name....Eve Best. WOW. She was just incredible. I was not expecting what unfolded in this story and you can come away with your own version of it. Nothing is explained. It is kind of left up to you to decide, a la "Doubt". Raul Esparza was wonderful but just a wee bit intense. The intensity kind of overwhelmed the slyness I feel should have been there. I think he should find a bit of a better balance. Aside from being hotter than July, Gareth Saxe turned in a wonderful and believable performance as Joey. It was wonderful to see Michael McKean onstage finally. I was quite impressed with his performance. I have never seen him live in a drama. Ian McShane did a good job but seemed a bit over the top at times. James Frain turns in a very subtle performance, in my opinion. Especially when you find out what his character may or may not be up to. There is a very disconnected feeling between the characters but you will find out why. All in all, it works and as an ensemble, they do compliment each other and it all comes off well. I thought the set was perfect. In my opinion, it served well as part of the story. Along with the characters, it pretty much had its own story. Very simple, but very effective. I try to pay attention to everything and for some reason I had a bit of a problem with the lighting at points. Especially downstage. It may have just been me. But the show should have you talking when you leave. A number of people seemed to be quite confused at the intermission, but the second act "pulls" it all together. Whatever together may be! Just my thoughts without giving anything away.

Updated On: 12/10/07 at 06:40 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/8/07 at 6:59pm

Testing - someone's going to kick your ass for calling Pinter "ridiculous." Not gonna be me, but... that is a brave statement. I'm sorry you didn't like it. I think your reaction is one that's going to happen a lot. People who expect a play to hand them all the answers are not going to like it. What you see is supposed to be strange; you're supposed to look at what these people are doing and just go, "... what?" Not all theater is meant to be a representation of what people would "really" do.

wee bit intense.

Hehe.

I'm hoping to be able to go this week!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 12/8/07 at 7:12pm

<< Testing - someone's going to kick your ass for calling Pinter "ridiculous." Not gonna be me, but... that is a brave statement. I'm sorry you didn't like it. I think your reaction is one that's going to happen a lot. People who expect a play to hand them all the answers are not going to like it. What you see is supposed to be strange; you're supposed to look at what these people are doing and just go, "... what?" Not all theater is meant to be a representation of what people would "really" do.

wee bit intense.

Hehe.

I'm hoping to be able to go this week! >>

LOL Emcee.. I am not sure that I was actually calling Pinter "ridiculous" (well, maybe a tad bit- but not in general- I admit, that I am not that familiar with Pinter)

It was more the way it came off, than the way it was written.

Totally understand what you mean about the reaction happening alot. I saw SO many people shaking their heads. Seemed like everyone was just waiting for something to happen.

I am not sure if it had that much to do with people expecting to have all of the answers handed to them.

That wasnt the problem that I had with the play. I just thought it was way too out there for me. It just wasnt believable enough.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/8/07 at 7:22pm

The dialogue is British and it's a good few decades old. Some colloquialisms are going to sound kind of silly.

To me, part of the point is that it isn't believable -- if it was believable, you wouldn't questions quite as much how and why these characters, especially Teddy, can possibly be doing what they do. You should come out of it scratching your head. And that turns a lot of people off, because they don't want to feel that way. They want to feel like everything is resolved and makes logical sense. But, I love shows that don't just package everything up all neatly and send you on your merry way.

Updated On: 12/8/07 at 07:22 PM

[Bwayfan4]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 7:52am

I saw the show last night...my thoughts are similar to everyone else's...

"Just got back, and unfortunately (because I went in with high expectations), I REALLY didnt like it. Totally agree with the above. It was beyond strange, and I kept waiting for "that moment" and it just never came. To me, the entire premise was just totally unbelievable. "

"You should come out of it scratching your head. And that turns a lot of people off, because they don't want to feel that way. They want to feel like everything is resolved and makes logical sense."

These are my thoughts exactly. Having seen Esparza in Company, I was very excited to see this production. But Esparza just did not do it for me....the plot was very "WTF?" and was too unbelieveable...

All in all, I did not enjoy this play and was glad that I bought the ticket through TDF.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 10:57am

Today's the day! I am very excited to see Pinter, and Raul, and Ian, and Eve, and Michael, and James, and Gareth. And martinis at the ready for afterwards...

[Ed_Mottershead]

Posted: 12/9/07 at 1:19pm

I was at yesterday's matinee. I saw the original back in 1967 and was very taken with the play then, even though most of it was way over my head. I think I'm doing better now, however. IMO, Ian McShane wiped everyone else off the stage. Truly a brilliant performance and one that is definitely Tony-worthy (but there's an awful lot of competition in that category this year). The others were fine (with one caveat) and it was far more graphic (not pornographic) than I recalled from the previous version. House was about 2/3's full and people around me seems somewhat puzzled (what else is new with Pinter?). It was a good reminder of how powerful a writer Pinter is, funny and devastating at the same time. The play opens up many issues, which, in my case, followed me long after the show was over. And, without naming names, it served as a reminder that profundity need not be a crashing, conceited bore that succeeds only in putting people to sleep while trying to scare them into believing that they're too stupid to get it.

My reservation with this production centered around Raul Esparza, a performer for whom I have enormous esteem and greatest respect. Maybe it was too early in the run, but I just don't think this was the right fit for him. And when you're sparring with McShane, your work is cut out for you. I greatly admired Raul's work in The Normal Heart, so it's not a matter of his being ill-suited to a serious play. I repeat, I ADORE Raul's work, so please don't anyone start flaying me on this.

BTW, it's still one of the wickedest plays in the canon. Loved it!!!