The Importance of Being Earnest -- first preview — Page 4

So when I say his performance was adequate, I mean just that. It was adequate. Not extraordinary, which it SHOULD have been.

Ahhh...but, you see, that is merely your opinion and not a fact.

To me, and to many others, Brian Bedford's performance as Lady Bracknell is extraordinary. I heard things in the dialogue I had never heard before: nuance, wit, aspects of social position and class structure.

That you think the performance was "adequate" might have more to do with your expectations than his performance.

I would suggest you see it again. I know I want to.

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An admirably restrained response, bjh.

Isn't it a bit redundant to point out that anyone's expressed opinion is an opinion and not a fact?

I suppose it's possible that the opinions of joey and his coterie are facts, and everyone else's opinions are just opinions, but that doesn't sound quite right...

How many (and who were they) other Bracknells have you seen, bjh? Just curious (with no snarkiness).

I love Beth Fowler! I bet she was great.

But bjh--have you not seen the movie?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMbIu8lRlWw

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I just noticed he said "joey and his coterie"!

I didn't know I HAD a coterie! How cool!

Does my coterie know they're my coterie?

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Yes, I can see. I just wished she'd been a bit funnier.

It actually sounds like what you liked about Dench is what PJ liked about Bedford.

Finally saw a preview this week and having seen Bedford's production at Stratford, I am pleased to say that this is a HUGE improvement in every way. The casting is wonderful and if this doesn't make Santino Fontana a big Broadway name, I suspect nothing will. I also imagine that he will be scooped up for film and TV so it may also be a bit of a swan song. David Furr is also wonderful, witty and terribly sexy. Sara Topham is another hold-over from Stratford and she is just delicious as is the terrific Charlotte Parry who I had loved in the Peter Hall production of a few years ago.And what can you say about Ivey and Whitehead? They are without flaw. And as for Beford, I still haven't lost my philosophical dislike of men playing this great woman's role, but he is just a treat, with timing you could set a clock to. He commands the stage with a flick of an eye or some other subtle gesture. With all the BIG acting on Broadway right now, what a lesson to see Bedford hold an audience with his artistry. I don't know what happened between Stratford and New York, but for my money it is another level of performance. Go see it!!!

Would this be a good production to see as a first introduction to the play? It somehow has eluded me thus far (though I may have seen a film version years ago but don't remember it if I did), and this sounds intriguing.

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Ed, it's sliced bread.
Anyone else see Maggie Smith in the West End in '93?
She was magical and Bob Crowley's sets were perfectly striking.

Can't wait to see Bedford, who loves wearing frocks.
One of the most fun, intelligent gents to work with.

"There is nothing inherently WRONG with it and I'm glad to see Roundabout FINALLY doing something right."

Eh, this isn't so much Roundabout's production. It's a transfer, much like the rest of the most successful Roundabout productions over the last few years.

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Bwayfan--this production would make a great introduction to the play. Wilde's wit sparkles in every performance, down to Lane the butler.

Then watch the Edith Evans and then the Judi Dench, and you'll know the play and Wilde's worldview inside out.

And I'm sure Oscar would have something terribly witty to say about Earnest being your first "straight" play.

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^Funny. I'm seeing both this weekend!

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