The Little Foxes with Elizabeth Marvel

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 9/15/10 at 3:40pm

I caught the new production of "The Little Foxes" down at the New York Theatre Workshop and haven't seen anyone post about it yet, so thought I would give it a plug. I didn't see Van Hove's "Streetcar" or "Hedda Gabler" there, and didn't know what to expect with this production. I certainly couldn't have anticipated what I did see, which was often startling, violent and thrilling.

The play has been reset in a present-day limboland. It still takes place in the South, but no one has a southern accent. The stage is covered from floor to ceiling in a purple velvet material, and there is a large column in the middle that the action swirls around. There is a flatscreen tv on the column that airs real-time scenes being performed off-stage. The costumes are business suits and evening dresses.

What I did anticipate was the brilliance of Elizabeth Marvel, and she delivered. I have become entranced with this actress, and Regina is a great character for her to tackle. The other gem in the cast is Tina Benko as Birdie. Her monologue about how she came to be married to Oscar in the second half is arresting and sent a chill through the audience.

I'm sure this production will have detractors, and the full on violence may disturb some, but I thought it was a new take that worked. There are $20 tickets on Sunday nights too, so you can get a nice deal and see something pretty exciting.

Btw- Did anyone see the Elizabeth Taylor revival? Was it any good?

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 9/15/10 at 8:12pm

I saw it last Sunday evening. I had seen Ivan Van Hove's "The Misanthrope" at NYTW a couple of years ago, and knew I was in for some craziness. I absolutely loved it! With the exception of a few bits here and there that crawl, I thought the overall production was thrilling, frightening, provocative, and somehow still easy to connect with. And Marvel is completely genius in it, but she is surrounded by a great ensemble!

MAN, this was good! I almost want to see it again...