I saw it tonight, and I had NO idea it was the first preview.
I rarely post, and hate to speak in hyperbole, but quite simply - breathtaking and unforgettable.
The set is very simple - three white walls, which have lots of grooves in them. I feel quite stupid for not realizing that the raised portions are actually many quotes intertwined - "GMHC," "Mayor Koch," and many, many other words. Right below the proscenium, there's an area with projections that display the setting of each scene. All the actors bring in/out the props - mainly chairs and tables.
The actors occasionally - and very, very discretely - tripped over their lines here and there, but I think it lent itself well to the conversational nature of the play. More importantly, it didn't matter. The action of the play flowed seamlessly, engrossingly, and every single word and action was invested with such depth and clarity of emotion.
It's tough to single out any performance since they all contribute so beautifully to the ensemble, but I have to join in on the chorus - Joe Mantello and Ellen Barkin are fantastic, and I'm actually more impressed with the latter given past roles/expectations. You could hear a pin drop during her second act monologue - every single person in that theater was completely swept up in her every word.
**EDIT - I've never seen or read the play before, and don't know any previous incarnations, but they were completely off book.
Updated On: 4/19/11 at 11:46 PM
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