Just need to echo everyone's praise for this performance. There was pure electricity in the theater after Barkin gave her big monologue in triumphant fashion. I'm surprised they didn't stop the play and give her the Tony right then and there. She was perfect in every aspect. Her voice, her incredible body movements, all of it. She could never get comfortable in her chair and it spilled over to the whole performance.
My tears began during Bruce's monologue about Albert and I couldn't regain my composure for the rest of the night. I don't know if I have ever been more of a wreck for a sustained period of time at the theater or a movie.
There are no words for Joe Mantello. Bring on your best hyperbole and it won't be enough. If you thought he was good at the benefit you didn't see anything. I want to go back and stagedoor to tell him how much his performance meant to me.
Let's not forget the ever amazing John Benjamin Hickey. His scene work with Mantello is so effortless. It really is something rare and special to watch.
The play...good god this play! It was the right time to finally bring it to Broadway. It's interesting to see how much has changed and at the same time how much is still the same. The topics of gay politics and how the gay community organizes to fight for rights couldn't be more compelling to me. There is still so much in-fighting, so much struggle to find a cohesive identity and strategy to move forward. I see the conversations on stage happening in our lives today.
I've been unhappy with a lot of the shows this spring, so it was nice to end the season on such a wonderful high. Congrats, bravo and many thanks to everyone at The Golden tonight!
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
