The Public's THE VISITOR - Previews — Page 6

Am I correct in saying that The Public is a non-profit with a subscriber-base? If so, given these reviews, would they keep the show running until it’s already planned 11/28 closing date even if they are having trouble selling tickets to fill seats? I believe traditionally these subscriber houses would just keep the show running through its planned run, but wondered if there is any history of The Public pulling the plug early.

I know reviews don’t always have much to do with a show’s popularity, but as someone who admittedly hasn’t seen the show, I’d think a show like this might be more vulnerable to poor reviews and also that the reviews might be more closely aligned with the thoughts of its core audience.

Obviously, I’m not wishing anyone out of a job. Just curious.

All their shows play through, but this is a new pandemic type thing we're seeing, so who knows? I've seen them extend shows and then just put them up on TDF.

HogansHero said: "@Miles I don't think they will have trouble getting enough bodies in the seats to keep going and that's what matters. I'm sure a decent number of tickets are committed, and I am sure others who have not seen it (including me) will still want to see it, so no, I don't think they would contemplate pulling the rug out from under it."

i agree 100% that the Public will likely see it through to the end, but I was there on Sunday and it was no more than 3/4 full.

It feels like there is a chance they might not record a cast album? Eek. Has anything been announced?

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According to the Public's website, the show has extended by a week, now running through 12/5.

Tonight’s show is cancelled due to a “personal emergency in the company.”

We had tickets for tonight and had just arrived in the city when we got the email, text and call at 5:30 that tonight’s show was cancelled. We were bummed for sure!!

I saw the show last night, and thought it was fine, not terrible, not great. It has a lot of elements that are working for it. David Hyde Pierce is excellent (he was the main selling point for me anyway) and the cast was well committed.

When the show dealt with broader emotional topics like music, spirituality, and romance/connection, the material worked best. However, the immigration aspect of the story (which is most of the piece) was definitely schlocky, preachy, and one note, only scratching the surface of these issues without ever teaching us anything new or really ever going anywhere interesting.

Some of the songs were solid and well delivered, but many of them, again, suffered from surface level depiction of events and ideas. The white savior problem with the show exists, however it didn’t personally bother me as much as others. Walter is an interesting enough character, and I was fine that he was the lead.

The audience seemed to somewhat enjoy it, there was laughter and polite (if not quite rapturous) applause in some moments. Again, I overall felt this show was just okay. It has some elements that do work really well and others that simply fall flat. I do not think this show is terrible, and it is a relatively engaging night at the theatre. If you’re a fan of anyone involved on the creative team or of any of the actors (particularly David Hyde Pierce), check it out. I was on the fence, and I’m overall glad I saw it.

If they have any hope of licensing the show, it basically needs some kind of cast recording. Concord Theatricals probably put up some of the money.

Glad to hear this show is getting a cast album. I didn’t get to see it and I’m curious to at least hear the score. It seemed like this show had a ton of buzz and then a cultural shift kicked it to the curb. I’ll be happy to judge for myself.

Interestingly, I got Berkeley Rep's new season announcement, and it included this:

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OUT OF CHARACTER
Written and performed by Ari’el Stachel | Directed by Tony Taccone
Peet’s Theatre | Starts Jun 2023

Tony Award winner Ari’el Stachel’s new solo show explores the intersections of race, mental health, and survival in a way that’s raw, authentic, and entertaining.

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Given the description and title, I wonder if this show has to do with Stachel's departure from The Visitor.