The Royal Bore...err, I mean Family

[AC126748]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 9:56am

The scenic aspect of Manhattan Theatre Club's revival of The Royal Family is stunning--John Lee Beatty's set received rousing applause the moment the curtain was raised--but there's not much else happening on the stage of the Friedman to recommend devoting nearly three hours to this poorly-performed bagatelle. The play itself is quite funny and biting, but you'd never know that from watching Doug Hughes' largely miscast cast struggle through three acts of flubs, dropped lines, and seemingly iron-clad jokes landing with a resounding thud. The biggest disappointment is Jan Maxwell, who seemed perfectly cast as devoted actress Julie Cavendish, a woman who has given everything up to follow her devotion to the stage. Maxwell cuts a striking figure in Catherine Zuber's lush costumes, but delivers her lines as much enthusiasm as ordering a sandwich at the deli. Even Julie's magnificent second-act monologue couldn't rouse any emotion for her. Sadly, Rosemary Harris fared no better--she appeared lost and confused, when she was audible. Of the principles, only John Glover's Herbert Dean--a vainglorious old-timer who cannot accept that he's past his prime--hit all the right notes and reminded me how sharp and satisfying well-drawn satire can be. Still, he's not enough to recommend investing any time in this brightly colored but ultimately empty pastiche.

[wonkit]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 10:05am

Opens on October 8. I'm not suggesting it will get a brain transplant in the meantime, but it is only 3 days into previews.

[AC126748]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 10:09am

Of course, there's always room for adjustment and tightening during the preview period. And I assumed that people reading a Broadway message board would understand that my review is based on an early preview. But I stand behind what I said and would go as far as saying that even for a preview, the production is in rough shape. Doug Hughes must be spending all of his time over on 45th Street.

[bundy5000]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 7:08pm

I saw the show this past thurs. I was hoping for a great show and I got a good show. For it's 3rd performance, it is in decent shape I thought. I wish Ana had a bigger role. her comedy timing is Perfect. Yea some of the roles are just filling and provide nothing but I was more than satisfied with the production. I'll be back to see it after it opens

[MikeT73]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 8:31pm

I'm sorry to hear that - I've been really looking forward to this one (such a terrific cast). I'll still hold out hope that they might be able to get their act together during previews, though.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 10:15pm

I couldn't disagree more about Jan and Rosemary. I was there last night, and I thought the two of them gave outstanding performances. Yes, the rest of the cast struggle with their timing, but I thought all in all it was pretty good. Not the best thing I've seen, but pretty decent. Act I was slow, and Tony Roberts and Kelli Barrett made me want to die. Act II was RIVETING! From start to finish, I thought it was perfect. Act III was fine, with an AMAZING final few moments from Rosemary Harris, who in my opinion, is giving a must-see performance of the season (granted it just began). Gorgeous sets and costumes (with costume color choice very subtly connecting certain characters). All in all, a very enjoyable evening. Especially for MTC. I might return later in the run in hopes that it's tightened up.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 10:29pm

I hope the actors and the production come together during previews and have a triumphant opening and reviews...if for nothing else than to spite your pissy "Look at me, I'm FIRST!" review.

Next time you go to an early preview, do us all a favor and Super Glue your typing fingers--and your big-mouth lips.

TIA,

Updated On: 9/19/09 at 10:29 PM

[AC126748]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 11:01pm

I'm not the first person to write about this show; there have been opinions about this show on both boards, both positive and negative, since the first preview on Tuesday. And whether you believe it or not, I would love to see this fine cast have a triumphant opening in two and a half weeks--although, based on what I saw last night, an act of God may be necessary. I'm surprised I'm even responding to a curmudgeon like you, but I think that people who have read my opinions in the past--on this board, and on the several websites for which I write--know that I'm not a mean-spirited crank who likes to see shows fail. I'm someone who pays his money, sees shows, and gives an honest opinion. And I won't stop doing that.

Anyway, if you don't like what I have to say, then be a pal and don't open my threads darling.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 11:06pm

I'm not a mean-spirited crank who likes to see shows fail.

Perhaps I mis-read your post, because that's exactly what it seemed like to me.

But after a lifetime of incandescent performances, Rosemary Harris deserves better than the pail of slop you threw in her face.

[AC126748]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 11:12pm

I adore Rosemary Harris--her Julie in the Ellis Rabb Royal Family is perfection--but I'm not going to sugarcoat my opinion of her performance just because she is a legend. And if you honestly think that I get off on being mean-spirited, then you obviously know nothing about me or my posts in the past. Good riddance!

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 11:27pm

And I hope her performance gels during previews, just so she can stick out her tongue at you on opening night.

[AC126748]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 11:36pm

Hope she does, although I doubt she's trolling these boards looking for my opinion of her performance (although I expect she'll receive the kind of reviews respected, mature actors receive when they're not embarrassing but not exactly at the top of their game). As for this conversation, Barney Frank said it best when he talked about the kitchen table.

Goodnight, darling! And be sure to read my next review. I'm seeing the first preview of Wishful Drinking on Tuesday and the second performance of Tosca on Thursday. If Karita is sounding a little hoarse, should I just not say anything about her because she's been so wonderful in the past and I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings? I'll make sure to consult you before I write anything.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 11:47pm

Look at you, FIRST again...

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 9/19/09 at 11:59pm

Just returned from seeing TRF

First of all, the set is indeed grand. The play holds up very well and all the performers are first rate especially Glover, Maxwell ,Roberts & Rogers. I have seen Harris do better but she was OK. A delightful evening of theater.

Much to my surprise, I saw Maury Yeston there chatting with someone. After the conversation broke I approached him. I had done so twice before & he was incredibly nice both times. I told him how much I enjoyed his work & he said thanks & than asked my name.

I asked him about 2 things . Regarding Death Takes A Holiday, it will come next season with a very big star. He could not divulge this partys name. I then queried him about the butcher knife taken to his Nine score. He was quite blaise about it & seemed OK with it. I mentioned losing Bells Of St Sebastian & he kind of shrugged his shoulders. The bottom line is he seems to be OK with all the cuts & praised Marshall.

By the way, he did a few small snippets of music for the show.

Updated On: 9/20/09 at 11:59 PM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 9/20/09 at 9:11am

BUMP

For those of you who missed the important info on Death Takes A Holiday & NINE as I posted late last night