The Tempest @ CSC

[joleslie]

Posted: 9/1/08 at 4:55pm

I'm doing a very short trip to NY this week, and would love to take in The Tempest at the CSC on 136 East 13th Street.

Does anyone know the running time of the play? It starts at 8pm and from experience Shakespeare plays generally last into the 3 hour mark (not that I've ever seen The Tempest.) I've only been to NY briefly a couple of times before, and before booking for something that far from my hotel I want to plan travel back, but I can't find the running time listed anywhere.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jo

[dramamama611]

Posted: 9/1/08 at 8:49pm

I haven't heard if they are doing an uncut version. I'm going NEXT weekend and can't wait.


Have previews even started yet??? Anyone??? Bueller?

[frogs_fan85]

Posted: 9/1/08 at 8:59pm

Previews start Wednesday.

[joleslie]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 3:23am

Darn. I wish I wasn't in the UK so calling the theatre wouldn't cost a bomb!

Thanks anyway

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 10:35am

I'm seeing this tomorrow night and will report back. I resd THE TEMPEST in 12th grade and *loved* it. Hopefully this will be an excellent production.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 1:19pm

The Tempest is one of the shortest Shakespeare plays, if not the shrotest.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 3:22pm

I taught THE TEMPEST many times. I would imagine its running time isn't more than 2 1/2 hours. Maybe less.

[Weez]

Posted: 9/2/08 at 6:14pm

Hee, I loved the RSC Tempest they did the other year. That's what my avatar is from. Say what you will about Rupert Goold, but he never fails to make my jaw drop to the floor.

(Hey, it was *semi* on-topic. :P)

[joleslie]

Posted: 9/4/08 at 12:12am

"I'm seeing this tomorrow night and will report back"

Great, thanks. I look forward to hearing about it

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 9/4/08 at 12:43am

I just got back from the first preview, and although I wasn't paying strict attention I think it got out around 10:45 or so.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 9/4/08 at 9:49am

Saw this last night and I think I enjoyed it more than the rest of the audience. I had read the play in high school back in 2000, so I was somewhat familiar with it going into last night.

Mandy was Mandy. What else can I say. I kind of expected him to be that way, and he was fine. The actress who played Miranda was wonderful...and her counterpart who polayed Ferdinand was extremely good looking, but I felt needed a bit more time to get into his character.

The standout in this production for me was Angel Desai as Ariel, who was absolutely superb. The way she gloded across the stage, the way she reacted to others while she was not the main focus of the scene, her line deliveries, the body paint she had on, the way she looked, even her singing and violin playing (yes, i immediately thought John Doyle)...she was fantastic.

There were a few scenes with King Stephano where he played it very drunk, which I thought was a bit too over the top, but the audience seemed to love it. I guess we needed a little comic relief...

The production values were fine for off broadway, and I liked the use of the movable ceiling and the sand used in the first half of the show.

I'm looking forward to hearing others' thoughts on the production.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 9/4/08 at 10:06am

"Mandy was Mandy."

Well, that could mean one of two things....Patinkin, when he calms down and stops trying so damned hard, can be a compelling, interesting, even moving actor. When he's in full-throttle mode, he's hamming all over the place and utterly insufferable. Which, in your opinion, is it?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 9/4/08 at 10:15am

He was not over the top at all (the part doesn't call for that) but I just feel like his line deliveries were all the same. He was fine. Not particularly moving, but certainly nowhere near awful. He was Mandy. If you go in expecting that, you'll be satisfied.

[StarUsher]

Posted: 9/4/08 at 5:35pm

Thanks for the review. I am looking forward to seeing this. As a random note I called Classic Stage to see if I could change the date of my ticket becuase I accidently ordered it for the wrong day and they were really helpful.

[fosca3]

Posted: 9/4/08 at 9:22pm

WithoutATrace --

There were hints that Prospero might sing -- did he?

I have about 2 more weeks to wait, and I'm so excited

"Mandy was Mandy" -- I love how 3 words can say so much

Thanks for your mini-review

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 9/4/08 at 9:24pm

Yes, he did sing....and sounded great.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 9/4/08 at 9:38pm

8 more days! I cannot wait...

Love Shakespeare, love Patinkin, love Patinkin singing.


Thanks to those that gave reviews!!!

[fosca3]

Posted: 9/5/08 at 9:53am

I want to second that -- cuz it's me too!

"Love Shakespeare, love Patinkin, love Patinkin singing"

[Magdalene]

Posted: 9/5/08 at 10:03am

Thnks for the review---I have a ticket for 9/20, and am really looking forward to it!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/5/08 at 10:12am

I'm wondering if this production could top the Sam Waterston version at the Mitzie Newhouse 'way back when.

The entire stage was gutted and filled in with sand. the sounds of surf and gulls filled the theater and Carol Kane was a marvelous Miranda. Why so I think George Hearn was Stphano?

[KQuill]

Posted: 9/6/08 at 3:05pm

I saw it last night - I found myself thinking "Mandy was Mandy" on my way out too, but that's not really a bad thing and I really enjoyed it.

And BorstelBoy - I think there was a good deal of both of those elements in his performance.

[tinysinger87]

Posted: 9/6/08 at 4:19pm

SUNY Purchase premered the Lee Hoibes The Tempest. The Opera. it was fantastic.
no one here is speaking of the opera right?

[NYUrickydrummer]

Posted: 9/17/08 at 1:10am

I don't think anyone's asked this - and I can't find any information ANYWHERE, including on the Classic Stage website. Is there any student ticket policy, rush or otherwise? Or any other way to see this show for less than $70.