#1
Posted: 3/30/13 at 11:41pm
I saw the first preview tonight and am mixed about it, though mostly hopeful that things will get better.
From my experience with Horton Foote's plays I have to say that he is one of my favorite playwrights. There is a simply beauty about his characters, stories and settings. His dialogue is often poetic and lilting, as if ready to be set to music. The Trip to Bountiful is no exception. A bittersweet story of an unwanted old woman who wants nothing more than to visit her childhood home, where she hasn't been for 20 years. That's it. The whole plot is right there.
The pacing was an issue, but I have faith that Michael Wilson will fix that problem. How can one not give him the benefit of the doubt after his masterful direction of The Orphan's Home Cycle?
I know The Trip to Bountiful played at The Henry Miller originally, but I would have much rather seen it in an off-Broadway house. The story is so small, and the central character is a frail, elderly woman whose heartaches and longings would be more deeply felt in a smaller space.
Cicely Tyson is mostly great as Carrie. I thought things started off on a shaky foot (for all involved), but once she got on the bus and then throughout the second act she was quite effective. She has a very warm presence, and I think she will win over audiences easily every night.
Vanessa Williams was the strongest cast member though. She's a total bitch and the audience reacted most to her. There were plenty of "No she didn't just tell her to pick that up," and "I'd shut her mouth up real quick if she said that to me," comments.
Condola Rashad is sweet and Tom Wopat has a very minor role.
The truly unfortunate thing about this production is Cuba Gooding Jr. I found his performance borderline amateurish. He mumbled his lines; his limited projection had me straining to hear anything he said. There was no energy or emotion behind his performance- or if there was it was too small to be carried over the footlights. His final scene with Tyson was very, very weak. I think Wilson has his work cut out for him here.
I will try to go back and see this later in the run because I love the play so much and I think once Tyson settles into the role she will be magnificent.
On small final quibble: some of the moments where Carrie, IMO, should come off pathetic or desperate or tragic were being played for laughs (or were being perceived by the audience as funny). I think it's easier to fall back on a laugh, and certainly is more comfortable for the audience, but it takes away from the magnitude that this woman's desperation has reached.
From my experience with Horton Foote's plays I have to say that he is one of my favorite playwrights. There is a simply beauty about his characters, stories and settings. His dialogue is often poetic and lilting, as if ready to be set to music. The Trip to Bountiful is no exception. A bittersweet story of an unwanted old woman who wants nothing more than to visit her childhood home, where she hasn't been for 20 years. That's it. The whole plot is right there.
The pacing was an issue, but I have faith that Michael Wilson will fix that problem. How can one not give him the benefit of the doubt after his masterful direction of The Orphan's Home Cycle?
I know The Trip to Bountiful played at The Henry Miller originally, but I would have much rather seen it in an off-Broadway house. The story is so small, and the central character is a frail, elderly woman whose heartaches and longings would be more deeply felt in a smaller space.
Cicely Tyson is mostly great as Carrie. I thought things started off on a shaky foot (for all involved), but once she got on the bus and then throughout the second act she was quite effective. She has a very warm presence, and I think she will win over audiences easily every night.
Vanessa Williams was the strongest cast member though. She's a total bitch and the audience reacted most to her. There were plenty of "No she didn't just tell her to pick that up," and "I'd shut her mouth up real quick if she said that to me," comments.
Condola Rashad is sweet and Tom Wopat has a very minor role.
The truly unfortunate thing about this production is Cuba Gooding Jr. I found his performance borderline amateurish. He mumbled his lines; his limited projection had me straining to hear anything he said. There was no energy or emotion behind his performance- or if there was it was too small to be carried over the footlights. His final scene with Tyson was very, very weak. I think Wilson has his work cut out for him here.
I will try to go back and see this later in the run because I love the play so much and I think once Tyson settles into the role she will be magnificent.
On small final quibble: some of the moments where Carrie, IMO, should come off pathetic or desperate or tragic were being played for laughs (or were being perceived by the audience as funny). I think it's easier to fall back on a laugh, and certainly is more comfortable for the audience, but it takes away from the magnitude that this woman's desperation has reached.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
