This Is How It Goes

The critics loved it:


PRAISE FOR This is How it Goes:
Ben Stiller offers “an artfully layered performance.” ‑ The New York Times


“George C. Wolfe, one of the most socially astute directors of his generation, briskly guides a cast that is as savvy as it is starry.”‑ USA Today


“Stiller, Peet, and Wright are a remarkable ensemble; each delivers a funny, nuanced, intelligent performance.” ‑ New York magazine


“The only unambiguous thing about this astonishing play is its quality” ‑ Newsday


“A sharply honed work that insidiously inches under the skin” ‑ Variety

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Updated On: 7/17/06 at 09:23 PM

The Pillowman will make its debut in South Fl next month at this same theatre(GableStage)

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Ben Brantley of The New York Times: "The first third of the play's 90 minutes is pretty involving. But then the realization sinks in that for all the distracting fancy footwork, Mr. LaBute is doing a waltz he has danced better before. The moralizing machinery of the plot overwhelms and shrinks two hitherto intriguing characters into totemic figures of manly evil. Mr. Wolfe, a brilliant director, is not in top form. Though the designer Riccardo Hernández keeps the look of the production artificially simple, an even less realistic approach might work better. Mr. Wright, one of the finest actors in New York, is uncomfortably miscast as the grown-up golden boy and he overcompensates with an elaborately mannered performance. And even Mr. Stiller, a natural for his part, can't conceal the sound of grinding gears toward the play's end. Ms. Peet is wonderful throughout."

I agree, the first part of the play was thrilling, then towards the end, it gets too complicated and it makes one lose interest in the story. It's funny how Brantley praised Peet in this play and he disliked her in Barefoot in the Park. He didn't seem to like the other 2 actors in the play, though, most of the reviewers praised Stiller and Wright, as well as Peet. I remember that Ben Stiller was trying to get Renee Zellwegger to play the role of Belinda, then Marisa Tomei accepted the role and had to be removed from the production because of family issues, and Peet was the last minute replacement.

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Updated On: 7/17/06 at 02:18 AM

I love love love THIS IS HOW IT GOES. I've never seen it live, but it's my favorite LaBute play that I've read.

(I have seen THE SHAPE OF THINGS.)

I'd love to play the (white) MALE, but I can't see Amanda playing Belinda.

Peete was quite luminous at The Public and did just fine acting along side Jeffrey Wright and Ben Stiller. Not sure how solid her acting chops are (she seemed more than competent), but she was a very compelling presence. I also think she was immeasureably aided by the fact the theatre only had about 200 seats, so she didn't have to worry about projecting and could give a completely naturalistic performance.

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Margo, I read that the entire run of this play was sold out at the Public and extended an extra week. Is that correct?

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"see"