Thoughts on The Seafarer- spoiler free

Saw The Seafarer last night, thanks to TDF. Great seats in Center Mezz, Row F, by the way.

The first act is really, really, really slow. Watching drunk Irish men got old really quickly. Nothing much happens until Lockhart and Sharky are left alone. Then the plot finally starts to get going.

After that, the action picks up, and the show moves along pretty nicely.

But then....the conflict is resolved, and we get a completely unnecessary scene at the end of the show.

The show could definitely stand to lose a good 20 minutes.

The acting was great, though, and Jim Norton and Ciaran Hinds could both very well win Tony awards for their work.

I'm glad I saw it, but it's not something I want to rush back to. The audience seemed mixed- some liked it, but there were lots of people nodding off.

Incidentally, last night was Jim Norton's 70th birthday, as Conleth Hill informed the audience at the curtain call. Hill lead the audience in a rendition of Happy Birthday. Afterwards, Norton spoke briefly, expressing his gratitude for being on Broadway at the age of 70.

Updated On: 1/5/08 at 03:31 PM

I was pretty much riveted beginning to end and didn't find the beginning slow at all -- the writing had entirely too much richness, depth, character development and humor for me to be bored for one second. Easily one of my favorite theatrical experiences of the the year, by far. I also had zero problem hearing or understanding anyone.

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Updated On: 1/5/08 at 03:49 PM

I agree, Margo: riveting from beginning to end with some of the finest ensemble acting I've ever seen.

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I have to agree with the others that were riveted, and totally entralled from the start !! Just got back fron today's matinee, and I was astounded again.

Best ensemble I have seen in quite some time !!!

Simply amazing, and a must-see !

HUGE ovation at the end (which you dont usually see at matinee crowds... (at least I dont)

Yes, I would have to agree, although, my only problem was that I don't think that I was old enough or I wasn't mature enough to appriciate the show as a whole. I regret falling asleep. twice. I think I missed something great

Well, add one more to those that loved it from beginning to end. The first act is so full of the 'stuff' of real, day to day life and so well written. It had the ring of truth about it, imho.

And I wouldn't at all say the final scene is unnecessary. I think it contains the essence of what the play is about. It's not just about the conflict with evil; it's about the relationships, the reconcilliation, the sense of hope that can emerge from an experience of feeling one has been spared. An encounter with 'grace' to put a spiritual term of it.

"Incidentally, last night was Jim Norton's 70th birthday...Hill lead the audience in a rendition of Happy Birthday."

Ah, but the real question is: Did the Devil sing along??