Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike collective thoughts- Page 2

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 3/6/13 at 10:49pm

Yes, but I think the point was what *new* show--at least that would be my question as well. You have some very good taste--for shows that opened before 1970--but for someone who seems to pay money to see a show nearly nightly, I also am curious what keeps you returning? (Besides the hope for another revival like Donnybrook, which actually ahs a story that I thought you would find morally wrong given what you've said about other shows, but oh well...)

[After Eight]

Posted: 3/6/13 at 10:58pm

Eric,

In light of your incessant barrage of mockery and insults directed my way, I owe you neither answers nor explanations.

You're also an ingrate. When some time ago, you asked if someone here could describe the set for the revival of The Maids, I was hoping someone would answer you, since I had no desire to. But no one did, so I rose above, and provided you with the answer. To neither acknowledgement nor thanks.

I'll thank you not to ask me any further questions.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/6/13 at 11:17pm

Saw the play again tonight (having seen it at Lincoln Center) and my adoration of it grew only stronger. It lost nothing in its move- in fact, possibly gained something.

Kristine Nielsen's act two monologue continues to be, for me, the pearl of the play. Impeccably performed.

[EricMontreal22]

Posted: 3/6/13 at 11:26pm

Apologies, if it took so long for a reply,I probably missed the reply entirely. Nothing to do with you!

If you don't want me to ask you questions, the thing to dois just not to reply--and don't question comments I make in other threads. Simple as ABC.

[Copperfield2]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 12:47am

I hope Durang finally wins a Tony for Best Play. Please make it happen.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 1:35am

Kad,

"Well, One Man, Two Guvnors isn't a good comparison, other than they are both comedies. Vanya and Sonia isn't a farce."

We are not comparing what type of comedy. We are comparing about the guffaws during the show. Vanya is a LOT funnier than One Man, Two Guvnors.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 1:41am

Vanya is a LOT funnier than One Man, Two Guvnors.

As much as I liked VANYA (and I did, quite a lot), I have to disagree wholeheartedly with you on that one. GUVNORS was in a different league in terms of laughs-per-minute. My cheeks literally hurt afterwards.

But clearly VANYA is the better-written of the two. Updated On: 3/8/13 at 01:41 AM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 1:49am

I just don't find farces funny enough. Funny writing is what I go for.

[IronMan]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 1:53am

I saw "Vanya..." today. I laughed out loud quite a bit (not always when everyone else did- which I think is the sign of a truly universal comedy), and was moved by much of the 2nd act. The phone call and Pierce's rant were sheer theater at its best.
I wasn't wild about the entire cast individually, but as an ensemble, it worked like gangbusters. I'd pay to see it again, which is the highest compliment I can give.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 9:24am

So.... we are comparing types of comedy.

I loved both productions. But the response to One Man.. was not exactly tepid, in the "audience roaring with laughter" department. Despite you and a few other poker-faced individuals in that theatre.

[GilmoreGirlO2]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 10:13am

Just want to encourage anyone who is on the fence about seeing this to GO! I saw it Off-Broadway and absolutely loved it. I was unsure about seeing it (even though I like both Durang and Chekhov), but am so glad I ended up going. An extremely memorable night in the theatre. I truly love this show and the cast is extraordinary. Wish I could be in NYC for this Broadway run - I would be back in a heartbeat.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 10:19am

Kristine Nielsen's act-two monologue is one of the finest pieces of acting I have ever seen.

Ever.

[Kad]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 10:36am

It was an amazing thing to hear the audience at the Golden respond to her monologue, PalJoey.

[Patash]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 12:06pm

I hate trying to compare two different shows -- especially when they are vastly different from each other.

I LOVED One Man, Two Guv'nors. But I ROARED with laughter a lot more at Vanya. . . I saw it at McCarter, but would love to catch it again in the city to see if it's still as fresh and funny as when I saw it.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 3:34pm

Kristine Neilsen deserves every award. We sat front row at Lincoln Center and I was sobbing. Strong writing to be sure, but what she does... My heart broke. Truly wonderful.

The DHP rant is a highlight, as is Magnussen's lack of clothing, but everyone walks out singing Neilsen. Rightfully so.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 11:13pm

Saw it tonight, and I agree that it's even better than I remember it from off Broadway. Nielsen is giving THE performance of the season in a play.

The play is so feel-good and funny, and then hits you with such a moment of heartbreaking brilliance like the phone call.

The house was packed and very receptive. This deserves to be a huge hit and I'd be totally happy if it swept the awards this spring.

Beware of Hootie Pie!!!!

[ACL2006]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 11:38pm

I noticed on playbillvault.com that David Hyde Pierce is the only cast member without an understudy. any reason why?? I know his attendance in Spamalot & Curtains was nearly 100%, but still.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 11:44pm

I don't think he had one listed during Accent on Youth or Le Bete, either. Neither Did Mark Rylance. I'm sure someone under Equity
"covers" him but he seems to be a the show must go on no matter what kind of performer. Bravo to him.

[musicman_bwayfan]

Posted: 3/7/13 at 11:54pm

Any merchandise?

[Kad]

Posted: 3/8/13 at 12:00am

Yes; they have t-shirts, magnets, and mugs.

[goldenboy]

Posted: 3/8/13 at 12:24am

This show was absolutely terrific. I don't want to say much more than that because I don't want to ruin it for theatregoers but it was a delight from start to finish. What great acting. What great ensemble work. Kudos to all involved. Go see it.

What a treat after having to sit though one half of Breakfast at Tiffany's the Night before. Tiffany's almost made me swear off theatre for good.

I'm glad I get to keep my hopes up thanks to this great play.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 3/8/13 at 3:03am

I was there tonight as well, and I haven't laughed so hard at an original American play since I don't know when. I loved the whole thing. I also liked One Man, Two Guvnors, but that was more of a success based on slapstick style and great performances. This is CLEARLY the stronger play. Nielsen, as everyone is saying, deserves every award in the book. She has you in stitches and then breaks your heart at the drop of a hat. Also, the girl playing Cassandra is AMAZING. Absolutely hilarious. I'd love to see her get some Tony nomination love too. Definitely the best new play of the season so far.

[musicman_bwayfan]

Posted: 3/8/13 at 5:23am

Thanks for the info...I was hoping they'd have new posters out already, but I guess they'll come later.

[Tom5]

Posted: 3/8/13 at 10:22am

With so many high risk productions opening on Broadway every week it puzzled me why this unqualified comedy with such a high profile cast didn't open on Broadway to begin with.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 3/8/13 at 10:50am

My friend and I saw the first preview of VANYA AND SONIA off broadway at the Mitzi Newhouse. At intermission, we were saying that this should transfer to Broadway. Luckily, our predictions came true.

I saw the show last night and loved it even more than I did off broadway. It is such a well written play, and this ensemble of actors is too good to be true - and all of them get their moments to shine! I hope this gets across the board rave reviews and wins a bunch of awards come May and June. An incredibly funny (and moving at times) night out at the theater. Highly recommended.