I'm glad someone corrected me. I thought Hyde Pierce is out for the October 28 perf--turns out it's DECEMBER 28. Sorry to alarm any ticket-holders this weekend.
What a refreshing night in the theatre! Exceptional cast, surprises galore and I hadn't laughed in a play so much and so hard in a very, very long time. It was just a fabulous, "feel good" experience. Weaver was hilarious...and I'll never forget her sobbing like a cat as long as I live.
You won't be lost or anything if you aren't familiar with Chekhov, but some of the jokes/references might pass you by. The setting, the plot, the style of dialogue in spots are all allusions to Chekhov so it's much funnier if you know what Durang's spoofing.
Did you have to know every flop referenced in [tos]? No, but it was funnier if you did.
Really, if you know The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya, The Seagull and Ivanov you'll be set.
Marie: Don't be in such a hurry about that pretty little chippy in Frisco.
Tony: Eh, she's a no chip!
Really, if you know The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, Uncle Vanya, The Seagull and Ivanov you'll be set.
That IS the entire theatrical Chekhov canon.
Saw it this afternoon. Hilarious.
"You travel alone because other people are only there to remind you how much that hook hurts that we all bit down on. Wait for that one day we can bite free and get back out there in space where we belong, sail back over water, over skies, into space, the hook finally out of our mouths and we wander back out there in space spawning to other planets never to return hurrah to earth and we'll look back and can't even see these lives here anymore. Only the taste of blood to remind us we ever existed. The earth is small. We're gone. We're dead. We're safe."
-John Guare, Landscape of the Body
Saw it this afternoon and really loved it! The first twenty minutes or so are a bit rocky, but after that, it's just a total blast. David Hyde Pierce is WONDERFUL and his (lengthy and wordy) rant in Act Two is a highlight. Kristine Nielsen is hysterical; her aforementioned Maggie Smith impersonation stole the show. And Sigourney Weaver is still trying to mine a few laughs here and there, but overall, I thought she was really, really great. The entire cast is exceptional, really. It was nice to see the Newhouse about 85% full after Hurricane Sandy. The audience really seemed to enjoy themselves; I know I did. I can't imagine any theater-lover not enjoying themselves at this show.
I sat Row B (which is the first row); stage left, on the aisle. There are a brief few moments here and there that are obstructed, but overall it was a more than fine view.
Saw this on the 27th and can't recommend it enough.
Regarding the stage door: everyone came out, though Weaver and Pierce were the only two who seemed ready to sign - the rest of the cast looked like they'd be more than happy to sign if anyone stopped to ask, but they were pretty quick to exit so I don't think anyone did the night I went. There were only a handful of people waiting, and about half were autograph sellers who hadn't even seen the show (mainly for Alien memorabilia for Weaver). Ms. Weaver was extremely gracious and stopped to chat with anyone who saw the show, even commenting that the cast was thrilled to see "young people" in the audience that night (the few of us waiting were all clearly in our early 20s). She signed and took pics with anyone who asked. Pierce ducked out while Ms. Weaver was chatting with everyone, but he took pics and signed for some people ahead of us - I think he just figured we were there for Sigourney. Sorry if that's a bit lengthy, I get detail-oriented when I'm tired
"I can't imagine any theater-lover not enjoying themselves at this show. "
Try.
If only just a teensy bit.
Here's a suggestion: Try to avoid making sweeping generalities like this. Invariably, they will fail to hold water.
I could just as easily say that I can't imagine anyone liking something as inept, inert, and infantile as this play. But having read the reactions on this thread, I can imagine it only too well, alas.
I'm looking forward to seeing this at Lincoln Center because in all honesty, I wasn't that impressed with its recent run at the McCarter. I thought most of the performances were brilliant, standouts without a doubt being Kristine Nielsen and David Hyde Pierce. However, Sigourney Weaver, although entertaining, felt a little forced in a role that should have been so well-suited for her. I mean, I found it to be an enjoyable night at the theatre, but I wouldn't say that I loved it by any means.
"He found something that he wanted, had always wanted and always would want— not to be admired, as he had feared; not to be loved, as he had made himself believe; but to be necessary to people, to be indispensable."
-F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise
Saw this yesterday and was incredibly moved. Not your typical Durang laugh-fest. A lot of dramatic moments here. Nielsen's Act Two monologue/phone call is a master class.
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
Brilliant and funny and moving, This time Durang has written a great play, and the cast is excellent. Nielsen is just amazing. Why isn't LC moving this to Broadway? With so many of the new shows bombing out, there's bound to be a theatre for this.
"I'm awfully glad to hear that Durang is back on his game. I loved his work up til Sex and Longing, and feel he's been trying to recover his voice ever since that mis-step"
Though a bit heavy handed, you didn't like Betty;'s Summer Vacation? Anyway, I missed this thread, but great to read all the love for the show.
Saw the show this past weekend and cannot say enough good things about it. While I enjoyed the first act, the second act is where it really took off for me. For me, the best moments were the monologues: Kristine Nielson’s telephone monologue was brilliant and I was crying with her by the end of it. David Hyde Pierce’s big monologue was a feat of strength and wonderfully done. I enjoyed Weaver and thought she excelled in some aspects of her character (her weeping and licking her paws for example), but something made me feel as though she wasn’t completely comfortable onstage (still trying to figure out what it was – I almost feel like she missed some moments that could have gotten big laughs or really added more complexity to her character right off the bat). I enjoyed this show immensely and urge anyone who is on the fence about seeing it to go.
I am a big Chekhov fan, but I believe you can still, undoubtedly, enjoy the show just as much knowing nothing about Chekhov.