What's the consensus on PORT AUTHORITY?

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/18/08 at 9:35pm

I have high hopes of catching the show next month.

Anyone seen it? Thoughts? Opinions? Anything?

[oohshizz146]

Posted: 5/18/08 at 9:36pm

I'm dying to see it, let me know what you think if you see it!

[LadyRosecoe]

Posted: 5/18/08 at 9:37pm

I recall there being a thread made a little while back that had people giving some info and feedback on it if you want to search for it. I pretty much remember all the things being good, just noting that it's three actors with no scene or costume changes speaking their monologues, but that the acting was magnificent. I want to see it!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/18/08 at 11:42pm

What of the set?

[LadyRosecoe]

Posted: 5/18/08 at 11:55pm

I meant there's no scenic changes, the 3 just sit on a bench that remains stationary I believe.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/19/08 at 2:09pm

Ah!

Would you still suggest I see this? LoL

[adamgreer]

Posted: 5/19/08 at 2:26pm

Consensus?

On this board???

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 5/19/08 at 2:27pm

I just assumed, the show having been in previews since the 10th ... Maybe there would be one.

[LadyRosecoe]

Posted: 5/19/08 at 3:37pm

I don't know, hah

I said I want to see it, I haven't yet. I guess it depends how willing you would be to pay to see this over others that you might have more desire to see.

[flaemmchen]

Posted: 5/19/08 at 4:05pm

From what I've heard of Port Authority, it's mostly (if not entirely) monologues from all three characters, so it really depends on if sitting through that is your cup of tea. I've seen another one of McPherson's three character plays, This Lime Tree Bower, and I found myself completely absorbed and carried away by the language and the way he brings out the humanity of those wrestling with demons. I'm sure Port Authority is similar and, with a cast like that, how could it not be enjoyable?

Updated On: 5/19/08 at 04:05 PM

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 5/19/08 at 4:06pm

If you like plays with no action, PORT AUTHORITY is the one for you. It's 3 monologues - intertwined - 3 gentlemen at various stages of life telling stories. The young man trying to find his way in the world, the middle aged screw-up, and the older gentleman.

[vinnylin]

Posted: 5/19/08 at 4:33pm

I saw the third preview and really liked it. (It's been in previews since April 30). The monologues are intertwined and the three actors do not interact directly with one another, but all three are onstage for the duration of the piece and the monologues switch back and forth among the three actors. The set is a single long bench that does not move, but the actors do not stay on the bench the entire show; they move around quite a bit, stand, sit, walk around. Even though the set doesn't change, there are some very nice lighting effects that suggest different locations and time of day.

Because the three characters do not know each other, it is quite fascinating to try and figure out how, if at all, they relate to one another, both thematically and in terms of plot.

I thought Norton, Gallagher and d'Arcy James were terrific; Gallagher did seem to me to struggle just a tad with the accent at the very start, but in short time he settled in nicely, and as I said I saw it very early in previews so I would imagine he is fine now that it is several weeks into the run. All three actors have terrific stage presence and manner, which is necessary in a play structured like this.

I was never bored. I don't think it's the greatest play ever written, but I do like McPherson's style of language and storytelling quite a lot, and I also really like all three of these actors. The stories are actually quite poignant. I really enjoyed myself.

The show was about 90 minutes without intermission when I saw it.

If I'm not mistaken, it opens in a couple days, so reviews should be out soon.