I just re watched this film last night and was thinking that a revival is way overdue. Does anyone else think/hope it will ever happen??
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/03
I think this is one of those shows that needs an off-Broadway (intimate) production. The original only ran two months on Broadway. I think for Broadway they would have to get big names for the show to run.
Orfeh as Joanne!
The only reason this play works on film is because of Altman and the cast. Really, the play itself kind of sucks....no surprise Graczyck didn't go on to write anything else.
I do remember the Broadway production at the Beck. It's shocking today to think that Cher wouldn't sell tickets, but she was still thought not to be an actor (still, I remain mystified that she couldn't pull more people. Likewise, for the era, Karen Black). The show was powerfully self-contained, but it took some getting used to. The film basically uses the same set, but the convention with the past/present was confusing at first, if I recall. And I also remember Cher being blocked to deliver her big monologue with her back to us, sort of 3/4 facing the back. But she was persuasive. At the time, the talk was all about Sandy Dennis and Kathy Bates, as Bates was so damned real, so authentically Texan, everyone had to measure up to her perfection. And Dennis was very restrained, almost devoid of her tricks. They seem to resurface somewhat in the film, but I recall her giving a straightforward, very focused and measured performance. The play may be lurid and soapy, but it's damned watchable.
It got terrible reviews, if I remember correctly.
I got Cher's autograph...the only time I stage doored, and I'm not even that big of a fan...
Dreadful reviews. But Cher impressed some. There was talk of her returning in EXTREMITIES (ugh, I loathe that play) or even as Grizabella -- does anyone else recall that she was on the short list to introduce "Memory" to the US? Along with -- if I'm right -- Barbara Cook?
Featured Actor Joined: 9/8/08
I really don't think there's any need for a revival, at least in this economic climate. I did the show a few years ago, and if not done EXACTLY right, everything falls to pieces, and it becomes one big confusing mess.
I would be interested in seeing it, but I doubt it will be revived at least on Broadway, anytime soon.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/20/05
As I recall, it wasn't Kathy Bates but Karen Black. I saw that production, thought Cher was kind of bland, Dennis overly mannered (as usual) and Black the most effective. Just MO.

Feb 18th thru April 4th, 1982.
56 perfs.
Updated On: 11/7/08 at 10:03 PM
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