After popping up in various productions around the globe for nearly 20 years, David Henry Hwang’s racial farce Yellow Face arrives on Broadway for the first time tomorrow (September 13) at the Todd Haimes Theatre, before an October 1 opening night. The play stars Daniel Dae Kim as a fictionalized version of Hwang himself; he is joined in the cast by Kevin Del Aguila, Ryan Eggold, Francis Jue, Marinda Anderson, Greg Keller, and Shannon Tyo. Yellow Face runs through November 24; Leigh Silverman will direct.
“Inspired by real events, the playwright’s fictionalized doppelgänger protests yellowface casting in Miss Saigon, only to mistakenly cast a white actor as the Asian lead in his own play. This Obie Award-winning and Pulitzer finalist play is a laugh-out-loud farce about the complexities of race.”
Roundabout lists a 1:45 runtime, no intermission."
Now that I have that info, I won’t be going at all. These shows stretching past 90 minutes with no intermission have become a plague. I hope whomever I give my opening night tickets to has a fabulous time.
Matt Rogers said: "EDSOSLO858 said: "Anyone here going tonight?
Roundabout lists a 1:45 runtime, no intermission."
Now that I have that info, I won’t be going at all. These shows stretching past 90 minutes with no intermission have become a plague. I hope whomever I give my opening night tickets to has a fabulous time."
Roundabout lists a 1:45 runtime, no intermission."
Now that I have that info, I won’t be going at all. These shows stretching past 90 minutes with no intermission have become a plague. I hope whomever I give my opening night tickets to has a fabulous time."
Can you not sit through a two hour movie?"
For the 700th time, you can very easily leave a movie theatre for a quick run to the restroom. In a Broadway theatre, not so easy. Also, there are some shows where if you leave your seat for any reason, you will not be readmitted. Illinoise comes to mind, among others. I know a lot of you like these intermission-less things. That’s fine. To me, it is ridiculous.
I’m going because Leigh Silverman is a great director. She should have won a Tony award this year for her work on Suffs instead of nepo Taymor, and I was fully on board with the “scar” in Violet. This sort of use your imagination is now commonplace in the Jamie Lloyd era, but at the time, people bitched and moaned about it.
Roundabout lists a 1:45 runtime, no intermission."
I'm going this weekend but thanks for that information. I've noticed this trend in Fall shows and I think it works well for all involved. Employees want to get to work and go home at a reasonable hour. Thanks again.
It depends on the show. If the action is moving along and it keeps your attention, you don’t need an intermission. Teeth was two hours no intermission, and I could have sat there longer.
Broadway.com: Daniel Dae Kim & Co. Chat About 'Yellow Face,' David Henry Hwang's Obie-Winning Comedy About Mistaken Racial Identity and a Pulitzer Prize Finalist
Why is it that people can sit and watch a film for 2 hours just fine but can't seem to sit longer than 90 minutes in a theatre before getting restless? (I myself might get into the same situation - maybe out of habit). But I don't really get it. Is it just psychological or is there something a bit more exhausting about watching a live performance?
I wonder how people found some of those FOLLIES performances in 2011 where they testing removing the intermission..
"You can't overrate Bernadette Peters. She is such a genius. There's a moment in "Too Many Mornings" and Bernadette doing 'I wore green the last time' - It's a voice that is just already given up - it is so sorrowful. Tragic. You can see from that moment the show is going to be headed into such dark territory and it hinges on this tiny throwaway moment of the voice." - Ben Brantley (2022)
"Bernadette's whole, stunning performance [as Rose in Gypsy] galvanized the actors capable of letting loose with her. Bernadette's Rose did take its rightful place, but too late, and unseen by too many who should have seen it" Arthur Laurents (2009)
"Sondheim's own favorite star performances? [Bernadette] Peters in ''Sunday in the Park,'' Lansbury in ''Sweeney Todd'' and ''obviously, Ethel was thrilling in 'Gypsy.'' Nytimes, 2000
“I wonder how people found some of those FOLLIES performances in 2011 where they testing removing the intermission.”
By my recollection, they only did this for four previews. I attended one of them and it absolutely flew by. Had no problem sitting for that long with no break (probably because the show itself was so engaging). Saw the show probably ten times total and I wish I could see it again tomorrow. An excellent theater memory.
Now back to Yellow Face, which I am seeing Wednesday…hope it’s good.
binau said: "Why is it that people can sit and watch a film for 2 hours just fine but can't seem to sit longer than 90 minutes in a theatre before getting restless? (I myself might get into the same situation - maybe out of habit). But I don't really get it. Is it just psychological or is there something a bit more exhausting about watching a live performance?"
Thank you for letting us know you didn't read the thread. You probably won't bother reading this either but the original complainant, Matt Rogers, already explained that at post #5 above. Here is his comment:
"For the 700th time, you can very easily leave a movie theatre for a quick run to the restroom. In a Broadway theatre, not so easy. Also, there are some shows where if you leave your seat for any reason, you will not be readmitted. Illinoise comes to mind, among others. I know a lot of you like these intermission-less things. That’s fine. To me, it is ridiculous. "
binau said: "Why is it that people can sit and watch a film for 2 hours just fine but can't seem to sit longer than 90 minutes in a theatre before getting restless? (I myself might get into the same situation - maybe out of habit). But I don't really get it. Is it just psychological or is there something a bit more exhausting about watching a live performance?
I wonder how people found some of thoseFOLLIES performances in 2011 where they testing removingthe intermission.."
Personally, I don't really see movies in theaters anymore. So it's more about the commute time and not eating/drinking, or in some cases using the restroom for two and a half to potentially five hours. I can manage, but I imagine it gets more difficult as your body ages. Also some theater seating is definitely not as comfortable as movie theater seating for people who are tall, heavier, etc.
Updated On: 9/14/24 at 04:44 PM
I was there for the first preview on Friday. Full house. Enthusiastic crowd, as to be expected for a first preview.
I hadn't seen the play before and wasn't familiar with the material. It took me a minute to settle into the structure and style of the play, but once I did, I enjoyed it throughout. Daniel Dae Kim is off to an excellent start...occasionally verging on hammy in a few spots...I imagine it will get a little more grounded throughout, which will only make it better. Francis Jue is one of my favorite performers full stop, and he didn't disappoint. Well impressed by Ryan Eggold in his Broadway debut. Depending on how the rest of the season shakes out, I could see all three of them in the conversation for Tonys. I could also see none of them getting through. The rest of the ensemble plays lots of different roles, generally to solid effect.
The show ran about 1h50, but there were definitely a few transitions that will likely be tightened throughout previews. It sagged a tiny bit at a few points, but for the most part, I was engaged throughout.
And they gave out cute branded sunglasses to the full audience.
Anyway...really liked it overall. Definitely recommend.