Yen at MCC — Page 2

Are there any seats to avoid in the theater? Or any particular places to sit for the show?

Anyone know who is replacing Justice?

Jack DiFalco is taking over Bobbie on February 20. It's clearly stated on MCC's website. He's currently the understudy for both male roles, and played the role of Hench last Sunday while Lucas Hedges was in LA for the SAG Awards.

AC126748 said: "Jack DiFalco is taking over Bobbie on February 20. It's clearly stated on MCC's website. He's currently the understudy for both male roles, and played the role of Hench last Sunday while Lucas Hedges was in LA for the SAG Awards.

Speaking of the SAG is Hedges going to be out for any awards shows coming up? Is there a schedule anywhere?

"

I saw this a week ago.

I have to say kudos to this production for creating such an unsettling and disturbing atmosphere. At first, it was almost so jarring that I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to handle the rest of the show. By the end of the first act, it won me over.

The acting was great and I particularly loved Anna Jordan's dialogue as the play progressed.

It makes me happy to see something like this being performed and getting exposure. The uncomfortable feeling that at first made me unsure was what made me end up really admiring and respecting it.

I have to agree with Jbird that the content of the play wasn't especially shocking or disturbing, at least not to the extent of some of the reactions in this thread. But I may be somewhat desensitized after being employed by a social services agency for years. There's nothing here that you probably haven't experienced in films like Trainspotting. I do feel the young actors were all terrific in conveying the desperation of their situation.

I finally saw Yen tonight and echo several of the comments already expressed in the thread. I feel it's hard to discuss this play without going into SPOILERS (this is due to the fact that act one is all about establishing atmosphere and the plot doesn't really kick into gear until act two)...





I think the play would benefit greatly with some cuts; an intermissionless presentation would be ideal, but if they insisted on maintaining a break in the action I think they should move it to after Bobbie goes off to commit the rape. That would also leave Hench on the floor, bleeding out from his head wounds and the fate of all three younger characters in limbo. Then cut to the next scene with Ari's mum character all dressed up and the audience left to piece together what happened. (At first I assumed incorrectly that they were at a funeral- Hench's- as I couldn't imagine any other reason she would get so dressed up. Then Hench enters, then you realize they're at a courthouse, etc. Makes for a much better act two opener.)

I did think the final scene between Bobbie and his mother was well acted, but ultimately unnecessary. Despite Bobbie being neglected and understanding that he was dealing with serious psychological issues, I didn't really feel much sympathy for him. The juvenile detention center actually seemed to be the healthiest environment he had been in, so I didn't really understand the point of including that final bit. It would have been more realistic to end with Hench and Jenny in the park, IMO.

I did enjoy the acting a lot; Graynor's accent felt a little off at first, but the other three did solid accent work. Trip Cullman, once again, brought some strong direction to the piece.

All in all I think it was worthwhile to see Yen.

Whizzer - Have you ever heard of SPOILER ALERT?

Saw this last night. One of MCC's best offerings in a while.

I agree with Whizzer that it would benefit from being one-act and some cuts. The intermission is unnecessary.

Jack DiFalco was mesmerizing. I personally enjoyed his final scene (trying to word it without spoiling) and found myself unexpectedly affected. He was for sure the standout for me.