Posted: 8/6/15 at 10:08am
Performances started a couple of days ago...has anyone seen it yet? I'm seeing it in three weeks, and would love to hear folks' impressions. Thanks.
Posted: 8/6/15 at 10:29am
Posted: 8/6/15 at 10:41am
The Hampton Jitney is probably the easiest way to get there. It's a bit pricey, but it's easier than driving. We're going on a Sunday I think so that hopefully will help with traffic issues.
Posted: 8/6/15 at 11:45am
Awww, man, I hope it's not that big of a pain. Just bought my tickets yesterday. Also hoping I can visit the real Grey Gardens, which is apparently close to the theatre. Would love advice from anyone on how to get around. I was planning on taking the LIRR.
Posted: 8/6/15 at 1:01pm
Directions and such to the theatre. I'm taking my car and the ferry from CT.
http://www.baystreet.org/page/directions-parking-information/
Updated On: 8/6/15 at 01:01 PM
Posted: 8/6/15 at 1:34pm
The real Grey Gardens is NOT really near the theatre at all (for someone using public transportation)--it would be a 15-20 min taxi ride (which would get a bit expensive).
Posted: 8/6/15 at 1:53pm
Posted: 8/6/15 at 1:56pm
I drove out with my father and a friend to see the first preview (They were offering pay as you can tickets) And the drive wasn't bad at all, around two hours in total from Manhattan.
The show itself was phenomenal, with both York and Buckley giving truly remarkable performances. Before the show started the director came out and informed us that it was actually the first time they would be performing the entire show, and they had someone on script and were prepared to use the "God mic" to halt the show if they felt like something was unsafe for an actor. Despite this warning, the show went off practically without a hitch, the only flub being played off in character and without the need to call for a line.
Rachel York does an incredible job with what I consider the hardest role in the show, being able to pull of the transformation from the first act to the second. Her Around the World had me in tears, as did her Another Winter in a Summer Town. She truly makes you feel for Little Edie, and as you watch her be unable to escape Grey Gardens, you can feel the audience's heartbreak.
As Big Edie, Buckley is perfectly nailing the character, making it feel like the real Big Edie actually walked on stage. And her voice, my goodness! From The Cake I Had to Jerry Likes my Corn, she nails both the comedy and sadness. Simply fantastic, her performance in the second act alone was well worth the drive out.
As well as York and Buckley, the supporting cast was supremely strong. Matt Doyle as Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr/Jerry was fantastic, with some very strong singing in Goin' Places. This role gave him a chance to show of his strong acting talent as well, which is superb!
Sarah Hunt as young Edie was the biggest surprise of the show for me. She is a phenomenal young actress, and I hope to see more of her in New York soon.
Lastly, I really enjoyed what Bay Street has done with the staging, it is very intimate and makes good use of space on the sides to give the illusion of the house.
Posted: 8/15/15 at 12:13am
I drove out to see the show yesterday. Try to leave the city by 2 pm to avoid traffic. The drive is easy and pleasant....LIE to the 27. Sag Harbor is beautiful and the theater is right at the water's edge, where you can actually wade in the gentle surf before the show.
The show. Wow. Betty Buckley is amazing as Big Edie. She captures the heart of the woman as well as the pathos. In perfect voice, she shares the simplicity of the tragic lifestyle of the mother and daughter team. Rachel York was mesmerizing, playing Big Edie in Act one (1941) and Little Edie in Act 2 (1973.) Both woman sang songs that brought me to tears. Betty was almost unrecognizable in her flamboyant get-up, but once the voice comes through there's no mistaking her for anyone else. The show is powerful for its gentleness, showing how the little things can add up, becoming a huge wall and imprisoning people in their lives. The rest of the cast is superb as well.
There's not a bad seat in the room. Try to get out there and see this special production.
Posted: 8/20/15 at 8:16pm
Does anyone know if it's possible to see the show and the real Grey Gardens in one day? I am seeing the matinee on Sunday and would seriously appreciate some advice. I plan to take the train unless someone tells me there's a better way.
