Friday, March 25, 2011

A Question

I was saddened to read yesterday about the death of Lanford Wilson, one of the true playwrighting legends. Though I’ve seen “Fifth of July” and “Burn This,” I’m hopeful to someday see a production of “Hot L Baltimore,” the play that really put him on the map as I remember it. Though I think my review at the time was a little harsh, I have fond memories of Barksdale’s production of “Fifth” five or six years ago. It starred some of my favorite Richmond actors, including Chris Evans as the lead character’s lover. Not the Captain America Chris Evans though, just so there’s no confusion.

It’s been hard to get conversation rolling here on the blog as of late. Beyond the general down-turn in blog interest -- or some particularly boring posts from me -- I’m thinking it may be because I’m too often asking “big questions” about the nature of theater and the purpose of criticism and such. So, in an effort to get comments – any comment! – I’m going to try a simple question. I’m going to be taking a quick jaunt to NYC next Thursday and I want to see a show. As I do every time I’m planning a trip to Manhattan, I’m struggling with the choices. Should I get a nose-bleed seat to “Spiderman” just to see exactly how awful it is? Should I see something fresh and new that most people haven’t seen yet (“Priscilla”)? Or how about an old classic that I'm embarrased to say I've never seen (“Phantom”) or a newer not-quite-classic that I might be able to get great seats for (“Adams Family”)? Then there’s the possibility to see an awesome actor starring in a smallish vehicle off-Broadway (Andre Braugher in “The Whipping Man”).

What would YOU do if you were popping up to New York just for a day at this specific moment in time? What show are you itching to see and why? I’m interested in your thoughts, of course, but also, I need your help!

11 comments:

Susie said...

After today's review, "The Book of Mormon" for sure!

Anonymous said...

I've seen some good stuff about "The Book of Mormon".....
Although how can you pass up "Priscilla" and maybe have the chance to be thankful for unanswered prayers!
(And I always read your blog - just don't often respond....sorry...)
Sue

Dave T said...

thanks for the suggestion! however, I've checked Telecharge and "Book of Mormon" seems to be completely sold out for next Thursday and I'm not going to be able to swing "premium" seats. Any other thoughts?

Thespis' Little Helper said...

Peter and the Starcatcher!!!

and Wonderland.

Those are the two I would see if I were there next week.

Frank Creasy said...

That Championship Season and Lombardi are on my "wish list". Not really an intention necessarily to catch sports-oriented theatre, but that niche being fairly small anyway and both productions sounding really compelling (Dan Lauria as Lombardi? Perfect!), these are top of my list.

Jason M. said...

"The Addams Family", for me, at least, was quite enjoyable, but much of the original cast, including Mr. Lane, Mr. Mann, Ms. Carmello, and a few others, have departed, and now are replaced by Roger Rees, whom I cannot even picture in the role of Gomez. I found the show to be quite hysterical, much thanks to Mr. Lane's incredibly funny performance, but also Jackie Hoffman, who chews the scenery as Grandma. A good family show if you're taking the whole Timberline crew.

I personally wouldn't spend any money on "Spiderman", unless someone bought me a ticket, but that's my opinion - if your curiosity gets you, go for it. But it's going to go through so many changes, I'd wait until it's officially "frozen" However, you might want to be someone who can look back and say "I saw that God-awful Spiderman years ago!"

"Driving Miss Daisy" was absolutely wonderful.

Many of the other shows that I've seen have closed since I was there, but on my hot list are "Anything Goes" starring the always charming Sutton Foster and the revival of "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" starring Harry Potter - er - Daniel Radcliffe. Those will be big winners at Tony time. The other show that is supposed to be quite fantastic is "Sister Act", which is garnering huge buzz. Patina Miller, who starred in the original in London reprises her role (the Whoopi Goldberg lead character), and is supposed to be sensational.

My two cents for what it's worth!

Bruce Miller said...

I've heard unfavorable comments from friends who saw That Championship Season. Phil and I saw Lombardi, and we like it, but it left us wishing there was more to it. My friends who saw Priscilla, all of whom are good-time Charlies, thought it was OK but not great. I saw How to Succeed and suggest you pass. I LOVED importance of being Earnest, if you're up for a classic, and i loved Mary Poppins, which surprised me. I LOVED my second visit to Jersey Boys. Lots of buzz from Book of Mormon, but I suspect you're right about not being able to get near it. I'm dying to see Catch Me If You Can. My middle brow friends who saw Addams Fam loved it, but I haven't seen it. None of which means anything. But have FUN!!

Anonymous said...

A must see: Sutton Foster in Anything Goes. Don't lose your money on Spider-Man.

Anonymous said...

"The Whipping Man" is set in Richmond!! See that!

Anonymous said...

"Mormon" has a general lottery two hours beforehand and worth a try if your willing to wait. I have to mention one important thing about Spiderman... it seems to be the show everyone who has not seen it loves to have an opinion about and hate. I imagine due to technical reasons, it was not an option to do an out of the spotlight out of town tryout. In the end you might hate it or secretly like it but it's worth mentioning about the show.

Dave T said...

Thanks everyone for your suggestions -- I really appreciate other peoples' perspectives. It looks like it's going to be "Spider-man." The car-accident like pull could not be denied. I'm hoping I'll get another shot at a trip to NYC before summer, perhaps to see some quality theater...