MOTHER PLAY Opening Night Critics’ Reviews- Page 2

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/26/24 at 2:04pm

Yes, the performances are better than the script, and I think one more rewrite could bring it to the level I expect from Vogel. 

But, I have to respect the autobiographical story. It can't be easy to put your family's weaknesses on display for criticism. 

 

[MemorableUserName]

Posted: 4/28/24 at 5:10pm

Elisabeth Vincentelli for Washington Post:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater/2024/04/25/rachel-mcadams-mary-jane-steve-carell-uncle-vanya-eddie-redmayne-cabaret/

"Jessica Lange also has to maneuver her way through a wordless stretch, albeit a longer, more complex one, in Paula Vogel’s new “Mother Play,” from Second Stage Theater. During an evening alone in her apartment, her character, Phyllis, listens to music, microwaves a TV dinner and eats part of it, fixes herself some drinks, looks at her watch, occasionally smiles while lost in thought — all of this feeling as if it happened in real time. This may sound tedious on paper, but Lange, who couldn’t snuff out her movie star aura if she tried, moves through the scene like a glamorous, dreamily remote siren beached in suburbia.

Vogel’s semi-autobiographical piece is generous toward all three of its characters, but it is named “Mother Play” for a reason: Phyllis, inspired by the playwright’s own mom, is a devouring presence who looms over her children, portrayed by Celia Keenan-Bolger and Jim Parsons (alternatively funny and poignant in one of his best stage turns to date). She is 37 when we first meet her, in 1964, and Tina Landau’s production wobbles at the start because Lange is not entirely convincing in those early scenes (suspension of disbelief is a powerful tool, but it has its limits). She gains in both power and vulnerability as Phyllis gets older, as years and life pass her by. After three revivals of classics (she won a Tony for “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” in 2016), it’s also a delight to see Lange in a contemporary piece."

[east side story]

Posted: 4/28/24 at 5:21pm

Caught this yesterday afternoon. The script does indeed a feel a bit undercooked, but it was wonderful to see Lange on stage again. 

[BwayinVan]

Posted: 5/2/24 at 10:09pm

Caught the matinee yesterday and really enjoyed it. Honestly the standout for me was CKB. I enjoyed seeing Jim Parsons live but in some ways it felt like I was watching Sheldon Cooper  up on the stage. CKB controlled the stage like I felt she did in TKAM. Overall it was a great experience, and to see a legend like Jessica Lange on stage was something special. Was the script somewhat predictable? Yes. But I would definitely still recommend it. 

[Fordham2015]

Posted: 5/4/24 at 8:06pm

I was at today's matinee and absolutely loved it. All three actors are firing on all cylinders. Lange's silent scene is a smidge too long, but that's a very minor complaint. And the projected cockroaches are hysterical

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 5/25/24 at 7:21pm

Everyone in line to get in tonight was notified Jessica is ill and the performance is cancelled. I hope she’ll be ok!

[Callum_brown1]

Posted: 5/25/24 at 7:57pm

Yup - I was one of the unlucky ticket holders for tonight, despite flying in from London! :(

Can only wish Jessica the speediest and healthiest of recoveries. I have rebooked for tomorrow’s matinee. I’m sceptical it will go ahead, but there is always hope!

[The Other One]

Posted: 5/25/24 at 10:24pm

I have no idea what she has, but the Tony Award interview circuit always strikes me as risky.  The only one who seemed to understand this was Bette Midler.  Actors need a break in their time off, and in promoting both Mother Play and The Great Lillian Hall Jessica has been very busy.

She is so great in Mother Play.  I hope she's back and feeling good as new tomorrow.

Updated On: 5/26/24 at 10:24 PM

[ElephantLoveMedley]

Posted: 5/26/24 at 1:01pm

Today’s matinee has been cancelled. 

[two ladies tickets]

Posted: 5/26/24 at 1:17pm

That's too bad. I hope she's feeling better soon.
It's interesting that they've chosen to cancel the performances rather than put the understudy on. I wonder if it is a smart concession on their part knowing that they would have to process hundreds of return tickets anyway.

[quizking101]

Posted: 5/26/24 at 2:14pm

I have a feeling that there is some sort of extension built into the cast’s contracts in order to meet potential demand or in such a case like this.

I could definitely see them going through the end of June to make up for lost performances 

[MezzA101]

Posted: 5/26/24 at 5:05pm

Jim Parsons and Jessica Lange on their new Broadway show 'Mother Play' - Gothamist
 

https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/jim-parsons-and-jessica-lange-on-their-new-broadway-show-mother-play

[BoringBoredBoard40]

Posted: 5/27/24 at 12:51am

quizking101 said: "I have a feeling that there is some sort of extension built into the cast’s contracts in order to meet potential demand or in such a case like this.

I could definitely see them going through the end of June to make up for lost performances"

it is meant to close in 3 weeks, another show is suppose to start there in mid July, if any extension was coming it would be announced by now 

[thedrybandit]

Posted: 5/27/24 at 11:38am

As of a few days ago, it was not going to extend. That was before this weekend's cancellations, but I wouldn't expect any schedule changes.

[ardiem]

Posted: 5/28/24 at 2:58pm

Got a call from 2ST a few minutes ago - Lange will be out of tonight's performance.

[WldKingdomHM]

Posted: 5/28/24 at 3:11pm

Save the supreme

[MezzA101]

Posted: 5/30/24 at 6:19pm

Jessica Lange Reveals How To Mesmerize An Audience With 12 Minutes Of Silence

 

https://deadline.com/2024/05/jessica-lange-interview-1235942809/

[GottaGetAGimmick420]

Posted: 5/30/24 at 6:40pm

I wonder if this will put her Tony chances in jeopardy? Tony voters can only reschedule so many times... Especially so close to the deadline. 

[quizking101]

Posted: 5/30/24 at 10:49pm

GottaGetAGimmick420 said: "I wonder if this will put her Tony chances in jeopardy?Tony voters can only reschedule so many times... Especially so close to the deadline."

I think she was always going to be second place to Paulson (whose play has now been thrice extended) with McAdams as the dark horse. Lange also has a Tony already, while Paulson does not. 

[Will3700]

Posted: 5/30/24 at 11:04pm

Was Jessica Lange in the show tonight? We see it tomorrow and I’ll be devastated ( as have others) to miss her. We saw Paulson tonight and that statue is going home with her !!! 

[rogerad]

Posted: 5/31/24 at 7:49am

She was in last night, and in great form.  She had a lingering cough that she seamlessly incorporated into her character.   A terrific performance.