Yes, I was at the first preview tonight. Show was in very good shape for a first preview. Wonderful performances - funny & visceral Guirgis dialogue. Stephen McKinley Henderson is fantastic. Any questions, feel free to ask.
I really loved the show, and I agree with nicnyc's assessment. In addition to fine performances and writing, the revolving set is completely awesome. The $20 seats (for previews only) are a good value. Plus, Jake Gyllenhaal sat a few seats ahead of me and my friend. Highly recommended!
A talky, sloppy mishmash. Another of these be as-outrageous-as-possible, throw-everything-at- the wall -and-hope-something-sticks things, with no concern for consistency, logic, or plausibility. But hey, as long as you know the critics will rave, who cares about such things, anyway? A few decent dramatic moments, but ultimately a trying and wearying ride.
After Eight: Did you have a similar reaction to THE MOTHERF*CKER WITH THE HAT? OUR LADY OF 121ST STREET? JESUS HOPPED THE 'A' TRAIN?
We obviously had very different experiences with BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY. I'm curious if you dislike Stephen Adly Guirgis, or if you believe this particular piece is a misfire.
I haven't seen all of this author's plays, but the ones I've seen have not impressed me. Anything but! I disliked Our Lady, and absolutely loathed the absolutely loathsome Mother/Hat -- easily one of the worst plays I've ever seen.
This one was better than the other two, but that's saying very little, indeed.
I enjoyed it very much. I don't think it's his strongest play, but it's touching and sweet. The real reason to see it is Henderson's masterful performance. Such a treat to see him in a leading role.
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
Everyone is entitled tot heir opinion but sometimes it is useful to understand why someone has a certain opinion. Some folks think the only good plays about life in New York still should focus on those who live below 96th Street in Manhattan, and still others think that, in order for a play to be good, it needs to be about white people. Talky? Shaw is talky. Do you dislike Shaw too? I hope it wns the Pulitzer. It deserves it.
I was completely drawn into the world Guirgis created, and I loved how each character sounded like an individual, regardless of his or her ethnicity. The man has an ear for language. And I also loved how you didn't know where it was going, and the ending was satisfying, if a bit rushed.