tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post3920206612714730988..comments2024-03-17T10:11:46.952-04:00Comments on Film Experience Blog: Tony Nominations Or, Hollywood on StageNATHANIEL Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-68943822648829084282010-05-10T07:06:10.687-04:002010-05-10T07:06:10.687-04:00I saw the following shows during a recent trip to ...I saw the following shows during a recent trip to New York<br /><br />Little Night Music 7/10<br />I loved this one, when i saw it in London a year ago. I liked it in NY too. Catharine Zeta Jones was very good but Angela Lansbury was better. <br /><br />God of Carnage 7/10<br />The play was intetesting, and the cast made the most of it. Well, most of the cast. Janet McTeer, Jeff Daniels and Dylan Baker were all wonderful and Lucy Liu was plain awful. There was a huge gap between her and the other 3 actors.<br /><br />A Behanding at Spokane 6/10<br />I love Martin McDonaugh's plays... but not this one. This is average at best. Sam Rockwell comes off best, Anthony Mackie was good too. Christopher Walken was... Christopher Walken. I never liked him as an actor. He always seems to play the same kind of roles. Here he plays his usual persona, in a role probably written specifically for him. And i could hardly hear him (and i was sitting in the 8th row of the orchestra).<br /><br />The Pride 7/10<br />A good first play about gay relationships. The chemistry between Ben Whishaw and Hugh Dancy was excellent. The former was particularly good.<br /><br />A View from the Bridge 6/10<br />It's always nice to see a revival of this great play by Arthur Miller. However everything about this production was predictable. Liev Schreiber and Scarlett Johansson were good.<br /><br />Lend Me a Tenor 3/10<br />This was a total mess. To be fair i saw it's 3rd preview which means it is bound to get better, but still an unpleasant surprise. Tony Shalhoub was bad and Anthony La Paglia was just OK.<br /><br />Next Fall 6/10<br />Rises some interesting topics but fails to elevate the material.<br /><br />Hamlet 8/10<br />(saw it in London) I loved Jude Law in this one. The production was also great, but none from the supporting cast was noteworthyManosnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-53955232571588567772010-05-07T14:13:53.286-04:002010-05-07T14:13:53.286-04:00I have not seen any of the nominated performances,...I have not seen any of the nominated performances, but I did have the honor of having Stephen McKinley Henderson (nominated for Fences) as a professor, and I do not know a finer artist, mentor, or human being.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03819963103504037161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-54231934857787447372010-05-07T00:07:24.037-04:002010-05-07T00:07:24.037-04:00You know, Sean was actually pretty darned good in ...You know, Sean was actually pretty darned good in Promises, Promises. He really carried the show.Nate Tysonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15001118772198572798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-82254581898267179752010-05-06T13:55:47.762-04:002010-05-06T13:55:47.762-04:00I saw "A Steady Rain" and "Hamlet&q...I saw "A Steady Rain" and "Hamlet". Not surprised Jackman/Craig were snubbed. The show itself wasn't that great. If there were non-names in the roles, it would have been a total bust. Law however was fantastic in Hamlet and the revival itself should have been nominated. However I didn't see the rest of the competition so who knows?Joenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-90479771340330445582010-05-06T11:44:19.762-04:002010-05-06T11:44:19.762-04:00I've seen some long clips of Denzel and Viola&...I've seen some long clips of Denzel and Viola's performances online. They both look phenomenal. If I live in NYC, I'd love to see Fences.<br /><br />If it gets made into a movie, I think Denzel and Viola will win Oscars.Dannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-21813209556603985402010-05-06T11:42:17.952-04:002010-05-06T11:42:17.952-04:00I've seen some long clips of Denzel's and ...I've seen some long clips of Denzel's and Viola's performances online on some theatre sites.<br /><br />Both of them look phenomenal. If Fences gets made into a movie (which it probably will be), Denzel is getting a third Oscar. And Viola will get an Oscar as well.<br /><br />DanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-26762289907068163942010-05-06T10:47:34.441-04:002010-05-06T10:47:34.441-04:00I know he was nominated before, but David Alan Gri...I know he was nominated before, but David Alan Grier!? From "In Living Color" to acclaimed stage actor is pretty awesome in my book.<br /><br />Haven't seen any of these nominees and never will, but rooting from afar, I can't wait to see the numbers for "La Cage aux Folles," "American Idiot," "Memphis," "A Little Night Music," and "Fela!". I wish they did some kind of readings of the plays at the Tonys. I'd love to see a scene between Denzel and Viola played out, even if it is out of context (I did read the play in high school, but that's so fuzzy now!). <br /><br />Good luck to the nominees!Doriannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-66755974326749023562010-05-06T10:44:53.598-04:002010-05-06T10:44:53.598-04:00mark -- thanks for sharing. i feel so out of theat...<b>mark</b> -- thanks for sharing. i feel so out of theater this year. I've only been seeing old shows on discount (like God of Carnage, Wishful Drinking -- LOVED both) and off broadway stuff (just saw Restoration which was def. worth the $25. i wish things were cheaper. I have no problem saying a good show is worth $25-35 but anything above that (i.e. almost every show) i find that if it's not gobsmackingly brilliant I resent the money loss.NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-58085903692191196782010-05-06T10:09:38.641-04:002010-05-06T10:09:38.641-04:00Even in a murky ALNM revival (Seriously, going bac...Even in a murky ALNM revival (Seriously, going back to the Bergman is fine on paper, but on stage it just looks overcast), I have to say that I thought CZJ and Lansbury were both completely, completely stunning. Lansbury is, unsurprisingly, a goddess of all things theatrical, but I was equally impressed with CZJ's comfort onstage, though I'm sure it's not an epic challenge for her to play a gorgeous actress.KEVIN M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-14644268959503080512010-05-06T07:51:42.917-04:002010-05-06T07:51:42.917-04:00I'll add my 2 cents since you note the collect...I'll add my 2 cents since you note the collective wisdom on the mediocre Promises, Promises and the nominations it received.<br /><br />Sean Hayes was surprisingly good in it, I thought. Frankly, without him, the show - which has a mostly average score - would have been a struggle.<br />Chenowith, who I adore like most everyone else, was wrong for the part and I don't think deserved a nomination despite having an electric presence in anything she does.<br />Kate Finneran was outstanding and totally was the highlight of the show. I can see her winning the Tony away from the grand Lansbury.<br /><br />As for The Addams Family, I saw it last night and it was totally dreadful. Uncle Fester (Chamberlin) was very good. Neither Neuwirth or Lane deserved anything but a one way ticket to a better show. That it was nominated for best score is a joke.<br /><br />Lastly, Sherie Rene Scott was brilliant in Everyday Rapture.Mark Kaisermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03382404549969833859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-62276875595248135822010-05-06T07:46:35.505-04:002010-05-06T07:46:35.505-04:00Yeah, I want Lansbury back on the big screen. Sco...Yeah, I want Lansbury back on the big screen. Score an Oscar nomination-wouldn't that be a record between first and most recent Oscar nomination (if it was next year, it'd be 67 years).John Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12778817752411507792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-17369948498365292172010-05-06T01:04:21.564-04:002010-05-06T01:04:21.564-04:00I was a little shocked to see A Steady Rain with J...I was a little shocked to see A Steady Rain with Jackman and Craig get snubbed for everything. I've seen Promises, Promises recently and Chenoweth was fantastic (although I can totally see why people think she is miscast...it's not her typical role), but she was still brilliant (much better than Sean Hayes, who I thought was adequate at the most...Katie Finnerman was a riot though. Loved her!)<br /><br />I saw Ragtime when it was here and everyone was very impressive in it, although I've never been a huge fan of the show.<br /><br />And is it just me, but I heard that Jude Law in Hamlet was not very good. I didn't see it, but the reviews of the production were mixed, to say the least...I was actually quite surprised to see him nominated. I predict Liev to win that.Aaronnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-32655345490987537672010-05-06T00:07:31.565-04:002010-05-06T00:07:31.565-04:00The one show I saw was Ragtime, its actors so dese...The one show I saw was Ragtime, its actors so deserved their noms. They were both brilliant, and the show was really great though I think it was kind of a financial disappointment? I went with my dad because we knew the lead actor...he used to do community theater with us years ago!Roberthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06228551523749418972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-4596511905598074902010-05-06T00:05:30.897-04:002010-05-06T00:05:30.897-04:00I always watch the Tonys, but I've never even ...I always watch the Tonys, but I've never even been to New York. It'd be nice to see Zeta-Jones's performance in context - I mean, I know the context of the song, but I've yet to see her interpretation. In the meantime, Angela Lansbury needs to return to the big screen in a juicy role.Walter L. Hollmannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13636732594078157905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-39075223621547470892010-05-05T23:58:11.244-04:002010-05-05T23:58:11.244-04:00Wow, Nathaniel. Eerie, I'm listening to Sherie...Wow, Nathaniel. Eerie, I'm listening to Sherie sing in TLF right now, I'm at "Climbing Uphill". From youtube clips she does seem very subtle, and her singing is very nuanced, she even swears subtly.Andrew K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01104647944747041277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-12621849581179716572010-05-05T23:43:47.590-04:002010-05-05T23:43:47.590-04:00I saw Jude Law Hamlet in New York
He was fantistic...I saw Jude Law Hamlet in New York<br />He was fantistics ! He has my vote<br /><br />Ericaericanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-77226888824643459752010-05-05T23:16:50.473-04:002010-05-05T23:16:50.473-04:00OtherRobert -- totally agree on SRS. her comedy is...OtherRobert -- totally agree on SRS. her comedy is even subtle but she's just such a warm performer and that voice. agh. i can't tell you how many times i've listened to "the last five years" it's one of my favorite musicals ever written.<br /><br />i met her once after Debbie Does Dallas when she was holding a bucket for those "broadway fights aids" donation events and she was super friendly, too.<br /><br />not that anybody wouldn't be when they're trying to get your money but still!NATHANIEL Rhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11597109147678235399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-28921668460618140102010-05-05T23:11:04.740-04:002010-05-05T23:11:04.740-04:00I will be taking my very first trip (EVER!) to New...I will be taking my very first trip (EVER!) to New York this Summer, so I'm seeing either Promises, Promises or Fences.John Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12778817752411507792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-77671947951835998852010-05-05T23:03:54.885-04:002010-05-05T23:03:54.885-04:00Viola and Sherie Renee for the win!Viola and Sherie Renee for the win!Philipnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-90082818801626434352010-05-05T22:20:23.667-04:002010-05-05T22:20:23.667-04:00Sight unseen an all 5, I would love to see Christo...Sight unseen an all 5, I would love to see Christopher Walken win, if only for his acceptance speech. I would think Washington is probably a safer bet, though.<br /><br />When can we NOT root for Laura Linney? I could actually see Linney, Davis, or Harper winning and I think it'll be a close race.<br /><br />Quick question: does Kelsey Grammar do anything for La Cage aside from box office?Alexhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05206689829422865411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-23133637127035481672010-05-05T22:10:59.079-04:002010-05-05T22:10:59.079-04:00Andrew, the problem with Sherie Rene Scott is she ...<b>Andrew</b>, the problem with Sherie Rene Scott is she is a very subtle theater performer. If you aren't willing to pay attention to the whole package--the voice, the physicality, the pace of her speech--you might be left cold. She's not stretching her face for the nosebleeds because she doesn't have to. She transforms into another believable human being, even when playing a giant octopus. <i>Everyday Rapture</i> is a brilliant showcase of what she does well because there is nothing else to look at. It's all Scott, all the time. If the show opened a week sooner, the show probably could have been nominated for Musical and Orchestrations (come on, every song is a smart medley with narrative value, Kitt was robbed). Imagine: no one wanted her show until Megan Mullaly sunk <i>Lips Together, Teeth Apart</i> by pulling out.OtherRoberthttp://sketchydetails.tknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-35534900876585814022010-05-05T21:38:15.777-04:002010-05-05T21:38:15.777-04:00i love that lead actress in a play line-up; i'...i love that lead actress in a play line-up; i'm guessing the lovely laura linney will lose to viola davis, which is no shame. it's odd that viola's part was deemed lead as it won mary alice featured actress last time <i>fences</i> was on broadway, but i guess they evened that up by demoting jessica hecht (alison janney was up for lead in the same role)<br /><br />the featured actor (both categories) seem impossible to call but as for the others i'm predicting liev schreiber, douglas hodge, sherie rene scott, katie finneran & jan maxwellpar3182https://www.blogger.com/profile/03647653154201086767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-38244780974174591152010-05-05T21:24:25.161-04:002010-05-05T21:24:25.161-04:00I too am rooting for Sherie Rene Scott (even thoug...I too am rooting for Sherie Rene Scott (even though I won't mind a CZJ win, I heard she was quite good). Of course, I live nowhere near New York so I can't judge but I still can't believe Sherie has only one nomination (she should have won that Tony for simply the excellent singing in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels").Andrew K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01104647944747041277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-71860897746846958622010-05-05T20:06:56.950-04:002010-05-05T20:06:56.950-04:00I'm rooting for Denzel Washington!I'm rooting for Denzel Washington!Akimnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8256060.post-2129772101403553892010-05-05T19:55:02.988-04:002010-05-05T19:55:02.988-04:00I very, very rarely watch plays.
So I'm supri...I very, very rarely watch plays.<br /><br />So I'm suprised that I even saw 2 plays, but when the two plays I saw got nominations, I had a heart attack.<br /><br />Fela! and A Behanding in Spokane.<br /><br />Behanding in Spokane-Not particularly good, especially since I had to travel through an incredible amount of rain to get to the theater. Walken was GREAT, but Mackie and Kazan were boring, and Rockwell was only a little better. It was kinda funny...it had moments, but overall, meh.<br /><br />The best part (you're going to envy me) was getting Walken's autograph...sorta. It just says "CW" on a playbill. Still!<br /><br />Fela!-Much better. The cast, particularly the lead guy with the hard-to-spell name, was great. It's a shame the score was ineligible, because it is very catchy.<br /><br />Since Behanding and Fela are not up against each other in anything, I have my personal picks in 13 out of 20-something categories. Which is 13 more than usual.<br /><br />But that doesn't mean I'll watch the Tonys. I'll just wait and see who wins.Andrew R.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08656464274438644356noreply@blogger.com