A bore? I can't remember the last time I laughed that hard in any theater - movie or legit. The second act's a bit of a let-down (tying up a farcical plot usually lets the air out and I was surprised Hytner allowed that to happen here), but the actors are fantastic, the music is fun, and the end of the first act is brilliantly silly. I'm thinking of paying much more to see it live.
Yeah, the second half doesn't offer as much as the first half does, but it's overall such a great laugh that I let it slide. I saw both the NT Live broadcasts myself and had my fingers crossed that we'd get the opportunity to see the show on this side of the pond with a full cast transfer. Love Corden to bits, but I truly couldn't cope with seeing Oliver Chris's role recast. Stanley Stubbers is the funniest character I've seen played out on the stage in years and Oli totally milks it. In the BEST way.
Eeee, I'm already getting myself psyched to finally see this show live in June!
It may be hard to believe, but the reviews for the continuing UK production (with Owain Arthur in the lead role) are no less ecstatic than for the original cast.
My sister caught it on a trip to London last summer and absolutely raved about it when she got home. I'm planning on catching it when I stop by NYC on a quick visit this summer.
fortunate to have scored a ticket last s summer to the national theater and throughly enjoyed every minute of this...hadnt laughed that hard sicne book of mormen and just had a smile ear to ear - was afraid that the show was going to be "too british" and that i was going to be in over my head - which couldnt have been futher from the case
raving - go see this show.
i actually might try to see it again - if i can stay an extra day in NYC
I don't doubt this at all, the material is just all too good! I suppose I have ulterior reasons for wanting the full cast transfer just because I'm a big fan of most of the people in the cast already.
Seeing this show on Sunday, can't wait. Tried to to see it over the summer in London but, it was completely sold out. Will post a review.
I think it will play well to US audiences. I read that Richard Bean has tweaked the script and altered some of the British cricket references. Who doesn't love a good, broad farce?!
it's the very rare imported straight play that successfully meets the traditional understanding of that term ... even the productions where all the critics rave usually have to resort to discounts, tkts, tdf, et cetera to fill the house.
i'm not saying it won't do well -- or that others haven't -- but in this category the term "huge hit" is excruciatingly relative.
I think Guvnors will be a huge critical hit, whether or not it's a financial success or not who knows? Plays don't generally fare as well as musical transfers and the mostly unknown British cast might keep tourists away.
However, I feel this show will get raves and pretty sure James Corden will be nominated and has good shot at winning a Tony for his performance.
i don't think financial success is the only barometer (though, that said, it's hard to imagine any definition of "hit" that includes a show that doesn't at least recoup) ... just wanted a little context around the prediction.
Just saw James Corden on a recent Graham Norton show and he was hysterical and adorable. I decided then and there to see the show. I'll probably see it next week and I hope it's a big hit too.
Holy sh!t this is completely hysterical! It's intermission and James Corden has already won the Tony in my book. This is so so so so funny I'm dying!!! I'm depressed act one even had to end.
Ok, remember last year when Rylance ate that egg and did the handstand in the water trough? You just knew he had the Tony in that moment. It was like deja vu in the Music Box tonight, except with a new leading man, James Corden.
Vanessa Williams once taught us that sometimes the best is saved for last, and this Broadway season has done just that. Simply an inspired treat.
I don't want to give anything away, so I'm not going to. Just go buy a ticket right now before too much word of mouth has spread and this thing sells out the limited run.
I will give one small ad-libbed story from tonight: There is a scene where Corden is addressing the audience and asking anyone if they have a sandwich he could eat. "No, really. Does anyone have a sandwich? Turkey with mustard and tomato, or..." when he was interrupted by a man in the orchestra saying, "I have one!" Corden stopped and started laughing. He asked the man, "You do know these questions aren't real, right? You are aware you're in the theater?" The audience was roaring and Corden could not compose himself. He then asked the man, "What kind is it?" The man replied, "Hummus." Corden buckled over and after a minute of red-in-the-face laughter mustered, "Well that explains why you haven't eaten it!"
Oh, and also, Oliver Chris is such a riot. Where did this guy come from? I was oddly attracted to him and hope he's gay and single.
Not to burst your bubble, Whizzer, but that moment isn't ad-libbed. It's in the script. How do I know? When I saw the show in London, I was in the front row sitting right next to the sandwich guy. He was gone after intermission... and mysteriously appeared on stage in a other ensemble roles. I bought the play in the lobby of the National Theatre afterwards, and that entire scene was scripted, right down to the hummus joke. Needless to say I was sorta bummed.
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Posted: 3/17/12 at 01:51am