Douglas Carter Beane

[FANtomFollies]

What was the last show he worked on that people ended up 'approving' of? I ask because it seems like when he is announced to work on a show, people here get really excited, but then his work seems sub-par when the final product is done (Cinderella).

[RaisedOnMusicals]

Subpar according to whom? Some no doubt, but the jury has been far from unanimous so far. And that jury will consist of two distinct groups, the critics and the people who buy tickets. And those two groups might well disagree with each other as well, as they often do.

[After Eight]

Well, his last decent play, in my opinion, was As Bees in Honey Drown. As for the rest of them, oh, my God!

As for his musicals, Xanadu had some laughs, but the others, including his newest work: Unspeakable!

[newintown]

As Bees In Honey Drown was a fun ride. I remember Madonna bought the movie rights at the time. That would have been... interesting.

[Younger Brother]

I saw Sister Act in London 3 times and when I heard there was a new book writer (Beane) coming on board, I was a bit sceptical but I loved the re-writes! The whole show flowed much better, rough parts of the plot were fixed and overall, it is alot funnier.

[RaisedOnMusicals]

My post referred to the description by the original poster of his book of Cinderella as subpar.

[Stage Door Sally]

I thoroughly enjoyed As Bees in Honey Drown. Was really looking forward to Mr. and Mrs. Fitch with John Lithgow and Jennifer Ehle. Very disappointing. Their performances were wasted in the worst play I've ever seen.

There was a Q&A with Beane afterwards, and it seemed like on of Beane's problems is he is intensely fascinated by the minutiae in his life. Kind of like a Seinfeld episode. Visit South America - that's a play. Kid says something funny - that's a play. Don't have enough material for individual plays - no problem, combine both into one play.

Does.Not.Work.

[Wee Thomas2]

Was really looking forward to Mr. and Mrs. Fitch with John Lithgow and Jennifer Ehle. Very disappointing. Their performances were wasted in the worst play I've ever seen.

Fitch *was* bad, but we really liked "Little Dog" and Xanadu of his work. Lysistrata was fun as well.

[ratherbewhaling]

Xanadu and Little Dog Laughed were both good

[Mattbrain]

I saw As Bees In Honey Drown last week. Loved it! Loved his new book for Sister Act.

[bobs3]

I saw "As Bees in Honey Drown" on a whim when it was playing at the Lucille Lortel. It was one of the most enjoyable evenings I've ever had. The entire cast was excellent especially J. Smith Cameron and Josh Hamilton.

To quote the leading lady: "It was fabulous. And I never use that word!"

[massofmen]

didn't he write another show..oh golly what was it called. Lysistrata something..now that was something right? I mean right?

[After Eight]

"Was really looking forward to Mr. and Mrs. Fitch with John Lithgow and Jennifer Ehle. Very disappointing. Their performances were wasted in the worst play I've ever seen. "

That was a doozie all right. One for the ages in the annals of bad theatre. Yet, as hard as it is to believe, another play of his entitled Mondo Drama was even worse.

[Stage Door Sally]

bobs3, I saw that same production. Excellent cast. I thought, wow this is a great playwright. Ha, not yet.

[GoJoe18]

I think he is brilliant. I'm trying not to be bias, since he's a friend. I find his comedic writing to be right up my alley. A good mix of camp and heart. I enjoyed Xanadu and Lysistrata Jones and was shocked that I even enjoyed Sister Act, which I put off going to see because I thought I would hate it.
As far as his dramas go, I've only ever seen "Little Dog" and thought it was exceptional - really. I've read his other works but haven't seen a production. So far, I'm liking Cinderella too.
I think, overall, it's just like any other 'author'. Some people enjoy an author, others don't.

[mpd4165]

I second GoJoe's sentiments. His style of humor and writing I enjoy a lot and I would love nothing more than to be bff's with DCB. Little Dog also has a very special place in my heart as I directed it in college.