the reviews thus far

Message

franktangredi · #1 Post by **franktangredi** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:25 pm

The first one may be the most perceptive single review I've ever gotten.

http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/fnyc ... ?0=S&1=411

http://www.backstage.com/bso/news_revie ... 1003840151

http://www.timeout.com/newyork/events/f ... 51/galatea

It was lovely to see a sizable contingent from this group at tonight's show, under the leadership of the irrepressible Kay Harris.

Ritterskoop · #2 Post by **Ritterskoop** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:38 pm

You have to like this!

"the strongest part of this production is the script"

silvercamaro · #3 Post by **silvercamaro** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:40 pm

"Tangredi is a playwright to watch...."

We knew that already. I feel honored to know you, and I am certain that many others share that feeling.

SportsFan68 · #4 Post by **SportsFan68** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 9:53 pm

I don't even know you, and I feel honored to know you.

Seriously, congratulations on how things have gone so far, and I hope all continues well.

And I'm jealous of the folkses who got to see it in person.

tanstaafl2 · #5 Post by **tanstaafl2** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 6:43 am

Great to see that the play is a success! Wish that I could see it for myself. I don't suppose it is going to be video taped. Not an ideal solution or substitute for live theatre but then again we beggars can't be choosy....

I note that two out of three reviews make note of Lee. I would be curious to hear the playwright's take on her performance if and when you are able to do so. Is she being misinterpreted by the reviewers as the first one ponders or is she the "weakest link" as the third one implies?

I should think that given the circumstances of her life within the story she should be "shrill" so perhaps the first reviewer is closer to the mark with her thinking that the characters "detachment" is in fact the correct note to carry the story.

franktangredi · #6 Post by **franktangredi** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:04 am

tanstaafl2 wrote:I note that two out of three reviews make note of Lee. I would be curious to hear the playwright's take on her performance if and when you are able to do so. Is she being misinterpreted by the reviewers as the first one ponders or is she the "weakest link" as the third one implies?

I should think that given the circumstances of her life within the story she should be "shrill" so perhaps the first reviewer is closer to the mark with her thinking that the characters "detachment" is in fact the correct note to carry the story.

I have seen it played several ways. I think this actress made some strong choices, but I don't entirely agree with them. The character is passive-aggressive to the nth degree. I personally think she should hold more back, be harder to read until the storm breaks loose at the end.

However, as the playwright, I don't interfere with acting and directorial decisions unless they subvert the text. I don't expect the actors to reproduce what I saw in my head, just to interpret what I put on the page. Here, the play clearly came through to the audience, so I have no complaints.

gsabc · #7 Post by **gsabc** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:09 am

franktangredi wrote:However, as the playwright, I don't interfere with acting and directorial decisions unless they subvert the text. I don't expect the actors to reproduce what I saw in my head, just to interpret what I put on the page.

Frank, you should put this quote on the front page when you submit plays to directors. It may be a unique attitude among playwrights.

christie1111 · #8 Post by **christie1111** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:23 am

Tangredi has shown us that he has something to say. He wants us to understand that we can never know anyone's full story no matter what they tell us because there is always something else there. There is always SOMEONE else there, even if we can't see it with our own eyes. We can only see what we want to see. Tangredi is a playwright to watch and The Heather Company, Inc has shown that they have a good eye.

This is just wonderful!

Congratulations Frank!

I wish I could have joined the BB contingent. Husband1111 and Daughter1111 are in the Poconos playing golf so I am the sole chauffer of Son1111. It sounds like they had a very entertaining time.

Catfish · #9 Post by **Catfish** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 7:57 am

WooooooooooooHooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

Author! Author!

goongas · #10 Post by **goongas** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:08 am

I personally think she should hold more back, be harder to read until the storm breaks loose at the end.

I agree with you as well. This was my only complaint about the performance was the interpretation of the wife.

5LD · #11 Post by **5LD** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:12 am

Congratulations, Frank!

What terrific news/reviews!

tanstaafl2 · #12 Post by **tanstaafl2** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:31 am

franktangredi wrote:
tanstaafl2 wrote:I note that two out of three reviews make note of Lee. I would be curious to hear the playwright's take on her performance if and when you are able to do so. Is she being misinterpreted by the reviewers as the first one ponders or is she the "weakest link" as the third one implies?

I should think that given the circumstances of her life within the story she should be "shrill" so perhaps the first reviewer is closer to the mark with her thinking that the characters "detachment" is in fact the correct note to carry the story.
I have seen it played several ways. I think this actress made some strong choices, but I don't entirely agree with them. The character is passive-aggressive to the nth degree. I personally think she should hold more back, be harder to read until the storm breaks loose at the end.

However, as the playwright, I don't interfere with acting and directorial decisions unless they subvert the text. I don't expect the actors to reproduce what I saw in my head, just to interpret what I put on the page. Here, the play clearly came through to the audience, so I have no complaints.

Did you have the opportunity to discuss the play with the director in order to give him your perspective before he developed his concept of the production? I can understand the director bringing just his interpretation to a production when you don't have the author there available or the specific intent is to bring a new "spin" to a production.

But it would seem odd to me for a production to be mounted of a new show where you have the benefit of the creator being available to not at least avail yourself of the thoughts of the playwright. No doubt it happens regularly though.

franktangredi · #13 Post by **franktangredi** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:45 am

tanstaafl2 wrote:Did you have the opportunity to discuss the play with the director in order to give him your perspective before he developed his concept of the production? I can understand the director bringing just his interpretation to a production when you don't have the author there available or the specific intent is to bring a new "spin" to a production.

But it would seem odd to me for a production to be mounted of a new show where you have the benefit of the creator being available to not at least avail yourself of the thoughts of the playwright. No doubt it happens regularly though.

I spoke to the director a number of times, and we were agreed on the general concept. And I might have had a more hands-on role if the rehearsals had taken place in New York. But with them rehearsing in LA, and me not arriving until two days before opening, I was certainly not going to try to shape any actor's interpretation. (Not that I would have anyway.) I may have had reservations about the interpretation, but I was overall happy with what they did. and still am.

ne1410s · #14 Post by **ne1410s** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 10:12 am

Congratulations, Frank!!