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Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE?

Posted by: BazazzBoy 03:19 pm EST 01/17/14
In reply to: Jon Robin Baitz's THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE Added to Second Stage Theatre's 35th Anniversary Season - Official_Press_Release 01:15 pm EST 01/17/14

Maybe it's just me, but 2econd Stage seems to be doing a lot of unnecessary revivals of late. "Fire" is a terrific play but it's done with regularity around the country and there is a solid film version available as well. Just my 2-cents, but I think they should be doing new plays by new writers. And isn't that their mandate? I realize these theatre companies have to pay the bills, but too many of them seem to be programming things specifically with an eye toward filling their coffers. (Not that "Fire" is necessarily going to be a cash cow, but it does have some name recognition.) Roundabout's announcement that they're going to be doing "Noises Off" struck me similarly.


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re: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE?

Posted by: dlittle 06:32 pm EST 01/17/14
In reply to: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE? - BazazzBoy 03:19 pm EST 01/17/14

I could be wrong, but I thought Second Stage actually was created to do revivals of things that should be seen a second time. I am continually surprised to see all the new stuff they do considering that. But, as I said, I could be wrong in my recollection of their purpose.


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re: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE?

Posted by: ryhog 08:19 pm EST 01/17/14
In reply to: re: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE? - dlittle 06:32 pm EST 01/17/14

It has been discussed here before that, originally, their mission was as you expressed it (and hence, their name), but that at some point, they broadened their stated mission to include new plays as well.


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re: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE?

Posted by: Singapore/Fling 05:17 pm EST 01/17/14
In reply to: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE? - BazazzBoy 03:19 pm EST 01/17/14

Second Stage has regularly produced new work and revivals of older shows (or occasionally revisions). I don't always love their choices, but they take some big risks with their programming ("Chad Deity" springs to mind), so I don't think it's a bad idea to then balance that out with some safer shows.


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re: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE?

Posted by: AC126748 03:48 pm EST 01/17/14
In reply to: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE? - BazazzBoy 03:19 pm EST 01/17/14

We don't really "need" a production of anything, but I'm looking forward to this fine play's first revival production.


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re: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE?

Posted by: bradmurf 05:17 pm EST 01/17/14
In reply to: re: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE? - AC126748 03:48 pm EST 01/17/14

Good. You can have my seat.


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re: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE?

Posted by: Thom915 (Thom915@aol.com) 01:35 am EST 01/18/14
In reply to: re: Do we really need a revival of THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE? - bradmurf 05:17 pm EST 01/17/14

It has been 23 years since The Substance of Fire was produced in New York. A revival is overdue. Its not like some of those plays we seen to get a revival every season. And productions done around the country are not necessarily available to the NY theatergoer. That is one way theater differs from films. I think that Second Stage has done enough new plays that it has earned the right to a revival or two.


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