| Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| Many people have told me that the original production of Nicholas Nickleby was one of the all time best theater going experiences of their lives. It looks great on the DVD, but I was wondering if any of you saw it and if you have thoughts about this. Are there other epic theater experiences like this for anyone? Wolf Hall? | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | TheOtherOne 05:52 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| Many wonderful productions have been mentioned in this thread but absolutely nothing else in my theater-going life equals the experience of seeing "Nicholas Nickelby." If I could turn back time to see it again I would. | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | drummergirl 06:39 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Nicholas Nickleby - TheOtherOne 05:52 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| If you could turn back time (Cher!), please save me a seat ;-) | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby on DVD | |
| Posted by: | Teacher64 09:13 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| I hear from the reviews on Amazon that the DVD release leaves a lot to be desired. It is improperly cut and sloppily transferred. A&E has released it (after much anticipation) not in its original four 2-hour acts but in the nine 1-hour episodes that they cut for broadcast on television, with intros and credits every hour. All they've done is transfer their 9-cassette VHS release, with intros, opening and closing credits and a "previously seen" commentary (meant for the TV audience watching it over a period of nine days) onto four DVDs, frustratingly marring the flow of the production. Not only does the play get interrupted every hour, but at one point you have to change discs mid-scene. In addition (and inexplicably) this DVD version is missing a scene that's on the VHS. It would be nice if this classic production could get a better release on video. In addition it is out of print and used copies are upwards of $200. Has anyone seen the UK release? Is it any better? | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby on DVD | |
| Posted by: | Harper 11:21 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Nicholas Nickleby on DVD - Teacher64 09:13 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| The filmed versions don't give the excitement that everyone talks about. The editing takes away the spontaneity. | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | davei2000 08:12 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| Wolf Hall, as someone said below, is a long play. Nicholas Nickleby was an event, blazingly theatrical, alive every moment, using every tool and style of theater. The actors engaged with the audience, coming down the aisles and speaking to us at the beginning of each part. I remember the standing ovation that the company received when they took the stage for the beginning of Part 2. One of the most heartfelt and deserved that I have ever been a part of, it went on for minutes. I note that the great Edward Petherbridge, who created the gentle but resolute Newman Noggs, will be back in NY this summer with his one-man show about recovering from a stroke. Suzanne Bertish, who was the villainous but comical Fanny Squeers, is often seen on our stages and I always feel an outpouring of affection when I see her. And I hope soon to see Nicholas Nickleby himself, Roger Rees, in his current Broadway incarnation... | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | Deirdre 07:01 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| I saw it for my 16th birthday. It really was the greatest theatrical experience I've ever had. We did it in one day with the dinner break and it's still so vivid all these 35 years later. | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | drummergirl 11:37 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| In addition to what's been named below, "The Coast of Utopia." Magnificent. “Les Éphémères,” Ariane Mnouchkine's amazing piece at Lincoln Center Festival (maybe 5 years ago?) Robert Lepage's "Lipsynch" at BAM's Next Wave Festival. I don't remember exactly, but I swear I think it was from 1 pm to 11 pm, with a number of breaks. But Angels, Kentucky Cycle (lesser than all of these, but I enjoyed it, unlike many, I think.) I'm forgetting a few others. And I never saw Nicholas Nickleby, though I so wish I had! | |
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| And over in London . . . | |
| Posted by: | jesse21 10:12 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Nicholas Nickleby - drummergirl 11:37 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| - At the National Theatre: — His Dark Materials: Nicholas Hytner directed a theatrical version of Philip Pullman’s epic trilogy as a two-part, six-hour performance at the end of 2003. —- The NT also staged David Hare’s trio of plays about contemporary British institutions as a single-day marathon: Racing Demon (1990, also seen at Lincoln Center); Murmuring Judges (1991); and The Absence of War (1993). - | |
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| National Theatre of Scotland's JAMES plays. | |
| Posted by: | portenopete 09:25 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | And over in London . . . - jesse21 10:12 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| Just last year the National Theatre in London co-produced the National Theatre of Scotland's epic three-play marathon about Kings James I, II & III. I wouldn't claim that Rona Munro's plays had the literary merits of Charles Dickens but it was a compelling yarn with lots of good performances and three distinct dramaturgical and visual worlds. And the contemporary Scots dialect (and patois) was great fun to hear. I'm sure many Americans would have had a difficult time with it. I saw the first two parts on a Wednesday and the third part on Thursday night. Each was about 2-1/2 hours. There was onstage seating on the Olivier Stage to create an in-the-round staging. I was at the closing performances of all three plays and on the last night I found myself walking behind Ian McKellan on our way up the stairs :). | |
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| re: National Theatre of Scotland's JAMES plays. | |
| Posted by: | jesse21 10:43 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | National Theatre of Scotland's JAMES plays. - portenopete 09:25 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| - Thank you for this information. I was not aware that the NT staged this last year. - | |
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| re: And over in London . . . | |
| Posted by: | drummergirl 11:17 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | And over in London . . . - jesse21 10:12 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| Oh, Jesse, I would have loved to have see both, especially "His Dark Materials," which I think would have been difficult to stage properly, but if it was...wow. One of the things I appreciate about the Lincoln Center Festival is that there is often the opportunity to see "epic" stagings that wouldn't come to these shores as often. Same with BAM, actually, especially the Next Wave Festival. I am so excited about the DruidShakespeare in July, especially as Shakespeare's History Plays are perhaps my weakest area of knowledge of the author's canon. | |
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| re: And over in London . . . | |
| Posted by: | jesse21 10:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: And over in London . . . - drummergirl 11:17 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| - Yes, and the marathon days for Druid's history plays are June 11 and 12. Not marathons, but also looking forward to other theater at this summer's Lincoln Center Festival: Cheek by Jowl's "Ubu Roi" The Japanese "Kafka on the Shore" Moscow's Theatre of Nations' "Miss Julie" - | |
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| re: And over in London . . . | |
| Posted by: | drummergirl 12:34 pm EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: And over in London . . . - jesse21 10:42 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| Actually, there are four marathon days for Druid Shakespeare in July; back-to-back weekends. And you've listed everything I'm seeing in July! I'd see Cheek by Jowl anything, and the other two were quite interesting as well. | |
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| re: And over in London . . . | |
| Posted by: | lowwriter 12:50 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: And over in London . . . - drummergirl 11:17 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| Drummergirl, please tell me why you are excited about Druid Shakespeare. I bought a ticket and now I'm dreading it and may sell my ticket. I need some reassurance. | |
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| re: And over in London . . . | |
| Posted by: | drummergirl 12:28 pm EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: And over in London . . . - lowwriter 12:50 am EDT 05/10/15 |
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| No pressure, right? ;-) Certainly there's the excitement for the all-day marathon. I'm a very strange person who likes 90 minutes without an intermission and the 6 hour event. It's the in between bits that I often question. Also, the opportunity to see Richard II, Henry IV (1&2) and Henry, chronologically. As the histories aren't typically my thing, I'm curious to see if this will be a better approach for me. The quality of the Druid Theatre Company is another draw. Could I be disappointed? Sure. But at this moment, I'm excited at the prospect. The only thing I question is the seat I got. From row mezz (or balcony as it's called at John Jay). I thought having some perspective for this show was a good idea, and now I'm afraid I'll be too far away. Does that help at all, in either direction? I don't think you'll have a problem selling, to be sure. | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | seeseveryshow 11:35 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| Yes, it was as brilliant as people say. There was one particularly heart-wrenching scene, in particular, that I will never forget. It is the scene where the sick boy Smike asks Nicholas to "promise me that when I die, I shall be buried near--as near as they can make my grave--to the tree we saw today." | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | lowwriter 11:30 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| I saw Nickleby when it came back to Broadway and it remains one of my favorite theater experiences ever. Angels in America 1 and 2 is powerful and memorable but I left Nickleby feeling exalted. The Orphans Home Cycle was one recent marathon that moved me. Would see that again. The Coast of Utopia was impressive in the first two parts but the third part was flawed. It may not be epic but The Norman Conquests all in one day was so entertaining. The one marathon I missed was The Mahabarata. I would love to see that. Since I've done a lot of multiple show weekends I guess I've done marathons of a sort many times. | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | drummergirl 11:38 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Nicholas Nickleby - lowwriter 11:30 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| Yes! I forgot about Orphans Home Cycle and Norman Conquests! Love them both. | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | scoot1er 09:09 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| I saw the original production twice. It was riveting, funny, heartbreaking. The acting was beyond superb, and the direction and entire production imaginative and breathtaking. It was one of the greatest theatre experiences I have ever had. The hysteria around getting tickets was epic. I distinctly remember at the last performance, which I was lucky enough to see, people were literally begging for tickets. I was offered $1,000 for mine. No, I didn't take it. There were cops everywhere and it wasn't worth taking the chance. Besides, had I taken it, I wouldn't have seen it the second time. When it came back the following year, it wasn't nearly as popular, and, from what I understand, not as good. | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby -spectacular | |
| Posted by: | Neilfrombrooklyn 04:46 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Nicholas Nickleby - scoot1er 09:09 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| Saw it. Remember stage was bustling with excitement both nights. | |
| Link | http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Life_and_Adventures_of_Nicholas_Nickleby_(play) |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby -spectacular | |
| Posted by: | lordofspeech 05:49 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Nicholas Nickleby -spectacular - Neilfrombrooklyn 04:46 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| There was a "the-making-of" type book about the NICKELBY production. It suggested, among other things, the horror and elation it must've been for the actors as they freely contributed in an extended improvisational rehearsal period all the while not knowing what roles they'd eventually be assigned. (While there were a lot of juicy roles, there were certain roles that emerged as unqualified show-stealers, and not everyone got one of those.). The authority given actors in the rehearsal period (groups of five-or-so actors would be assigned to go off and create an entire sequence from the novel and then present it, for the edification and inspiration of the company. Shades of "a chorus line" improv work, tho without it being personal narrative they were invited to co-sculpt.) | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby -spectacular | |
| Posted by: | Harper 05:57 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Nicholas Nickleby -spectacular - lordofspeech 05:49 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| Thanks for mentioning the book. I'll look for it. | |
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| Angels in america | |
| Posted by: | dramedy 09:08 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| Kentucky cycle is another one, but that want that good. | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | comedywest 08:55 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
| In reply to: | Nicholas Nickleby - Harper 07:39 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| I saw both. I stood for Nickelby--all eight hours. It was great, though. A muffin went right by me. The mix of all different styles of theater--epic theater, story theater, straight drama and comedy. Plus all those great characters. It was one of my first Broadway plays, and one of the best. Maybe my youth and memory are combining to make it better, but I don't think so. I really liked Wolf Hall too. Much different from Nickelby. Wolf Hall is two very good long plays--though not as long as some say--I've seen stories that say it is 8 hours. It's 6 and especially in part II, it is riveting. Each could stand alone, but I am glad I saw both I hear The Cider House Rules was great at the Atlantic, but I missed that. And I think they did another Dickens--Hard Times(?) | |
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| re: Nicholas Nickleby | |
| Posted by: | lordofspeech 02:05 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Nicholas Nickleby - comedywest 08:55 pm EDT 05/08/15 |
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| Despite their prizes, Hillary Mantel's books suffer from the unique focus on Cromwell which made them so fashionable. The heart of the story is and was and should be the Ann-Henry-Religion triangle. As dated as it now is, the ANNE OF A THOUSAND DAYS had its focus right. Mantel's story (and its adaptation) is too clever and workmanlike to make great drama. No tears, no chills, no catharsis. ANGELS IN AMERICA, especially for the power of its timeliness, had great emotional resonance. But Charles Dickens is greater than Kushner, and NICHOLAS NICKELBY had the clout of that author's heart-rending humanity as well as the genius of its director and characterizations that blew you away. Smike. Nicholas' uncle. As well as seemingly minor characters that contained entire worlds. Unsurpassable. (Although the original MARAT/DE SADE, which I did not see, and Sackler's epic theatre vision of THE GREAT WHITE HOPE came close. | |
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| Strange Interlude | |
| Posted by: | Indavidzopinion 06:29 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Nicholas Nickleby - lordofspeech 02:05 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| There was a production of "Strange Interlude" that had a huge cast. Jane Fonda was part of it. Jason Robards Jr. too? I think it lasted 5 hours. There was a break in the middle and Sardis offered a special dinner during the break. I think that the Actor's Fund had a special benefit performance. | |
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| re: Strange Interlude | |
| Posted by: | scoot1er 08:09 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | Strange Interlude - Indavidzopinion 06:29 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| I saw that production. It was at the Hudson Theatre, and in the lobby, several restaurants, including Sardi's, offered special dinners during the show's one- hour dinner break. Sardi's even provided a bus to take you to and from the restaurant. It was a 6:00 curtain, and the dinner break came around 8:00. The curtain came down at around 11:30. It was a great evening -- and a memorable one. | |
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| re: Strange Interlude | |
| Posted by: | Charlie_Baker 11:52 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Strange Interlude - scoot1er 08:09 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| There was a 1985 revival with Glenda Jackson, Brian Cox, and Edward Petherbridge (all superb) that did not get the buzz it deserved. I thought it was tremendous. | |
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| re: Strange Interlude | |
| Posted by: | lowwriter 11:34 am EDT 05/10/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Strange Interlude - Charlie_Baker 11:52 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| I saw the Glenda Jackson Strange Interlude and it was great. And I forget about it because it's rarely mentioned. I wonder if there was a great director who could stage it now. | |
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| re: Strange Interlude | |
| Posted by: | JohnDunlop 01:06 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Strange Interlude - Charlie_Baker 11:52 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| I very much enjoyed the Glenda Jackson revival as well. Thanks for mentioning it. | |
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| re: Strange Interlude | |
| Posted by: | TheOtherOne 05:50 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Strange Interlude - JohnDunlop 01:06 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
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| There is a tie in between the 1985 revival and the original production of "Nicholas Nickely" in that Edward Petherbridge was (superb) in both. | |
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| Peer Gynt | |
| Posted by: | StageDoorJohnny 08:20 am EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | re: Strange Interlude - scoot1er 08:09 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| the production at Hartford Stage (1989?) with Richard Thomas is my epic theatre memory. Stunning acting and stunning production | |
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| re: Peer Gynt | |
| Posted by: | drummergirl 06:40 pm EDT 05/09/15 |
| In reply to: | Peer Gynt - StageDoorJohnny 08:20 am EDT 05/09/15 |
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| How long was it, StageDoor Johnny? I didn't think Peer Gynt was that long. Classic Stages is doing it next season, by the way. | |
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