I saw it last night. Overall, I think it's a very good production, some fine acting, good sets, excellent direction.
I did see the original. Michael Urie was quite good but as he was saying the lines, memories of Harvey's delivery came back and unfortunately, Urie's paled in comparison most notably on the laugh lines. By the time it was over, Urie does manage to have the audience in his pocket, partially due to the fact that he does an overall effective job (even through line misreadings, in my opinion) but most likely because it's just a very well written play. Mercedes Ruehl was quite good, never overblown.... and while she has her screaming match moments with Urie, she is never over the top nor does she fall into caricature.
At 2 hrs 20 minutes, I can't recall what material has been cut although it must be quite a bit. The original ran 3 hrs and 20 minutes. Add back one intermission that was cut and the fact that Urie recites the lines with Patti Lupone-like speed cutting a good 20 minutes right there. Therefore, that leaves a good 20 minutes or more of cutting. I would have to go back to the script to identify it.
Definitely worth seeing, with a good chance that it has a life after Second Stage. |
