Seattlest: The Rep's Boring You Can't Take It With You

Simonian

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:35:33 -0800

Stick with the movie. If you want a slightly more modern version, I think there was a PBS version a while back starring Jason Robards. I agree that chestnuts like this do not represent what the top level theaters (speaking economically and not necessarily artistically) in this town should be doing. If they aren't bringing anything new to an old play, better to leave it to community theaters whose audiences are more likely to enjoy it. The last sentence of this review is right on.

Stucco

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 20:24:06 -0800

If I've seen the old movie (and really liked it) should I go see this, or avoid it?

bilco

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:19:02 -0800

Gotta agree with you on most counts. I was actually looking forward to seeing this play, which doubled my disappointment when it turned out to be so lackluster. As another review pointed out, a big part of the problem here is that these 'wacky folks' just aren't that wacky by modern standards. That makes for a big obstacle for the cast to climb over. The other weird thing about this is the huge cast. While it's nice to see a lot of our faves on stage, so many characters leave the actors with little to do. The part played by R. Hamilton Wright, for example, required little of him other than looking exasperated, which of course he does a great job of. I saw it at the 1st preview, and for much of the play you could hear a pin drop. The inter-act music is fun, though, included the great You Rascal You (performed by Louis Armstrong). About 2 years ago, the Blasters were in town, and Phil Alvin's performance on that song alone was more entertaining that this slog.