Plaza Suite starring SJP & Matthew Broderick - Savoy

[MoreLife]

Jan 18, 2024 23:40:23 GMT Steve said:

In my opinion, whatever you do, do NOT make this decision, to leave at the interval. . .

Instead, if you are the kind of person who leaves at the interval, having little patience for average material, have dinner from 7pm - 8pm, and show up at 8:30pm for the second half, which plays from 8:45pm to 10pm.

The difference between before and after the interval is chalk and cheese, where the first hour is whiny chalk screeching across a wizened blackboard, and the second half is a delicious comic cheese platter to be savoured.

I really enjoyed myself tonight, feeling that the first half was decidedly average, with skilful performances lifting intrinsically poor material, but found the second half was very funny, with skilful performances lifting good material towards excellence.

Some spoilers follow. . .

The three plays presented are essentially three two-handers, one before the interval, and two after. The connection between the plays is that they are all set in the same suite at the Plaza Hotel in the late sixties, and although the plays do not feature the same characters, they all explore the role of communication in middle-aged relationships.

The first play is about a failure of such communication, the second about successful communication, and the third about something in between, as well as about how communication styles might be passed from one generation to the next.

Throughout the evening, Matthew Broderick, who I found to be a sensitive and emotive actor in "The Starry Messenger," at Wyndham's Theatre, just gets funnier and funnier.

In the first play, Broderick gets more comic mileage than Walter Matthau got out of the same material, in the film (which I saw a couple of decades ago, but in which I recall Matthau being unpleasantly and off-puttingly abrasive), by channeling a kind of Wallace Shawn drony drollness, a much more pliant and comic doormat approach of dealing with the wife he can't agree with about anything. Sarah Jessica Parker spends the duration of this first play desperately and tragically trying to penetrate the drone, but as an audience member, I found the most memorable moment of the play was when Parker threw a paper plane across the room for it to land precisely on Broderick's lap. Cue cheers. Despite a couple of laughs, and an effective moment of melancholy, I'd rate the first play 2 and a half stars, raised from a 2 star text by the performances.

After the interval, the second play is an insightful comedy zinger, with both Sarah Jessica Parker and Broderick fizzing comically with desire for each other, after seventeen years of not seeing each other, though they now speak completely different love languages, with Parker desirous only of hearing about her former beau's Hollywood star connections, as he is now a big producer, and he desirous solely for her straightforward simplicity. The way these two love languages play off each other is utterly delightful, and both actors elevate good material into the stratosphere, with Broderick's Wallace Shawn comic whininess now informed by a youthful Woody Allen (before he got a bad rep lol) comic lustiness. For me, this is the best play of the evening, as the play is the match of the performances, and I'd give it 4 and a half stars.

The third play is the broadest comedy of all, about a couple who can't talk their daughter out of a bathroom on her wedding day. Now Broderick fires on more comedy cylinders than ever before, dressed in humorously grotesque grey aging makeup, getting more and more frenetic, a Wallace Shawn crossed with a young Woody Allen crossed with a Basil Fawlty crossed with the aging waiter who stumbled around in "Man with Two Guvnors," a comedy character par excellence. Unfortunately, SJP's straight woman character, albeit well done, gets a bit sidelined by Broderick's bravura comedy performance, so overall the play is not as interesting in what it has to say as the second play, but moment for moment it is the funniest, and I give it 4 stars.

Play 1: 2 stars;
Play 2: 4 and a half stars;
Play 3: 4 stars.

Overall, 3 and a half stars, but taken by itself, AFTER the interval rates a dynamic and winning 4 and a bit stars for me! So, in my opinion, don't miss the second half.

I went to see this earlier this week and I couldn't agree more about how different in terms of vibe and quality the three sub-plays are.  

I also found the first one to be the weakest, partly because of the writing and the material feeling old and "dead", but also in part (I think) because of how it's been directed.  There's so little happening and what the characters say in that first half that it could have benefited from a faster pace and maybe a more daring way of inhabiting those two characters... they're just plain boring, but not even in a way that makes you laugh at how boring they are, if that makes any sense.  

I loved Play 2, it was playful and quirky and gave both SJP and MB some good material to work with, plus their complicity and chemistry really shone through.  

Play 3 was funny and also well acted by both, although as you say SJP was perhaps a bit limited by the script in terms of what she could do with her character, whereas MB was given ample room to shine.  

To me, this (well, the second half!) made for a rather enjoyable night out and yes it felt a bit special to see those two on stage (I loved how at curtain call the way SJP waved and interacted with the audience suddenly felt more reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw's mannerisms, which I believe to be closer to SJP's own). 

But... I also have to mention that my ticket cost £55 - had I spent £100 or above, as so many have done / are doing, I certainly would have felt the robbed, given the content and quality of the first half.       

[Being Alive]

Extended by two weeks to April 13th.

Seats at every performance starting at £25, 21 seats per show in the stalls at £55.

If we start the stupid ticket price discourse when there are affordable ticket available again I'm gonna lose it...

[A.Ham]

Just saw the email - another fortnight is great and let’s hope there’s decent amounts of those more affordable seats.

[thistimetomorrow]

I've just grabbed some grand circle seats at £35 for the extension. Can't wait!

[dillan]

I saw this on Friday, I did indeed spend £125 to sit front row but I thought, let me just treat myself lol. The stage at The Savoy is low so the view is honestly 10/10 and it's a bit weird that the row behind is £75 more at £200.

Act 1 is my least favourite out of the 3, it's a bit slow paced and a little predictable but still enjoyable. Act 2 is great and the material shows off both SJP and Matthew's comedy skills, but Act 3 was the true star IMO, I was belly laughing in the theatre - I actually didn't think the script limited SJP's acting, I thought both did fantastic here! I also didn't find the play to be too dated like some have said. Overall, is it worth the £300? Probably not, but if you're a big SJP/ Matthew fan, then you'll definitely enjoy because their acting alone made this worth seeing.

I stage door'd after, it was busy but not as busy as I was expecting.. about 5 lines deep, don't worry if you're towards the back, they seemed to sign everyone's show merch and both were very kind. SJP recognised me from sitting in the front row too - luckily the person next to me filmed it!

[BurlyBeaR]

Jan 28, 2024 18:35:36 GMT dillan said:

I saw this on Friday, I did indeed spend £125 to sit front row but I thought, let me just treat myself lol. The stage at The Savoy is low so the view is honestly 10/10 and it's a bit weird that the row behind is £75 more at £200.

Act 1 is my least favourite out of the 3, it's a bit slow paced and a little predictable but still enjoyable. Act 2 is great and the material shows off both SJP and Matthew's comedy skills, but Act 3 was the true star IMO, I was belly laughing in the theatre - I actually didn't think the script limited SJP's acting, I thought both did fantastic here! I also didn't find the play to be too dated like some have said. Overall, is it worth the £300? Probably not, but if you're a big SJP/ Matthew fan, then you'll definitely enjoy because their acting alone made this worth seeing.

I stage door'd after, it was busy but not as busy as I was expecting.. about 5 lines deep, don't worry if you're towards the back, they seemed to sign everyone's show merch and both were very kind. SJP recognised me from sitting in the front row too - luckily the person next to me filmed it!

dillan how nice! What a thrill for you. 

[Being Alive]

Majority 3 star reviews which is what I expected, with a couple of 4s, and a 2 from the miserable woman at the Guardian and also from The Stage

[Jon]

Jan 29, 2024 0:20:08 GMT Being Alive said:

Majority 3 star reviews which is what I expected, with a couple of 4s, and a 2 from the miserable woman at the Guardian and also from The Stage

They really need a reviewer for the Guardian who actually likes theatre.

[parsley1]

What a shame

To have the fan following SJP has

And choose to appear in such a brainless piece of nothing writing

You really have to be a mediocre actor to complete a run in something so pointless and tedious

2 stars not only from Guardian
Also from Independent
And iNews
The Stage

It’s ironic she made her name playing a character on the edge of fashion and feminism

And chooses a tacky, dated and very irrelevant play

[mrbarnaby]

I’m glad the reviewers have seen through this and not been dazzled by her star power to give it rave reviews.

She deserves so much better than this terrible play.

[dlevi]

I actually don't understand the venom toward these plays and this production. Yes the ticket prices are outrageous but sadly that's what a free market economy is all about. As for the production, this isn't a cheap as cheese Bill Kenwright (RIP) touring revival - it's a lush starry revival of a good (not great) play that hasn't aged as well in terms of sexual politics. So what? This production honors the tradition of a "boulevard" comedy by faultlessly re-creating the experience of what was once a staple of the West End and Broadway. Would anyone actually want to see a Jamie Lloyd de-construction of a Neil Simon play ? I don't think so. This show is the equivalent of a Fortnum and Mason gift basket. Beautifully presented and full of delights that you didn't know you missed. The two stars are funny and endearing and the production as a whole is never less than glittering and it captures the sexual politics of a moment in time (not that long ago) - when women had certain roles in life which were expected of them. 5 stars from me.

[parsley1]

“Starry” is relative

Is she Beyoncé is she Madonna

I think it’s well known outside of Carrie Bradshaw

SJP is not revered for her acting skills
It would be preferable to have a “star” in a play which is a less lazy option and showcases their skills and stretches their repertoire
Or even a non star in a good play
To appear on stage once in a blue moon and to do it in this play
Is unforgivable really
She would have been better off doing “an evening with SJP” at the Barbican

[alicechallice]

Jan 29, 2024 13:32:02 GMT parsley1 said:

“Starry” is relative

Is she Beyoncé is she Madonna

I think it’s well known outside of Carrie Bradshaw

SJP is not revered for her acting skills
It would be preferable to have a “star” in a play which is a less lazy option and showcases their skills and stretches their repertoire
Or even a non star in a good play
To appear on stage once in a blue moon and to do it in this play
Is unforgivable really
She would have been better off doing “an evening with SJP” at the Barbican

I think for a lot of us, we would rather see an actress ACTING than a pop star having a mediocre crack at it. 

I know it's come up a lot before but I don't think some people appreciate how iconic Carrie Bradshaw in SATC was for a lot of people (women and gays mainly, I grant you) and why she has a such a loyal following. The fact that SJP herself doesn't seem too far removed from the character, particularly in terms of fashion & lifestyle, is what has kept the glamour going to a degree. 

And no, she's not revered in the same way as a Meryl Streep or Katherine Hepburn but she has been a working actress for nearly 50 years, so I don't think she's got anything to be ashamed of.  

[sph]

You see, I think she is actually a good actress with great star power. I mean she has been a prolific actress since she was a child. This show is certainly selling on both the names of her and her husband. She's not an incapable pop star or reality star, she really is an actress. They both have played several iconic roles in their careers.

As for choosing Plaza Suite as a vehicle? Ok, so maybe it was one of those fondly remembered plays which doesn't quite live up to the memory, but I TOTALLY see why they would want to do it. A classic old-school Broadway comedy perfectly written as an almost-two-hander that would suit a husband and wife team? Seems an obvious choice to me! What else would you put them both in?

[theatrefan62]

Jan 29, 2024 14:40:06 GMT alicechallice said:

Jan 29, 2024 13:32:02 GMT parsley1 said:

“Starry” is relative

Is she Beyoncé is she Madonna

I think it’s well known outside of Carrie Bradshaw

SJP is not revered for her acting skills
It would be preferable to have a “star” in a play which is a less lazy option and showcases their skills and stretches their repertoire
Or even a non star in a good play
To appear on stage once in a blue moon and to do it in this play
Is unforgivable really
She would have been better off doing “an evening with SJP” at the Barbican

I think for a lot of us, we would rather see an actress ACTING than a pop star having a mediocre crack at it. 

I know it's come up a lot before but I don't think some people appreciate how iconic Carrie Bradshaw in SATC was for a lot of people (women and gays mainly, I grant you) and why she has a such a loyal following. The fact that SJP herself doesn't seem too far removed from the character, particularly in terms of fashion & lifestyle, is what has kept the glamour going to a degree. 

And no, she's not revered in the same way as a Meryl Streep or Katherine Hepburn but she has been a working actress for nearly 50 years, so I don't think she's got anything to be ashamed of.  

Yeah I still can't believe how many people still don't get how big SJP and Sex and the City are for a whole generation (or more).

She may not be a great dramatic actress, but she is good at comedy. As has been seen in SATC and her movie career. Hocus Pocus is iconic for many, the Family Stone is also a cult festive favourite. She's also respected on broadway where again this show didn't get great reviews, but she did

[normasturban]

Agree with the above. SJP has been working consistently in the business since she was a child. Long before her SaTC days. She may not be regarded as an acting heavyweight like Streep but she’s a wonderful actress with real power.

[alece10]

I'm probably in the minority but I consider Matthew Broderick the bigger star of the two. Mainly because I have never seen Sex In The City and don't think I've ever seen her in anything.
So I booked mainly because of him and not her.

[parsley1]

Jan 29, 2024 14:40:06 GMT alicechallice said:

Jan 29, 2024 13:32:02 GMT parsley1 said:

“Starry” is relative

Is she Beyoncé is she Madonna

I think it’s well known outside of Carrie Bradshaw

SJP is not revered for her acting skills
It would be preferable to have a “star” in a play which is a less lazy option and showcases their skills and stretches their repertoire
Or even a non star in a good play
To appear on stage once in a blue moon and to do it in this play
Is unforgivable really
She would have been better off doing “an evening with SJP” at the Barbican

I think for a lot of us, we would rather see an actress ACTING than a pop star having a mediocre crack at it. 

I know it's come up a lot before but I don't think some people appreciate how iconic Carrie Bradshaw in SATC was for a lot of people (women and gays mainly, I grant you) and why she has a such a loyal following. The fact that SJP herself doesn't seem too far removed from the character, particularly in terms of fashion & lifestyle, is what has kept the glamour going to a degree. 

And no, she's not revered in the same way as a Meryl Streep or Katherine Hepburn but she has been a working actress for nearly 50 years, so I don't think she's got anything to be ashamed of.  

I think the boundaries are blurred

Plenty of singers and pop stars have proven themselves excellent actors

I don’t see why people are obsessed with boxing people as some are multitalented

Beyoncé managed a golden globe nomination

Mary J Blige an Oscar nomination

I guarantee you SJP won’t ever get an Oscar nod for anything and her list of film acting credits is embarrassing

[sph]

I mean, you're entitled to your opinion and everything, but I do think you're being a little harsh.

[parsley1]

Jan 29, 2024 19:05:44 GMT sph said:

I mean, you're entitled to your opinion and everything, but I do think you're being a little harsh.

I think if you are going to charge £300 for something

You need to be open to critique

I would be interested to see who going to the show earns that in 2 hours

Easy to grab money

No reason why we can’t ask for some standards to go with this

People laugh at paying hundreds for a pop concert

Plaza suite is less well written and acted than an episode of Keeping Up Appearances


Just because someone we are familiar with and have benign feeling towards is in it
Doesn’t detract from the fact it isn’t very good

[sph]

Oh yeah sure, critiquing and discussing the play is what we're on this board for. I meant more your disdain for Parker as an actress and her career overall.

Anyway - how did it do in New York? Were reviews good over there?

[parsley1]

Jan 29, 2024 19:56:24 GMT sph said:

Oh yeah sure, critiquing and discussing the play is what we're on this board for. I meant more your disdain for Parker as an actress and her career overall.

Anyway - how did it do in New York? Were reviews good over there?

I love her and loved SATC

In that setting with others around her and a wardrobe of lovely clothing she was great

A career defining role for sure

The shame is her is career is defined only by that character and role

And outside of this she isn’t a particularly great actress

And doesn’t make good choices in terms of films to appear in

[parsley1]

playbill.com/article/what-did-critics-think-of-the-broadway-revival-of-plaza-suite-starring-matthew-broderick-and-sarah-jessica-parker

[parsley1]

Jan 29, 2024 20:08:17 GMT parsley1 said:

playbill.com/article/what-did-critics-think-of-the-broadway-revival-of-plaza-suite-starring-matthew-broderick-and-sarah-jessica-parker

‘Instead, it feels like community theater for rich people, amateurish despite the deluxe sets and costumes (by John Lee Beatty and Jane Greenwood, respectively’

‘Not that it matters to a general audience, desperate for even a pale ghost of levity after four years of Trump, two-plus years of pandemic, and a land war in Europe. They’ve paid money already convinced that Broderick is brilliant and has amazing romantic and comic chemistry with Parker. If those two sat there in pajamas and told knock-knock jokes for two hours, people would be rolling in the aisles’

‘Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker star in a Neil Simon comedy that no longer feels very funny.’

‘Review: A luxe ‘Plaza Suite’ misses the laughs’

‘There are stretches when Plaza Suite drags just enough to allow time for drifting minds to wonder what a worthier project could do for these ever-likable stars’

‘Alas, the stars’ efforts, while certainly appealing, don’t make the material any less obsolete, a throwback to the bougie boulevard comedies that were once a Broadway staple. The observations on marriage and relationships occasionally generate a chuckle, but more often seem stale and the sexual politics retrograde, something that John Benjamin Hickey’s serviceable direction can’t disguise’






A selection of comments in quotes

[mrbarnaby]

Jan 29, 2024 13:32:02 GMT parsley1 said:

“Starry” is relative

Is she Beyoncé is she Madonna

I think it’s well known outside of Carrie Bradshaw

SJP is not revered for her acting skills
It would be preferable to have a “star” in a play which is a less lazy option and showcases their skills and stretches their repertoire
Or even a non star in a good play
To appear on stage once in a blue moon and to do it in this play
Is unforgivable really
She would have been better off doing “an evening with SJP” at the Barbican

Sorry but she is a star. And a talented actress who is hugely loved.