The Lyons

[+ Lucky]

I know that Linda Lavin has her fans. I had enough of her by the time that TV show ended.

But, if she is in a good show, I'd see it.

 

Here is the plot summary of her new play, The Lyons:

 

"Linda Lavin stars as Rita Lyons, the indomitable matriarch of a dysfunctional family at a major crossroads. Her husband's dying, her son's in a dubious relationship, her daughter's barely holding it together. Worst of all, Rita can't figure out how to redesign her living room." NY Times

 

Sounded good up until the last sentence. I can't spend big bucks to watch someone worry about her living room design.

[jgoo]

Am I correct to assume that it is a comedy?

[+ Lucky]

Playbill lists it as a "dark comedy."

[OneFinger]

Playbill lists it as a "dark comedy."

That's exactly why I'd like to see it. :o

[+ Cash4Trash]

I saw it at the Vineyard Theater earlier this year. The 1st act is hysterically funny and the 2nd act needed some work.

Fits right in with the dysfunctional family dramas of the day. Lavin is in top form.

[skynyc]

I saw it at the Vineyard as well, and agree with C4T...first act is really funny, and Ms. Lavin can deliver a zinger with the best of them. But at the intimate Vineyard, you really got to see the eye roll that went with it. At the Cort, I fear that eye roll will be lost.

And the second act was really a mess, I thought. Nicky Silver has never been able to write a likable gay character...how much does he hate himself?

[+ Lucky]

The reviews are in and they are good. Can they save this poor-selling show?

http://theater.nytimes.com/2012/04/24/theater/reviews/the-lyons-with-linda-lavin-at-the-cort-theater.html?hpw

 

 

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/you_ll_be_lavin_it_tcoDEBVR1tsLHDgM38jyqN

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/theater-review-linda-lavin-lyons-broadway-article-1.1066172

[+ Lucky]

skynyc says "...the second act was really a mess..."

 

WSJ critic Terry Teachout says: "...

Mr. Silver skids off the road after intermission. The second act of "The Lyons" opens with a scene that appears to have been lifted from some other show (alas, it can't be described without giving away the game). Then we return to the hospital for a grand finale that staggers into seriousness and gets all gooey." WSJ.com, April 23d, 2012

[+ sf westcoaster]

Glad I did not buy a ticket for this show.

[edjames]

I saw The Lyons last night and thought it was hysterically funny. I agree that the 2nd act does not live up to the 1st act, however in the end it was a good show. Alas, like a lot of Bway productions this one is in a box office trouble. It just doesn't have the power to pull in th tourists and young audience. It's a true NYC dysfunctional Jewish family story which is more appreciated by a NY audience. They should have transitioned it to an off-Broadway theater. It's won't last long after the Tony's are given out. (IMHO!)

 

ED

[operalover21]

skynyc says "...the second act was really a mess..."

 

WSJ critic Terry Teachout says: "...

Mr. Silver skids off the road after intermission. The second act of "The Lyons" opens with a scene that appears to have been lifted from some other show (alas, it can't be described without giving away the game). Then we return to the hospital for a grand finale that staggers into seriousness and gets all gooey." WSJ.com, April 23d, 2012

 

Did I miss you on the road to Damascus? I thought you couldn't stand Mr. Teachout. Or only when he disagrees with you?

 

I saw the play. He's pretty spot on. Some good stuff in Act 1. Act 2 is a mess. I don't really get Linda Lavin but then I don't get Patti LuPone either.