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Glengarry Glen Ross

edjames

By edjames
in Comedy & Tragedy

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edjames Veteran

edjames

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Mamet isn't having a good season on Bway. The latest revival of Glengarry Glen Ross hasn't wowed the critics:

 

 

http://theater.nytimes.com/2012/12/10/theater/reviews/glengarry-glen-ross-by-david-mamet-with-al-pacino.html?hpw&_r=0

 

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/theater/more_fizzle_than_sizzle_NjcY22o8gi8mcbUmlL5tKJ

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/theater-review-glengarry-glen-ross-article-1.1215710

 

 

Oh well, I just saved myself some money but crossing this off my list.

 

ED

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operalover21 Veteran

operalover21

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Would you really go/not go to a show just because of what the critics say? Not me.

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edjames Veteran

edjames

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Would you really go/not go to a show just because of what the critics say? Not me.

 

YES, absolutely. Critical aclaim or lack thereof definitely affects my choices. I have different reasons for seeing various productions. First, I may be a fan of the author and like his/her work, or I may be interested in seeing an actor or actress in a certain role, or the story interests me.

 

Sometimes, it has nothing to do with critical aclaim. Sometimes friends may say they hated or loved a certain production and I have to make a judgement call based upon my opinion of their judgement.

 

AND, let's not forget all those on this list who contribute their valuable opinions...

 

However, when critics pan a production I take it all into account and make a decision. Today's theater prices forces many to be a judicious in their choices. Nothing is worse that leaving the theater saying, I just wasted "X" amount of dollars on a theater, be it discounted or full-price. Sometimes I am able to take advantage of "friends in the biz" and can always say "for free, it was OK."

 

I have had my fill of Mr. Mamet and Mr. Pacino, so they won't be seeing me any time soon...

 

BTW, Citylaw, the actor is Bobby Cannavale.

 

ED

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WilliamM Grand Master

+ WilliamM

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I may be a fan of the author and like his/her work, or I may be interested in seeing an actor or actress in a certain role, or the story interests me.

 

 

 

I agree with all of your comments, but especially the one I quoted. When I first became interested in the theater in 1959-1960, I would have seen anything by O'Neill, Williams or Miller. Also I would have bought a ticket to hear Kim Stanley read the phone book, or Mary Martin/Ethel Merman sing the phone book. I either started early, or am older because I seldom see Stanley, Martin or Merman mentioned here. In 1960, it was very difficult to obtain a ticket to any of their Broadway shows.

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Lucky Grand Master

+ Lucky

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I would never, ever base my decision on going to see something based on what the critics had to say. They don't deserve that kind of power.

 

Such a silly statement. Critics earn their reputation much like other journalists. They develop a track record of picking the good shows and panning the worst ones. Once their credibility is established, one can count on their opinions to steer you the right way. As Ed pointed out earlier, the cost of a Broadway ticket today makes reviewers essential to making informed choices of where to spend those dollars. A good critic has earned his "power" and helps thousands every week make the right choices. If he steers you wrong, he doesn't last long.

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edjames Veteran

edjames

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I would never, ever base my decision on going to see something based on what the critics had to say. They don't deserve that kind of power.

 

Alas, the power of the critic to make or break a show has been historic for decades.

 

I'm a bit surprised by your reaction because you are so free to offer your opinion on this thread of so many productions, and I, IMHO, consider it to be a "critical opinion" putting you right up there with other noteworthy critics.

 

As far as this production goes, the point is now mute, becuase it has been announced that it has recouped its investment leaving its producers in a happy and jolly holiday mood. Ah the power of Mr. Pacino's box off draw!

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WilliamM Grand Master

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Waste of Money

 

 

I wish I had taken your advise, Ed. If anything The Times review did not go far enough. At least at this weekend performance, Pacino looked and acted like a man much older than Pacino's actual age (73 years old). I hope he has a cold, or a headache because Pacino is not believable as someone who has a job, let alone a job as a salesman. He is better is act two, seeming for a while like his former self. A very short while.

 

I also usually like Bobby Cannavale, but there's no shading to Cannavale's acting this time. When he makes a sale, you wonder why anyone would buy a house from such a obvious con men. Like someone else here, I have spent much of my life around salesmen. Most salemen throw in a little charm to make the sale. This production of Glengarry Glen Ross sees charm as something to be avoided at all costs.

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edjames Veteran

edjames

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Dare I say it? "I'm always right!"...LMAO

Sometimes it pays to do a little research before you pluck down your money.

There was a lot of Bway rumor about the Pacino demands during rehersals, which, to me, indicated some problems.

This show will make money because the star billing will pull in lots of people, especially during the holiday season when theater tickets are a great Xmas gift.

Alas, operalover21's time-out will prevent him from letting us know his opinion. LOL

 

The good news is that within weeks the 2013 season starts up, so we will have lots more to discuss very soon.

Happy Holidays to ALL!!!!!

 

ED

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WilliamM Grand Master

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Dare I say it? "I'm always right!"...LMAO

Sometimes it pays to do a little research before you pluck down your money.

There was a lot of Bway rumor about the Pacino demands during rehersals, which, to me, indicated some problems.

This show will make money because the star billing will pull in lots of people, especially during the holiday season when theater tickets are a great Xmas gift.

 

The good news is that within weeks the 2013 season starts up, so we will have lots more to discuss very soon.

Happy Holidays to ALL!!!!!

 

ED

 

Ed, I did a lot of research before I decided to see "Glengarry Glen Ross." I was aware of the problems, rumors and the mostly negative reviews. But, I had seen Al Pacino three times before on Broadway and Off-Broadway, liked his performances, and took a chance (always knowing it was a chance). This time it was a huge disappointment. But, I never regret taking chances, and will again---sooner rather than later.

 

Happy Holidays. I really enjoy your posts.

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edjames Veteran

edjames

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You're right. Last time I saw Pacino on Bway he did Shylock in Merchant of Venice, and well, let's just say, I wasn't that impressed.

It was a lesson learned and Al and I aren't seeing each other anymore. (LOL)

It's always heartbreaking to go to theater full of anticipation and leave feeling disappointed. Kinda like openning the door and finding the escorts online pics are 10 years old! He's now in his 40's, gained 30 pounds and hasn't seen the inside of a gym since the first Bush administration...

Well, I guess we'll just have to be more careful in 2013....

 

ED

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