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A Catered Affair Reviews
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A CATERED AFFAIR: All in the Family Review by: LimelightMike, Apr 22, 2008 |
There I was ... Da Bronx! This musical drama centers around an Irish-American family in the New York City borough in the 1950s. Just as I had expected, it was nice and cozy. As the houselights dimmed, I knew that this was going to be an event to remember. Before even entering the Kerr, I was well-aware of the backstory: A Catered Affair began life as THE Catered Affair, a teleplay written by Paddy Chayefsky about a working-class family who ... read more must decide whether or not to spend their life savings on a lavish wedding reception for their daughter. The subsequent film version was co-written by Gore Vidal, which starred Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnine and Debbie Reynolds. Having been greatly inspirted by 'a human story', Harvey Fierstein began adapting the piece for the stage several years ago, recruiting composer John Bucchino to provide a score. Tony-winning director John Doyle helmed the piece from it's inception to the recent Broadawy bow.
With that said, let's begin ... So, I caught the show last night (Monday, the 21st) from C-107 of Center Orchestra. Treated my sister to the performance - as many, if not all - know already. We both cried throughout the performance. It succeeded a great deal in 'moving' the audience. I couldn't tell if it was a sell-out, but it certainly sounded and felt like one. When breaks for applause surfaced, the house roared with admiration. Faith Prince, having been absent from the Broadway musical scene since 2001, makes and breaks the heart as Aggie, the long-suffering mom, while Tom Wopat's work as Tom (the father of the bride) was absolutely brilliant. You really get a sense of this man's ways and angles with his gut-wrenching ballad, "I Stayed". The two aforementioned along with Mr. Harvey Fierstein's Winston were absolutely spectacular as the headlining players; digging deep and taking us right along on their individual jounrney. In that same instance, while not as bold or brave an arc, Leslie Krtizer and Matt Cavanaugh were also giving strong and ever-so-poignant performances as 'Jane' and 'Ralph'. The rest of the cast was a true delight - great additions all around.
Let's move on to the score. I first became aware of this show LONG before a formal announcement was made, and became all the more ecstatic when I found out that Mr. John Bucchino was penning the score. The first song I heard from the score was "Coney Island" and last night's performance of the song ... exceeded all expectations. Other stand-out numbers included. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to the original cast album release sometime next month. Truly an experience not to be missed ... if your aim is to 'go to the theatre and be moved' (like so many of us set-out to do).
In full, I feel that the spot-on direction, hauntingly beautiful score with tug-o'-the-heartstrings book, A CATERED AFFAIR amounts to 90 minutes of blissful theatrical splendor that will have you laughing, crying and home by 10. I was ready and willing, as previously stated, to take my seat, open my mind, and take-in the show as a whole. Thanks to Mr. Fierstein and Mr. Bucchino's perfect marriage of music-and-verse, I gladly did so last evening, and I went home profoundly moved, as did my sister. By all accounts, if you know how to appreciate fine art and understanding of the human condition, visit Telecharge.com now and book your family and friends a block of tickets. Don't doubt your heart (even) for a minute. Take the ride. Just take a breath and open up your eyes ... Right now. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Family
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, The Entire Family, Business Assoc.
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"Raisin on the Piazza," but in a good way. Review by: RichardA, Apr 20, 2008 |
Well, my comments will contrast with the majority of those that I'm seeing on this site. I saw the Saturday evening performance on April 19, and I was very impressed and moved. It's a small show---there's no tap dancing or chorus girls. But it has a lot of heart and a lot talent supporting that feeling. I found the music haunting and performances, in general, appropriately restrained, until the big "crack up" numbers, where this fine ... read more troupe really lets loose. It's worth the wait. I can't get the story out of my mind. Maybe it's my boomer perspective, or my modest upbringing--things that most gen x or gen y folks often cannot relate to---but a musical about the consequences of or decisions and ramifications of feelings that go unsaid too long really reminded me about caring for the people in my life. The show defies a categorization, but if the idea of LIGHT ON THE PIAZZA meets a white-people version of RAISIN IN THE SUN appeals to you, I highly recommend it. Harvey Fierstein is fast becoming an institution and a legend on B'way. I didn't know that Faith Prince had such marvelous range in her. And Tom Wompat has transformed himself into the beaten down working everyman. Three notable performances in a marvelous show.
Richard A. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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Only an average musical Review by: bway100, Apr 18, 2008 |
| The show was flat and one-dimensional, but Faith Prince's acting was very good. You didn't notice Tom Wopat until the end, but when you did, his emotions poured out. It was hard to understand what Harvey Fierstein was singing. The couple getting married didn't have the spark I'd expect from an engaged couple. The supporting characters were good. I liked the set and the way it moved across the stage. I wish the songs & choreography were a ... read more little more exciting. I think this would have worked better Off-Broadway where the audience could be closer to the action. Or maybe it should have been a play instead of a musical. This show had good points & bad points, but not enough good to recommend it. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Review by: theatrelover, Apr 16, 2008 |
| Both my husband and I were moved by the storyline, the talented cast and the lyrics. Broadway at its best. Don't miss this refreshing addition to the "Great White Way" |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Tourists, Adults
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Acting and Script from the Heart Review by: Penny, Apr 12, 2008 |
| Saw A Catered Affair April 10. Harvey Fierstein is amazingly creative to be able to bring to life characters you can care about in just 90 minutes. In my opinion, he's one of our theatre "treasures" for this era. It is a play with a message, to appreciate and not overlook those who love us and are loyal to us, whether family or friends. One problem with the play was that I couldn't understand all the words Harvey was saying at the ... read more begjnning of the play, especially. The idea to create a wedding album for everyone to take part in at the website for the play is very original and thoughtful. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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DOA Review by: bklyndaddy, Apr 9, 2008 |
| I wanted to love this show but honestly it is a bore. The look and feel of it tries to be "charming" and the songs could put you to sleep. Harvey tried hard but everytime he opened his mouth I held my breath. The cast tried hard to bring some life into it but never succeeds .............flatline! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Save your money...see cry baby (at least it was fun) Review by: backseat critic, Apr 8, 2008 |
| I go to the theater frequently, having been to three shows in the last three weeks. This was absolutely the worst show I have ever seen. i went because of the cast. i generally love Harvey Fierstein and his "perverted" sense of humor. Eeven he could not save this show. It's a good thing there was no intermission - half the audience would have left. I have never seen such a depressing "musical" in my life....and i could barely call it a musical - ... read more each song sounded the same.....dull and dreary. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Seniors
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Absolutely loved it! Review by: Buttercup, Apr 6, 2008 |
| I enjoyed this musical from the moment it began. The acting was wonderful - the story was simple and true. It is not a big Broadway Blockbuster for sure and thank God it's not. It is perfection. To be able to see actors/singers like Faith Prince, Tom Wopat and Harvey perform this kind of material is what makes us keep faith in the future of the Broadway musical. (it was great to see Heather MacRae back on Broadway too.) |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Anyone
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A Different Kind of Musical Theatre Review by: theatregoer, Apr 6, 2008 |
| Very heartfelt play that happens to incorporate some music. The show is somewhat weak in spots, but is overall a wonderful night at the theatre. This isn't the show to select if you were looking for a flashy, full-blown musical. The characters are somewhat underdeveloped. Harvey's role is at best miscast and doesn't blend with the other characters. Overall, a pleasant experience with a show that harkens back to a musical style of the past. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Large Group
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Food for thought-sometimes tough to swallow Review by: purrminator, Mar 31, 2008 |
| The show was a bit spotty and had some slow moments-too many slow songs but touched that dark corner of marriage dynamics.. both the young, fresh hopes of a long happy life together and the side that can easily be unfulfilling, predictable, stifling and the sacrificing of each other and your dreams for the sake of a relationship. It's not the show that tourists will want to see...I think it's more of a drama with music and touches of comedy. ... read more Totally not what I expected but as Harvey would say "I just wanna be loved-is that so wrong?" |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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Don't you dare see this. Review by: BroadwayBoy78, Mar 31, 2008 |
| Probably the worst thing I've seen on Broadway. Goodness the cast was trying (though Faith Price really has nothing interesting to sing) but the show never gets off the ground at all. Visable squirming was seen throughout the audience mere minutes into the show and only got worse as the night progressed. Boring, sloooow, and ultimately just bad. Save your cash! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Dont bother - snail's pace musical that snores! Review by: JIMMYBOY, Mar 29, 2008 |
| This was one of the worst things I have seen on Broadway in many years. Ever song sounded the exactly the same. I can see where they were attempting to go with this but it just never made it. The crowd barely applauded at the end and I found more than one person agreeing with me. One person said that she would be surprised if it didnt close after opening night. I went specifically because of the talent involved and I was extremely ... read more dissapointed. I think they didnt put an intermission in because they were worried people would leave. Save your money!! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Simple and Beautiful Review by: dylan, Mar 27, 2008 |
| A wonderful production, very short (95 minutes with no intermission) and sweet. It's a moody, uncompromising show with a deliberate pace, definitely not a commercial venture, and I'm not sure how Broadway audiences will react to this but I found it to be a breath of fresh air. The acting, particularly by Faith Prince and Tom Wopat, is extraordinary and the score is beautiful. Hats off to everyone involved with this production for taking a chance ... read more and creating something new and different. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
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