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A View From the Bridge Reviews
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It's Not Just The Scarlett and Liev Show... Review by: , Apr 1, 2010 |
| ALL the players were fantastic. Not to mention the direction. We also sat in on a "Talk Back" after the show, which was meant for theatre class, but my mom and hubby and I snuck in and stayed to hear Scarlett, Liev and another cast member answer questions from seats on the stage. It was a terrific experience. But then again, so was the play. Only one more week left, I believe, but go if you can. I think it will sweep at the Tonys. JMHO |
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Frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn.....a Gone View Review by: Diract 66, Mar 25, 2010 |
| This 'View' was a totally predictable play and not the best of Arthur Miller. As with all Greek tragedy you know the main character is meant for disaster in the end. Foreshadowing, how about the carving of the apple in the first scene. Why did I not feel sorry for the main character at the end of this play? Maybe because Liev Schreiber was so world weary and tired and mumbled his lines that I never felt the sympathy for him which ... read more is essential for this play and all Greek tragedy. Energy was missing from Liev and as good as this play was written, it was dreadfully slow moving.Overacting is one thing, but here we have Underacting! Project Liev! Even in the ninth row you are difficult to hear. Scarlett Johansson was unrecognizable in a brown wig and long plain dresses. She also looked too adult for the part. The setting was bleak and effective in using a large stage and making a much too small interior apartment. Can a longshoreman really not afford chairs? Must a heater substitude as a couch? This set takes a broadway stage and turns it into an off broadway space. If you can see this play with discounts it is worthwhile, but full price...Never! |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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Too Bad You Missed IT! Review by: Old Sarge, Mar 24, 2010 |
An almost perfect revival of this classic play is a star vehicle for Scarlett Johanssen but also is flawlessly acted by the entire cast. Liev Schriber is the main character and his portrayal of Eddie is by far the best of the three I've seen.
Scarlett does an A+ job, but as a red blooded male it's too bad she's required by the role to wear those awful looking styles of the 1950's. At the same time, Eddie's wife ... read more is far too slender and attractive for a housewife of that era (young people will naver know the difference).
Boo, hoo! I failed to get Scarlett's autograph (but many others were luckier).
Fully recommended. IF you can still find a ticket. |
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must see!
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Red bricks (and the players) shine darkly in Redhook Review by: Tom M, Mar 1, 2010 |
Starting with complaints, they are thin, but "I loved it" would be boring, so: Scarlett's Brooklyn accent was acted, not complete, but my mother grew up in Redhook in the fifties, my relatives did too. There isn't an actor who could perform it that would make it sound natural to me. But it certainly was not some botched job, I did not sense she was forcing it, or lost trying to translate it (sorry). She did very well with it, and she did even ... read more better simply portraying the emotions of a 17 year old discovering love, and her affect on her uncle. I guess I went in half expecting her not to be that good on stage, and I was half wrong. As a man with pulse, I knew I'd like her at least a little, and I did more than that. She was half good and half excellent, so close to excellent overall. I somehow felt more sympathy for her than any of the other characters. Her speech about loving her uncle (the right way) moved me, even as he was making her life difficult.
Liev was the most powerful of all the characters. He was
not so much sympathetic to me, as he was real in his stubborness. I suppose kudos go to Arthur Miller for writing the character, but I never did read it, only saw Liev perform it, and I was taken into that world (simplicity, righteousness) by his performance from the very beginning. In fact, I take back the comment about not being able to pull off the accent. I think he does. He goes from likeable, to questionable, to despicable, but reminds us of why we ever liked him when he reaches out to Bea in the end. Again, Miller wrote it, but Liev has to bring you on the journey, and he does.
The one man chorus was somewhat pushed to me, but not so much that it made me not like the play. I did like the way he spoke to the audience and then dropped into the play (live action) within the same breath (at least once).
I guess I wasn't buying why some lawyer was so broken hearted about the events of a family in the neighborhood, not his own, but I was buying Jessica Hecht's heartbreak, if not her accent. It did go closer to Jewish Brooklyn than Italian Brooklyn, but I nit-pick here. She's the first to see it coming, and her emotions go a long way toward building the audiences sympathy for the tragedy unfolding.
Corey Stoll and Morgan Spector have the greatest accent challenge, playing the immigrant brothers, and they do notably well. They are in turns both funny, and entertaining, and carry the action to the plays tragic conclusion, even with their smaller, though crucial, parts.
Stellar marks all around for setting and lighting, it is amazing how the brick buildings on the small stage look so plain before the play begins, yet so rich with life once the story unfolds, all the while maintaining the drab, damp darkness.
This is a great, moving, night of theater. I am not an expert (obviously) in the art, but the actors lack nothing when it comes to passion and intensity. All stayed well within the rhythm of the story, allowing me to immerse myself in their world for a couple of hours. As someone only once removed from the setting of the play, I would've reacted unkindly to a poor portrayal. Not the case. I loved it. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Tourists, Adults
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| 5 |
Stars Detract But See it Anyway. Review by: DoctorJoeE, Feb 27, 2010 |
I suppose I understand why Broadway producers feel obligated, in this day and age, to cast Hollywood stars in dramas. They (or perhaps their investors) probably fear that they won't be able to attract a profitable audience without them; and perhaps they are right. But I'm old enough to remember when dramatic productions were allowed to stand on their own. It's a shame those days are gone, because famous actors tend to make it very difficult to ... read more suspend one's disbelief. It's hard, for example, to get into 1950s Brooklyn in this production with the guy from CSI Miami. It's not that Liev Schreiber isn't a good actor; he's just not good enough to make you forget he's a fancy schmancy TV star. And he mumbles his lines, which is a pet peeve of mine. (Don't they teach voice projection in acting school anymore?) And he doesn't communicate the conflict and rage that Arthur Miller intended this character to have. Scarlett Johansson is fine, but her role is far less demanding; and they've "made her down" (as they say) sufficiently to allow her to disappear into her character.
The other issue I have is with the play itself -- the one-man "Greek chorus", the lawyer Alfieri, has never worked in past productions, and it doesn't work in this one either, even with a fine actor like Michael Cristofer playing him. You get the impression (or at least I do) that Miller added this character because he lacked confidence that his dialog alone would communicate the points he wanted to make. But those points are pretty obvious, and Alfieri just makes them unsubtle and redundant. He also telegraphs the outcome, which isn't necessary at all.
So should you see this play? Sure -- good drama is so rare on Broadway anymore that fans of good drama can't afford to miss what little comes along. I just wish we didn't have to endure TV and film actors trying to add a bit of "real" acting to their resumes. It's getting to the point that I actually hope the understudies for these people will get the call the night I'm there. |
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Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
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| 6 |
Liev and Scarlett are outstanding Review by: Dharma, Jan 28, 2010 |
| I thought overall the show was just okay, but Liev Schreiber was outstanding and so was Scarlett Johansson (who is from New York and I thought her Brooklyn accent was perfect - on the other hand, Jessica Hecht's Brooklyn accent was awful, but she was wonderful otherwise). A very memorable experience for me. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Alone
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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outstanding Review by: , Jan 25, 2010 |
| a searing, unforgettable performance. the play is extremely well-written-one of Miller's very best-and this cast and director truly do it tribute. this is theater is at its very best. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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Great Play, Good Cast Review by: Brenda, Jan 25, 2010 |
Last night I attended a preview of A View from the Bridge at the Court Theatre. This is a limited run (14 week) production directed by Gregory Mosher (Glengarry Glen Ross, Speed the Plow.) This was my first time with this particular Arthur Miller play. There is as much back story as there is theatrical story, and I found it all almost too much to absorb. "Bridge" is often seen as the final "take that" in the demise of the friendship between ... read more Elia Kazan and Mr. Miller. For years after the McCarthy trials, the two spoke only through their art forms. It is said that Miller expressed his sorrow and rage at Kazan with The Crucible, and Kazan replied with On the Waterfront, that then followed by "Bridge." It is very hard to ignore all that when watching this play that centers around codes of honor, betrayal and human frailty.
The play is crafted beautifully and narrated by the attorney, Alfieri (Michael Cristofer.) Mr. Mosher has directed Cristofer beautifully. It is no small feat to narrate a drama while playing a character within the play. His transitions are fluid and his stage presence pulses with an understated power. The story, as told by Alfieri, is that of a family of first generation Italian-Americans in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Eddie (Liev Schreiber) and his wife Beatrice (Jessica Hecht) have raised their niece Catherine (Scarlett Johansson.) Catherine is supposed to be a sheltered seventeen year old with her first exposure to men her own age (illegally) arriving in the form of Beatrice's cousins (wouldn't that make them Catherine's cousins too?) Rodolpho and Marco. Tragedy unfolds as Eddie finds the budding romantic relationship between Catherine and Rodolpho intolerable. There is an unwholesomeness to Eddie's interest in Catherine that colors his entire perspective. The tragedy that results from a man who loses his conscience while caught up in his misdirected impulses is life altering.
On paper, this is a powerful drama, and I have no doubt that the critics and audiences will find much to wax poetic. I would tend to agree, with some minor cast changes. By now you have probably heard of the hasty departure of the original Rodolpho. Apparently the head injury he received from Liev Schreiber in a fight scene prevents him from returning to work. This is a shame, as the role is pivotal and the understudy (Morgan Spector) lacks the necessary charisma. He is physically uncomfortable on the stage and in this role, and he (forgive me) lacks the pretty face that is necessary for this part. Another little bit of unsurprising miscasting is that of Miss Johansson. She manages to navigate the stage in a convincing manner, but her age is much too distracting. It is impossible to believe that a 26 year old is a sheltered 17 year old. She is not assisted in the least by the costuming (Jane Greenwood) that makes her look even older. This working class girl of very meager means is put in form fitting color coordinated outfits and bright red lipstick. She is made to look like a 1950s pin-up, and the result is that she and Liev look perfectly natural together as a couple. Had Miss Johansson been 10 years younger, and perhaps not spent as much time with a dialogue coach (her attempt at a Brooklyn accent is distracting and inaccurate) I think she could have pulled off the part quite well. Jessica Hecht is brilliant and luminescent and I want to see her in every American classic play. She becomes the character Beatrice so completely that even her trademark screen mannerisms disappear. My heart broke for her. Liev Schreiber is a fine actor, there is no doubt. I predict that Ben Brantley (sitting the row behind me) will adore the performance, as will The New Yorker. Me? I found it overwrought and distracting. I felt as if I was watching him act for two hours. I never "felt" anything, and that is a shame. I wanted to be pulled into his story and empathize with his conflict, for I believe that is what Mr. Miller intended. However, all I really felt was that Mr. Schreiber was performing a one man show and that the emotional calisthenics he demonstrated did not hint at a fun dinner companion off the stage.
The bones of a lovely production are in place however. The staging was wonderful, with self contained, restrained moving sets and brilliant fight scenes. Fight scenes, as we all can attest to, are a horror. They are not easy to choreograph (Thomas Schall) and certainly not always easy to watch. These were pitch perfect and utterly convincing (except for one small moment when Mr. Schreiber is careful not to bang Mr. Spector's head on the table.) The costume design (save Mr. Schrieber's "dockwocker dressed by Armani" look, and Ms. Johansson's pin-up look) are brilliantly on point. There is one off kilter set construct in the venetian blinds in the Red Hook tenement apartment. I did very much appreciate the absence of microphones and the smallness of the production, both designed to pull me in.
The audience make-up was interesting enough to warrant mention. This being previews, there were rows of critics in my section, as well as actors and other such insiders. What was perhaps more unique, was the large subset of audience members who had seen the original production (1956.) This made for a very savvy audience (I'd be savvy too, if I'd been going to the theatre for over fifty years!) The subtlety of the ovation will not be heard again once the show opens. These insiders gave very enthusiastic applause to the excellent Marco (Matthew Montelongo,) Ms.Hecht, Mr. Cristofer and Mr. Schreiber, and gave what is known as "polite applause" to Ms. Johansson. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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| 9 |
Wonderful Arthur Miller Review by: brooklyn lady, Jan 24, 2010 |
| We saw this play on Saturday, January 23. I love Arthur Miller's plays. Always a good story. This production was very well done and the acting is top-notch. Liev as Eddie gets it right as does Jessica Hecht(Liev's wife) and Michael Cristofer (lawyer/story teller). Scarlett Johansson(Catherine) does not seem as confident or comfortable as the other actors. This is a play with heart and emotion that touches the audience ... read more with universal understanding of the dynamics of human interaction. You become involved and you care about the characters. I wish more plays were so well written. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
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Classic American Drama Review by: Carol, Jan 20, 2010 |
| Liev Schreiber is amazing as Eddie. Jessica Hecht and Scarlett Johannson are convincing even if their Brooklyn accents fade in and out. This is a classic period piece, and the cast does a good job with it. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
The Entire Family, Tourists, Anyone
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Loved Liev, but ScarJo is another story Review by: NYNYer, Jan 15, 2010 |
| Liev Schreiber steals the show in this revival of a wonderufl and moving Arthur Miller play. If you like these types of classic American plays, you will surely enjoy A View From The Bridge, as it is a wonderful night of theatre. Liev has the "meaty" role in this play, and capably handles the downward spiral that gives this show drama and tragedy. Then again, I feel I would pay to listen/watch him read the phone book. The crowd went ... read more WILD for him. ScarJo tries her best I'm sure, but it was pretty irritating to listen to her attemps at a 1930's Brooklyn accent. Surely not an easy task when we're so used to seeing her on screen as a modern-day sex-pot-muse. Still, loved the show and will follow Liev to his next stage performance in a heartbeat! |
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Make an effort to see
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I saw this show with:
Large Group
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Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Business Assoc., Seniors
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A must see Review by: Paul, Jan 14, 2010 |
| A five star production.Great acting by the whole cast,poignant and engrossing.A masterpiece.Acting was very convincing...carried you away.Absolutely recommend it as a must see. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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| 13 |
Strong show, Liev an amazing performance Review by: annie, Jan 14, 2010 |
| I agree with other post that Liev carries this show. I was also impress with Scarlett's performance, particularly her body language. I would have liked to have heard a little more volume and projection in her voice. The set was fantastic and the story very believable and many of its themes still ring true. It was a great evening out and I am confident this will be a very successful run. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Alone
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Romantic Date, Seniors, Adults
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A must see play Review by: , Jan 13, 2010 |
This is a top notch play and acting and sets were great.Even if you go once a year ,try not to miss this one. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
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Recommended for:
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| 15 |
A Bridge Too Low Review by: Henry Higgins, II, Jan 9, 2010 |
Have to disagree with these two reviews. Schreiber is miscast. Never saw Eddie's loeable side. His size is intimadating. His accent doesn't fit. Michael Cristofer is dull and doesn't always projec. He says he emigrated to the States when he was 25. Where's his Red Hook accent.
Gave Scarlett kudos for her work. Ditto Jessica Hecht. Also Corey Stoll...terrific accent. And Santino very good.
The show moves fast, but the directing? ... read more Questionable. Terrific set. Costumes? Some of Johansson's should be shredded.
Problem with Schreiber Eddie's, he doesn't grow during the show.
too many holes in this version. The one 10 years ago stands head and shoulders above.
But people will go because it has stars. And that's good for B'way, actors and investors. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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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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