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Joe Turner's Come and Gone Reviews
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Hated it! Review by: Jade, Jun 13, 2009 |
| Could not figure out the story line/ plot / purpose and theme. It was a waste of money for both my friend and I. |
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My recommendation:
Don't go
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A solid effort, with a couple caveats Review by: FrisbieCat, Jun 10, 2009 |
I was going to write a negative review, but I read Brenda's detailed comments and the other postive reviews and respect what they have to say. I guess they are right that this show is a breath of fresh air and a serious, solid effort to tell an important story. I couldn't help, however, feeling like it was a little long and slow in parts, and I found it hard to connect to the time period or circumstances, so I would pass along a slight ... read more warning to people who just want a fun, light night on Broadway. I would also warn people that the balcony has a very, very odd feature--a large metal railing that runs along the entire front of the balcony and significantly obstructs views for at least the first few rows. We were in the front row, which we thought would be great, but we felt like contortionists trying to find a good viewing angle. In sum, clearly this is a serious, strong work, but I suggest people research the play a bit to make sure it is their cup of tea, and take care in choosing seats to make sure you can see all the action. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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This is Theatre! Review by: Brenda, Jun 8, 2009 |
On the heels of the 2008 Tony Awards, I bring you a review of a play devoid of pop composers, celebrity casting and green monsters. I saw August Wilson's _Joe Turner's Come and Gone_ this weekend (missing the President and Mrs. Obama by a scant week) at the Belasco Theatre. This Lincoln Center Theatre production (no doubt at the Belasco due to Lincoln Center construction) has created much buzz surrounding its direction. Bartlett Sher ... read more (South Pacific, Light in the Piazza) was given permission by Mr. Wilson's widow to direct Joe Turner. Much has been made of Mr. Wilson's outspokenness and wishes regarding African American directors working on African American plays, and the hiring of the non-African American Mr. Sher. While I cannot speak to the back story of this brouhaha or the motivation of the widow Turner, I can attest to the fact that this was not a gimmick. Mr. Sher does a lush and lovely job with this great American play. There is musical theatre in Mr. Sher's bones and it shows. The direction is fluid and musical and modulates in tempo, resulting in three hours that actually flies by.
The play is set in 1911 Pittsburgh (the second part of the Wilson Pittsburgh trilogy) in a boarding house. The boarders all present tales of searching and yearning for people and love in various forms. The most permanent boarder is Bynum (Roger Robisnon; TONY,) a mystic of sorts. The (white) traveling salesman Rutherford Selig (Arliss Howard,) creates a rich political and social context. While the individual tales are compelling and dramatically poignant, the real story is post slavery society. Each of the characters represents different stages of acclimation, not unlike non-slaved but subjugated immigrant populations. The owner of the house, Seth Holly (Ernie Husdon,) represents the consummate free man. He has no truck with African customs or mysticism. He owns his own business and has plans to develop a second business that will train and employ other men of color. His wife Bertha (Latanya Richardson Jackson,) except for her salt throwing habit, has embraced the life of the northern experience as well. One boarder, Jeremy, represents the other end of the freedom spectrum. His relationship with his work and his personal life has all the earmarks of a man who does not own his destiny. All of the other characters fall within these opposites.
The cast is flawless, except from an awkward child actor, attesting to the rarity of lack of self-consciousness in pre-pubescent boys. Ernie Hudson (OZ) is mesmerizing. He is a powerful and large actor that does not shy from nuance. Ms. Jackson is a perfect match to Mr. Hudson, and provides a wonderful softness to the tale. It is however, Mr. Robinson that steals this show. His body and cadence curl into a Yoda/Professor Marvel creation. His creation of Bynum is so three dimensional I wanted to have lunch with Bynum.
Like most great American plays, the characters and their stories linger and tell a tale that resonates for all. With absolutely no disrespect intended, _Joe Turner’s Come And Gone_, is a story that transcends one group of people.
The very end of the play might be considered trite and sentimental by some. Color me a reformed cynic; I loved it. You will be very happy having seen this beautiful production. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Touching and riveting Review by: susan, Apr 28, 2009 |
| I saw "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" last Saturday night and found it very moving and beautifully performed. The entire cast was excellent and their performances were riveting. It was serious, powerful and dramatic theater. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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| 5 |
Don't Miss it Review by: , Apr 23, 2009 |
| This was the best Broadway show I have seen in years. To maximize the experience, I would recommend reading background material on August Wilson. The current edition of the Lincoln Center Theater Review provides an excellent overview of various components of the show. The acting, music, dancing, and set design were phenomenal. I would recommend this for adults and children 13+ - particularly if they have covered slavery/Civil War topis in school.... read more. |
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must see!
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Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
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Excellent Play Review by: whiskey, Apr 17, 2009 |
| This is an excellent play, the characters are riveting and the storyline is interesting. Thought is was a tad long but I would recommend it to anyone looking for thoughful theatre. |
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My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
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Important work Review by: Jerseyman, Apr 13, 2009 |
My son and I attended the wed 4/8 2 pm show.
I reccomend this show for thoughtful adults and children above 12 who are also "seekers".
One needs to understand the social context of the African American exodus from the South to the North 1910-1960 to fully appreciate the play.
The writing is a mix of realism and poetry. IN the end the effect was, for these viewers, very moving.
Particular kudos to the Bynder- superb.
Ernie ... read more Hudson fills his role with gusto.
His wife's character "Bertha" is nobly played.
I'm a white man in my 50's and my son in his 20's. I can remember the Civil Rights era (on tv). He has studied our history academically. We both feel that we "got it". But we also couln't help but feel how this must resonate with the older generation whose parents and grandparents experienced those years.
This is not a "preachy" play. This is a work of deep poetic worth that I reccomend to anyone who cares about the American story. |
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Make an effort to see
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Not One of Wilson's Best Review by: Carol, Apr 13, 2009 |
| The acting is adequate, and the story line is mostly interesting in the play set in the first decade of the 20th century tracing the experiences of blacks migrating to Pittsburgh from the South. |
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My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
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First-Class Production Review by: Jerseyan, Apr 11, 2009 |
| The entire production from acting to costumes was first class. There is a powerful, yet refreshing mix of historical reference, history and family stories. Ernie Hudson was a pleasure to watch, though the entire cast was phenomenal. I don't know if I would recommend for small children only because of historically appropriate racial slurs (which should not be offensive to most) Please do not miss this play. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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Most Powerful Play on Broadway Review by: NYKnows, Apr 9, 2009 |
| Wow! One of the most amazing nights at the theater I have ever experienced. Truly wonderful perfomances, and great direction, set design, lighting and costumes - but the incredible writing too! The first half sets up who these characters are so beautifully that when the second half comes, you are shocked to your core by what happens next, nothing can prepare you for the amazing events in the second half. I saw it with a full house tonight, and ... read more we were gasping in shock and amazement. Highly recommended for all audiences. If you want to see the potential life-changing power of a top notch Broadway show, this is the one for you. |
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My recommendation:
must see!
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I saw this show with:
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Recommended for:
Seniors, Tourists, 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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