 |
 |
Les Liaisons Dangereuses Reviews
|
|
|
|
|
| What to Expect: |
| Acting: |
 |
| Music: |
 |
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
|
|
|
| Recommended For: |
|
Adults: |
 |
|
Seniors: |
 |
|
Romantic Date: |
 |
|
Tourists: |
 |
|
|
|
|
| 1 |
Intriguing plot hampered by static scenic design Review by: JW, Jul 7, 2008 |
| Despite the intriguing plot and the uniformly superb portrayals (particularly by understudy Tim McGeever as the sleazy Vicompte), I couldn't help but be slightly disappointed with this production. The play has more scene changes (at least a dozen) than in any play in memory. Yet, the scenic design remains basically the same in each scene, which I found off-putting. Yes, I realize the sets reflected the lavish lifestyles ... read more of the Pre-Revolutionary French aristocracy, but if ever a play needed to be opened up and transferred to the big screen, this was the one. Works better as a movie vehicle, which it was. |
|
|
| Acting: |
|
| Production: |
 |
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
SEX NEAR THE CITY! Review by: Beth M, Jun 7, 2008 |
| LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES BY CHRISTOPHER HAMPTON
By Beth Mandelbaum
Les Liaisons Dangereuses was a play that I did not relish seeing because I knew that the plot and the characters go completely against my personal moral convictions and value system (and I know that I am far from alone in this). But much to my surprise, this play turned to be extremely compelling and mesmerizing, and rather a wonderful “guilty ... read more pleasure.” But it is hard to say that it is “likeable,” in the traditional sense of the word.
Les Liaisons portrays deep forms of amorality and cruelty, involving sexual games as acts of revenge, humiliation and deception, leading callously to the destruction and ruinations of others’ lives. However, despite the rather distasteful the plot themes, I found it to be a very fine drama, with just the right amount of comedic touches. I was never bored for a minute and was ever intrigued to find out what would happen next. And the play benefits greatly from the talents of the director, Rufus Norris.
Not surprisingly, Les Liaisons is STRICTLY FOR MATURE AUDIENCES.
The characterizations were absolutely fascinating, and most of the acting was absolutely brilliant, especially Ben Daniels as Le Vicompte de Valmont, the play’s leading man. What a seductive actor in all senses of the word. I couldn’t seem to my eyes off him as he played his extraordinarily narcissistic and deceitful tricks of sexual perversity, power, control, seduction, corruption, betrayal, and ruination. And Laura Linney did an excellent job as La Marquise de Merteuil, Valmont’s former lover, and now confident and “partner/competitor in crime.” As in Harold Pinter’s The Homecoming, Les Liaisons depicts people who are capable of sinking about as low as one can go.
There is an excellent supporting cast which includes Mamie Gummer (daughter of Merryl Streep) as Cecile and Jessica Collins as Madame Tourvel, the innocent and hapless victims of Valmont’s actions. And one of my favorites, Kristine Nielsen, plays Cecile’s mother.
As is typical of so many Roundabout productions, there was an elegant and sumptuous set, with a use of fabrics, especially curtains, arranged and then re-arranged extremely beautifully, and with absolutely gorgeous costumes, with silk everywhere. And the use of Baroque music provided an effective touch.
I was fascinated to learn that the original novel was written in France in the early part of the 1780’s, just a short while before the French Revolution. It is an extraordinary portrayal, and perhaps exposé, of the bored and exceedingly decadent French aristocrats of Pre-Revolutionary France. The novel, consisting of letters, is said by some to have been one of the catalysts for the French Revolution. Watching the evil and seemingly conscienceless cruelty depicted in Les Liaisons certainly gave me insight into how Marie Antoinette could have actually said, “Let them eat cake.”
|
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Alone
|
Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
|
|
|
|
|
| 3 |
Classical theater with very strong acting Review by: Sandra from NJ, May 20, 2008 |
| We went to see this show because we are Laura Linney fans, and we were not disappointed. Although some critics gave lukewarm reviews, we found the casting to be spot on and the acting very strong. Be warned: this is a very long show, running time is almost 3 hours with 1 intermission. It deals with adult themes (seducing a young innocent and a virtuous wife). There are simulated sex scenes and brief nudity - do not bring children, young teens, ... read more or the easily offended. Linney as the Marquise and Ben Daniels as the smarmy Vicomte were very good. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Adults
|
|
|
|
|
| 4 |
Entertaining show with great staging Review by: Roundabout subscriber, May 5, 2008 |
We had some misgivings about seeing this show because reviews were mixed. It turned out that our doubts were unfounded. The mixture of comedy and drama was altogether entertaining, the acting was great and the costumes were fabulous. I also liked the sets, which, while minimal, thoroughly conveyed the decadence and lushness of the era. There are a few flashes of nudity and simulated sex but essentially in line with today's standards. All ... read more in all, it was one of Roundabout's better productions. Standing ovations for Ben Daniels and Laura Linney.
|
|
|
My recommendation:
Make an effort to see
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
|
|
|
|
|
| 5 |
Surprisingly EXCELLENT! Review by: dylan, Apr 30, 2008 |
| Saw it this afternoon (April 30) - absolutely amazing show. Wonderful staging and costumes, and the actors, every one of them, were just terrific. Laura Linney was icy perfection and Ben Daniels gave a throughly compelling, Tony-worthy performance. Mamie Gummer was particularly engaging as well. I wasn't expecting much from this show but it really surprised me. Well worth your time! |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Alone
|
Recommended for:
Adults
|
|
|
|
|
| 6 |
Phenominal Show - a must see!!!!! A+++++ Review by: nyer, Apr 26, 2008 |
Just the saw the show tonight....it leaves me beyond words....few shows leave me so mezmerized!!! great acting!!!! great storyline....some nudity involved.
A+++++ |
|
|
My recommendation:
must see!
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Romantic Date, Seniors, Tourists
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
|
