 |
 |
Look Back in Anger Reviews
|
|
|
|
|
| What to Expect: |
| Acting: |
 |
| Music: |
 |
| Production: |
 |
| Story: |
|
|
|
|
| Recommended For: |
|
Adults: |
 |
|
Seniors: |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 |
The more you know... Review by: LD, Mar 5, 2012 |
| The more you know, the better. Like studying for an exam its best to learn as much as you can before seeing this show. Lucky for us there was a talk-back with the actors after the show. Only then, for example, did we learn that English audiences in 1956 would have been totally shocked to see an "upper class" (as determined by her accent) woman ironing in the opening scene. As you can imagine, 21st century American audiences would have no idea.... read more. So, if you can read up before you go, even including studying the plot, you will get a great deal more enjoyment out of this robust,dramatic and keenly acted revival. Those of a certain age may even recall Richard Burton in the film version. The show is not for the unprepared who will soon be left behind to fall asleep. |
|
|
My recommendation:
Go see if you get a chance
|
| Acting: |
 |
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Seniors, Adults
|
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
Review by: Frodo, Jan 16, 2012 |
This play was dull , way too long and I am really sorry I saw it , even at the Rush ticket price of only $22.
|
|
|
My recommendation:
Don't go
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
 |
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
|
|
|
|
| 3 |
Full of Sound and Fury Signifying Nothing Review by: Carol, Jan 16, 2012 |
John Osborne’s play, Look Back in Anger, was originally produced in 1956 in London and a year later on Broadway. From the dissonant migraine-inducing music, if it can be called that, before the performance actually began to the last scene, nothing seemed right in the lives of Jimmy (Matthew Rhys) and Alison Porter (Sarah Goldberg). Likewise their friends, if they can be called that, Cliff Lewis (Adam Driver, recently seen in Roundabout’s Man ... read more and Boy), and Helen Charles (Charlotte Parry) gave new meaning to relationships. Osborne gave “currency to the phrase ‘angry young man’” according to the Playbill notes. The message comes through loud and clear from the first scuffle between Cliff and Jimmy as they enter the stage throughout the performance as they wrestle and jibe at one another, often going for the jugular. Jimmy’s and Cliff’s assertions that they love one another is belied by betrayal and infidelity as is the so-called friendship between Helen and Alison.
It is never clear why the actors portray such argumentative, destructive people “to feel alive,” as Jimmy puts it. It is also never clear why these people love or are drawn to one another as the disparity in education, backgrounds, and interests are made evident throughout the play. The symbolism in ironing, a running motif, lies in potentially dangerous heat and repetitive motions done weekly, echoing the plot.
The blasts on the trumpet drowning out the women’s lines and the mess of the stage exemplify what happens between and among the characters. Not since Toni Morrison’s Sula, has such unmitigated, premeditated betrayal and cruelty been depicted so graphically. Should you see this play? It is an interesting study of dysfunction on all levels, but I have no idea of what the point of it all was. If the question lingers in your mind when pondering love and friendship about how not to proceed, by all means go.
|
|
|
My recommendation:
Don't go
|
| Acting: |
|
| Music: |
|
| Production: |
|
| Story: |
|
I saw this show with:
Spouse/Partner
|
Recommended for:
Adults
|
|
|
|
|
|
| * Review is an opinion of a BroadwayBox user and not that of BroadwayBox.com and BroadwayBox, Inc. |
|
