13 May 2004
Hurlyburly
I worked as casting consultant to producer/costar Kara Keeley on the Met Theatre's production of Hurlyburly. First impression: some of the coolest set design (by Sibyl Wickersheimer) and program design I have EVER seen. Really cool program (understated, lots of white space, cool layout).
I guess my biggest problem with the show was the story itself--no one to root for, no good guy, no sympathetic characters. What I commented to Keith Johnson, who liked the show much more than I did, was that it was like spending time with a drip of a friend... one who takes all of your energy by being sooo down on life and to whom you end up limiting your exposure simply to survive happily. Keith said that he doesn't mind that sort of thing, as he can always find a way to see something interesting about that person's process. I prefer--when it comes to my entertainment of choice--something a little more Boogie Nights than Hurlyburly. I just need to see some redemption or early signs of a journey I'm happily in on.
Acting was fine. Headshots in the program seem to be quite a bit out-of-date compared to the actors I saw on the stage. Silas Weir Mitchell was definitely the strongest among a well-trained cast. Really, all of the work was good. I was just distracted by my distaste for the story. Such a shame, since there was so much to love about the production itself. Hey, different strokes, right?
Really bummed I missed the run of 7 Met Shorts. I'll make sure to stay on top of that next run, for sure.
I guess my biggest problem with the show was the story itself--no one to root for, no good guy, no sympathetic characters. What I commented to Keith Johnson, who liked the show much more than I did, was that it was like spending time with a drip of a friend... one who takes all of your energy by being sooo down on life and to whom you end up limiting your exposure simply to survive happily. Keith said that he doesn't mind that sort of thing, as he can always find a way to see something interesting about that person's process. I prefer--when it comes to my entertainment of choice--something a little more Boogie Nights than Hurlyburly. I just need to see some redemption or early signs of a journey I'm happily in on.
Acting was fine. Headshots in the program seem to be quite a bit out-of-date compared to the actors I saw on the stage. Silas Weir Mitchell was definitely the strongest among a well-trained cast. Really, all of the work was good. I was just distracted by my distaste for the story. Such a shame, since there was so much to love about the production itself. Hey, different strokes, right?
Really bummed I missed the run of 7 Met Shorts. I'll make sure to stay on top of that next run, for sure.
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