CoHo Productions
Posted by Frenchglen January 27, 2007; closes February 24, 2007
From words and wit, Gregory fashions a universe all his own. Not cutting edge, but at times something even more elusive – delightful. Fed on a rich diet of verbal bon bons, we watch our French friends argue, flirt, complain and dream. Despite several strong performances, show falls short of potential.
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7 comments:
My feelings, as well. Tidy plot, some terrific spots of writing and acting, and the set was just dynamite -- much more lovely and elegant than I was expecting to see when I walked into the Coho. I wish I could point to something specific that made it somehow less than whole, or all that it could be, but I can't put my finger on it. Well worth seeing, in any case. There's something old-fashioned about Sam's writing, and I mean that in the most positive sense. I'm glad he's getting lots of local encouragement for his writing -- I look forward to every new piece, and hope he continues to grow.
I agree there seems to be something missing from this draft which keeps a strong script (with a charming and vibrant production) from being all it could be.
Susan and I look at this as a long-term project, so I'm gathering notes and feedback for a rewrite. Any constructive thoughts would be welcome.
Is it the plotting?
The character development?
The progress of the action?
Give me your thoughts dramaturgical-- oh, Followspotters!
Maybe this is just me, but I didn't understand what Delphine's motive was for coming back. Without going into detail for those who haven't seen it, if the final "showdown" at the end is not in her favor, why the happiness and the moment with the rug? I didn't know what she wanted from the beginning, so I don't know if she got it.
Also, I thought the clever use of words and language fit the adults, but was not believable coming out of the children's mouths.
This is Anonymous number one again. I think the play wants to indicate that Delphone "wins in (apparent) defeat." I'm not sure what she's after at the start -- maybe some sort of family reconciliation, or more practically speaking, to unload her portion of the estate and make off with a bundle in a way that somehow preserves the chateau's history and legacy. I doubt she could have foreseen and planned for a "contract" in the next generation (maybe that's possible with a cosmopolitan go-getter like her), but I'm fairly certain she NEVER intended to sell to the Americans. That was a ploy of some kind. I want to add that the actress who played her was great, and Curt Hanson's librarian was a warm and welcome presence in a play dominated by interesting women characters, but I felt the cast was fairly evenly matched -- no obvious standouts or weak points. There's also some original music -- instrumental and vocal -- that is so realistic that it's hard to believe you've never heard it before.
A lovely,lovely evening. intelligently written and beautifully executed. Congratulations Mr Gregory and WW&S on a glorious and joyeux world premier.
I think this is a review of Chateux Joyeux. Certainly a different point of view from a published & produced playwright and screenwriter...
http://cdeemer2007.blogspot.com/2007/02/new-old-play.html
Mr. Deemer has created many a play I have wanted to leave at intermission. Some I was in. I wonder what prompted him to stop writing plays? To each their own I suppose. As long as you buy a ticket, you can leave when you like. And yes, intermission is the time to do that.
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