Steve On Broadway (SOB)

Shining City Only Shines in Some Critics' Eyes

Shining City Only Shines in Some Critics' Eyes

Colin McPherson's Shining City opened last night to one spectacular review that positively beamed. The rest liked the cast and direction, but took issue with the play itself.

After calling Shining City "quiet, haunting and absolutely glorious," The New York Times' Ben Brantley provides nothing but praise: "Fortunately, the director of this Manhattan Theater Club production, Robert Falls, reaffirms the affinity he demonstrated for the loneliness of intimate strangers in first-rate Broadway revivals of Death of a Salesman and Long Day's Journey Into Night. And he has gracefully made the adjustment to the softer but penetrating expressiveness of Shining City while staying close to Mr. McPherson's original staging."

In offering up a mediocre review and ** stars, New York Post's Clive Barnes acknowledges the production and cast: "But the acting -- including a fierce but defeated (Martha) Plimpton and a convincingly scuzzy but world-wise (Peter) Scanavino - beautifully directed by Robert Falls, is absolutely lovely." New York Daily News' Howard Kissel seems to agree, but concludes, "Despite the wonderful cast and Robert Falls' sensitive direction, the two plays never quite jell."

Even less enamored was Newsday's Linda Winer, who takes a swipe at most of the recent imported productions as she deadpans, "Concluding the unofficial Irish portion of Broadway's spring season, we have Shining City, a meandering footnote of a Conor McPherson drama."

Click here for tickets.
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Shining City Opens on Great White Way Tonight (May 9, 2006)

posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, May 10, 2006