Second Chance: Broadway's Cyrano Revival On PBSIf you weren't able to catch the mostly captivating 2007 Broadway revival of
Edmond Rostand's classic
Cyrano de Bergerac, you'll have your opportunity this evening when
PBS broadcasts the
David Leveaux-helmed translation from
Anthony Burgess as part of its "
Great Performances" series.
The main attraction here is clearly
Kevin Kline. Regular readers may recall that I singled out his extraordinary turn in the title role for high praise in my November 6, 2007
SOB Review:
Kline firmly centers the show with his nuanced and understated performance that's breathtaking to behold. Seemingly without effort, he manages one of those rare spine-tingling feats of the stage...
While I wasn't exactly enamored with
Jennifer Garner's Broadway debut, I still gave the show three out of four stars, as well as props to the film and television actress for her critically important final scene. And in a bit of serendipity, the
actress just became a mother yet again just yesterday.
With Kline's "Great Performance" in mind, I would certainly recommend this for your viewing pleasure. PBS' "Great Performances" is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. EST, but be sure to check your local television listings.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Labels: Broadway, Cyrano de Bergerac, David Leveaux, Edmond Rostand, Great Performances, Jennifer Garner, Kevin Kline, PBS, Play, Revival
Television Makes Decent CompanyDid you happen to tune in last evening to PBS' "
Great Performances" program featuring
John Doyle's recent Broadway revival of
Stephen Sondheim and
George Furth's
Company?
This was the very production that earned last year's Tony for Best Revival of a Musical shortly before closing. I have to say that I enjoyed reliving the experience I had last year -- additionally, I was a bit surprised in re-reading my
three-star SOB Review from almost exactly one year ago to see that I still completely agree with my initial assessment.
Watching the televised performance was an opportunity to see the show from all angles, including the back of the stage. While Doyle's production is good, it isn't quite great. It's rather uneven, and that's exemplified in the disparity between the unqualified thrill offered by
Raúl Esparza's smoldering Bobby and the overly flat performance by
Barbara Walsh as Joanne.
One plucky delight whom I had not previously mentioned is
Angel Desai as Marta. Seeing her shine once again has me hoping this spitfire will be treading Broadway's boards sometime soon.
If you caught the performance on television, please let me know what you thought.
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
Related Stories:Getting Rid Of Unwanted Company (June 12, 2007)
Ratings Down, Box Office Up (June 12, 2007)
TONYS: SPRING HAS SPRUNG WHILE COAST REALIZES UTOPIA (June 11, 2007)
The Tonys: If I Could Vote (June 6, 2007)
In The Company Of Underperforming Shows (March 27, 2007)
Company (The SOB Review) (March 2, 2007)
Is It Just Me, Or...(Part II) (February 21, 2007)
Did Critics Find Doyle's Latest Revival In Good Company? (November 30, 2006)
Another Company Opens For Business Tonight On Broadway (November 29, 2006)
Apple Tree In Good Company Among SOB Readers (November 6, 2006)
Labels: Barbara Walsh, Broadway, Company, George Furth, Great Performances, John Doyle, Musical, PBS, Raul Esparza, Revival, Stephen Sondheim, Television
