We saw two pretty amazing shows on Saturday. First up was the matinee of Impressionism starring Joan Allen and Jeremy Irons. Irons (one of Leslie's favorite actors!) plays a mysterious photojournalist who meets up with a gallery owner played by Joan Allen. Their stories are told through a series of flashbacks and the audience slowly understands why these people have trouble with intimacy. As their understanding of each other grows, love blossoms. The use of beautiful Impressionist paintings flashed on the curtain in between scenes gave it a lovely surreal feeling, and, of course, the two stars were wonderful. The play is a little clunky, but it was a thrill to see these stars.Saturday night we saw Ruined in a small theater at the City Center. This new play by Lynn Nottage is getting quite the buzz, and its run has been extended twice. It is certainly a powerful, albeit emotionally exhausting, play. The setting is a brothel in the midst of wa
r-torn Congo. Mama Nadi is the brothel/bar owner (her character is modeled after Mother Courage). As rebels and soldiers come in and out of the brothel, Mama Nadi tries not take sides. The concept that the soldiers and rebels are equally brutal and destructive is emphasized by the choice to have the same male leads playing both factions. The women of the Congo are caught in the crossfire, and, ironically, working at Mama Nadi's whorehouse is safer for them than being in their communities where they are targets for kidnapping and rape. The four actresses (including Phylicia Rashad's daughter in her NY debut) who play leads each give amazing performances. In the end, it becomes a story of human resilience and strength, and even love. Nottage previously won an Obie and, hopefully, will win more awards for this gripping and very moving play. Our friend Casey thinks Ruined may win the Pulitzer Prize this year.
Our favorite Boyz- Casey and Ben- met us for laughs and drinks after the show. Only one day left in the city and then the long bus ride back to our real lives!
r-torn Congo. Mama Nadi is the brothel/bar owner (her character is modeled after Mother Courage). As rebels and soldiers come in and out of the brothel, Mama Nadi tries not take sides. The concept that the soldiers and rebels are equally brutal and destructive is emphasized by the choice to have the same male leads playing both factions. The women of the Congo are caught in the crossfire, and, ironically, working at Mama Nadi's whorehouse is safer for them than being in their communities where they are targets for kidnapping and rape. The four actresses (including Phylicia Rashad's daughter in her NY debut) who play leads each give amazing performances. In the end, it becomes a story of human resilience and strength, and even love. Nottage previously won an Obie and, hopefully, will win more awards for this gripping and very moving play. Our friend Casey thinks Ruined may win the Pulitzer Prize this year.Our favorite Boyz- Casey and Ben- met us for laughs and drinks after the show. Only one day left in the city and then the long bus ride back to our real lives!
