An amazing man (sorely missed) in an amazing play. I am honored to say that I was in the audience of this production. When the lights came up after the first act, people were sobbing.
I've been watching different Stage Managers to get ideas from them ever since I've got the part... and it is kind of disorienting to watch these opening monologues because I've "mapped out" the town somewhat differently! I love the sarcasm on the "nice town, know what I mean?"
Spalding Gray has been taking crap for that sarcastic bent, which he claims he never intended, for years. He even mentions it in his HBO special "Monster in a Box". excellent monologue piece, by the way.
@geekygameboy We actually had to push it back a week because of snow, so it was last night instead. I had so much fun. It was the first time I'd ever done something like that and I LOVED it. The audience (all 58 of them) really seemed to like it and I can't wait to do it again tonight!
I think I heard an interview where he said he followed the advise of his colleges and avoided reading the critical reviews until after the plays' run was over. He then read that interview and was glad that he followed the advise because as you say it would have ruined that line for him.The critic claimed he sounded sarcastic.
@Staydol The footage? We have it on VHS at our school. We watched it in Theatre class last semester and then our Drama teacher decided to do it for the fall play. I'm Mrs. Gibbs. Our opening night is two weeks from tomorrow.
Paul Newman's 2003 take on the narrator seemed to fit the sentiment of the play better. Gray just seems to be waving his arms with little dramatic flourishes...like he doesn't really care, or believe, or even picture the town he's describing. Know what I mean...?
I think that’s the idea. Even his interpretation has to be one of indifference and complacency. He takes you on that journey but even he knows it’s going to be sad and depressing.
Gray says in one of his monologues that one of the newspapers criticized his reading of "Nice town, know what I mean?" and that every night when he came to that line, he was self-conscious of his delivery, sure that everyone hated him.
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An amazing man (sorely missed) in an amazing play. I am honored to say that I was in the audience of this production. When the lights came up after the first act, people were sobbing.
I’ve only ever seen Spalding behind a desk, so thanks very much for this. He was unique.
Thanks, Mr. Gray. You are missed.
"Nice town...knowwhaddimean?" Thanks, Spalding.
I've been watching different Stage Managers to get ideas from them ever since I've got the part... and it is kind of disorienting to watch these opening monologues because I've "mapped out" the town somewhat differently! I love the sarcasm on the "nice town, know what I mean?"
Spalding Gray has been taking crap for that sarcastic bent, which he claims he never intended, for years. He even mentions it in his HBO special "Monster in a Box". excellent monologue piece, by the way.
How far is the sarcastic clause "know what I mean" is far removed from the text's intents.
I like the bare stage which foregrounds the universal character of this play. It also revitalizes the audience' imagination
Spalding Grey. 🙏
So sadly missed. I watch this with a heavy heart but so grateful for his amazing career and life.
I was in a production in Austin Texas in the mid 90’s. I played Joe Crowel the paper boy. So much fun. Spalding is amazing.
Crowell*
@geekygameboy
We actually had to push it back a week because of snow, so it was last night instead. I had so much fun. It was the first time I'd ever done something like that and I LOVED it. The audience (all 58 of them) really seemed to like it and I can't wait to do it again tonight!
"Nice town, know what I mean?"
I think I heard an interview where he said he followed the advise of his colleges and avoided reading the critical reviews until after the plays' run was over. He then read that interview and was glad that he followed the advise because as you say it would have ruined that line for him.The critic claimed he sounded sarcastic.
@Staydol
The footage? We have it on VHS at our school. We watched it in Theatre class last semester and then our Drama teacher decided to do it for the fall play. I'm Mrs. Gibbs. Our opening night is two weeks from tomorrow.
I had this on VHS, until the player 'ate' it. Love this play.
@Michael T. Mooney: It was Frank Rich's review in the New York Times - and you can read the review online!
Its' very affecting to see Spalding like this knowing how his end was to come.
Paul Newman's 2003 take on the narrator seemed to fit the sentiment of the play better.
Gray just seems to be waving his arms with little dramatic flourishes...like he doesn't really care, or believe, or even picture the town he's describing.
Know what I mean...?
We fully agree.
I think that’s the idea. Even his interpretation has to be one of indifference and complacency. He takes you on that journey but even he knows it’s going to be sad and depressing.
Gray says in one of his monologues that one of the newspapers criticized his reading of "Nice town, know what I mean?" and that every night when he came to that line, he was self-conscious of his delivery, sure that everyone hated him.
So, you've seen 'Monster in a Box' too?
@Staydol
Pretty sad that it's only had 1500 views eh.
Whilst this is a good performance by Spaulding Gray, the best Stage Manager I have seen is the guy who plays the role in Tom Gorman’s production.
The kid was remarkably good for someone so young.
변영빈ㅎㅇ
I’m not a big fan of this play, but this was a great production.