The Country Girl

A week or so ago I got an email from Starbucks about "Something Big" happening in Bryant Park and apparently at all Starbucks. What could it be?!

Yesterday I found a posting on slickdeals that said it was to reveal their new coffee blend and give out samples. Oh. Not as exciting as I had thought it would be, but was still curious about the event in Bryant Park.

Tried to take a break to coincide w/ the start of the "event" but that didn't happen. So I wandered over during my lunch to see if there were any remnants left and discovered several carts set up serving the coffee sample as well as a makeshift Starbucks store (Later I saw that CNBC actually did an interview w/ one of the Starbucks bigwigs in there.)

Even though I'm not a straight up coffee person I still decided to sample the free beverage w/ heavy aid from sugar and milk. Eh. I'm still not a coffee person. ;)

A co-worker from the branch in San Fran was in town for training so we went over to Vynl for dinner & drinks after work. I have to say, Vynl has a very good selection of food (even their breakfast menu) - and tasty! Considering it is kind of a novelty restaurant, that is saying a lot!

Then we split ways as I had a ticket to see a preview show of "The Country Girl" w/ Peter Gallagher, Morgan Freeman and Frances McDormand and directed by Mike Nichols. The first Broadway show I saw was another play by Clifford Odets (Awake and Sing!) so beyond seeing the "name" actors I was eager to see another play of his performed.

2 downers right off the bat. One set piece slanted towards the corner that was out of sight from my view so I was unable to see the entrances and exits for those scenes and see that part of the seemingly simple, yet impressive set. The 2nd downer is that I was behind a person who's head (more specifically his fluffy follicles) always seemed to be directly in my eyeline. Sigh.

The scene changes were helped by a seemingly endless curtain that would move from left to right (and right to left) instead of up and down. I wondered if this was a new(er) idea? I liked it!

Moving beyond that to the acting - Peter Gallagher is fantastic! I really think he'd be a good actor to work w/ - someone that would be willing to help you be a better actor and you could learn a lot from. Morgan Freeman seemed miscast and fumbled w/ lines at times but in some ways I guess that worked for the character. Frances McDormand's portrayal of the country girl - reminded me of mix between the mother she played in Almost Famous and Miss Pettigrew in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day. I'm not sure that was totally right for the part as it lent to zero chemistry w/ Freeman and Gallagher. She tripped over some lines, too and had trouble w/ a set door that wouldn't close. I guess that's why they have previews!

It was humbling to see these big stars having the same trouble I do on stage sometimes - it just goes to show that in someways live theater puts everyone on a more level playing field so to speak - everyone has to get it right the first time. There are no edits or multiple takes.

The final moment of the show is either inspired by the Playbill cover or the cover was inspired by it - not sure. Cool how it tied together!

Overall, it was disappointing though. I'd suggest "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" over this show but if you can get a deal on tickets it IS worth it to see Gallagher's performance and to just follow the Odet's storyline and listen to his use of words.