Frank Langella is a theatrical treasure. In Match, by Stephen Belber, zippily directed by Nicholas Martin, with a fine set by James Noone, now on Broadway, he has a great time (and so do we) as he plays a former dancer/choreographer in a camp caricature with a tres gay sensibility. There's much amusing banter as he interacts with an interviewing couple, the grim Ray Liotta and the delicate, sensitive Jane Adams who prompt him to talk about his life and times.
The play has an overabundance of exposition, but Langella's performance is marvelous (if overdone at times), but he is that rare entertainer who can hold you no matter what he says. It's his play - the others are there basically as a sounding-board. Is it entertaining? Absolutely. Is it a well-written play? No -- it's contrived, predictable and has tangents that seem inserted just as an excuse for Langella to perform. But should you see it? Of course. Run -- buy a ticket immediately (if not sooner) -- you don't want to miss a moment of Langella.
Previews:
March 12, 2004
Opened:
April 8, 2004
Ended:
May 23, 2004
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Araca Group (Matthew Rego, Michael Rego & Hank Unger) and East of Doheny Theatricals, Chase Mishkin, in assoc w/ Kit & Ray Sawyer and Carol Grose.
Theater Type:
Broadway
Theater:
Plymouth Theater
Theater Address:
236 West 45th Street
Genre:
Comedy-Drama
Director:
Nicholas Martin
Review:
Parental:
adult themes, profanity, mild violence
Cast:
Frank Langella, Jane Adams, Ray Liotta
Technical:
Set: James Noone; Costumes: Michael Krass; Lighting: Brian MacDevitt; Sound: Kurt Kellenberger & Jerry Yager.
Other Critics:
TOTALTHEATER David Lefkowitz ?
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
May 2004
