ONE OF OUR goals for this most recent trip to New York was to see two or three Broadway shows. Given the obscene ticket prices, we decided to stop at one.
We saw "The Boys in the Band," which is a revival of the 1968 play by Mart Crowley that was also made into a film in 1970. The film is considered to be a milestone in the history of queer cinema. I remembered the film as funny, powerful, and depressing. The revival was beautifully staged and equally funny, powerful, and depressing. The entirely gay cast was, for me, magic.
And Broadway, as you can see, is a show all its own.
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| IN TIMES SQUARE, "WAKE" AND "UNMOORED" BY AMERICAN CONCEPTUAL ARTIST MEL CHIN. EN TIMES SQUARE, "WAKE" (ESTELA) Y "UNMOORED" (SIN ANCLAJE) DE ARTISTA CONCEPTUAL ESTADOUNIDENSE MEL CHIN. |
UNO DE NUESTROS objetivos para este viaje más reciente a Nueva York fue ver dos o tres espectáculos de Broadway. Dado el precio obsceno de los boletos, decidimos parar en uno.
Vimos "The Boys in the Band" (Los Chicos De La Banda), que es un renacimiento de la obra de 1968 de Mart Crowley que también se convirtió en una película en 1970. La película se considera un hito en la historia del cine "queer". Recordé la película como divertida, poderosa, y deprimente. El avivamiento fue bellamente escenificado e igualmente divertido, poderoso, y deprimente. El elenco completamente gay fue, para mí, magia.
Y Broadway, como puedes ver, es todo un espectáculo propio.
Vimos "The Boys in the Band" (Los Chicos De La Banda), que es un renacimiento de la obra de 1968 de Mart Crowley que también se convirtió en una película en 1970. La película se considera un hito en la historia del cine "queer". Recordé la película como divertida, poderosa, y deprimente. El avivamiento fue bellamente escenificado e igualmente divertido, poderoso, y deprimente. El elenco completamente gay fue, para mí, magia.
Y Broadway, como puedes ver, es todo un espectáculo propio.
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| CAST/ELENCO: Jim PARSONS, Zachary QUINTO, Matt BOMER, Andrew RANNELLS, Charlie CARVER, Robin DE JESUS, Brian HUTCHISON, Michael Benjamin WASHINGTON, Tuc WATKINS. |
We had dinner at Juniors the last time we were in NY city. Times Square is amazing.
ReplyDeleteTravel:
DeleteI've never been to that Juniors. We were again at the original one on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Still the best cheesecake!
I loves me some New Yawk!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm jealous you saw the play!
Bob:
DeleteSo glad we saw it. You know how exceptional it is and the cast was amazing. So empowering to see an entirely out, well-known, gay cast on that stage. Some things HAVE changed.
I remember when times square was sleazy sex shops and just dirty/filthy. NOW look at it!
ReplyDeleteanne marie:
DeleteI know. Now it's Times Square Meets Disney Land.
I surly needed that NYC moment this morning!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks!
opps surely ~ can't even spell!
DeleteRon:
DeleteNo problem. I didn't think you were being surly!
Balder Half loves Times Square! Way too crowded for me! They'd be putting me in a rubber room. Very pretty, though. I saw this movie years ago on vhs. It was quite depressing. I've always loved Leonard Frey. I think, given the chance, I'd rather see Kinky Boots. Maybe when/if it comes to San Francisco.
ReplyDeleteDeedles:
DeleteThe crowds didn't get to me there. We saw Kinky Boots in London last year. Loved it.
I have heard some very good things about boys in the Band from friends. It's also a great time for street art in New York right now. Im glad you had a good trip, and it didn't have the same stench as DC.
ReplyDeletemistress maddie:
DeleteThe cast was exceptional. I wanted to hug and thank every one of them.
It's been more than 4 years since I've been to the city and we are now living in a very small, rural town in New Mexico...and while I'd love to see Boys in the Band...The photos of Times Square, the crowds, the signs...triggered a little anxiety. Maybe it will go on tour.
ReplyDeleteFrank:
DeleteIt's already done, I think. A very limited run. So glad we got to see it. It's funny. The crowds in Times Square didn't get to me, although the crowds everywhere else did at times.
The City That Never Sleeps - and don't it show? Magnificent!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen the film of 'Boys/Band' - yet. Not that I don't want to. For some odd reason it's always played hide 'n seek with me, the 'hide' always winning. One day......
I've never been to one
ReplyDeleteWow! Amazing experience, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see that play. I imagine the ticket price is through the roof.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it so much. I may have to read the book, never having seen even the movie much less the show.
ReplyDeleteIt was never a book, Wilma. Perhaps you're thinking of And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts.
DeleteVery cool. I'd love to see that cast. My memories of the film are a little hazy.
ReplyDeleteWalt the Fourth:
DeleteI need to rewatch the film (Jerry had before we went). It's available on YouTube. The cast did not disappoint.
Saw the film and would LOVE to see this play.
ReplyDeleteThe last time I was in Times Square was New Years Eve 1987! And it was buzzing! QUite the phenomenal city.
Jim:
DeleteTimes Square is very different now. I was there for a New Year's Eve in the early '70s -- and, oddly, I can't remember exactly which year, which is unusual for me.
It's been so many years since I was in New York other than a quick dash from Brooklyn Pier to LGA almost two years ago. Sadly it may be many more years or perhaps never that I get there again. I just can't bring myself to cross the border but that's another story.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if Boys in the Band had not aged badly or if they had somehow brought it up to date. Saw the play twice and the movie several times - it was indeed a landmark in gay cinema.
Well at least I can enjoy NYC vicariously through you. Many thanks.
Willym:
DeleteI envy you having seen the original play! They didn't try to update it in any way, although the set and the costumes seemed more contemporary. I worried it wouldn't have aged well, but it there was no problem at all. Phenomenal. And, sadly, although so much has changed in the world, the issues and relationships were still very valid today. Thanks for coming with us!