DATE I SAW THE SHOW:
Friday, March 19, 2019 at 8PM
WHERE I SAT:
Ticketed in Mezzanine box,
relocated to Front Mezzanine A6
HOW I GOT MY TICKETS:
In-Person Rush, arrived 20 minutes before show
DID I STAGEDOOR?:
Yes
CURRENT PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Gary: Nathan Lane
Janice: Kristine Nielsen
Carol: Julie White
CREATIVE TEAM
Director: George C. Wolfe
Playwright: Taylor Mac
TICKETING PROCESS
Twenty minutes before the show began, I went to the Box Office to see if any last-minute rush tickets were available. There was one rush ticket available in the Right Mezzanine Box, which was marked partial view. The ticket cost $40. About five minutes after the show was intended to begin, everyone seated in the boxes and the Side Rear Mezzanine was asked to relocate to Front Mezzanine. I wound up front and center in the Mezzanine – A6, three seats off of the aisle, with an amazing view of the production.
PRODUCTION REVIEW
Having had no experience with Titus Andronicus, but a very solid amount of experience with Shakespeare, I decided to read the SparkNotes for Titus Andronicus prior to the show starting. This definitely benefited me during the show, and I was able to share my brief synopsis with everyone seated near me. The actors do have lines pertaining to summarizing the plot of Titus Andronicus, but as some of their own dialogue is in verse, I highly recommend reviewing the plot beforehand. It was not essential to understanding the plot of Gary by any means, but many of the jokes resonated more poignantly within the context of the Shakespearean universe.
In terms of Gary as a standalone, the show was much funnier than I anticipated, but also far more crude. With all of the artwork promoting the production, I expected lots of gore going into this, but the gore is all for comedic effect in Gary. The show maintained the impression of slapstick-style humor throughout, which may not be for everyone. Many of the themes throughout are racy, so please note that this is not a family show! The audience that was in the house the night I was in attendance was roaring with laughter, but I did hear from multiple people that they regretted bringing their children with them for this one.
STAGE DOOR EXPERIENCE
Kristine Nielsen and Julie White were very gracious with their time at the stage door. Nathan Lane did not come out to meet audience members, and this has been characteristic of my other experiences stagedooring shows he has been in.
STAGE DOOR LOCATION
When exiting the theater from the corner entrance, turn right and the stage door is marked on the righthand side within Shubert Alley across from Junior’s.
FIRST PREVIEW DATE:
Monday, March 11, 2019
OPENING NIGHT:
Sunday, April 21, 2019
CLOSING DATE:
Sunday, August 4, 2019
RUNNING TIME:
95 minutes, no intermission.
THEATER ADDRESS:
The Booth Theatre
222 W. 45th St
between Broadway and 8th
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tues at 7 PM
Wed at 2
Wed at 8 PM
Thurs at 7 PM
Fri at 8 PM
Sat at 2 PM
Sat at 8 PM
Sun at 3 PM