DATE I SAW THE SHOW:
Thursday, April 19, 2019 at 8PM
WHERE I SAT:
Second Row Center Orchestra (A111)
HOW I GOT MY TICKETS:
Manhattan Theatre Club’s
30 Under 35 Program
DID I STAGEDOOR?:
Yes
CURRENT PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Rupert Murdoch: Bertie Carvel
Larry Lamb: Jonny Lee Miller
Brian McConnell: David Wilson Barnes
Frank Nicklin/Percy Roberts: Bill Buell
Beverley/Christopher Tomothy: Andrew Durand
Ray Mills/Lee Howard: Eden Marryshow
Sir Alick/Chapel Father: Colin McPhillamy
Anna Murdoch/Diana/Chrissie/Apprentice: Erin Neufer
Bench Hand/TV Host: Kevin Pariseau
Stephanie Rahn: Rana Roy
Hugh Cudlipp: Michael Siberry
Bernard Shrimsley: Robert Stanton
Joyce Hopkirk/Muriel McKay: Tara Summers
CREATIVE TEAM
Playwright: James Graham
Director: Rupert Goold
Scenic & Costume Design: Bunny Christie
Lighting Design: Neil Austin
Original Music & Sound Design: Adam Cork
Projection Design: Jon Driscoll
Choreographer & Movement Director: Lynne Page
Dialect Coach: Ben Furey
Music Director: Julie McBride
TICKETING PROCESS
A few weeks in advance of previews starting, Manhattan Theatre Club sent out an eblast notifying all 30 Under 35 members that tickets for Ink had been made available at the discounted price. I purchased my ticket online as soon as I got the email. The ticket cost $35.
When I arrived at the theater, I was notified that the front row of the Orchestra had been removed, and they had relocated my seat to the second row – which actually had been the third row – in the Orchestra. Personally, I did not mind the difference as the Friedman has rather unobstructed-view seating across the board.
If you purchase a ticket through the 30 Under 35 program, make sure to bring your ID with you when you pick up your ticket as they do need to verify your date of birth at the Box Office.
PRODUCTION REVIEW
While I was very interested in the topic of this play, I went in not knowing the specifics behind the history other than it was very high-stakes. With that in mind, this show was very, very slow to start. The pace picked up considerably in Act II, with the plot taking a much darker turn after the comedic and musical – yes, musical – undertones of Act I. I was particularly impressed with the scenic design, as it was especially elaborate in comparison to previous productions I’ve seen at MTC. A few performances were noticeably Broadway debuts, but once the plot progressed this became less distracting.
Side note: I sat in the second row of the Orchestra, and at one point I did get splashed with ink. I didn’t mind as I was wearing black pants, but consider this a fair warning if you are seated close to the stage!
STAGE DOOR EXPERIENCE
While every cast member exited the theater through the stage door, only Jonny Lee Miller interacted with audience members and actually signed Playbills. Hardly anyone waited at the stage door, so he was willing to take time with the 4-5 people who did wait.
STAGE DOOR LOCATION
Exit the theater through the entrance and make a right. The stage door is clearly marked.
FIRST PREVIEW DATE:
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
OPENING NIGHT:
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
CLOSING DATE:
Sunday, June 16, 2019
RUNNING TIME:
2 hrs and 45 min, with one intermission.
THEATER ADDRESS:
The Samuel J. Friedman Theater
261 W. 47th St
between 7th and 8th
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tues at 7 PM
Wed at 2 PM
Wed at 7 PM
Thurs at 8 PM
Fri at 8 PM
Sat at 2 PM
Sat at 8 PM
Sun at 2 PM