April 20, 2009

'Mary Stuart' Broadway review roundup: a 'prestige hit'

New York critics are much impressed with the Battle Royale between Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I in the British transfer of “Mary Stuart,” which opened on Broadway on Sunday night.

“Mary Stuart” now joins the ranks of other well-reviewed shows of the season, including “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” “Hair” and “God of Carnage.”

This reworked version of Friedrich Schiller’s “Mary Stuart” stars Janet McTeer as Mary Queen of Scots and Harriet Walter as Elizabeth I battling for the crown, and in one case, a head. The cast also includes Brian Murray, Michael Countryman, John Benjamin Hickey, Michael Rudko, Robert Stanton, Maria Tucci, Chandler Williams and Nicholas Woodeson. Phyllida Lloyd directs.

Broadhurst Theatre, located at 235 W. 44th St., map. Regular tickets are priced from $69.50 to $116.50 with premium tickets priced $176.50 and $226.50. Student rush seats are $29.50; standing-room tickets go on sale for $26.50 if the performance is otherwise sold out.

Producers’ age advisory: May be inappropriate for 12 and under.

The “Mary Stuart” reviews:

New Yorker - “‘Mary Stuart’ is an exercise in eloquence and intrigue. McTeer and Walter are British actors of exemplary intelligence and sinew. They are alert and articulate; they parse every nuance of every word. The political pragmatism may be predictable, but the theatrical pyrotechnics with which it’s displayed are exceptional.”

New York Times - “I especially liked John Benjamin Hickey as that spineless, seductive spinmeister, the Earl of Leicester; and Robert Stanton as a terminally naïve courtier. But the show also features fine performances from Chandler Williams, Nicholas Woodeson, Michael Countryman and Brian Murray, with a humble Maria Tucci in the sole supporting female part, that of Mary’s devoted handmaiden.”

Post - “Spring has brought plenty of hyped shows and stars to Broadway. But don’t let those high-wattage marquees blind you to this sleeper, which delivers plenty more thrills than most of its neighbors.”

Hollywood Reporter - “Friedrich von Schiller’s 1800 historical drama of royal intrigue comes to blazing life in director Phyllida Lloyd’s staging, imported to Broadway after hugely acclaimed stints at London’s Donmar Warehouse and on the West End. Starring Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter, both making far-too-belated returns to the New York stage, “Mary Stuart” looks to be the prestige hit of the spring season.”

Bloomberg - “In German, this is a grand, classical play, depending more on poetic recitation than on stage action. Phyllida Lloyd, the director, has deconcertized it, inserting a fair number of tussles and wallows, allowing both queens some demeanor and vocalizing more appropriate to Holy Rollers or fans of ‘American Idol.’ Sometimes this relieves, sometimes it clashes. “

amNewYork - “This production was obviously shipped to New York following its London premiere to showcase the subtle, layered performances of its leading actresses. But whether audiences will also appreciate the rest of the play is questionable. Peter Oswald’s translation is fairly clear, but too verbose and workmanlike, leading to a production that is nearly three hours in length. “

Variety - ” Phyllida Lloyd’s steely revival of the Friedrich Schiller play simmers and scalds as it should, but it’s the deft balance of the parallel tragedies of two imprisoned queens that makes the production so enthralling.”

Associated Press - “Lloyd is best known as the director of the stage and screen versions of ‘Mamma Mia!’ Her ‘Mary Stuart,’ which opened Sunday at Broadway’s Broadhurst Theatre, moves at a steady, sure pace, an artful blend of philosophical discussion and heightened melodrama.”

Daily News - “Monarchs merit smart settings, and Anthony Ward (set and costumes) delivers, with minimal scenery and period frocks for women and modern suits for men, which gives a sense of timelessness and underscores the politics of gender.”

Back Stage - “Repeating their London performances, Janet McTeer as Mary and Harriet Walter as Elizabeth match each other blow for blow, and it’s nearly impossible to declare a victor. McTeer is like a vial of dangerous chemicals, ready to explode at any moment. Walter hides her emotions more deeply under Elizabeth’s well-maintained mask of diplomacy, but when they emerge, look out.”

April 20, 2009 7:08 AM in Broadway, Midtown

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