As Peterquennell suggested, here is The Crucible reviews thread.
Here is a link to a site Scastagnoli found were people who already saw the play are giving their opinions: http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.php?thread=1090674&page=2
I saw the following comment in this link:
"From the rehearsal clip in that interview video, it looks like the production is set in a classroom? Maybe Ben Whishaw is the teacher who assumes the role of John? If that's the case, I'm into that concept."
WHAT???? REALLY?!
"How is it possible to feel nostalgia for a world I never knew?" - The Motorcycle Diaries
Yeah, looks like the setting is a classroom :https://twitter.com/evil4life101/status/705244916608339968
shareSome comments from that link:
Still reeling from the preview yesterday. I’ve never seen an Ivo Van Hove production so in some ways I’m coming to the party late. But after the acclaim that A View From the Bridge received I had to see what all the fuss was about. And I did. Everything from the design to the Philip Glass score was impeccable, and also incredibly powerful.
It was only the first preview and Saoirse was completely confident and her Abigail was fully achieved. Ben Whishaw never disappoints – I’m confident he’s in the top 3 of theatrical talents of his generation. And Tavi Gevinson was a huge surprise and incredibly moving as Mary Warren. It’s an amazing company. Ciaran Hinds is always worth the price of admission. And Bill Camp was the perfect Reverend Hale. He brings such nuance and emotion and texture and detail to everything he does.
I was very pleased by the new production of THE CRUCIBLE at the Walter Kerr. Saoirse Ronan is certainly having her moment, and what a role for her to have chosen to make her debut on Broadway – she seamlessly inhabits the cold, manipulative Abigail Williams, and convincingly exercises the strength of her will over the inhabitants of Salem.
The performances were pretty strong. I wasn't a fan of Sophie Okonedo in Act 2, but found her to be much more interesting in Act 4. I felt similarly about Wishaw, who really hit his final moments in the play brilliantly. Ronan is excellent in my opinion, and a real highlight of the production. Gevinson was much better here than she was in This is Out Youth. Or rather, her loud and over-the-top acting style was more appropriate for this play than it was in the other. Bill Camp was excellent as Reverand Hale, and I would love to see him snag a Tony nom for this.
Some wags are claiming these positive notices are from production shills. No proof but I mention it
By the comments on the link, there is still a lot of things to adjust, but I am confident everything will be resolved by the end of the previews.
shareThe Crucible previews#117
Posted: 3/3/16 at 12:24am By: JBroadway
I saw this tonight, and let me just start off by saying that I do NOT like this play, and I knew that going in. I've read it twice, and disliked it both times (though a bit better the 2nd time). I realize that it is a classic and I understand why, but I have always found most of it rather dull.
So now onto this production. I had hoped that Van Hove would be able to take the more boring (IMO) sections and liven them up, but no such luck. Long sections of this production dragged like a dirge, just where I expected them to. On the other hand, the exciting climaxes of each act are quite well done. In particular I enjoyed Act 4 and the latter half of Act 3. The underscoring was way too much at times, but the musical shifts were used very effectively. The music at the beginning of each act was also used effectively.
The performances were pretty strong. I wasn't a fan of Sophie Okonedo in Act 2, but found her to be much more interesting in Act 4. I felt similarly about Wishaw, who really hit his final moments in the play brilliantly. Ronan is excellent in my opinion, and a real highlight of the production. Gevinson was much better here than she was in This is Out Youth. Or rather, her loud and over-the-top acting style was more appropriate for this play than it was in the other. Bill Camp was excellent as Reverand Hale, and I would love to see him snag a Tony nom for this.
This is a production that absolutely has bright flashes of brilliant direction, and in the end I'm definitely glad I saw it. I think the pacing will get better through the preview period, and the weaker moments will get worked out. I might return to see it again later in the run to see how it's developed, but realistically I doubt I will get around to it with everything else opening. If you can spare the time and money, I'd say see it, especially if you're curious what Van Hove has done with it, or want to see the great cast.
Went to the stage-door tonight, with very little luck. Ronan, Okonedo, and Wishaw all went out other exits, while the rest of the cast quickly darted out the stage-door. I perfectly understand, however, given how cold and windy it was tonight. I'd be curious to hear if Ronan et al will come out and sign in warmer weather.
What intrigued me was the line about wanting Bill Camp to get a Tony nomination. What about Saoirse, who was, in his words, "a real highlight of the production" yet doesn't get his Tony love. What is she, chopped liver?
shareWell, we'll probable read inconsistent posts about the play and her performance from the theater attendees. Right now I'm glad to have seen her so happy the past few months and apparently scratching the theater itch, but I'm looking forward to the successful run of the play followed up by two film roles this year. In addition, I'm hoping for the best from The Seagull because it'll be our only chance to see her on the big screen this year. Perhaps a distributor like Sony Pictures Classics will acquire the title.
sharePerhaps a distributor like Sony Pictures Classics will acquire the title.
Don't know what's taking so long.