This weekend, I took in two very different kinds of shows at two very different kinds of theaters (or theatres). As different as they were, both productions hit me on a very emotional level just the same.
On Friday I went to Arclight Hollywood to see JJ Abrams & Steven Speilberg’s SUPER 8. Having grown up in the Speilberg era of movies, this homage to that style of film making really hit home with me. I’m not going to talk about the plot because I really think you should go into this movie knowing as little as possible. It’s certainly not a perfect movie if you analyze it but I also don’t think it’s meant to be viewed that way. It’s really about an experience and an atmosphere. It’s about a feel. All I will say is, the kids in this are fantastic! If the movie was only about them and had none of the other Sci-Fi/horror trappings, it would still be a great movie. In fact, I bet some people would think it might even be a better one.
Oh, I almost forgot! I also saw a woman in front of us drop her ice cream on the ground, debate how long the rule is where you can still eat it…and then eat it anyway! So this night really was a win-win!
Last night, I made my very first ever trip to the Geffen Playhouse to see Tracy Letts’ play SUPERIOR DONUTS. The play
stars one of my favorite actors, Gary Cole (OFFICE SPACE) as Arthur Przybyszewski (pronounced shoopa-shev-ski), a disillusioned former hippie who owns a donut shop in Uptown, Chicago. He dodged the draft during the Vietnam War and now is dealing with the weight of his decisions. His world is turned upside down when Franco Wicks (played by Edi Gathegi, who is truly hysterical and steals the show) walks in the front door looking for a job. Emmy Award Winner Kathryn Joosten is also in this.
The play deals with the themes of the above mentioned disillusionment, guilt, regret and feelings of hope and hopelessness while somehow making it all very funny. I’ve read some reviews stating that it plays out like a 1970′s sitcom and I can definitely see that comparison. I’m about 20 years younger than Arthur but the age is insignificant. The feelings are universal. I look forward to the day when I can play Arthur in a presentation of this.
I absolutely loved the show and, like SUPER 8, even if it wasn’t a perfect show, it was the perfect show for me to see. I can’t recommend either highly enough.
SUPERIOR DONUTS runs at the Geffen Playhouse through July 10.
