The Graduate, starring Kathleen Turner, Jason Biggs and Alicia Silverstone
I went and saw this last night at the Cannon theatre. Overall the play was a pleasant time but I found it lacking a bit in overall oomph. My feelings seemed to be shared with others in the audience as the applause at the end was short and polite, not a boisterous standing ovation.
For those who haven't read the book or seen the classic movie, The Graduate is a comedy set in the 60s. It's about a young man named Benjamin Braddock who returns home to live with his parents for the summer after just finishing a stellar college career. He ends up having an affair with a neighbouring older woman named Mrs. Robinson. Ben eventually falls in love with Mrs. Robinson's daughter Elain.
Ben Braddock was played by Jason Biggs, known from movies like American Pie and Saving Silverman (yeah that main guy). His portrayal of Ben was excellent, young and awkward, similar to Jason Biggs' typical characters. My only complaint is that he seemed to not properly develop Ben's disillusionment with the world.
Mrs. Robinson was played by Kathleen Turner. Initially I thought Turner would be perfect for this role, an older sultry woman. But I found her whole personality a little too hefty and domineering. She’s supposed to seduce Ben into bed not frighten him in as my girlfriend said.
Elain Robinson, the daughter, was played by Alicia Silverstone. She’s my pick for best performance, Alicia really played the naïve innocent Elaine perfectly.
Overall I had a good time, I’m glad I went. A certain level of entertainment was simply from seeing these “stars” in such a setting. I’d recommend it to anyone else out there who can still find tickets … although I’ve heard they’re all sold out. It runs to mid February I think.
I went and saw this last night at the Cannon theatre. Overall the play was a pleasant time but I found it lacking a bit in overall oomph. My feelings seemed to be shared with others in the audience as the applause at the end was short and polite, not a boisterous standing ovation.
For those who haven't read the book or seen the classic movie, The Graduate is a comedy set in the 60s. It's about a young man named Benjamin Braddock who returns home to live with his parents for the summer after just finishing a stellar college career. He ends up having an affair with a neighbouring older woman named Mrs. Robinson. Ben eventually falls in love with Mrs. Robinson's daughter Elain.
Ben Braddock was played by Jason Biggs, known from movies like American Pie and Saving Silverman (yeah that main guy). His portrayal of Ben was excellent, young and awkward, similar to Jason Biggs' typical characters. My only complaint is that he seemed to not properly develop Ben's disillusionment with the world.
Mrs. Robinson was played by Kathleen Turner. Initially I thought Turner would be perfect for this role, an older sultry woman. But I found her whole personality a little too hefty and domineering. She’s supposed to seduce Ben into bed not frighten him in as my girlfriend said.
Elain Robinson, the daughter, was played by Alicia Silverstone. She’s my pick for best performance, Alicia really played the naïve innocent Elaine perfectly.
Overall I had a good time, I’m glad I went. A certain level of entertainment was simply from seeing these “stars” in such a setting. I’d recommend it to anyone else out there who can still find tickets … although I’ve heard they’re all sold out. It runs to mid February I think.
