Review: Farragut North at the Geffen Playhouse
Tonight I saw a preview of Farragut North, which is having it's West Coast premiere. Typically, it's not a play I would normally rush out to see because it's centered on politics and a political campaign. Here's the official blurb:
Set against the backdrop of a close presidential race, Stephen ( Star Trek 's Chris Pine) is a young press secretary working for a fast-rising candidate. With confidence and power beyond his years, he’s convinced that he and seasoned campaign manager, Paul ( Sex & the City 's Chris Noth), can steer their team into the west wing without breaking a sweat. But before the polls close at the primaries, Stephen’s perceived invincibility is shattered as he falls prey to backroom politics, the manipulations of veteran operatives and the wiles of a seductive young intern ( Juno 's Olivia Thirlby). With quick-witted banter and an inside look into the world of politics, Farragut North is a timely tale of hubris, loyalty and the lust for power.
The production was actually the same as premiered in NY, only with a few cast changes, Chris Pine in the lead and the female reporter. Aside from Chris Pine, who was the lead, My favorite performances were actually from Isiah Whitlock, Jr and Olivia Thirlby. They were both very compelling. As a whole, I didn't have any issues with anyone's acting performances. My only issues were with the play itself. If I can guess ahead and see what's coming, I don't love the play. Also, it was about politics. I also felt a bit like Chris Noth was phoning it in, which is interesting because Olivia and Isiah performed these roles in the NY production, as well, and they were compelling.
The show is still finding its feet a bit, but it's early in previews. The costuming, staging and lighting design were all great. The set was very minimalist, but it kind of had to be due to all the locations. The entire technical crew did an excellent job. Check it out if you like if you're in LA.
Set against the backdrop of a close presidential race, Stephen ( Star Trek 's Chris Pine) is a young press secretary working for a fast-rising candidate. With confidence and power beyond his years, he’s convinced that he and seasoned campaign manager, Paul ( Sex & the City 's Chris Noth), can steer their team into the west wing without breaking a sweat. But before the polls close at the primaries, Stephen’s perceived invincibility is shattered as he falls prey to backroom politics, the manipulations of veteran operatives and the wiles of a seductive young intern ( Juno 's Olivia Thirlby). With quick-witted banter and an inside look into the world of politics, Farragut North is a timely tale of hubris, loyalty and the lust for power.
The production was actually the same as premiered in NY, only with a few cast changes, Chris Pine in the lead and the female reporter. Aside from Chris Pine, who was the lead, My favorite performances were actually from Isiah Whitlock, Jr and Olivia Thirlby. They were both very compelling. As a whole, I didn't have any issues with anyone's acting performances. My only issues were with the play itself. If I can guess ahead and see what's coming, I don't love the play. Also, it was about politics. I also felt a bit like Chris Noth was phoning it in, which is interesting because Olivia and Isiah performed these roles in the NY production, as well, and they were compelling.
The show is still finding its feet a bit, but it's early in previews. The costuming, staging and lighting design were all great. The set was very minimalist, but it kind of had to be due to all the locations. The entire technical crew did an excellent job. Check it out if you like if you're in LA.