Putting On The Ritz: The Tony Award Winning Play "Frost/Nixon"
I love entertainment. Music, film, television, magazines...I live to be distracted! Last Tuesday, my boss, Marie, asked me if I wanted free tickets to see the play "Frost/Nixon." I later found out (through google) that the play is about a famous series of interviews that took place in the late 1970s between Richard Nixon and David Frost, a British talk show host. The reason these interviews are so famous is because it is the first time Richard Nixon ever publicly recognized his involvment in Watergate and publicly apologized for what he had done.
I had never been to a traditional dramatic Broadway play before, but I think I could easily become a theater buff. I am not crazy about musicals (and I've seen quite a few of them: The Lion King, Beauty & the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hairspray...) for a few reasons, mainly because I think they tend to be overwhelmingly corny and obnoxious. I don't care for the suspension of reality that musicals require...and I tend to cringe at the sound of the typical "Broadway voice".
But now, dramatic theater is ENTIRELY different. And really quite remarkable...this I have all determined from one play. "Frost/Nixon" was that good. It was like watching a 1970's detective-style film with well developed, sympathetic characters. I don't think anyone could say that Richard Nixon is someone who inspires sympathy, but in "Frost/Nixon", he is as pitiful and depressing as Willie Loman (from "Death of a Salesman"). Frank Langella, who just won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Nixon, is an incredible character actor and fully embodies Nixon's physical and personality traits. As the play progresses and as you can see Nixon's guilt and frustration increase, Langella's back stoops lower and lower under the weight. The other lead actor, Michael Sheen as David Frost, also adeptly possesses the playboy attitude of his character who really just wants to be remembered and respected. There is a private telephone conversation that takes place between Frost and Nixon where Nixon says something to the effect of "Only one person can win. The other has to be cast into the wilderness." The play focuses on how these two characters are trying to create public personas that allow them to be loved and respected, notably at the expense of the other. The play is also written by Peter Morgan, the screenwriter of "The Queen" and "The Last King of Scotland"...guaranteed quality entertainment.
If you want to check out the website for the play, look at the schedule and ticket prices, and read up on the actors, go to http://www.frostnixononbroadway.com/home.php
It was really exciting to go to the theater and see an incredible production. I felt as if I was doing something cultured and dignified with my evening...I wish I could go to the "theater" every night! And there is nothing better than getting tickets for free! Being in New York City for the summer is an amazing opporunity. Although this has been said many times before, I will say it again. This city really has anything and everything you can think of. There is so much to do and see and so much culture to absorb. During July, my sister is going to be in the city taking some classes and we are planning on going to all the museums...so expect detailed updates on my Summer 2007 Museum Tour!