Probably one of the more racy tag lines for a Broadway show that has been on any recent press release, don’t you think? Well, it does manage to garner attention doesn’t it. And in a city with no shortage of brilliant productions, I think it is a very savvy marketing ploy (you know…vice, vice and, oh yeah, murder! Guessing that’s a vice too )…and even more so as the Broadway ‘play’ is competing with the more popular Broadway musical!

Tinerate, it’s the promo for one of, if not the, hottest ticket in the City right now, THE PRESENT...

Cate Blanchett and Richard Roxburgh succumb to the intoxicating power of lust and obsession in the Sydney Theatre Company’s production of  Anton Chekhov’s first play, THE PRESENT

…which is playing to celebrity studded (with a few of us mere mortals thrown in ) full-house audiences on NYC’c famous strip for a limited time.

Apparently it had a run in Sydney before the Broadway premiere and then (I understand) Cate decided to bring it to New York’s famed mecca for any production worth its salt, lock stock and barrel! Yes! With the entire Aussie cast and colloquialisms. And it is fabulous!!!

Last night AP and I, along with my brother and sister in law, JP and LP, nestled in for the three hour performance (no…that’s not a typo! It was long and we were worried it wouldn’t go the distance. Actually, in truth, I was worried! You see I was the one who had talked everyone in to going )

Anyhoo, from the time the lights went up to the thunderous applause some 180 minutes later, we were on the edge of our seats, eyes riveted to the stage.

Cate is an ethereal beauty who just captivates with her talent, drawing you into her broken character. And Richard playing the role of the womanising, Mikhail, had one feeling his pain and desire. So damaged but loveable to boot.

The supporting cast were magnificent in their performances and all of us felt drawn in to the weekend-at-the-country being played out on stage. The acting so brilliantly believable we felt that we were silent guests at the house, hovering the sidelines, curiously watching the captivating drama unfold before our eyes.

The critics have all loved this play and I think it to be one of the best I have been lucky enough to see in some time. But not only is it the excellent acting, the surprises, well, surprised! And the lighting was exquisite, especially at the beginning of the last act.

Tinerate, my advice is (not that you asked but I’m dishing it out regardless ) if you happen to be in the City in the next few weeks (show closes March 19th) you absolutely have to go and see it!!! Tickets are available through Telecharge and, heads up, the theaters are dark on Mondays.

Till next time.

Tipsy Pipsy xo