Sex With Strangers

[Frankly Rich]

Summer fun for New Yorkers as Billy Magnussen, who was so much fun in Vanya and Sonya, et al, now stars in a 2d Stage Comedy Sex With Strangers:

 

 

7 WEEKS ONLY! BEGINS JULY 8

TICKETS JUST

$59 (reg. $79)

Valid on select performances July 8 – August 24.

 

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER:

Online: 2ST.com

Call: (212) 246-4422

Visit: Second Stage Box Office, 305 W. 43rd St.

Use code PBOL

$30 UNDER 30

[TruHart1]

Summer fun for New Yorkers as Billy Magnussen, who was so much fun in Vanya and Sonya, et al, now stars in a 2d Stage Comedy Sex With Strangers:

 

 

...

 

That picture of Mr. Magnussen doesn’t show for me. I thought his comic timing as Spike in Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike was absolutely perfect and that he was just gorgeous, too. Here’s an interview (with a picture from the production of V & S & M & S) from Backstage that I found while researching Mr. Magnussen after seeing the play on Broadway! http://www.backstage.com/interview/5-acting-tips-vanya-and-sonia-and-masha-and-spikes-billy-magnussen I’d love to see Sex With Strangers but alas, I won’t get to NYC until October.

 

TruHart1

[Frankly Rich]

This pic is similar to the one you cannot see, except the biceps are gone!!

 

http://www.theaterpizzazz.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/SWS-Title-Images.jpg

[Frankly Rich]

I was interested to see the Old Globe's production this afternoon of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, mainly because I wanted to see how it compared to the show I saw at Lincoln Center last year.

 

It's still a darn good show. The bf had not seen it and laughed a lot, and he was quite taken with Spike, as played by Tyler Lansing Weaks. Personally, I don't think anyone can top Billy Magnussen, thus posting this here rather than start another thread.

[Frankly Rich]

As popular as Billy Magnussen was playing Spike, I would have expected a report back by now on his performance in Sex with Strangers. But I am the only one, apparently. If not, there are $27 tickets available at tdf.org for Saturday's matinee.

[+ beethoven]

here's a Billy pix from this site:

 

 

 

http://malecelebbio.com/gallery/2012/11/Billy-Magnussen-13.jpg

[+ Gar1eth]

Summer fun for New Yorkers as Billy Magnussen, who was so much fun in Vanya and Sonya, et al, now stars in a 2d Stage Comedy Sex With Strangers:

 

 

7 WEEKS ONLY! BEGINS JULY 8

TICKETS JUST

$59 (reg. $79)

Valid on select performances July 8 – August 24.

 

3 EASY WAYS TO ORDER:

Online: 2ST.com

Call: (212) 246-4422

Visit: Second Stage Box Office, 305 W. 43rd St.

Use code PBOL

$30 UNDER 30

 

Just an FYI- I've posted a lot of pictures over the years and something with a URL that long has never worked for me

 

"https://blu171.mail.live.com/Handlers/ImageProxy.mvc?bicild=&canary=lkg3mfDai4j4akpKsOOfs%2baZqAkFGI1nmODgXimwFUE%3d0&url=http%3a%2f%2fpbemailmedia.s3.amazonaws.com%2fimages%2fads3%2f062114_Sex%2520With%2520Strangers%2fimages%2f580_02.jpg[/img]"

 

Gman

[Frankly Rich]

It's not more pictures of Billy that I need, I want to hear a review from someone here who actually saw the show! Can't imagine that it is doing too good if they have it on discount at tdf.org and there are no reviews here from us stud worshippers.

[+ beethoven]

Fear not, Frankly Rich! It's now 11:34 am EDT, and I'm seeing the show this afternoon. I shall report fully!

[Frankly Rich]

Ah, my hero! I can hardly wait.

[+ beethoven]

GOOD NEWS! First of all, I loved this play! Second, it's been extended until Aug. 31.

 

My usual refrain is that New York has plenty of good actors, but a dearth of good new plays. This has both. "Sex With Strangers" is funny, literate, with real characters in an original situation. Anna Gunn's role is totally different from her role in "Breaking Bad," and she is wonderful. Billy Magnussen, who was basically eye candy in "Sasha, Masha, and Spike," has a multi-dimensional role here that he can really get into, and he does. (And yes, he takes his shirt off a few times; wish it were more often!)

 

The play got a favorable review in the NY Times, but it should have gotten a VERY favorable review, IMHO. I'm sure you will all like it.

[Frankly Rich]

Thanks for the review, Beethoven. I've been glued to my computer, waiting for it to post!

[skynyc]

I saw it this weekend as well, and would concur with Beethoven that I think most folk would really enjoy this. Not only is the play interesting and engaging, the performances are layered and developed. And yes...hot. (If you're on the far right, you do get a nice brief shot of Billy's ass as he puts on his pants.) Mr. Rich...being a reader, you will appreciate the play's examination of the publishing industry, as it's very timely, and quite interesting. The growing necessity of social media savvy being crucial to the success of any artistic endeavor is a salient point, (which I personally find depressing...LOL).

 

SPOILERS HERE. Both Magnussen and Gunn are totally believable, and his charisma is almost breathtaking. The character, who has written a non-fiction bestseller called Sex with Strangers is of those men with the confidence to seduce anyone...and Billy's looks and you basically have a sexual WMD. Gunn's reticence cannot holdout for long, and the crux of the play is to determine if she is just another conquest, or is there truly a decent person beneath his literary persona. And she's not completely innocent herself. There's a good amount of simulated and inferred sex, and the woman next to me...(probably about 70) loudly whispered to her friend "Oh, my...he's not even taking his pants off," during one interaction.

 

Playwright Laura Eason has a number of credits, but I am unfamiliar with her work, but will certainly look for more in the future.

 

Production values are terrific, and the show runs two hours and a bit including an intermission. Even with the universally strong reviews, and stronger word of mouth, there are lots of discounts...I saw it for $29 on tdf, and had an aisle seat in the 9th row. I suspect this show (which started in Chicago) with only two roles, two fairly straightforward sets, and timely themes will get many regional productions...

[Frankly Rich]

Thanks for the review, skynyc. Unless you want me to stay with you, I cannot afford to see this show as my plans to come to New York are for later. This one closes August 31st. That's why I wanted to live a little vicariously from some reviews!