C is for The Children's Hour
Have you ever ventured out, into a city that's on fire? A couple of weekends ago, London had it all, a prestigious boat race, rogue protesters, fire starters, and traffic jams, -and all on the very evening that I had tickets booked for a much 'raved-about' play, 'The Children's Hour.' Never fear though, despite all of the above hullabaloo-I was determined to reach the theatre in one piece. Which I did. Just.
The Children's Hour is a play, set in a boarding school for girls, during the 1930's, in small town New England, USA. The story revolves around the school's founding teachers Karen Wright (played by Keira Knightley), and Martha Dobie (played by Elizabeth Moss), and their daily jousts with a riotous student named Mary, -a particularly nasty young girl who manipulates gossip from her classmates to spread wild rumours about said teachers.
Miss Knightley has a credible American accent in her role as Karen Wright, and contrary to a certain gossip, the girl can actually 'act' her way out of a paper bag. Ahem, the great thing about theatre is, -there are no slo-mo-close-ups of broody-pouty-eyebrows. Miss Knightley even received the seal of approval from my very debonair Bestie, who is the biggest Drama Queen this side of the pond! Like, Perez who? Also, did I mention Miss Elizabeth Moss? Peggy from Mad Men is wonderful as Martha Dobie.
The theatre production is currently playing in London until the end of April, but don't worry - if you can't get there. You can always catch the 1961 film version on DVD starring Audrey Hepburn, Shirley Maclaine, and James Garner. I have my own copy, on loan from debonair Bestie, who by the way 'out-dressed' me that evening. *mutters to self, Dior-Schmoir*
A/N: Happy Monday All! This weekend has been busy, lots of shopping, impromtu dinners, and walking the hound. Ooh, and of course editing! How was yours?
Talei xox
The Children's Hour is a play, set in a boarding school for girls, during the 1930's, in small town New England, USA. The story revolves around the school's founding teachers Karen Wright (played by Keira Knightley), and Martha Dobie (played by Elizabeth Moss), and their daily jousts with a riotous student named Mary, -a particularly nasty young girl who manipulates gossip from her classmates to spread wild rumours about said teachers.
Miss Knightley has a credible American accent in her role as Karen Wright, and contrary to a certain gossip, the girl can actually 'act' her way out of a paper bag. Ahem, the great thing about theatre is, -there are no slo-mo-close-ups of broody-pouty-eyebrows. Miss Knightley even received the seal of approval from my very debonair Bestie, who is the biggest Drama Queen this side of the pond! Like, Perez who? Also, did I mention Miss Elizabeth Moss? Peggy from Mad Men is wonderful as Martha Dobie.
The theatre production is currently playing in London until the end of April, but don't worry - if you can't get there. You can always catch the 1961 film version on DVD starring Audrey Hepburn, Shirley Maclaine, and James Garner. I have my own copy, on loan from debonair Bestie, who by the way 'out-dressed' me that evening. *mutters to self, Dior-Schmoir*
A/N: Happy Monday All! This weekend has been busy, lots of shopping, impromtu dinners, and walking the hound. Ooh, and of course editing! How was yours?
Talei xox
Comments
All the best for A-Z!
Denise<3
http://laussiestravelblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/z-blogging-challenge-c-is-for-columbia.html
L'Aussies Travel Blog A - Z Challenge Posts
Loved the post,
Yvonne.
jeremy [iZombie]
explanation:
http://izombielover.blogspot.com/2011/04/c-is-for-comments-and-crazy-charlie.html
I love Elizabeth Moss and Mad Men and would love to see her in a play and it would be interesting to see Keira Knightly on stage. You are so right there is such a difference- no close ups, no editing- just the audience and the actor(s)! (I personally love stagework but it can be daunting for an actress of film!).
Unfortunately, I hate Kiera Knightly's acting skills with a passion and hate every movie I've ever seen her in. (Nicole Kidman is another actress I don't like watching - I feel like I get frost bite every time I watch her) Now give me Angelina Jolie and Charlize Theron...
Judy (South Africa)
Denise, Keira was fine, I'm not a fan of her films so much but on stage, I was pleasantly surprised. ;-)
Salarsen, it was fab! ;-)
Yvonne, many thanks!
Katie, have no idea good lady, I'm not sure its the 'going on tour' type of play though. Come to LONDON!! ;-)
Jessica, le sigh. Athens, birthplace of modern civilisation, must have something? ;-)
iZombie, nope - but you can dress up as one if you want?
Laura, once you go theatre, you never go back...if you know what I mean. *winks*
Danette, the original play was banned but I think the story has weight, its the strength of gossip (via annoying brat) and how it can turn innocent lives upside down. No-slo-mo-close-ups of furrowed-pouty starlets is always a bonus in my picture house! ;-)
Judy, I hear ya. Add Renee Zellweger in there and we have a trifecta. I'm not a fan of glossed up acting on film either but I think Keira was pretty good on stage, infinitely more tolerable vs. film. (IMHO).
Ps: I'm an Angelina fan too, love some of her role choices.
~Melissa
Reflections on Writing
I do like Keira Knightley. Always did think she was an excellent actress.
Lx
Luana - me too! Enjoy!
Shellie, it's a most excellent treat!
Melissa, yup, the play is great but I think the DVD will be good too.
Melissa M, excellent, glad to hear it my dear! ;-)
Laura, ha. Actually, Bestie was a combo of Lanvin-Schmanvin and Dior. Myself, Chanel-Dior and a number of others but Bestie rocked a certain Dior jacket, I had to acquiesce to his style that evening. x
Or, alternatively you can catch moir on twitter: @coco_dubai
Tx
Interesting cast.
I have not been to a play in many a moon. Nor a musical for that matter (which I tend to prefer).
The drawback to living in Arizona-we'd never get a play with that kind of star power in the cast.
One of the things I miss about the US east coast...
Larry