Hooah?

The new David Mamet play China Doll with Al Pacino is in previews on Broadway.  (David Mamet is known for writing the plays Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-the-Plow and the films The Verdict, The Untouchables, Wag the Dog and Ronin.)

The opening will be November 19.  

If you love watching Al Pacino, then you might want to see the play ASAP.  Why?  The play might close before the end of its scheduled 15 week run.  The only thing that might save the play is a major re-write, which would be unfair to the actors who apparently are already having to rely on hidden tele-prompters around the stage. (Of course, Al Pacino is a draw and if most tickets are getting sold, turning a profit will let the play complete its run.)  

At a recent performance, it was obvious that the two actors struggled with much of the script, especially the second act, which many people did not see.  Some just left the theater during intermission and some supposedly were demanding refunds.  It is probably best they left at intermission because the second act was far worse than the first.  No curtain calls and the actors obviously wanted the night to be done. 

Still, even in a bad play, watching Al Pacino perform is an amazing experience.  His talent, experience and unique style shine through brightly.  So, it was an enjoyable evening.  

As for the playwright?  He left town.  Not cool but perhaps understandable.  We suppose that even a great body of work might have a dud or two.

So, no hooah for the play, but 4 hooah's for Mr. Pacino. 

P.S.  One of the best film segments ever is still Al Pacino's speech at the end of Scent of a Woman.