THEATRE
Grey Gardens, the musical
Presented by
The Lyric Stage Company of Boston
at
The Lyric Stage Company
May 8-June 6, 2009
Avg. Event Rating (4.1 Stars):
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This riotous and touching Tony-nominated musical tells the story of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' eccentric relatives, Big Edie Beale and her daughter Little Edie. The two shared a dysfunctional and co-dependant relationship that dragged them from their perch atop high society to a life of squalor and isolation as East Hampton, Long Island's most notorious recluses. Based on the famous documentary of the same name, this musical offers theatrical magic: the actress who portrays the mother in the first act takes on the role of the daughter in the second. The New York Times call Grey Gardens "an experience no passionate theatregoer should miss."
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At-a-
Glance
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Venue Info
The Lyric Stage Company
140 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
Full map and directions
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Admission Info
Tickets: Wednesday Matinees: $39 Center, $29 Sides
Weeknights: $51 Center, $41 Sides
Weekends: $54 Center, $44 Sides
Info Phone: 617-585-5678
Email
Buy Tickets
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Dates & Times
Dates:
May 8-June 6, 2009
Times:
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8:00 pm
Saturdays at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sundays at 3:00 pm
Two Wednesday Matinees: May 13 and June 3 at 2:00 pm.
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Accessibility Info
Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.
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Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.
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Member Reviews
Add review/comment
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Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Thoroughly Enjoyable"
Review
posted by:
Lisa C.
from Norwood, MA,
Jun 12, 2009
Was already familiar with this fascinating story from the Maysles documentary and the HBO movie, and was curious about the musical treatment. Having read both NY and Boston reviews, I was expecting a...
Expand
Was already familiar with this fascinating story from the Maysles documentary and the HBO movie, and was curious about the musical treatment. Having read both NY and Boston reviews, I was expecting a flawed, but enjoyable experience. My friend and I were thoroughly entertained and thought the lyrics were clever and the music melodic, if not memorable, for the most part. The 3 leads (Leigh Barrett, Aimee Doherty and Sarah DeLima) were wonderful, though I was a bit surprised and put off by Barrett's Southern inflection in the second act, marring an otherwise outstanding turn. Despite being 2 1/2 hours (w/intermission) and reports of a lagging first act, we thought it was well-paced and the time flew by. There are a couple of numbers that could probably be cut, but all in all, well worth time and money, especially with 1/2 price tix from ArtsBoston.
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Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Wonderful production!"
Review
posted by:
Laura Delaney
from Boston, MA ,
Jun 08, 2009
Everyone did a spectacular job, the casting and staging were very well done, and Leigh Barret's performance was wrenchingly real. While some of the singing was a bit outsized for the tiny space, and...
Expand
Everyone did a spectacular job, the casting and staging were very well done, and Leigh Barret's performance was wrenchingly real. While some of the singing was a bit outsized for the tiny space, and a bit corn-y, the production managed to keep the characters complexity and personality, without minimizing them to trite caricatures.
This was my first visit to the Lyric, and I'll definitely go again - a very intimate setting.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Thank God for crazy old ladies!"
Review
posted by:
Devin
from Boston, MA,
Jun 02, 2009
The only downfall to the musical is that some of the music is pretty cheesy. HOWEVER, the vast majority of musicals have cheesy music. So, for the stage, it works. And this particular performance of...
Expand
The only downfall to the musical is that some of the music is pretty cheesy. HOWEVER, the vast majority of musicals have cheesy music. So, for the stage, it works. And this particular performance of it was well done. Definitely well acted. For a little Boston theater company I was not certainly not disappointed.
And as someone who has gotten pretty into the Beale's and the Grey Gardens stories (the recent HBO special is excellent), it was enjoyable to take in this point of view on their story.
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Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Not just a chick show!"
Review
posted by:
Joseph Doolin
from South Boston, MA, USA,
Jun 01, 2009
I went because my wife was interested. A few minutes into Act One, and I realized that this is a colossal hit. Well done, good music numbers, very good writing, almost uniformly good acting. Great...
Expand
I went because my wife was interested. A few minutes into Act One, and I realized that this is a colossal hit. Well done, good music numbers, very good writing, almost uniformly good acting. Great experience . . . for a broad audience.
Collapse
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Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Grey Gardens balances tragedy with fun"
Review
posted by:
Susan W.
from Newton, MA,
Jun 01, 2009
Two thumbs up to Leigh Barrett and the cast for a surprisingly entertaining evening. Lyric Stage's intimacy as a small venue put me right in the room with the Beals.
Two thumbs up to Leigh Barrett and the cast for a surprisingly entertaining evening. Lyric Stage's intimacy as a small venue put me right in the room with the Beals.
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Amazing."
Review
posted by:
A.B.
from Boston, MA,
May 25, 2009
I think the cast of this musical is FANTASTIC from
Leigh Barrett down to those little girls. Though the
script is a little rough, this production was superbly
directed. I did not think the...
Expand
I think the cast of this musical is FANTASTIC from
Leigh Barrett down to those little girls. Though the
script is a little rough, this production was superbly
directed. I did not think the Kennedy accent was
bad by any means, in fact I thought it was VERY
believable. The set and lighting are both great for
the intimate space. If you have the chance you
should definitely see this show. Of course the story
is sad but to see this cast and listen to the singing,
it is well worth the trip!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Do Not Confuse ART with LIFE"
Review
posted by:
Cheryl
from Needham, MA,
May 19, 2009
The documentary and HBO Special are extremely interesting. The story of the Beals is extraordinary, pitiful, and grotesque all at once. This highly unusual musical perhaps 'put off' some audience...
Expand
The documentary and HBO Special are extremely interesting. The story of the Beals is extraordinary, pitiful, and grotesque all at once. This highly unusual musical perhaps 'put off' some audience members. They missed the connection between the music and the emotions, the story and the reality, the psychological and the dramatic. From the moment that Leigh Barrett enters, the story, the play and the performance are all about her complicated, manipulating, almost distasteful character, Big Edie. I saw the Broadway original cast and must add that Leigh brought an intensity yet a naturalness to the role in a beautiful but frightening manner. As the daughter, Little Edie, Leigh was superb, intimately displaying the ongoing struggle between these two codependent women. Without the brilliant documentary and book/music of the musical, none of this would have been possible. Leigh Barrett can do anything. I again applaud the artistic courage of Spiro, the Lyric, and Leigh for Excellence.
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Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
""
Comment
posted by:
Karen G
from Arlington, MA USA,
May 18, 2009
The BosTix seats were great, definitely a good value
for your money!. I've seen the documentary and the
show on Broadway which was wonderful! The
actors did a very good job with the Lyric Stage...
Expand
The BosTix seats were great, definitely a good value
for your money!. I've seen the documentary and the
show on Broadway which was wonderful! The
actors did a very good job with the Lyric Stage
production in this more intimate setting. We liked
the second act better than the first, too. It's a very
poignant story depicting the conflicts that many
parents and their children have, but sadly,
continued on into adulthood in the extreme.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Two and a Half Hours of Torture"
Review
posted by:
Jim C
from Quincy,
May 18, 2009
I have enjoyed numerous productions at the Lyric Stage, but certainly not this one. I almost left after the first Act and then wished that I had. While relatively well acted, with some exceptions...
Expand
I have enjoyed numerous productions at the Lyric Stage, but certainly not this one. I almost left after the first Act and then wished that I had. While relatively well acted, with some exceptions (embarrassing bad Kennedy accents, repetitious high pitched screaming of lines throughout the 2nd Act), the material was really too basic to take 2 1/2 hours to tell, and not particularly well suited to a musical - I was pained to sit through several minutes of the mother singing about how much another character liked her corn on the cob. The fact based story is sad and the characters to be pitied - as is the audience after having suffered through this production. Sorry, Spiros; I hope for better next year.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Grey Gardens, the Musical"
Review
posted by:
Kathy L
from Newton, MA USA,
May 18, 2009
I was curious about this production, having seen the original documentary about the Big and Little Eddie. I thought that the second act, which follows the documentary, was more interesting and based...
Expand
I was curious about this production, having seen the original documentary about the Big and Little Eddie. I thought that the second act, which follows the documentary, was more interesting and based on fact. In the first act the characters were not as appealing. Overall, it was an interesting musical but not a great one.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Light Shines on This Grey Garden!"
Review
posted by:
skot
from Boston, MA USA,
May 13, 2009
Director Spiro Veloudos has proven again how much can be accomplished in such an intimate space. He provided an up-close and personal look into the lives of Big & Little Edie while showing us how vast...
Expand
Director Spiro Veloudos has proven again how much can be accomplished in such an intimate space. He provided an up-close and personal look into the lives of Big & Little Edie while showing us how vast and empty their estate and lives were. Leigh Barrett was outstanding in the challenging leading roles, and the rest of the cast kept up with her. The production flowed effortlessly with grace and ease. It was humorous and tragic but never became corny or trite. A marvelous production of an extraordinary musical.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Terrific Storytelling"
Review
posted by:
BarbaraT
from Braintree MA,
May 12, 2009
Bravo to the ensemble. Casting, directing, acting, singing, music, sets, costumes, and, in fact, all the creative and technical aspects, gel. I'm seeing it again.
Bravo to the ensemble. Casting, directing, acting, singing, music, sets, costumes, and, in fact, all the creative and technical aspects, gel. I'm seeing it again.
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Grey Gardens, Interesting story, boring musical"
Review
posted by:
JJR
from Andover,
May 12, 2009
Having seen the HBO special, I was looking forward to this show, but left feeling very disappointed. I, along with my 3 companions, did not enjoy this musical at all. Although the talent of the actors...
Expand
Having seen the HBO special, I was looking forward to this show, but left feeling very disappointed. I, along with my 3 companions, did not enjoy this musical at all. Although the talent of the actors was obvious, they could not save the play from its dull, forgettable music, and weird, meandering 2nd act.
Collapse
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Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Lyric Stage Hit the Mark"
Review
posted by:
J. Delaney
from Easton MA USA,
May 11, 2009
Grey Gardens was funny, serious, at times puzzling, touching, and one thoroughly enjoyable theater experience. The talented cast and clever set design, combined, paved the way for the magic to happen...
Expand
Grey Gardens was funny, serious, at times puzzling, touching, and one thoroughly enjoyable theater experience. The talented cast and clever set design, combined, paved the way for the magic to happen in such a cozy setting. Leigh Barrett was definitely the show stealer as both Big and Little Edie. Loved it...and I'm spreading the good news!
Collapse
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Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Grey Gardens"
Comment
posted by:
Susan
from Newton, MA,
May 11, 2009
Leigh Barrett was simply amazing. The way she transported herself from act 1 to act 2 to a completely different character; a very disturbing story but Leigh deserves an Elliot Norton award.
Leigh Barrett was simply amazing. The way she transported herself from act 1 to act 2 to a completely different character; a very disturbing story but Leigh deserves an Elliot Norton award.
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"great show"
Review
posted by:
john.feeley@fmr.com
from boston ma,
May 11, 2009
The show was great the cast was perfect. Everyone did a great job.
The show was great the cast was perfect. Everyone did a great job.
-
Media
Gallery
-
Member
Reviews
-
Member Reviews
Add review/comment
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Thoroughly Enjoyable"
Review
posted by:
Lisa C.
from Norwood, MA,
Jun 12, 2009
Was already familiar with this fascinating story from the Maysles documentary and the HBO movie, and was curious about the musical treatment. Having read both NY and Boston reviews, I was expecting a...
Expand
Was already familiar with this fascinating story from the Maysles documentary and the HBO movie, and was curious about the musical treatment. Having read both NY and Boston reviews, I was expecting a flawed, but enjoyable experience. My friend and I were thoroughly entertained and thought the lyrics were clever and the music melodic, if not memorable, for the most part. The 3 leads (Leigh Barrett, Aimee Doherty and Sarah DeLima) were wonderful, though I was a bit surprised and put off by Barrett's Southern inflection in the second act, marring an otherwise outstanding turn. Despite being 2 1/2 hours (w/intermission) and reports of a lagging first act, we thought it was well-paced and the time flew by. There are a couple of numbers that could probably be cut, but all in all, well worth time and money, especially with 1/2 price tix from ArtsBoston.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Wonderful production!"
Review
posted by:
Laura Delaney
from Boston, MA ,
Jun 08, 2009
Everyone did a spectacular job, the casting and staging were very well done, and Leigh Barret's performance was wrenchingly real. While some of the singing was a bit outsized for the tiny space, and...
Expand
Everyone did a spectacular job, the casting and staging were very well done, and Leigh Barret's performance was wrenchingly real. While some of the singing was a bit outsized for the tiny space, and a bit corn-y, the production managed to keep the characters complexity and personality, without minimizing them to trite caricatures.
This was my first visit to the Lyric, and I'll definitely go again - a very intimate setting.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Thank God for crazy old ladies!"
Review
posted by:
Devin
from Boston, MA,
Jun 02, 2009
The only downfall to the musical is that some of the music is pretty cheesy. HOWEVER, the vast majority of musicals have cheesy music. So, for the stage, it works. And this particular performance of...
Expand
The only downfall to the musical is that some of the music is pretty cheesy. HOWEVER, the vast majority of musicals have cheesy music. So, for the stage, it works. And this particular performance of it was well done. Definitely well acted. For a little Boston theater company I was not certainly not disappointed.
And as someone who has gotten pretty into the Beale's and the Grey Gardens stories (the recent HBO special is excellent), it was enjoyable to take in this point of view on their story.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Not just a chick show!"
Review
posted by:
Joseph Doolin
from South Boston, MA, USA,
Jun 01, 2009
I went because my wife was interested. A few minutes into Act One, and I realized that this is a colossal hit. Well done, good music numbers, very good writing, almost uniformly good acting. Great...
Expand
I went because my wife was interested. A few minutes into Act One, and I realized that this is a colossal hit. Well done, good music numbers, very good writing, almost uniformly good acting. Great experience . . . for a broad audience.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Grey Gardens balances tragedy with fun"
Review
posted by:
Susan W.
from Newton, MA,
Jun 01, 2009
Two thumbs up to Leigh Barrett and the cast for a surprisingly entertaining evening. Lyric Stage's intimacy as a small venue put me right in the room with the Beals.
Two thumbs up to Leigh Barrett and the cast for a surprisingly entertaining evening. Lyric Stage's intimacy as a small venue put me right in the room with the Beals.
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Amazing."
Review
posted by:
A.B.
from Boston, MA,
May 25, 2009
I think the cast of this musical is FANTASTIC from
Leigh Barrett down to those little girls. Though the
script is a little rough, this production was superbly
directed. I did not think the...
Expand
I think the cast of this musical is FANTASTIC from
Leigh Barrett down to those little girls. Though the
script is a little rough, this production was superbly
directed. I did not think the Kennedy accent was
bad by any means, in fact I thought it was VERY
believable. The set and lighting are both great for
the intimate space. If you have the chance you
should definitely see this show. Of course the story
is sad but to see this cast and listen to the singing,
it is well worth the trip!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Do Not Confuse ART with LIFE"
Review
posted by:
Cheryl
from Needham, MA,
May 19, 2009
The documentary and HBO Special are extremely interesting. The story of the Beals is extraordinary, pitiful, and grotesque all at once. This highly unusual musical perhaps 'put off' some audience...
Expand
The documentary and HBO Special are extremely interesting. The story of the Beals is extraordinary, pitiful, and grotesque all at once. This highly unusual musical perhaps 'put off' some audience members. They missed the connection between the music and the emotions, the story and the reality, the psychological and the dramatic. From the moment that Leigh Barrett enters, the story, the play and the performance are all about her complicated, manipulating, almost distasteful character, Big Edie. I saw the Broadway original cast and must add that Leigh brought an intensity yet a naturalness to the role in a beautiful but frightening manner. As the daughter, Little Edie, Leigh was superb, intimately displaying the ongoing struggle between these two codependent women. Without the brilliant documentary and book/music of the musical, none of this would have been possible. Leigh Barrett can do anything. I again applaud the artistic courage of Spiro, the Lyric, and Leigh for Excellence.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
""
Comment
posted by:
Karen G
from Arlington, MA USA,
May 18, 2009
The BosTix seats were great, definitely a good value
for your money!. I've seen the documentary and the
show on Broadway which was wonderful! The
actors did a very good job with the Lyric Stage...
Expand
The BosTix seats were great, definitely a good value
for your money!. I've seen the documentary and the
show on Broadway which was wonderful! The
actors did a very good job with the Lyric Stage
production in this more intimate setting. We liked
the second act better than the first, too. It's a very
poignant story depicting the conflicts that many
parents and their children have, but sadly,
continued on into adulthood in the extreme.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Two and a Half Hours of Torture"
Review
posted by:
Jim C
from Quincy,
May 18, 2009
I have enjoyed numerous productions at the Lyric Stage, but certainly not this one. I almost left after the first Act and then wished that I had. While relatively well acted, with some exceptions...
Expand
I have enjoyed numerous productions at the Lyric Stage, but certainly not this one. I almost left after the first Act and then wished that I had. While relatively well acted, with some exceptions (embarrassing bad Kennedy accents, repetitious high pitched screaming of lines throughout the 2nd Act), the material was really too basic to take 2 1/2 hours to tell, and not particularly well suited to a musical - I was pained to sit through several minutes of the mother singing about how much another character liked her corn on the cob. The fact based story is sad and the characters to be pitied - as is the audience after having suffered through this production. Sorry, Spiros; I hope for better next year.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Grey Gardens, the Musical"
Review
posted by:
Kathy L
from Newton, MA USA,
May 18, 2009
I was curious about this production, having seen the original documentary about the Big and Little Eddie. I thought that the second act, which follows the documentary, was more interesting and based...
Expand
I was curious about this production, having seen the original documentary about the Big and Little Eddie. I thought that the second act, which follows the documentary, was more interesting and based on fact. In the first act the characters were not as appealing. Overall, it was an interesting musical but not a great one.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Light Shines on This Grey Garden!"
Review
posted by:
skot
from Boston, MA USA,
May 13, 2009
Director Spiro Veloudos has proven again how much can be accomplished in such an intimate space. He provided an up-close and personal look into the lives of Big & Little Edie while showing us how vast...
Expand
Director Spiro Veloudos has proven again how much can be accomplished in such an intimate space. He provided an up-close and personal look into the lives of Big & Little Edie while showing us how vast and empty their estate and lives were. Leigh Barrett was outstanding in the challenging leading roles, and the rest of the cast kept up with her. The production flowed effortlessly with grace and ease. It was humorous and tragic but never became corny or trite. A marvelous production of an extraordinary musical.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Terrific Storytelling"
Review
posted by:
BarbaraT
from Braintree MA,
May 12, 2009
Bravo to the ensemble. Casting, directing, acting, singing, music, sets, costumes, and, in fact, all the creative and technical aspects, gel. I'm seeing it again.
Bravo to the ensemble. Casting, directing, acting, singing, music, sets, costumes, and, in fact, all the creative and technical aspects, gel. I'm seeing it again.
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Grey Gardens, Interesting story, boring musical"
Review
posted by:
JJR
from Andover,
May 12, 2009
Having seen the HBO special, I was looking forward to this show, but left feeling very disappointed. I, along with my 3 companions, did not enjoy this musical at all. Although the talent of the actors...
Expand
Having seen the HBO special, I was looking forward to this show, but left feeling very disappointed. I, along with my 3 companions, did not enjoy this musical at all. Although the talent of the actors was obvious, they could not save the play from its dull, forgettable music, and weird, meandering 2nd act.
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Lyric Stage Hit the Mark"
Review
posted by:
J. Delaney
from Easton MA USA,
May 11, 2009
Grey Gardens was funny, serious, at times puzzling, touching, and one thoroughly enjoyable theater experience. The talented cast and clever set design, combined, paved the way for the magic to happen...
Expand
Grey Gardens was funny, serious, at times puzzling, touching, and one thoroughly enjoyable theater experience. The talented cast and clever set design, combined, paved the way for the magic to happen in such a cozy setting. Leigh Barrett was definitely the show stealer as both Big and Little Edie. Loved it...and I'm spreading the good news!
Collapse
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"Grey Gardens"
Comment
posted by:
Susan
from Newton, MA,
May 11, 2009
Leigh Barrett was simply amazing. The way she transported herself from act 1 to act 2 to a completely different character; a very disturbing story but Leigh deserves an Elliot Norton award.
Leigh Barrett was simply amazing. The way she transported herself from act 1 to act 2 to a completely different character; a very disturbing story but Leigh deserves an Elliot Norton award.
-
Event Name: Grey Gardens, the musical
"great show"
Review
posted by:
john.feeley@fmr.com
from boston ma,
May 11, 2009
The show was great the cast was perfect. Everyone did a great job.
The show was great the cast was perfect. Everyone did a great job.
-
Media
Reviews
