The Eldest Boy Did It Again! "An Enemy of The People" ROCKED.
Let me get this out of the way: "I thought this was Barstool SPORTS" Did it for you.
Last night was the opening night of An Enemy of the People on Broadway starring Jeremy Strong (sup), Michael Imperioli and Victoria Pedretti. It's a period piece with a modern twist set in Norway about two brothers going against each other when one makes a discovery that could completely ruin their small town along with his own life.
Naturally, I had to go to see the eldest boy open up his newest venture on a Broadway stage. It's no secret that I have a love affair with Kendall Roy. It's a brilliant move to have Jeremy headline a Broadway play on the heels of Succession ending (I still can't talk about it). The reasoning to go see this play speaks for itself. I'd actually be curious to see exactly how many people buy tickets to this limited-run solely because of him. I don't think saying 80% is crazy at all.
But the other cast members have pull on their own accord too.
I've never watched The Sopranos (for SHAME) but I know people love Michael Imperioli in it. I know him as the dad in last season of The White Lotus. Man, that guy loved hot hookers. And as every girl who somehow finds a way to sexualize hot serial killers, I loved YOU and know Victoria Pedretti as Love. There is some major star power here. And not only that, but relevant to current pop-culture star power. We're talking Succession, The Sopranos, The White Lotus, YOU and The Haunting of Hill House. Heavy hitting, incredible popular shows. And thats just three of the actors in the phenomenal cast thats made up of just 12.
And it was PHENOMENAL. Jeremy was phenomenal in it. They all were.
The crowd laughed out loud many times. There were a couple heart-wrenching scenes (yes, I teared up). And I, along with the rest of the theater, never lost an ounce of interest in two hours. It held my attention as closely as I held my Broadway sippy cup of wine. Hand up, I'm by no stretch a theater expert. Just like everybody else on the planet, I think Hamilton is up there with the GOATS of Broadway. I've seen a few of the other big ones over the years of living in New York City. But I don't go much. So, I'm sure some play snobs (if they even dare to read a Barstool Sports blog???) will take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I think An Enemy of the People will be highly acclaimed and get some award nominations thrown in it's direction.
Now I know what you're thinking, it could be absolute shit and I'd still say it was great because of how much I love Succession. And you may be right! I'm nothing but loyal to my unhealthy obsessions. Except I don't have to pretend it was good. It's actually really, really, really good. What do I get for lying about that anyway?
Now… if you're looking for this cast to put on a SHOW, this isn't it. It's on a stage in the middle of the small, intimate The Circle in the Square Theater. No curtain, no trap doors. There aren't costume changes. No gigantic scenery flips. No light shows or dance numbers. No ensemble singing. You're not going to go "wow" at the production itself. In fact, you may look at it and think "my high school drama club had better set ups than this". I was shocked when I took my seat at how minimalist the stage was.
But what you will do? You're going to say "WOW, these actors are SO good" followed by "what a captivating story". It showcases the unbelievable talent of the actors and the ability to tell a very compelling story without all the fireworks that the big Broadway plays typically have. That's what makes it so good in my opinion.
I guess an easier way to describe it would be like going to a Taylor Swift vs Adele concert. You know they're both going to be awesome but one is going to have fireworks, dancers and a billion outfit changes. The other is going to have just a microphone and just a singer singing her ass off. "An Enemy of the People" is like Adele. Some really talented actors telling a super fascinating story and holding your attention from start to finish without having to much else other than themselves and a few props.
Side note: there is nothing untalented about Taylor Swift's concerts. Just a different style. Please don't come after me for that, Swifties.
I highly recommend going. It's worth it and it's only on Broadway for 16 weeks. Even if you just want to see an actor from one of your favorite shows up close and personal. I could legit see the spit flying out of their mouths. Weird to add that in? Maybe, but that's how close you get to the action in this setting.
10/10.
Oh ya, remember that time I was in Succession!? You thought I'd write a blog and not remind everybody that I was an extra in season 3? Fat fucking chance.
The actual clip of my part is longer and includes Kendall checking me out on his way down the elevator. The haters are going to be sick when I get my post-partum body back in that dress. And its coming. Soon.
P.S. - Here's some Victoria Pedretti to brighten your day