A Terrific "Time," and More Lousy Restrooms

I had been wanting to see Time Stands Still (http://www.theatermania.com/broadway/time-stands-still_168028/) for quite a while, and finally did last night. This is exactly the kind of play that I like best: an interesting and intelligent story (a photo-journalist wounded in Iraq returns home to face questions about both her relationship with her long-time boyfriend and the relevance of her work); terrific writing by Donald Margulies; and great actors.

Our seats were in the front row, which is risky at best, but I wanted to see the actors' faces up close and was willing to sacrifice a better perspective on the stage. It was the right choice (for me, although maybe not for others). Laura Linney, Brian D'Arcy James, Eric Bogosian, and Christina Ricci were worth it - and Ricci's eyes were as big on stage as they look on screen, which I didn't think was possible.

I've been a fan of Laura Linney since You Can Count on Me with Mark Ruffalo (another of my favorites), and my husband & I are among probably 100 New Yorkers who saw James in a one man show called The Good Thief by Conor McPherson back in 2001. That play - more of a monologue even than a play - featured a memorable story about a guy who takes a bath while robbing a house, and we still talk about it fondly. Add renaissance man Bogosian and Broadway newcomer Ricci to the mix, and it's truly an outstanding cast.

Now on to my pet peeve of the year: Cort Theater management should realize that women DON'T lounge on safas and easy chairs when we go to a theater restroom - we just want to pee! Maybe 50 years ago things were different, but these guys (and I'm assuming they're guys) need to get to the 21st century. Three stalls, a VERY long line, and a large room of wasted space that could easily fit 3 more stalls: not smart at all.

One other point: my husband said that the men's rooms were ridiculously cramped as well, although there were no sofas for them.