Sea Wall/A Life has officially transferred to Broadway and is (mostly) a critical hit.
Anticipation:
Rehearsals:
Special opening night playbills:
Stage photos:
Stage door:
Someone gave Jake flowers:
Leaving the stage:
Time Magazine: In a New Broadway Play, Jake Gyllenhaal Attempts Something Radical: Normalcy
Variety Podcast: Why Jake Gyllenhaal is His "Best Self" in the Theater
First week on Broadway:
Inside Out Art Project
Press Day:
Marquee rising:
Preview:
Fun interview with Tom and Jake (the end, specifically)
Jake and Tom answer questions
Broadway World Inside Opening Night
Look Back at Jake's NY stage career
Jake and Tom reveal secrets about the play
Tom Sturridge on his Intimate Actor Relationship with Jake Gyllenhaal
NY Times Critic's Pick
(Illustration courtesy of Tug Rice. Rehearsal and stage photos courtesy of Sea Wall/A Life and Richard Hubert Smith. Stage door and side profile JG photo courtesy of Sea Wall/A Life and Emilio Madrid Kuser.)
51 comments:
Will add some review snippets and a few more photos. But I didn't want to let the play get too far into its short run before doing a post!
Thanx for the new post, UV! The play really deserves one after all I´ve read!
I have bought a copy of Sea Wall - I wasn´t aware it´s a whole novel and not "just" a play, I wonder which part Tom brings to the stage. I hope Jake´s part will be available in print at some point.
Is it just me or did Jake´s PR team undergo a massive change in how they promote a project? The tone in the postings is similar when you look at the official accounts of Spiderman, Sea Wall/A Life, Nine Stories and some of the postings on Jake´s accounts. Just wondering.... I like the style, it´s young and sometimes cheeky.
Whenever I read or hear Sea Wall / A Life I do have a flashback to the video of Jake´s and Tom´s "singing commercial". It´s a real earworm that I just can´t seem to shake. I feel traumatised and I want compensation. A ticket to the play would do. Travelling and accomodation costs included, of course. Lol.
It's a novel? That's good to know! *off to buy* ;)
Love the new post, UV! Thank you!
You're welcome, BJ. Good to see you :) Post is updated with the Time link and photos, as well as a new Variety podcast with Jake. Haven't listened to it yet.
Diana. Jake and the SeaWall/A Life team are doing a good job on social media. And there has been a far bigger traditional media push than I presumed there would be, both in the stage media (Playbill, etc.) and entertainment/news (Time, Vanity Fair, etc.). It's great to see all the articles and posts. Jake is a producer, so he has a real interest in seeing the play do well.
The social media stuff, from the JR project to all the photos and the interaction, has been great.
Oh and good luck with that compensation, Diana. It's only fair :)
I just listened to the Variety podcast and I really didn´t expect to cry during bits of it but I did, especially when Jake talked about the feedback he got from audience members after performances, when they told him their personal stories or feelings.
I am still sad I won´t be able to see this but somehow my gut feeling tells me that it might be better that way. I could be taking this too much to heart, especially since parts of it are maybe too close to things I have been through that are still haunting me and I´m still struggling with.
I would still love to read both parts, though. The good thing about that is, I can put it aside for as long as I need when it gets too much. I had to do that when I read Stronger for the first time.
It was a good listen. Wonderful to hear Jake talk about the stories people tell them. Also interesting that he didn't really say what he's doing next. I don't know if that's for secrecy or if he really doesn't have a movie in the works.
I wonder if they will do it in London. The NY Post story said they are taking it there next summer, but they could be mixing it up with Sunday. This could also recorded and still effective. Perhaps they will do that. Not as intimate as seeing it live, which I know is what they emphasize as so thrilling and moving. But still.
Some fun tweets:
richard.e.grant Verified
If you’re in New York, I urge you to see @jakegyllenhaal & Tom Sturridge in @seawallalife giving stellar performances that uplift and devastate in equal measure.
vanessa__kirby Verified
My beautiful friend @jakegyllenhaal has made one of the most beautiful and profound pieces of theatre I’ve ever seen. It floored me. And made me feel so alive. Jake, Carrie and Tom you are all incredible. Do whatever you can to get to NYC and see it. @seawallalife
jakegyllenhaal Verified
🙌❤️
williamnorwich @jakegyllenhaal is all that and more. #justgivehimthetonynow And bravo, Tom Sturridge. @seawallalife is terrific. Within moments of the actors beginning their monologues you will completely forget it is themselves from the silver screen and will be transfixed by the characters they are channeling. Ah, a night in the theater 2019 style. I was the only person in my row not drinking a cocktail or soft drink on ice. The blinking and clinking of the ice in glasses especially at those moments of significant silence. I’m surprised @actorsequity hasn’t protested, or have they, this get richer scheme of the theater owners. Beverages, really? Like the movies. It disturbed me and I only paid $275 for a night in the theater. (That’s sarcasm, for the uninitiated who won’t recognize it as such.) If I were an actor, or a playwright, or a director, or an investor in the play or, hell, I’ll say it, someone with the energy left to preach manners and courtesy in our epidemic of entitlement—the culture of thirst indeed—I’d keep the drinks where they belong: @algonquinnyc And then stepping over the glasses left on the floor. Or on the stage. For the @hudsonbway staff to clean up, the audience to trip over. But enough about me. If you have the ability to see @seawallalife do not hesitate. #theater #newyork #broadway #seawallalife #jakegyllenhaal #tomsturridge #carriecracknell #simonstephens #nickpayne image courtesy @askmrmickey sorry I missed seeing you there! 🙏
lindaevangelista Verified
♥️♥️♥️ I loved it!
joshuahorowitz Verified
CULTURE! #jakegyllenhaal #tomsturridge #seawallalife
I just left this show. It’s hilarious, devastating, & interactive all at the same time! 💔
@jakegyllenhaal gave the single best acting performance I've ever seen on a stage. I am floored. I'm also sweating with admiration - didn't know that was a thing! Go see @seawallalife on Broadway while you can!
The most beautiful play I've ever seen #seawallalife
There are a lot of tweets/posts with sentiments similar to the last one. I'm hoping that WOM keeps the show selling well. They have definitely been close to selling out performances, but I don't know if they are still doing a lot of discounting. The important thing is that a lot of people will see the play.
More tweets:
Laura Collins-Hughes @collinshughes NY Times
Went back to “Sea Wall/A Life,” and man do I wish I’d gotten to review tonight’s performance by Jake Gyllenhaal instead of the one the other day. This time the tenderness and nuance were there, allowed to breathe. Lots of sniffling in the house.
Theater. It is a living thing.
After seeing a very moving, emotional performance of Sea Wall/A Life earlier today, it's fitting to hear this Sean Paul song that's randomly on where I'm at. With that being said, Jake and Tom were each phenomenal. Everyone should go see it! #SeaWallALife
Seeing my favorite actor, Jake Gyllenhaal. It’s truly an experience, and @seawallalife is art from start to finish. @jakegyllenhaal is charming.
Somehow @SeaWallALife is hilarious, devastating, and audience-interactive all at the same time.
Tom Sturridge rips your heart out (Sea Wall), and then Jake Gyllenhaal stomps it to pieces (A Life).
Pro Tip: Bring Tissues.
Still haunted by Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance last night in @SeaWallALife
to be truly dead the last time someone says your name & the prep for birth but not death 😢.
Run (do NOT walk) to see this performance before it is gone.
sea wall / a life was an experience i’ll never forget. two incredible actors. moments where the full theater could hear a pin drop. truly an amazing show.
Esther Zuckerman @ezwrites senior entertainment writer @thrillist
Jake Gyllenhaal saying “bless you” to someone who sneezed in the middle of his Sea Wall/A Life monologue: A mood.
Also love an iconic Becky Ann and Dylan Baker sighting at the theater
The woman next to me at Sea Wall / A Life took a FLASH PHOTO during the show and I almost jumped out of my seat and threw her phone over the balcony.
I cannot understand it. It buzzes and vibrates, so why not mute? I went to a Broadway play (Sea Wall/A Life), and at the most pivotal point, and I do not exaggerate this, a phone rang so loudly that I cannot imagine how Tom Sturridge controlled himself and didn't kill someone.
Jake and Tom answer questions
No more mystery here! Our next guest for #ACEcomiccon Midwest is none other than Mysterio, Jake Gyllenhaal! Sign up now for Jake's autograph lottery here: https://bit.ly/2TscVwb. VIP Pre-Sale opens Thursday, General On Sale is Friday at 10am CT! Check your email for details.
https://twitter.com/ACEcomiccon/status/1161321644847013888
I didn't expect to see Jake at a comic book fan event...
Sorry, Monica - I keep forgetting to reply to this. I'm assuming this is a Marvel contractual situation. I can't imagine Jake's doing this on his own. Will be interesting to see how it goes. Sounds like a nightmare to me, for fans and actors.
It sure is contractual, there is such an event in Brazil, my friend went and she said it is many hours in line to take a picture with the actor lasts only a few seconds. And he will spend many hours signing autographs.
He sould out!! Photo with him costs $ 185 and with him and Tom Holland $ 385, both sold out! Comic fans are in love with him!
https://www.acecomiccon.com/jake-gyllenhaal.html
It will be interesting to see if he will accept doing all the poses the fans ask for the photos, most are cringe. See: https://66.media.tumblr.com/1887a0c19dab034b398a4f3174453f57/tumblr_inline_pauqgkCM141tned5i_500.jpg
These young fans are being good at least to watch Sea Wall / A Life
https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2019/08/jake-gyllenhaal-teen-fans-broadway-sea-wall-a-life
Monica, I have been slightly worried about the younger fans that would come with Spiderman.
I remember I once went out clubbing with friends where a member of a boyband was engaged to dj at one club. We had a great time, like you should have when you go clubbing, we danced and had a few cocktails. There were a couple of younger people, though, who just stood in front of the desks and stared at the dj.
I think it´ll wear off, at least I hope so. I am wondering what those teens thought/think of the play itself? And since I decided to be optimistic today I hope that it is the beginning of the love for theatre performances for those teens - maybe at least for some. It has to start somewhere!
Diana, I have this concern too, I don't like young fans, especially from Marvel, but if it helps the play to succeed, good for Jake.
Hi everyone!
I haven´t had much time to dive into Jake Gyllenhaal world lately, but there are a few interviews I would like to put a link to on here. I haven´t read them all completely, but they seem to be okay - one of them maybe a little...odd.
wmagazine on Calvin Klein camagne Sept 6th
Vanity Fair Sept 9th
backstage.com Sept 11th
backstage.com Sept 16th
I hope you´re all well! Summer seems to be finally over, where has it been? It´s only three months until christmas! I can´t remember that a year ever flew by so quickly...
Deadline: Jake Gyllenhaal & Tom Sturridge To Record Broadway’s ‘Sea Wall/A Life’ As Audible Original Production
...
Gyllenhaal continued, “It’s exciting that with Audible’s release those who weren’t able to catch Sea Wall/A Life during the Broadway run will still be able to experience it in a meaningful way and that this play will live on and continue to connect us to one another.”
...
Audible’s recording and release dates of Sea Wall/A Life will be announced later.
This is definitely a good idea and I'm looking forward to it.
That's interesting! Thanks Hagen!
Thanks, Hagen and Diana. I have fallen woefully behind here. I went to TIFF and still haven't gotten back into the "real life" groove. I'm glad people will be able to experience Sea Wall/A Life, but I do also wish they would film it. I've also seen a few references to a London version, but I don't know if that is just a mix-up with Sunday in the Park or what.
Diana, those interviews were a nice surprise. I didn't know there would be a new Eternity campaign. Would have been nice to get a new photoshoot but one can't have everything, I guess :) And the late-in-the-run press for SWAL was also a fun surprise.
Last weekend for the play - in NYC, at least. I will be going to the final performance and will report back!
How did you like the final performance, UV? Did you see it in the Hudson just the once?
I saw it twice on Broadway. I did not like the new ending; it was changed from the Public performances. But by the last show, they had worked on it so it wasn't so jarring. Jake's non-verbal singing, if that's the right way to put it, was beautiful. It felt a little incomplete the first night at the Hudson. His performance of the piece was wonderful. There was much sobbing each time I saw it. It's a beautiful piece of theater.
I saw no family or friends of Jake. But Eddie Redmayne was there. He was very low-key but friendly to people who stopped him on the way out.
That's nice Eddie Redmayne went, he's probably friends with Tom.
The phrase 'non-verbal singing' makes no sense to me haha, sounds like whatever he did was hard to put in words. I'm looking forward to listening to the performance when it comes out on audible, although it won't be like seeing it in the flesh. I've read rumours that it will be heading to the West End next year, but we'll just wait and see what happens there.
I know this isn't a gossip forum about his love life, but if anyone cares there are pics of him and Jeanne from the other day on IHJ. Seems like they are still going strong.
Anonymous Troll, you're obviously bored and looking for attention. Where will you go to annoy people next when we all (unfortunately) stop coming here?
UV, it must be so incredibly frustrating. I know it is for me, and it sucks big time.
Anyways, hope everyone is well.
P.S. AT, I can't wait for you to use my name for same lame vitriol!
Sal, good to see you. As always with this idiocy: the less said, the better :)
Jake and Tom Holland Panel at Ace Comic Con: https://www.facebook.com/ACEcomiccon/
I've finally read "Lake Success" by Gary Shteyngart. It's fun and hopefully the announced HBO mini series will be realized. I wonder which project comes next for Jake.
That's good to hear, Hagen. My sister has read many Shteyngart books and liked Lake Success, though it isn't her favorite of the author's. It would be good to know what Jake is going to work on next!
Monica, thanks for that post, too. I have to say that Jake seemed much more relaxed and willing to engage at Comic Con than I feared he might be. Lots of fun photos and stories.
I keep hoping Jake will work with Denis Villeneuve again soon. It's long overdue.
Hope everyone who still visits here is OK ;)
Good morning! I hope you´re all okay. I´m always struggling a bit when the season changes to winter, I find it easier to adjust to it getting warmer outside! And it´s frustrating to leave for work in the dark and come back home after work - in the dark. But I´m looking forward to all the christmas-decoration, the lit houses and shops and all the christmas-markets. Not to mention the food, oh my. Not even 8 weeks until christmas, that´s crazy!
I have looked into some reviews of the book, Hagen. It´s very mixed and comes out as average but not outstandingly brilliant. From the description it could be the kind of writing that speaks to me, though. I might give it a try - there are a lot of cold days ahead and I love to snuggle up on the sofa with a nice cuppa and a book.
There are some things in pre-production but there is nothing set yet, is it? At least when it comes to acting. The only thing I can see is Sunday in the Park with George.
I´ve just ordered "Lake Success" and I´ve decided to buy it in English.
There was a movie project that Jake was attached to that is not on IMDb anymore. It was about a WW2 American soldier who was shot down in France and managed to escape. I can´t remember the title of it... I love the book, it´s a story that I can really imagine coming out great on the screen. The list of future projects on IMDb seems to have shrunk anyway, or is it just me thinking that it has?
BJ, I hope to see another collaboration with Denis Villeneuve, too! I still have to watch Arrival and Sicario. I would also love to know what it would be like to see Jake work with Bong Jooh-Ho again, but in a more serious role.
Happy Halloween!!!
Not sure why people feel the need to come here to tell us about other places. Thanks but no thanks!
Hope you all got a lot of good candy for Halloween!
Hi, BJ. Thanks for stopping in - sorry I didn't reply sooner.
Diana, I hope you're having a sunny day :) The end of Daylight Saving Time sucks every year. It's always an adjustment.
I think we'd all love to know what Jake is doing next. It's a long time until Sunday...
Not much happening in Jake land I guess. I saw that Moulin rouge recouped on Broadway and wondered about Seawall. I hadnt seen this - https://deadline.com/2019/10/jake-gyllenhaal-tom-sturridge-sea-wall-a-life-recoup-investment-broadway-limited-engagement-1202749157/
It's great that Sea Wall/A Life recouped. I was very happy to see that.
Quiet is right - no replies/posts here for days. Not sure if comment moderation is keeping folks away. I know it has been slow for months. I had an idea - we could do a greatest hits of GB posts or photos or anything Babble-related. See if that gets some people posting. But I will leave moderation on - should probably have done that months ago.
I'll try to think of a fun way to frame the new discussion. Feel free to start now or wait for the new post. Or ignore me :)
Jake news: Jake from Zodiac to appear in John Mulaney special
It’s really become quiet lately, in my case simply because there’s not much new information about what Jake is up to and because of the lack of time to dig up the internet.
I am checking this space regularly, though, anyone else here who does?
One thought on Jake, since some time has gone by I feel like his work is shifting, from mainly acting in movies to producing and doing stagework, especially the more interviews I am reading. I wonder if I’m correct or not.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Diana, I hope not, that would be bad for me.
"I am checking this space regularly, though, anyone else here who does?"
I do, too. To be honest, this is the only place I still check for Jake news, even though it's hard at times ;) :D I don't have nearly as much time to spend on Jake (online) as I used to, but I still have that soft spot for him ;)
I have the same thought on Jake, Diana. I, too, feel that he's now more focused on his production company, which takes up a lot of his time, I'm sure. And his work as a stage actor? It's bad for me too, Monica ;) My health isn't the best, so for me to travel to NYC to see a play would be a miracle! Still, never say never!
Can't say I blame Jake, though. It must be very rewarding to have more control over the creative process after so many years as "just" an actor. I'm sure he'll continue to act - but I'm also looking forward to his debut as a director! with all his experience, I feel the time is right for him.
Oh, and hi, UV! ;) Hope you're OK!
BJ, Diana, Monica - thank you for chiming in. Especially after I accidentally deleted your post, BJ :)
I'd say the few responses indicate that we've all lost enthusiasm for this blog, not necessarily for Jake. But I won't give up just yet!
In current news: Jake is in London, doing interviews for Sunday in the Park. He also did this.
A little more from twitter:
@NancyDurrant
Got taster of a few songs from Sunday in the Park with George last night, sung (beautifully, two lovely, lovely voices) by
@TheAAshford and Jake Gyllenhaal, accompanied by Jeanine Tesori (!) in front of George Seurat's Bathers at Asnieres
@NationalGallery. It's going to be GREAT.
So jealous of anyone who got to see/hear them in such an intimate setting!
Good morning everyone!
Jake has been visiting the cast of Betrayal backstage (obviously before he flew out to London):
Jake visiting the cast of Betrayal
A movie that Nine Stories co-produces will premiere at Sundance:
Relic premieres at Sundance
UV, Jake and Annaleigh are in London to promote Sunday. Would you mind posting a new thread? I would love to dig up the internet for all the promo and post it there. I´ve already found some articles and videos.
Thank you!
I'm interested in the movie Relic, I hope it does well for them. From what I can tell his production company has released two movies, Stronger and Wildlife, and while they both were well received critically, financially both were enormous flops at the box office. I can imagine the fact Stronger was a flop must have been pretty hard to swallow for Jake. Producing seems like a tough gig.
Sorry, Diana - I will try to get to that later today. It's not as easy as just snapping my fingers :)
UV, I've been busy with work and university, but I still love Jake.
Happy birthday, Jake!
Another year with interesting projects and challenges has gone by, all the best for the next one coming up!
Looking forward to all the interesting places you´re going to take us with the stories you´ll tell in the coming year. Give us more to see ;-)
Happy birthday to Jake!🎉 A little late cause I was expecting a new post here for his BD, then I started re-re-watching Demolition...and here I am wishing him the best of all years. Can't wait to see the 8 projects he will star in, labeled "coming soon" on Nine Stories' website. I reckon soon means the next 2-3 years but I'm a patient gal. And if I could find the money to see SITPWG in London, what a gift it would be...
All GBabblers, go to twitter and IG to read all the birthday wishes for Jake. They're sincere and heartfelt, there's even a #HappyBirthdayJake hashtag. Ignore the toxic trolls, it was a really nice day.
Merry christmas, everyone!
So I´ve watched part of John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch. It was a lot of fun even though I have to admit I couldn´t watch all of it. I watched Jake´s part in full, which was really funny.
There is an interview with John Mulaney and a 10-year-old fan of his, and they talk about Jake´s part:
Vulture interview
I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays so far! See you soon!
Happy New Year to everyone!
Happy 2020 everyone! Well, it's still 2019 here, but in less than 12 hours... :)
2019 has been an extremely difficult and emotional year for me, that's why I've been fairly quiet on here this year. Here's to a much better new year!
Much love to you all - and to Jake.
where is jake?
Where is Donnie? He could be in London filming for Batman. Matt Reeves is keeping secret a few key villain roles, anything is possible.
Do you guys think will shoot a film between now and Sunday in the Park? He has so many projects in the works with Nine Stories but he doesn't seem to be acting such anymore.
I'm pretty sure Jake did shoot or will soon be shooting scenes for a movie. I'm pretty sure he grew his hair for it and is contractually obligated to keep it until production wraps. That he looks sexy a.f. with his A Star is Born hair is just a great side effect, but IMO he mainly grew it for a movie. Big studios use the element of surprise a lot. Last year Michael Keaton shot scenes for Morbius and nobody knew about it, neither the press nor the public until the trailer was released last week.
I'm still hopping that he has some kind of surprise appearance in Dunes, cuz he is such a fan, and Denis is directing it, so.
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