Excerpts from Samuel D. Hunter's 'The Whale'

In Samuel D. Hunter's "The Whale," Charlie (played by actor Matthew Arkin) interacts with very few individuals. Home-bound and morbidly obese, Charlie teaches online writing courses and is in very poor health. In these scenes, Charlie interacts with his estranged daughter, Ellie; Elder Thomas; Liz and Mary. Directed by Martin Benson, "The Whale" runs March 10-31, 2013, at South Coast Repertory.

[Charlie-pubx]

I know people are going to compare this to the film, but it's important to know that stage acting and screen acting are very different to each other.

[iMrParker]

I don't think people realize that plays are intentionally overacted due to facial expressions and subtlety being difficult to see. People in the back row needs to also be able to understand what us happening on stage too

[yupjared]

The laughter from the audience makes this look like a live-action sitcom.

[SavingPrivateBob]

It's amazing how similar the crowd reactions were during the play and the movie, when I was in the cinema I was surprised how often people laughed, even when I personally wasn't amused. It was my first time in the cinema in years, so it was an interesting experience watching a movie with a bunch of strangers

[arwensiriustinuvieljoestar]

I like how the tone changes so much between the play and the film.

[jcsvisual]

This just goes to show how fantastic this concept, script/screenplay, and everything about this is. I can’t even watch this without tearing up. I just saw the film last night and I was not expecting to be moved as much as I was.

[Mickeymouse]

I knew nothing about this play when I went to see the movie and I was caught completely off guard by this entire Amazing story. Way to make a grown man cry.

[_sty__le]

This comes off a lot more comedic than I expected it seems the movie is going to be a lot more dramatic

[disliked]

I hate the people who don't understand theater that come here to compare this play with a movie which is cut together with reshoots and multiple takes. This is a live show with a tiny budget. Stop insulting these people with your ignorance.

[johnsonken]

It's weird to see the audience laughing.
The movie is way more depressing.

[mr.jwashere]

For the love of god yall stop comparing this to the movie. STAGE PLAYS AND STAGE ACTING AND ARE VERY DIFFERENT FROM EACH OTHER

[pauljmorton]

I saw the movie, loved it, now I wanna see the play.

[cinemasage]

I love theater and cinema. It's important to show different versions and styles just as Shakespeare does.

[jackvlahos]

They are making a movie out of this starring Brendan Frasier!!

[KyleCorwith]

Brendan Fraser makes this look like a middle school play. Fraser deserves all the awards.

[HAL___]

I think the actress that plays Liz does a very good job.

[Thephantom]

After watching the movie, i can honestly say that the film did it better. It's so weird because everything here is played for laughs but in the movie, it's really fucking seriously and dark which is supposed to be the right tone.

[TestTest-hhmp]

God the acting in this play is so hammy and over-the-top. The movie with Brendan Fraser will be like a breath of fresh air

[enyaratna]

Aronofsky's movie based on this will be a blast for sure.

[auzp]

I've seen the movie and i loved it, i would love to see the play as well.