Elling Opens on Broadway

Last night brought another screen-to-stage adaptation starring a minor (and fading) Hollywood star trying to recapture his fame -- namely of the Norwegian film Elling starring Brendan Fraser.  The show opened last night at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre to some pretty terrible reviews (as I expected it would).  Mr Fraser lumbers around the stage in a lifeless and belabored adaptation that also stars Dennis O'Hare (of True Blood fame and a Tony-winner for Richard Greenberg's 2003 play Take Me Out), Richard Easton, and Jennifer Coolidge.  O'Hare's performance was well enough liked, but not strong enough for a nomination, while Easton and Coolidge received enough praise that may get them nominations in this weak year (even though they probably wouldn't get nominated in a stronger year, and may not still).