Saturday, March 2, 2024

12 Angry Men

 12 Angry Men
City Gate Productions
The Stone Circle Theatre
March 1, 2024 

Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

City Gate Productions was founded in December, 2021 with the main purpose of presenting quality theatre experiences around the borough of Queens.  The company travels to different locations, scouting out spaces that meet the specific feeling and environment for their upcoming shows.  The venue for their present production of 12 Angry Men is Stone Circle Theatre (59-14 70th Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385).  The play is presented in the round. Director Cathy Chimenti skillfully builds the tension in this classic courtroom drama, keeping the audience emotionally and intellectually engaged.  The cast creates distinct, headstrong characters, who discover the true concept of reasonable doubt. 

James Brautigam & Frank DiSpigno
Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

As twelve men enter the jury room, you hear mention that their deliberations will not take very long.  It sounds like a cut and dry case.  Guilty as charged.  Juror #7 (played by Daniel Wolfe Mitnik) has theatre tickets, and wants to get out of there.  Juror #10 (played by Frank DiSpigno) is certain of his guilty vote, as are most of the other men.  There is one hold out.  Juror #8 (played by Max Bank) has reasonable doubt.  He requests a discussion before voting on the fate of the young man on trial.  The foreman (played by Joe Dujmic) leads the deliberation, then takes the vote.  Juror #9 (played by Bill McAndrews) is influenced by the reasoning of Juror #8, and votes not guilty.  Juror #3 (played by Robert Budnick) bullies him for being swayed.  This adds more doubt to the discourse, which extends the deliberation.  The more the men talk, the stronger their doubts become.  They re-enact parts of the crime.  The findings are surprising.    

Francis MacCall, Marco Malgioglio, & Joe Dujmic
Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

The entire cast is excellent.  They are fully in sync with one another, creating heightened moments of frustration and aggression.  The arguments rise out of genuine concern for wanting to uncover the truth.  Robert Budnick (Juror #3) does not let up with the pushing and bullying, yet Max Bank (Juror #8) does not back down.  They are evenly matched.  The variation in their approach and tactics keeps the conflict polarized and realistic.  Bart Blachnio brings reason and intellect to the table as Juror #4.  He is fair and evenly tempered, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard.  This is why his changed vote carries so much weight.  Bill McAndrews is wise and calm as Juror #9.  Frank DiSpigno’s outburst as Juror #10 is shocking and impactful.

Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

The play takes place in 1953, on a hot summer day in NYC with no air conditioning.  It offers a keen insight into the mindset of mid-century America.  Our shortcomings, prejudices, and judgments are blatantly clear.  This production is an interesting opportunity to assess how we, as a society, have and have not progressed over the past seventy years.   

City Gate Productions is a company worth keeping an eye on.  12 Angry Men is playing through March 10.  Take the M train to Queens, and check it out.  It is well worth the trip!  

Domenick Danza

Sunday, February 25, 2024

The Seven Year Disappear

 The Seven Year Disappear
The New Group
Pershing Square Signature Center
The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre
February 24, 2024 

Photo courtesy of The New Group

Jordan Seavey’s The Seven Year Disappear is mind blowing.  The New Group production is masterfully conceived.  Director Scott Elliott found a style and pace for the play that viscerally conveys the nature of the relationship of the two main characters.  The ending delivers an unexpected satisfaction that leaves the audience in a state of amazement.

Miriam (played by Cynthia Nixon) is a performance artist.  She is managed by her son, Naphtali (played by Taylor Trensch).  He just got her a commission from MoMA.  She is thrilled, and gets to work right away.  Miriam disappears the day of the MoMA announcement.  Naphtali is in a state of panic.  He starts drinking again.  He hires an investigator.  He turns to his mother’s previous manager, Wolfgang, who has not heard from her.  Naphtali realizes the disappearance is all part of Miriam’s new piece.  He turns his back on the art world, and starts working on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.  Seven years later, as he is getting his life together, Miriam returns, expecting Naphtali to be part of the final phase of her seven year project. 

Photo courtesy of The New Group

Cynthia Nixon and Taylor Trensch deliver fascinating performances.  In addition to Miriam, Ms. Nixon plays numerous roles (Wolfgang and other friends and connections of Naphtali).  Her transitions are seamless.  The style in which it is written demands you listen carefully in order to find out who these characters are and how they relate to Naphtali and the disappearance of his mother.  Ms. Nixon is bold, daring, and commanding in each of these roles.  She grabs your attention, spikes your curiosity, and lures you into the journey.  

Taylor Trensch & Cynthia Nixon
Photo courtesy of The New Group

The character of Naphtali is complicated.  He is lost and searching, more for himself than for his mother.  Mr. Trensch peels back layers one by one to reveal a vulnerable core.  You are as uncertain as he is as to the reality of his situation, upbringing, and future.  At the end, it all lands in a place of knowing and a sense of calm.

Playwright Jordan Seavey has crafted a unique piece of theatre.  The scenes are out of order, causing the audience to piece the events together.  The play is carefully structured to provide details that answer the questions as they flood your mind.  This continuous reveal creates a forward moving action that keeps you fully engaged in the characters and their story. 

The Seven Year Disappear is playing at Pershing Square Signature Center’s Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre through March 31.  It is mesmerizing and powerful.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Back to the Future

 Back to the Future
The Musical
Winter Garden Theatre
February 20, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Back to the Future

The Broadway production of Back to the Future is absolutely amazing!  It is high tech, fast paced, and non-stop fun.  Chris Bailey’s choreography authentically connects the time period with energy and enthusiasm.  Director John Rando brings this phenomenal cast together to tell a story that is full of heart.

The year is 1985.  Marty McFly (played by Casey Likes) receives a message from his friend, Doc Brown (played by Roger Bart) to meet him at the mall parking lot at 1:20 AM.  Marty has a steady girlfriend, Jennifer (played by Mikaela Secada), but his family life is bleak.  His father, George (played by Hugh Coles) is bullied by his boss, Biff (played by Nathaniel Hackman).  His mother, Lorraine (played by Liana Hunt) is overweight and drinks too much.  When Marty arrives at the mall parking lot, Doc suddenly appears in a DeLorean, which he transformed into a time machine.  When Doc demonstrates how to program the DeLorean, he realizes he has been poisoned by the plutonium used to propel the machine for time travel.  Marty jumps into the car to get help.  As the car hits 88 mph, Marty is transported back to 1955.  As he searches for Doc to help him get back to the future, Marty runs into his teen age parents, and disrupts the events that lead to their first kiss and eventual marriage.  Marty has to reconcile these events before returning to 1985.       

Casey Likes as Marty McFly
Photo courtesy of Back to the Future

The show hits 88 mph from the top, and does not slow down for two and a half hours.  There are a few plot points missing from the original movie, but that is what keeps this musical version tight and effective.  Roger Bart and Casey Likes have an amazing bond as Doc Brown and Marty McFly.  Their comic timing is perfect.  They share a few touching and genuine moments on their wild adventure.  Hugh Coles is hysterical as George McFly.  His physicality is flawless.  Liana Hunt nails the role of Lorraine.  Her energy is high and her youthful zest is spot on.

Roger Bart & Dancers
Photo courtesy of Back to the Future

The creative team were all involved with the original film franchise.  The book is by Bob Gale.  The music and lyrics are by Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard.  The production is co-created and produced by Robert Zemeckis.  The respect and creative ownership of the material is evident in the attention to detail and high quality of the production.  It is an amazing experience.  You must see it for yourself.

Back to the Future is playing at the Winter Garden Theatre.  It is high energy and a lot of fun.  You must see it!   

Domenick Danza

Friday, February 16, 2024

Brooklyn Laundry

Brooklyn Laundry
Manhattan Theatre Club
NY City Center Stage I
February 15, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Manhattan Theatre Club is presenting John Patrick Shanley’s new play, Brooklyn Laundry.  The premise is intriguing, the characters are truthful, and the plot has a few surprise twists.  The play has many honest moments that will touch your heart and endear the characters to you.  The cast is wonderful.  Mr. Shanley has directed this play himself.  It is tender and straight forward. 

Fran (played by Cecily Strong) meets Owen (played by David Zayas) when she drops off her laundry.  The regular girl quit, so Owen, who own three laundromats, is working the front desk.  He sees something in Fran, beyond her “gloomy” disposition, and asks her out.  She accepts, but cannot go until she returns from an out of town commitment.  Fran keeps the details of this commitment from Owen when she goes on their date.  She wants him to see her in a positive light, and not as she is, weighed down by her family sorrow.  Fran’s sister is dying and leaving two small children behind.  Owen carries the weight of his past as well.  Fran supports him, and is hoping he will be able to do the same. 

David Zayas & Cecily Strong
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Cecily Strong delivers a solid performance as Fran.  This is a complex character, yearning for happiness while drowning in hopelessness.  Her rhythms and timing are impeccable.  She has a phenomenal chemistry with David Zayas.  Their connection is genuine and visceral.  Mr. Zayas’ character emotionally opens and reaches out to Fran (Cecily Strong), then plunges into fear and darkness.  It then becomes her turn to open up and reach out. 

Florencia Lozano and Andrea Syglowski play Fran’s sisters, Trish and Suzie.  These two characters are polar opposites, giving Ms. Strong much to play off.  It is in these scenes that she dives in and fully develops her character.  These relationships reveal the intertwining layers that develop over a lifetime of hardship and connection. 

Brooklyn Laundry is playing at NY City Center Stage I through March 31.  Check it out.  

Domenick Danza

Friday, January 26, 2024

Days of Wine & Roses

 Days of Wine & Roses
The Musical
Studio 54
January 25, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Days of Wine & Roses

Days of Wine & Roses tells the tragic story of a married couple fighting alcoholism.  The book by Craig Lucas is compact and effective.  The music and lyrics by Adam Guettel are captivating.  The score pulls you into the downward spiral of the characters.  It offers moments for both characters to discover and reveal the cause of their pain, as well as revel in moments of clarity and hope.  Under the direction of Michael Greif, Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James deliver breathtaking performances.

Kristen Arnesen (played by Kelli O’Hara) meets Joe Clay (played by Brian d’Arcy James) at a work function.  He is in public relations, and she is his boss’s secretary.  His is drinking heavily, and she is reading.  She tells him that she does not like the taste of alcohol and that her weakness is chocolate.  He orders her a Brandy Alexander, which she drinks quickly as they open up about their childhoods.  A few weeks later, they are celebrating Joe’s promotion with champagne, Johnny Walker, and margaritas.  After they elope, Kristen takes Joe to meet her father (played by Byron Jennings).  He immediately dislikes Joe.  Kristen stops drinking when she has a baby, but is lured back by Joe’s desperation.  Their emotional need is only fulfilled when they are both drinking.  It is their magic place.  Their life begins to crumble.  Kristen abandons Joe and their daughter to stay with her father.  Their time apart is focused on healing and forgiving.  They long to be together as a family, yet the road to recovery is rough. 

Brian d'Arcy James & Kelli O'Hara
Photo courtesy of Days of Wine & Roses

The story is dark and heavy.  The highs of the drunken scenes feel risky and dangerous.  Each character has the ability to manipulate the other and pull them down just as they are getting themselves together.  That is the tragedy of the piece, and Kelli O’Hara and Brian d’Arcy James are so viscerally connected that these moments are real and tangible.  You feel for both of them throughout the story.  You hope they will not succumb to the temptation, yet you gain a true understanding of the depth and severity of their disease.

The skillfully crafted book, lyrics, and score is matched by the masterful performances, yet this is not an easy subject matter to sit through.  It is a beautiful production of a heartbreaking story.  Days of Wine & Roses is playing at Studio 54. 

Domenick Danza

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Jonah

 Jonah
Roundabout at Laura Pels Theatre
Harold & Miriam Stenberg Center for Theatre
January 20, 2024 

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

The Roundabout Theatre Company production of Jonah is mesmerizing.  Playwright Rachel Bonds has skillfully crafted this piece to keep her audience fully engaged.  Each scene takes the characters through vital experiences that shape them, scar them, and propel them forward.  It is through the linking of these events that a tender story evolves.  Director Danya Taymor works with a phenomenal cast to convey this story clearly and truthfully. 

Anna (played by Gabby Beans) meets Jonah (played by Hagan Oliveras) outside her dorm room one night.  He follows her.  He waits for her.  Their connection is visceral and mutual.  We later meet Danny (played by Samuel Henry Levine), Ana’s step-brother.  After Ana’s mother passes away, Danny protects her from his father, but never comes to terms with the abuse he experienced.  When Ana meets Steven (played by Jon Zdrojeski) years later at a writers’ retreat, she faces her past, the harm inflicted upon her by Danny, and the joy and intimacy she only dreamed about with Jonah. 

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company
Gabby Beans is remarkable as Ana.  Her character shifts in age from scene to scene, and Ms. Beans fully embodies each phase of this character’s experiences.  She portrays different aspects of Ana in the way she relates to the three male characters in the story.  All are genuine and grounded relationships.  There is an innocence shared between her and Hagar Oliveras’ Jonah, a strong bond, based on fear and need, between her and Samuel Henry Levine’s Danny, and a vulnerability that connects her to John Zdrojeski’s Steven.  These relationship are powerful, and the performances are riveting. 

It is in the final moment of the play that everything pulls together.  It is satisfying and healing.  It is a beautifully written moment, succinctly directed, and perfectly performed.  

Jonah is playing at the Laura Pels Theatre through March 10.  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza


Sunday, December 31, 2023

The Night of the Iguana

 The Night of the Iguana
La Femme Theatre Productions
The Pershing Square Signature Center
December 30, 2023 

Photo courtesy of
La Femme Theatre Productions

The La Femme Theatre Productions’ presentation of Tennessee Williams’ The Night of the Iguana is riveting.  Director Emily Mann has gathered a stellar cast and masterfully guided them through Mr. Williams’ poetic writing.  The characters are viscerally portrayed, desperately in need, and grasping at whatever life-line they can find.  Set design by Beowulf Boritt and lighting design by Jeff Croiter create a sultry atmosphere for this deeply complex journey.

Reverend T. Lawrence Shannon (played by Tim Daly) is guiding a bus tour of women from a Texan Christian University through Mexico.  He takes a detour to Hotel Costa Verde, looking for his friend Fred.  Upon his arrival, Fred’s wife, Maxine (played by Daphne Rubin-Vega) informs him that Fred recently died.  Maxine immediately sees that Shannon is having a break down, something she nursed him through in the past.  He was asked to leave his position in the church after preaching an inappropriate sermon and having relations with an under-aged member of his congregation.  Shannon is repeating this pattern of behavior on his bus tour.  Judith Fellows (played by Lea DeLaria) is bringing him up on statutory rape charges after he spent the night with Charlotte Goodall (played by Carmen Berkeley), an under-aged member of the bus tour who she is chaperoning.  While trying to convince the tour patrons to stay at Hotel Costa Verde instead of the more modern downtown hotel, Hannah Jelkes (played by understudy Dee Pelletier) arrives with her grandfather, Jonathan Coffin (played by Austin Pendleton).  Shannon takes Hannah’s side and convinces Maxine to give them a room, even though they are short on funds.  As Shannon’s anxiety reaches a breaking point, Hannah is the one who leads him to redemption.  

Daphne Rubin-Vega & Tim Daly
Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions
Tim Daly portrays the flawed Reverend Shannon with grit, guts, and stubbornness.  His actions are
aggressively motivated by hurt and damage.  He is a victim of his own self-indulgence, running from the cause of his pain and allowing the symptoms to rule his behavior.  Dee Pelletier (understudy) is grounded as Hannah.  She and Mr. Daly have a truthful connection, which allows to story line to build to a stunning conclusion.  Ms. Pelletier skillfully delivers genuine moments in the final scene that allow Mr. Daly’s character to open, calm, and make a choice.
           

Daphne Rubin-Vega is sensual and tempestuous as Maxine.  Her jealousy over the attention Shannon gives to Hannah is palpable.  She is a powerful adversary to Ms. Pelletier’s Hannah.  There are also strong performance by Lea DeLaria, Carmen Berkeley, and Austin Pendleton. 

The Night of the Iguana is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through February 25.  This Tennessee Williams classic is rarely revived, and this production is well worth seeing. 

Domenick Danza