Phantasmagoria; or Let Us Seek Death!

Phantasmagoria; or Let Us Seek Death!

La Mama

October 29, 2016

Photo courtesy of LaMama

Phantasmagoria; or Let us seek Death! is a haunting way to celebrate Halloween.  Playing at LaMama through November 6, the show explores the creative mind of Mary Shelley as she focuses the challenges and experiences of her life into her masterpiece Frankenstein.

In Act I the ensemble sets up an atmosphere of artistic freedom and sexual promiscuity as they portray the lives of Mary Shelley (played by Jane Bradley), Claire Clairmont (played by Katie Melby), Percy Shelley (played by Demetrius Stewart), Lord Byron (played by Equiano), and Doctor Polidori (played by Andrew Lynch).  The play gets dark in Act II as Mary Shelley’s character from her classic novel envelopes her thoughts and takes over the stage.  The team of Randolph Curtis Rand (director) and Chana Porter (playwright) have a strong passion and deep understanding of this history and material.  The puppetry, by Benjamin Stuber, creates a sense of mystery and terror.

Jane Bradley & Demetrius Stewart
Photo courtesy of La Mama

Jane Bradley is charming and light hearted as Mary Shelley in Act I, then grim and brooding as the voice of the monster in Act II.  Her vocal authority is mesmerizing.  Every gesture and detail of her characterization draws you in to a deeper sense of consciousness.  Demetrius Stewart is easy going and irresponsible as Percy Shelley, then haunted and distraught as Victor Frankenstein.  Equiano is bold and brazen as Lord Byron, commanding and manipulating the lives and emotions of those around him.

This production offers a psychological insight into the life of Mary Shelley.  The dichotomy of her thoughts and experiences are explored.  The potent affect this has on her creative writing is brought to light.  It brings great understanding as to why Frankenstein is a classic work with many levels that continue to both frighten and amuse.

 

Domenick Danza

Coriolanus

Coriolanus

Red Bull Theater

Barrow Street Theatre

October 22, 2016

Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

Red Bull Theater’s production of Coriolanus is filling the Barrow Street Theatre with the insistence of conspiracy, insurrection, and fury.  Through the vision of director Michael Sexton, this historic Shakespeare tale of ego and pride is made relevant to our present political environment.  As the program states: “The Scene: Rome, 492 BCE, Here, Now.”  By placing the audience in the center of the action, Mr. Sexton and the design team, Brett J. Banakis (set and lighting) and Brandon Wolcott (sound), makes this bloody and aggressive production a visceral experience for all who attend.

Dion Johnstone as Coriolanus
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

When Caius Martius (played by Dion Johnstone) is victorious in battle, he is haled “Coriolanus” and thrust into the political spotlight by his close friend and supporter Menenius Agrippa (played by Patrick Page). Sicinius Velutus (played by Stephen Spinella) and Junius Brutus (played by Merrritt Janson) see to it that the people rebel against Coriolanus’ brusque demeanor and forceful temperament.  The upheaval leads to his banishment.  Coriolanus finds shelter with his enemy Tullus Aufidius (played by Matthew Amendt).  Together they plan on overthrowing the government.  The only one able to convince him to back down from revenge is his mother Volumnia (played by Lisa Harrow), causing disgrace for her and a tragic ending for him.

Patrick Page as Menius Agrippa
Photo courtesy of Red Bull Theater

The performances are powerful and commanding.  The ensemble incites your emotions the moment the play begins.  The political alliances and rivalries are intriguing.  Dion Johnstone and Lisa Harrow deliver performances with depth and honesty that shed light on the flaws and motivations of characters who thrive on power.  Patrick Page, Stephen Spinella, and Merritt Janson embody political figures ruled by the duality of a public life in politics.

The Red Bull Theater production of Coriolanus is stark, bold, and realistic.  Go see it and get a jolt of just how true it is that history repeats itself.  It will be playing at Barrow Street Theatre through November 20.

Domenick Danza

Falsettos

Falsettos

Lincoln Center Theater

Walter Kerr Theatre

October 15, 2016

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Lincoln Center Theater is celebrating William Finn’s Falsettos with a poignant revival at the Walter Kerr Theatre.  Under the directions of James Lapine, this powerhouse cast delivers breathtaking performances.  The production offers a chance to stop and think of not only how far we have come in just a few short decades, but what took place that propelled us forward and how important it is to not fall back.

Act I takes place in 1979.  Marvin (played by Christian Borle) has left his wife, Trina (played by Stephanie J. Block), and son, Jason (played by Anthony Rosenthal), for his lover, Whizzer (played by Andrew Rannells).  In an attempt to maintain a sense of connection, Trina and Jason see Marvin’s psychologist, Mendel (played by Brandon Uranowitz).  The entanglement intensifies when Mendel falls in love with Trina and they get married.  The emotional upheaval that comes with the breakdown of the traditional family is tenderly illustrated in this act.  Uncertainty is felt by all the characters.  Stephani J. Block keeps the humor high in her rendition of the song “I’m Breaking Down.”  She and the men in the cast comically illustrate her point of view about this tough transition in the song “March of the Falsettos.”

The cast of Falsettos
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Act II takes place in 1981.  Marvin has split with Whizzer and befriended his neighbors, Dr. Charlotte (played by Tracie Thoms) and her girlfriend, Cordelia (played by Betsy Wolfe).  When Jason invites Whizzer to his baseball game, Marvin and he start up again.  While plans for Jason’s Bar Mitzvah are underway, Whizzer is diagnosed with AIDS.  Tracie Thoms succinctly expresses the helplessness and confusion that was felt at the beginning of the AIDS crisis.  Christian Borle creates a number of sincere and honest moments that connect to what he tells his son in Act I, that love is most important.  It is the chemistry of this amazing ensemble that allows the message of Falsettos to ring true and come full circle.

This production lacks the groundbreaking effect that it had when it was originally produced at Playwrights Horizon in 1981.  It does, however, allow us to reminisce on decades past and reflect on what is important to carry forward in the decades to come.

Domenick Danza

Kingdom Come

Kingdom Come

Roundabout Underground

Harold & Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre / Black Box Theatre

October 9, 2016

Photo Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Comapany

Kingdom Come is Jenny Rachel Weiner’s new play presently running at the Roundabout Underground.  Ms. Weiner is a skilled playwright with a bold and adventurous voice.  In this play she draws you in with interesting and quirky characters who go to great lengths to conceal their emotional wounds.  She then embarks on a journey of deep self-awareness.  Kip Fagan successfully directs this daring play and sensitive cast with a clear vision and tender touch.

Samantha (played by Carmen M. Herlihy) and Layne (played by Crystal Finn) take a shot at on line dating.  They both meet and fall in love with their ideal mate.  The problem is that their profiles and photos are totally fabricated.  Before they can admit the truth, they have to face it themselves.  What they discover is more profound than they expect.

The cast of Kingdom Come
Photo Courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Carmen M. Herlihy and Crystal Finn deliver strong and realistic performances as Samantha and Layne.  Both characters are troubled, and suffer from emotional and social disorders.  Their individual stories are very diverse, and they each face their challenges in distinctive manners.  Ms. Weiner’s conception of these two characters is unique, and their juxtaposition is enlightening.  Her handling of the plunge into their secret selves is concise and astounding.  Layne, Ms. Finn’s character, opens up and transcends, while Samantha, Ms. Herlihy’s character, has a lot more to overcome and reverts to her weaknesses.  These two actors share moments together that are touching, true, and unexpected. 

Actors Socorro Santiago, Alex Hernandez, and Stephanie Styles bring high energy, humor and charm to their roles.  Set designer Arnulfo Maldonado and lighting designer Thom Weaver create an expansive and realistic playing area in the small, intimate black box space.  Darrel Maloney designs projections that not only illustrate the virtual relationship of the characters, but masterfully reveals their individual perception of the experience.

Playwright Jenny Rachel Weiner
Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Theatre Company does outstanding and honorable work in their underground black box.  More important than their high production values, which I have come to expect from them, is their commitment to developing the voice of the upcoming playwright.  Kingdom Come offers a glimpse into the fact that our on line selves and virtual personas do connect to real people, and can have a deep and meaningful effect on ourselves and those with whom we engage.  This is a very powerful and important message, experienced and understood in a most appropriate venue. 

Kingdom Come runs through December 18.  The black box has open seating and tickets are a very affordable $25. 

Domenick Danza

Matilda

Matilda

Shubert Theatre

October 2, 2016

Photo courtesy of Matilda, the Musical

I finally got to see Matilda!  Since they announced the closing of its very successful Broadway run, tickets are easy to get on TDF.  The show is vibrant, dark, and heartwarming.  It has everything you look forward to in a Roald Dahl story – revolting character, grotesque odors, amplified villains, and a precocious heroine.  Director Matthew Warchus pulls out all the stops to create a slick, stylized, and fast paced production filled with chaos, surprises, and uplifting zaniness. 

The cast is skillful and energetic.  There are three young actors who play Matilda at different performances.  Ava Briglia is amazing in the role.  John Sanders and Lesli Margherita are outrageous as her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood.  Sean Montgomery is boisterous and absurdly realistic as Miss Trunchbull.  Jennifer Blood is warm and caring as Miss Honey.

Photo courtesy of Matilda, the Musical

Set and costume designs by Rob Howell are colorful, bold, and imaginative.  The costumes succinctly define the characters and give the actors license to delve deeper into their eccentricities.  The set moves in and pieces together like a puzzle, and, at times, grows up out of the stage floor.  Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin reveal the characters’ determination and vigor.  The choreography by Peter Darling sets the style and pace for the show.  The opening number starts strong and fast, and the momentum builds for the next two and a half hours.

See Matilda on Broadway before it closes on January 1.

Domenick Danza

Love, Love, Love

Love, Love, Love

Roundabout Theatre Company

The Laura Pels Theatre

October 1, 2016

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

In Love, Love, Love, now playing at the Laura Pels Theatre, playwright Mike Bartlett takes his audience on a journey of ideals, compromises, and perseverance.  Director Michael Mayer keeps the action focused in this three act play that spans forty years.  The stellar cast in this Roundabout Theatre Company production is funny, jarring, and honest in their portrayals of flawed characters moving along in life, who never really give up on the dream.

It is 1967 in London and the Beatles are performing live on television.  Henry (played by Alex Hurt) invites his date to his flat for dinner.  His brother Kenneth (played by Richard Armitage) is saying with him while receiving grant money to go to Oxford, and is definitely cramping his style.  When Sandra (played by Amy Ryan) finds herself more interested in the non-conformist Kenneth that her conservative date, Henry, she does not hold back in making her move.  Fast forward twenty years to Act II where Kenneth and Sandra are married with two teenage children, Jamie (played by Ben Rosenfield) and Rose (played by Zoe Kazan).  The couple has clearly compromised on their rebellious ideals, but it is not until Act III that they face their shortcoming and the fact that “all you need is love.”

The cast of Love, Love, Love
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The maturity that Richard Armitage develops in his character from one act to the next (each a twenty year jump) is truthful and realistic.  He becomes resigned as the decades pass, yet retains his energy, sincerity, and optimism.  Amy Ryan enters with a roar in Act I and shocks you senseless.  She then does it again in Act II and Act III.  Her character ages gracefully, and never loses her brash demeanor.  Ben Rosenfield creates the character of Jamie in the spitting image of his father, Kenneth.  His posture, gesture, and expressions illustrate how it is much more than just genetics that make up a family.  Zoe Kazan delivers a strong performance as Rose.  Her character is the darkest member of the family.  She is touching and damaged, and clearly her mother’s daughter.

Love, Love, Love makes a strong statement of the effect the ideals of the baby boomer generation has on their adult children.  The characters are realistic, selfish, and true to their word.  You will definitely see yourself reflected in one aspect of their personalities or another.  The play is running at the Laura Pels Theatre through December 18.

Domenick Danza