Othello: The Remix

Othello: The Remix

Westside Theatre / Downstairs

December 26, 2016

Photo courtesy of Othello: The Remix

Othello: TheRemix is Shakespeare to the max!  This retelling of Othello is updated to the music world of rap and hip-hop.  The manipulation, lies, and paranoia are fierce, bringing the action to a jealous climax more effective than anticipated.  The concept is ingenious.  The performances are flawless.  This combines to create an impactful theatrical experience beyond expectation.

From the program notes:  “When rapper and hip-hop mogul Othello decides to put out pop rapper Cassio’s album next, hip-hop purist Iago seeks revenge by aiming to destroy Othello’s relationship with his new wife, the breathtaking songstress Desdemona.”

Photo courtesy of Othello: The Remix

The cast of four phenomenal actors play numerous roles, switching instantaneously.  Their characterization, physicality, and vocal dexterity are amazing.  Postell Pringle plays Othello with powerful command.  He is masterful and charismatic.  Jackson Doran plays Cassio and Emilia with charm and humor.  Writer/Director CG plays Iago and Brabantio.  He is cunning and sharp.  Writer/Compose/Director JQ plays Roderigo, Loco Vito, and Bianca.  His comic timing is superb. 

Postell Pringle as Othello
Photo courtesy of Othello: The Remix

The men play the women on a unit set.  The rhythm is like a heartbeat that pulses for eighty fast paced minutes.  The rhymes are funny and sneaky. The conflict is a struggle for power in a high stakes world.  All of this is reflective of classic Shakespeare plays.  Yes, his traditions are alive and thriving Off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre.  Go see it!

Domenick Danza

Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Booth Theatre

December 17, 2016

Photo courteys of Le Liaisons Dangereuses

Passion.  Betrayal.  Intrigue.  The Dunmar Warehouse production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses  presently playing on Broadway has them all.  Liev Shreiber and Janet McTeer are devilishly wonderful.  Director Josie Rourke directs the play with a subtle through line of tension that builds to a stunning admission of devastating truth by the main characters.  The style and smoothness of the production transports the audience into the frivolous and conniving world of 1780s Paris society. 

When La Marquise de Merteuil (played by Janet McTeer) tempts Le Viscomte de Valmont (played by Liev Shreiber) into ruining the reputation of young Cecile Volanges (played by Elena Kampouris), he surprisingly refuses.  He reveals that his plan of seducing the virtuous Madame de Tourvel (played by Brigitte Hjort Sorensen) is more challenging for him.  La Marquise de Merteuil wages a bet with him, and they play a game of cunning manipulation that forces them both to face the truth of their emotions.

Janet McTeer & Liev Scheiber
Photo courtesy of Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Janet McTeer brilliantly plays La Marquise de Merteuil.  She brings a deep level of understanding of the motivations of this complex character.  The gender demands of French society in the 18^th century cause her to develop almost sociopathic behavior that begins to crumble when she loses her power.  Liev Shreiber superbly underplays the cruelty of the character of Le Viscomte de Valmont.  This allows the audience to succumb to his charms and believe the revelation of his truer emotions.  Together these two actors masterfully create characters who willfully engage in a battel of power and seduction that undermines any sense of honor.

Brigitte Hjort Sorensen & Liev Shreiber
Photo courtesy of Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Brigitte Hjort Sorensen is moving as Madame de Tourvel.  Her resolve is strong, and her despair is deep and sincere.  Elena Kampouris is innocent and playful as Cecile Volanges.  Mary Beth Peil is wise and reserved as Madame de Rosemonde.  There are equally strong performances by Raffi Barsoumian, Ora Jones, and Katrina Cunningham.

The set and costumes, designed by Tom Scott, are breathtaking.  Details in the set suggest the building of a new a structure as well as the destruction of old architecture.  This dichotomy is thematic throughout the play.  His costumes beautifully evoke the time period.  They are elegant, yet show slight wear and fraying, depicting the imperfections of that social circle.  Movement direction by Lorin Latarro keeps the scene transitions flowing with grace and smoothness.  Each move of every character is precise and elegant, setting the tone and pace for the production.

Photo courtesy of Les Liaisons Dangereuses

Les Liaisons Dangereuses is a must see!  It is in a limited run at the Booth Theatre through January 8.  Be sure to see it. 

Domenick Danza

Macbeth

Macbeth

The Seeing Place Theater

The Paradise Factory

December 10, 2016

Photo courtesy of
The Seeing Place Theater

The Seeing Place Theater’s Macbeth is a compact and powerful one hundred minutes of Shakespeare.  They are an “actor driven company” with a strong ensemble that is well showcased in this production.  Director Brandon Walker has a clear vision and insightful understanding of this play.  His bare bones, modern dress approach intensifies the choices made by the main characters and magnifies the effects their actions have on their sense of self.

When Macbeth’s fate is mysteriously foretold, he feels justified taking action to insure his rise to power.  He and Lady Macbeth fall prey to their own greed and sense of entitlement, and are haunted by their deeds.  As the prediction of his downfall begins to unfold, Macbeth has no choice but to fight with his life.

Brandon Walker & Erin Cronican
Photo by Russ Rowland,
courtesy of The Seeing Place Theater 

Brandon Walker portrays Macbeth as a flawed man who makes bold choices knowing full well where they might lead.  Erin Cronican’s Lady Macbeth is solid and sure of herself with the ability to both lead her husband when he is unsure, and follow him when he is decisive.  Together they are riveting.  The audience follows their clear journey of choices and guilt, motivated by their need for power and recognition.  The ensemble is equally commanding.  There are strong performances by Tim Anderson as Macduff, Joshua George as Malcolm, Marcus Peterson as Ross, Olev Aleksander as Banquo, G.W. Reed as Duncan, and the three witches: Jane Kahler, Lisa-Marie Newton, and Candice Oden. 

The Three Witches
Lisa-Marie Newton, Jane Kahler, & Candice Oden
Photo by Russ Rowland,
courtesy of The Seeing Place Theater

With seating on three sides of the small performance space at The Paradise Factory, the audience is placed in the middle of the action.  There is no set, yet the lights, designed by Duane Pagano, envelop you in a highly effective, haunting atmosphere.  The program notes set a clear frame for viewing the performance.  “With Macbeth we ask the questions: What do you feel you are owed in this world?  What are you willing to do to get it?”  

The Seeing Place Theater’s Macbeth is playing at The Paradise Factory, 64 E. 4^th Street, through December 22.  Tickets are an affordable $15.  It is a seamless and faced paced production.  Be sure to see it!

Domenick Danza

The Fantasticks

The Fantasticks

The Jerry Orbach Theater

December 7, 2016

Photo courtesy of The Fantasticks

I brought a group of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade drama/theatre students to see The Fantasticks.  The production is just as charming and heart-warming as ever.  For most of the students, this was their first experience in an Off-Broadway theatre.  Here is what the students had to say:

“Have you ever felt fantastic?  Well, you aren’t unless you watched The Fantasticks.”

“The plot of the story was forever love.”

“The show is about Louisa (played by Madison Claire Parks) and Matt (played by Nathan Goodrich).  The two characters are in love, but their fathers hate each other, or so they think.  The fathers team up together to put their kids together and get married.  When the kids start to date, the fathers realize they hated each other.  Their gardening style was too different.”

Photo courtesy of The Fantasticks

“The thing that was good was how they suddenly broke each other’s heart.”

“I enjoyed seeing the love and passion between the two characters.  Especially how their dads react to their relationship.  It’s so funny and odd.  Hopefully, they will decide to marry and find the best together.”

“I thought what was good about the play was how long they could hold their notes.”

MacIntrye Dixon as Henry
Photo courtesy of The Fantasticks

“I believe that the transition between every scene was really shocking.  Usually they would close the lights and begin with the scene.  However, they always continued acting and that showed me pride and joy knowing how hard they worked for two hours.”

“The lights make it seem interesting.  I like how they did everything themselves. They had a harp and a piano.  The costumes looked nice.”

“The clothes really told about their life style and showed how they were living.  It was how they were surviving.  It was like us living in a real lifestyle.”

Michael Nostrand as Mortimer
Phots courtesy of The Fantasticks

“Everything was believable.  It was also dramatic and had you at the edge of your seat.”

“I can really see the reason that the musical was on for so long.  It was really good.  It was a lot like a family.  The show made us feel happy and feel upset at the same time.  Like when Matt was getting burned, getting slapped, and getting bitten by snakes.”

“In conclusion, the musical was hysterical and sad.  I recommend it to everyone,”

Domenick Danza & Students

A Life

A Life

Peter Jay Sharp Theater

Playwrights Horizons

December 3, 2016

Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

David Hyde Pierce is mesmerizing in A Life at Playwrights Horizons.  Adam Bock’s script is powerful.  He boldly dives into the deep end of this subject matter, bringing his audience through mystery, fear, and uncertainty.  Anne Kauffman skillfully directs a stellar cast, creating uncomfortable realities and masterful long silences that allow the audience to process the action of the play.

Nate (played by David Hyde Pierce) has just broken up with his boyfriend, Mark.  He is painstakingly searching both their astrological charts to find the truth behind the split.  He connects with his friend, Curtis (played by Brad Heberlee), who tries to convince him to call Mark.  The unexpected takes place, which changes everything.

Brad Heberlee & David hyde Pierce
Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

David Hyde Pierce is on stage alone for the first twenty minute of the play.  He is captivating and witty as Nate.  He creates a probing, flawed, and highly likeable character.  Brad Heberlee is funny and charming as Curtis.  They have a great chemistry, and develop traits that are opposite and complementary.  Adam Bock’s writing gives them a wide range of emotion and detail to portray and personalize, and they make the most of it.

The set, designed by Laura Jellinek, is simple and functional.  It is the transitions of the three sets that are truly breathtaking.  They smoothly flip back in a stunning and effective manner that is only heightened by the fact that it is all taking place on the small, limited stage of the Peter Jay Sharp Theater.

Playwright Adam Bock

Unfortunately, the Playwrights Horizons production closed on December 4 after a well-deserved extended run.  Pick up a copy of the script and read it.  Keep your eyes open for regional theatre productions.  A Life will stun and challenge you.

Domenick Danza