Latin History for Morons

Latin History for Morons

Studio 54

December 29, 2017

Photo courtesy of Latin History for Morons

John Leguizamo grabs your attention and does not let go for one hour and forty-five non-stop, energetic minutes in his latest Broadway show, Latin History for Morons.  After a successful run at Berkeley Rep and The Public Theater, John Leguizamo is selling out Studio 54, and has extended his Broadway engagement through February.  Mr. Leguizamo’s tell it like it is style is wickedly funny and full of moments that give you pause to ponder the truth and poignancy in the humor.

As in all John Leguizamo one-man shows, he reveals a slice of his life.  In this one, his fourteen year old son is being bullied at school.  John does some research in order to give his son pride in his Latin heritage.  This uncovers, for John, some of the source of his own “ghetto rage,” but does not give his son the courage to face his challenges at school.  It is not until his son makes a speech at his eighth grade graduation that John realizes the effect of his efforts.

Photo courtesy of Latin History for Morons

Mr. Leguizamo takes on the characterization of numerous roles, including his wife, his son, his daughter, his therapist, and countless figures from history.  He weaves together the historic facts about the Incas, the Aztecs, their European conquerors, and a Civil War transvestite General.  He carries these stories forward to illustrate their repeated 20th century patterns, and even further into the present day political situation.  Not only does he make a strong statement on the treatment of indigenous populations throughout history, he also makes a poignant point of how to create a deep sense of self-esteem in our younger population.

John Leguizamo is a truly master at his craft.  Latin History for Morons is playing at Studio 54 through February 25.  Get your tickets right away.  

Domenick Danza

John Lithgow: Stories By Heart

John Lithgow: Stories By Heart

Roundabout Theatre Company

American Airlines Theatre

December 23, 2017

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Why do we love to listen to and tell stories?  This is the questions John Lithgow asks during the opening section of his one man show presented by Roundabout Theatre Company.  In John Lithgow: Stories By Heart the well-known actor and storyteller reveals all the sides of his personality we have come to admire over the years.  He is warm, funny, tender, boisterous, genuine, and daring.

Mr. Lithgow shares with his audience the story of his father, an exuberant man, full of life.  His father produced and directed all of Shakespeare’s plays in the course of his career.  He founded Great Lakes Theater in Cleveland, OH.  Mr. Lithgow and his three siblings had a rough childhood, changing school often, yet it was full or stories, joy, and enthusiasm.  He shares two stories his father told during their childhood.  They are not age-appropriate bedtime stories, but when acted out with imagination and characterization, they become stunningly memorable.  The Haircut by Ring Lardner takes up most of the first act, and Uncle Fred Flits By by P.G. Wodehouse is performed during the second.  The poignant part of the performance is when Mr. Lithgow returns the recitation of the stories to his aging father during a period of poor health.

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

John Lithgow’s skills are masterful.  His vocal and physical characterizations are distinct and change instantaneously.  His heart fills the American Airlines Theatre and touches everyone in it.  The show, directed by Daniel Sullivan, is simple and touching.  John Lithgow: Stories By Heart is playing through March 24.  It is a unique and personal experience.      

Domenick Danza

M. Butterfly

M. Butterfly

Cort Theatre

December 16, 2017

Photo courtesy of M. Butterfly

I saw the original production of M. Butterfly in 1988 with B.D. Wong.  It was spellbinding.  When I read that Julie Taymor was directing it for a Broadway revival, I was intrigued.  I was interested in seeing how she would interpret it and bring David Henry Hwang’s script into the 21st century amid a different political environment.  I am very happy I got to see the production on its closing weekend.  It was different, a lot more stark and realistic.  It did not have the captivating flow of the premier production, yet it packed a potent social/political statement.

When French Diplomat, Rene Gallinard (played by Clive Owens) is stationed in China, he meets the “most perfect woman.”  A performer in the Chinese Opera, Song Liling (played by Jin Ha), is the Madam Butterfly of Rene’s idealistic dreams.  Renee is taken for a fool in many ways.  Not only is Song Liling a spy for the revolution, gathering top secret information from Rene, but she is also a man.

Jin Ha as Song Liling
Photo courtesy of M. Butterfly

Clive Owens portrayal of Rene Gallinard is honest and genuine.  He addresses the audience directly and tells his story with such a calm demeanor that we buy into his delusion.  We believe as he believes, and see what he tells us as his truth.  Jin Ha plays the feminine Butterfly flawlessly.  He interrupts Rene’s story a few times with the factual accounts of being blackmailed and tortured into gathering information for the communist party, then swiftly transitions back into his feminine mystique.  Together they create a highly intimate moment at the end of Act I.  Their confrontation scene near the end of Act II does not rise as much as it could, yet the final moment of the play is truly impactful.

  

Clive Owens & Jin Ha
Photo courtesy of M. Butterfly

The revival of M. Butterfly closed on December 17, earlier than anticipated.  Mr. Hwang's script is still relevant after nineteen years.  The production had a few flaws, yet I was well worth seeing.

Domenick Danza

The Children

The Children

Manhattan Theatre Club

Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

December 9, 2017

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Lucy Kirkwood’s play The Children asserts a powerful message of responsibility.  Produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club in conjunction with Royal Court Theatre, this three character play asks a number of mind boggling “what if” questions.  Director James Macdonald builds the tension and suspense with subtle glances and shifts in timing and tone, which brings Ms. Kirkwood’s daring script to a shocking conclusion.

Rose (played by Francesca Annis) drops in on her old friends Hazel (played by Deborah Findlay) and her husband Robin (played by Ron Cook) for a surprise visit.  All three are retired nuclear physicists who worked together in the local power plant.  There was a recent nuclear explosion that has put the whole county in grave danger.  Since the disaster, Hazel and Robin have been living in a small cottage on the outskirts of the danger zone.  The purpose of Rose’s return is to gather the group of scientists who built the plant, knowing its weaknesses and impending dangers, and repair the damage in order to make it safe for the children and the future.

Ron Cook, Deborah Findlay, & Francesca Annis
Photo courtesy of Royal Court Theatre

All three actors are amazing.  They keep you on the edge of your seat by gradually revealing their characters’ wants and fears.  Francesca Annis’ character of Rose is a mysterious myriad of secrets.  Deborah Findlay’s Hazel is a stoic force, eager to speak her mind.  Ron Cook’s rendition of Robin is outgoing, charming, and quietly brave.  Their chemistry is genuine and their timing is spot on. 

Ms. Kirkwood’s play speaks to a generation.  It asks them to do what is needed in order to leave the world in as good, if not better, condition than it was given to them.  Isn’t it everyone’s responsibility to clean up after themselves?  How can you expect a different outcome from repeating the same behavior decade after decade?  The Children asks these questions on an individual as well as a global level.  This amazing play, direct from the Royal Court Theatre, will be running at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre through February 4.  See it for yourself.   

Domenick Danza