Dan Cody’s Yacht

Dan Cody’s Yacht

Manhattan Theatre Club

New York City Center Stage I

May 27, 2018

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Playwright Anthony Giardina takes a biting look at privilege in his play Dan Cody’s Yacht, presently being presented by Manhattan Theatre Club.  The characters take great risks that they say are for the benefit of their children, but in reality fulfill their own need.  Mr. Giardina builds his story by constantly raising the stakes and creating powerful conflicts between the characters.  Director Doug Hughes fires up the cast to develop genuine relationships and deliver visceral performances that leave you deep in thought.

When his son gets an F on his paper about The Great Gatsby, Kevin O’Neill (played by Rick Holmes) schedules a conference with his son’s high school English teacher, Ms. Russo (played by Kristen Bush).  Kevin has done his homework on Ms. Russo and found out that she is a single parent living in a poorer school district in a house that is in need of a new roof.  He offers her a cash incentive to raise his son’s grade.  She doesn’t take the bribe, but does accept his invitation to join his stock market investment club.  The thought of a new roof and better opportunities for her daughter pull her into a game that is far over her head, both economically and emotionally.

Kristen Bush & Rick Holmes
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Rick Holmes is slick and cunning as Kevin O’Neill.  He fast talks and seduces his way through every interaction, never fully revealing the hand he is playing.  Kristen Bush portrays Ms. Russo as firm in her standards and resolute in her social beliefs.  The minute she shows the smallest crack in her demeanor, Mr. Holmes slithers his way in.  The timing between these two actors builds into a strong relationship that drives the action of the play forward.

John Kroft & Casey Whyland
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

John Kroft plays Kevin O’Neill’s son, Connor, and Casey Whyland plays Ms. Russo’s daughter, Angela.  They are both superbly cast.  Connor’s privileged laziness is juxtaposed by Angela’s sharp wit and inner wisdom.  Their portrayals reflect an inner part of the characters of their parents.  Mr. Giardina makes very clear and potent statements about the upcoming generation in the identity of these two characters.  Wanting for more is not always first on their minds.  For some that is because it is handed over to them too easily, while others are simply happy with what they have.  Either way, this is fodder for robust conflict between what parents expect from their children and what their children want for themselves.

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Scenic design by John Lee Beatty brilliantly creates an even playing field between the economic variable among the characters.  The turntable spins from one location to another while the audience gets a glimpse at the inner emotional response of the characters as they walk in the alleyway that separates the sets.

Dan Cody’s Yacht is playing at New York City Center Stage I through July 8.  It is a fast paced, high stakes, and bold play that is very well produced by Manhattan Theatre Club.

Domenick Danza

The Gentleman Caller

The Gentleman Caller

Abingdon Theatre Company

Cherry Lane Theater

May 26, 2018

Photo courtesy of Abingdon Theatre Company

Philip Dawkins’ play, The Gentleman Caller, had a very successful New York City debut with Abingdon Theatre.  Poetically written, the play chronicles the meetings between Tennessee Williams and William Inge in 1944.  Mr. Dawkins captures the unique voices of both well-known American playwrights.  The action of the play reveals the sensitivity and personal turmoil that drove the creativity, success, and emotional isolation of both men.

As the Arts Critic for a newspaper in St. Louis, William Inge (played by Daniel K. Isaac) meets with Tennessee Williams (played by Juan Francisco Villa) for an interview a few months before the Chicago opening of The Glass Menagerie.  Tennessee Williams has not yet tasted the success that is just ahead of him, and William Inge only dreams of becoming a playwright.  Their meeting is fraught with conflict.  Both men are heavy drinkers and highly attracted to one another.  Williams is excessively flamboyant and openly speaks his mind, while Inge is closeted and turned off by Williams’ brazen directness.  When they part, Inge gives Williams an early draft of his play to read. 

Juan Francisco Villa & Daniel K. Isaac
Photo courtesy of Abingdon Theatre Company

Their second meeting is a few months later, after The Glass Menagerie has opened in Chicago.  The conflict and attraction between the two men accelerates.  Inge confesses his overwhelming admiration for Williams.  Williams tells Inge that his play is brilliant and passes the script to his agent.  While Inge is invigorated by the opportunity to start his life over as a playwright, Williams warns him of the dark abyss that awaits him.

Daniel K. Isaac & Juan Francisco Villa
Photo courtesy of Abingdon Theatre Company

Juan Francisco Villa portrays Tennessee Williams as a vibrant, energetic, and brooding man who is very sure of himself.  He suffers from devastating mood swings, haunted by his sister Rose’s “madness” and his fear of following in her path.  Daniel K. Isaac portrays William Inge as introverted, fearful, and refined with no self-confidence or self-empowerment.  His despair leads him to attempt suicide before this second meeting with Williams.  Director Tony Speciale keeps the tension between these two fine actors building in both acts of the play, allowing the themes in Mr. Dawkins’ superb writing to rise and stand strong.  The ending of the play is powerful and heartbreaking, as you see the path of both men’s lives take a turn as a result of their meeting. 

Scenic design by Sarah C. Walsh is an outstanding combination of reality and impressionism.  Lighting by Zach Blane and original music and sound design by Christian Frederickson enhance the atmosphere of the setting and allows for introspective moments by both characters.

Unfortunately, the Abingdon Theatre production of The Gentleman Caller closed on May 26.  Keep your eyes and ears open for future productions of this play and additional works by playwright Philip Dawkins.

Domenick Danza

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

Long Day’s Journey Into Night

Bristol Old Vic

BAM Harvey Theater

May 12, 2018

Photo courtesy of Bristol Old Vic & Brooklyn Academy of Music

The Bristol Old Vic production of Long Day’s Journey Into Night is now playing at Brooklyn Academy of Music.  The cast is truly amazing, bringing new insight to Eugene O’Neill’s well-known characters.  Jeremy Irons masterfully plays James Tyrone and Lesley Manville vividly portrays his wife, Mary.  Matthew Beard and Rory Keenan set the stage ablaze as brothers Edmund and Jamie.  Jessica Regan is biting and sarcastic as Cathleen, their summer maid.  Directed by Sir Richard Eyre, this production brings vibrant depth and dimension to the tragic relationships depicted in this American classic.

The cast of Long Day's Journey Into Night
Photo courtesy of  Bristol Old Vic & Brooklyn Academy of Music

Long Day’s Journey Into Night is Eugene O’Neill’s autobiographical tragedy.  Not produced until after his death, it chronicles a day in the life of characters modeled after his family.  Each bares their soul, whether out of sorrow, jealousy, or spite, revealing the impetus of their individual downfall.  James Tyrone, a once admired matinee idol, is now aging and holding onto his glory days.  His son Jamie is his biggest disappointment.  Jamie both loves and hates his brother Edmund, who is sick with consumption and preparing to enter a sanitarium.  The most brutal of truths for all of them to face is that Mary, the matriarch of the family, is a morphine addict, overwhelmed by pain and regret, too far gone in denial to face the needs of her family.  Her line, “The past is the present… and it is also the future,” succinctly defines the despair in the hearts of all the characters.

Matthew Bears & Rory Keenan
Photo courtesy of Bristol Old Vic & Brooklyn Academy of Music

Lesley Manville, as Mary Tyrone, brilliantly slingshots from denial into the present moment with dangerous urgency.  Her performance is heartbreaking and genuine.  Jeremy Irons dominates the stage, as the character of James Tyrone requires.  He pulls the others characters into cohesiveness, making strong demands and setting excessive expectations that push them over the edge.  Rory Keenan portrays Jamie as robust and reactionary.  Matthew Bears’ Edmond is deeply introspective and sensitive.  The scene between these brothers in the latter portion of the play is emotionally riveting and dramatically impactful.  It heightens the sense of solitude and isolation each character confronts on a daily basis.

Lesley Manville, Set Design by Rob Howell
Photo courtesy of Bristol Old Vic & Brooklyn Academy of Music

Fast paced from the start, these actors embody the work of Eugene O’Neill for three hours and twenty minutes, unearthing heart wrenching layers of truth.  The set, designed by Rob Howell, has transparent walls that allow the action of each scene to be enveloped by the sunrise, the sunset, and eventually disappear into the fog.  Long Day’s Journey Into Night is playing at BAM Harvey Theater through May 27.   

Domenick Danza

Our Lady of 121st Street

Our Lady of 121^st Street

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

May 5, 2018

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The opening line of Our Lady of 121st Street asks, “What kind of world is this?”  Playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis then proceeds to show us a world of hurt, fear, guilt, and betrayal, juxtaposed with intimate care and sincere longing.  Mr. Guirgis’ characters are multi-layered and locked into life-long relationships based on intense, shared experiences.  Phylicia Rashad directs a phenomenal cast of actors in this Signature Theatre production.  Together they create a driving sense of urgency that propels the audience into a profound understanding of their existence and an insight into their desperate need for connection.

Joey Auzenne and John Proccino
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Sister Rose’s death has strongly impacted the lives of the people in the Harlem community she served.  Mourners travel back to the neighborhood from all over the country to pay their respects, only to find that someone has stolen her body from the funeral home.  As they meet and talk, they face their shortcomings and denials while confessing their suppressed feelings.  For some, this becomes a healing transformation.  For others, it is another reason to sink deeper in despair.

Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Hill Harper, Dierdre Friel, & Kevin Isola
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Every member of this ensemble builds truthful characters from Mr. Guirgis’ writing.  Hill Harper and Quincy Tyler Bernstine develop a fluid arc with the characters of Rooftop and Inez.  Their feelings of pain, betrayal, and sorrow erupt, shaking the foundation of their characters’ beliefs and propelling them forward.  Erick Betancourt and Maki Borden beautifully portray brothers trapped in layers of guilt and dependence.  When they meet Stephanie Kurtzuba’s character Marcia, sparks fly and opportunities for connection and change are abruptly shot down.  Jimonn Cole and Kevin Isola play a gay couple brutally facing their denial and inner selves.  Joey Auzenne is magnificent as Balthazar, a NYC Police Detective suffering under layers of pain and disappointment.  Powerful performances are also delivered by John Procaccino, John Doman, Paola Lazaro, and Dierdre Friel. 

Our Lady of 121^st Street is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through June 10.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Summer & Smoke

Summer & Smoke

Transport Group

Classic Stage Company

May 5, 2018

Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

The Transport Group’s production of Summer & Smoke at Classic Stage Company is truly exquisite.  Director Jack Cummings III uncovers the nuances in every moment of Tennessee Williams’ writing.  With a practically bare stage the audience becomes enveloped by the poeticism in the words, the layers of the relationships, and the depth of the yearning.  Every minor character and occurrence is integral to the atmosphere that ignites the journey of the two main characters.  The timing and pace is sheer perfection.

Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

Alma (played by Marin Ireland) has been in love with her neighbor John (played by Nathan Darrow) since childhood.  When he returns from medical school, she plays hard to get as John flirts for her affection.  Alma suffers from panic spells caused by family pressure and the expectation to be a proper Southern “lady” and a dutiful minister’s daughter.  John perceives this as rejection and begins keeping company with Rosa Gonzales (played by Ellen Hurst).  His drinking and gambling brings him on a quick downward spiral.  The tables turn when Alma offers herself to John after a tragic family event, but it is too late for Alma to find her happiness.

Nathan Darrow & Marin Ireland
Photo courtesy of Classic Stage Company

This play depends on the chemistry between Alma and John, and Marin Ireland and Nathan Darrow set the stage on fire.  Their attraction is palpable from the first moment of the play.  The sparks fly in a continual push/pull between them that starts off playfully, then becomes heartfelt and troubled. Ms. Ireland fully embodies the character of Alma Winemiller, proving that she is by far Tennessee Williams' most beguiling, bewitching, and brazen of characters.  Mr. Darrow takes the character of John Buchanan through a transformation during the latter portion of the play that is tangible and truthful.

Set design by Dane Laffrey includes an opaque ceiling that filters the light and allows it to wash the space with the warmth of a Southern summer evening.  Lighting Designer R. Lee Kennedy uses this to the fullest, creating moods that enhance the emotional impact of each scene.

Summer & Smoke has been extended through May 25.  If you are a Tennessee Williams fan you MUST see this production.  If you are not too familiar with his works, this production is definitely one to lose yourself in.  Either way, get your ticket today!

Domenick Danza