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