Bob & Carol
& Ted & Alice
The New Group
The Pershing Square Signature Center
March 7, 2019
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| Photo courtesy of The New Group |
The New Group production of Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice is a nostalgic throwback to the time of free love and sexual
liberation. Jonathan Marc Sherman’s book
explores the four title characters from the Columbia motion picture. Duncan Sheik’s music captures the time period
and surrounds the audience in a sublime and tranquil atmosphere. Lyrics by Duncan Sheik and Amanda Green are a
perfect balance intellectual and quirky.
When Bob (played by Joél Pérez) and his wife Carol
(played by Jennifer Damiano) attend a therapeutic encounter weekend, they
return fully in touch with their feelings.
Carol’s enlightenment becomes evident when Bob admits that he cheated on
her and she does not feel jealous. She in
turn explores her sexual freedom by playing around with a tennis pro. Their friends, Ted (played by Michael Zegen)
and Alice (played by Ana Nogueira), find Bob and Carol’s sexual awakening a
little startling. Carol is very uptight,
and Ted doesn’t push. When Ted goes out
of town for a convention, he follows Bob’s example and cheats on Alice. She retaliates by suggesting the two couples
sleep together. This creates a
surprising turnaround for all four of them.
 |
| Jennifer Damian, Joél Pérez, Ana Nogueira, & Michael Zegen Photo courtesy of The New Group |
Joél Pérez and Jennifer Damiano play the groovy, hip
Bob and Carol with a flawless tongue-in-cheek humor. Their timing is smooth and their connection
is truthful. Ana Nogueira is sharp and
witty as Alice. She and Michael Zegen
play off one another very well. The
bickering between their characters is humorous, while their bond is genuine and
strong. Suzanne Vega plays the character
of the Band Leader, transitioning the action with subtle humor and stylistic
vocals.
Scenic design by Derek McLane and costumes by Jeff
Mahshie beautifully evoke the time period.
Director Scott Elliott pulls together every detail, creating genuine
moments in this highly stylized environment.
Bob & Carol & Ted &
Alice is playing at The Pershing
Square Signature Center through March 22.
Domenick Danza
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