A Little Life

A Little Life
BAM Howard Gilman Opera House
October 29, 2022

Ramsey Nasr & Maarten Heijmans
Photo courtesy of BAM & Internationaal Theatre Amsterdam

Internationaal Theatre Amsterdam’s production of A Little Life played at BAM’s Howard Gilman Opera House from October 20 through 29.  The play is adapted by Koen Tachelet from Hanya Yanagihara’s 2015 novel.  It is a powerful piece, running four hours and ten minutes with one intermission.  It is performed in Danish with English subtitles.  Director Ivo van Hove has outdone himself on this production.  He keeps the action focused and clear.  As in the original novel, the story is character driven.  The relationships build to tell a harsh and cruel story that leaves you filled with compassion, marveling at how precious life truly is.

Maarten Heijman, Ramsey Nasr, Majd Mardo, & Edwin Jonker
Photo courtesy of BAM & Internationaal Theatre Amsterdam

The story is about four friends: Jude (played by Ramsey Nasr), Willem (played by Maarten Heijmans), JB (played by Majd Mardo), and Malcolm (played by Edwin Jonker).  Jude is a successful lawyer with a physical disability, caused by a “car accident” in his youth.  When his mentor, Harold (played by Jacob Derwig) decides he wants to adopt him, Jude’s fears rise to the surface.  His doctor, Andy (played by Bart Siegers), notices a drop in Jude’s health.  Jude is a cutter, inflicting pain on himself as a means of balancing the challenges he faces with abuses he suffered in his youth.  He keeps this a secret from Harold and his friends.  Amid flashbacks of his abuse, Jude has memories of time spent with Anna (played by Marieke Heebink), a therapist he worked with for many years.  After Jude is hospitalized because of an violent incident with Caleb, a man he is secretly seeing (played by Hans Kesting), Willem steps up to give him the care and support he needs.  Willem develops an intimate closeness with Jude, which opens a door for him to face his past and begin the slow and painful process of healing. 

Maarten Heijmans & Ramsey Nasr
Photo courtesy of BAM & Internatinaal Theatre Amsterdam

Ramsey Nasr draws the audience deeply into Jude’s story.  The details of his past are revealed one layer at a time.  As each layer peels back, we gain a clearer understanding of Jude’s inability to open up and form close, intimate, and lasting relationships.  Maarten Heijmans portrays Willem as selfless and compassionate.  He sacrifices parts of himself so Jude can build trust in him.  Their scenes are truthful and honest.  They develop a genuine relationship that is vulnerable and transformative.

A bold choice by Ivo van Hove was to cast the same actor (Hans Kesting) as the three men (Caleb, Luke, and Traylor) who inflict extreme abuse on Jude.  This allows the audience to comprehend how Jude’s’ abusive past formed continual trauma, causing Jude’s thick layer of defense and elevated need for secrecy.  As in past productions, Mr. van Hove uses the image of blood throughout the piece.  This symbolizes the pain and scars Jude perpetually carries.  It successfully illustrates the brutality of the story, without overwhelming the audience with its severity. 

This production keeps true to Hanya Yanagihara’s brilliant writing.  The characters of BJ and Malcom are not as detailed as in the novel, but it does not take away from the impact of the story.  Unfortunately, A Little Life played at BAM for a limited run.  Since it was part of BAM’s Next Wave Festival, there is no telling where it will be heading next.  If you see it scheduled in another venue, make sure to get a ticket.  Whether your read the novel or not, this production surely will have a powerful and lasting impact. 

Domenick Danza

Almost Famous

Almost Famous
Bernard B. Jacob Theatre
October 19, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Almost Famous

Cameron Crowe has adapted his movie Almost Famous into an edgy, poignant, and vibrant Broadway musical.  The characters are skillfully crafted, vulnerable, and daring.  The action is driven by Tom Kitt’s music and lyrics.  Sarah O’Gleby’s choreography enhances the action, defines the characters, and grounds the time period.  Director Jeremy Herrin pulls it all together, leaving the audience with a stunning and emotionally fulfilling ending.

Photo curtesy of Almost Famous

The year is 1973.  William Miller (played by Casey Likes) is an intelligent high school senior, being raised by an overprotective, single mother (played by Anika Larsen).  When his sister, Anita (played by Emily Schultheis) moves out, she leaves him a stack of vinyl records.  William gets lost in the music.  He becomes an expert and begins to write articles expressing his point of view.  He lands an assignment to write for a local rock magazine, which causes him to meet the members of the band Stillwater, and more importantly Penny Lane (played by Solea Pfeiffer).  When Rolling Stone Magazine contacts him about writing for them, they think he is an older, experienced journalist.  William jumps at their offer and proposes an in depth story on the rise of Stillwater.  Rolling Stone pays him to join their tour, setting him on a life changing adventure. 

Casey Likes & Solea Pfeiffer
Photo courtesy of Almost Famous

Casey Likes, who is making his Broadway debut, is perfectly cast as William.  His character is naive, brave, and likeable.  We eagerly follow his journey as he dives into the fast-paced world of rock and roll.  Solea Pfeiffer is wild and free as Penny Lane.  She shares a few genuinely tender moments with Mr. Likes that deepen the story and reveal her character’s many layers.  Her chemistry with Chris Wood, who plays Russell Hammond, the lead guitarist of Stillwater, is magnetic.  Mr. Wood is riveting in this dynamic and mysterious role.  These three actors portray multifaceted characters who have a lasting impact on one another.  Their relationships grow as the story progresses, keeping the audience fully involved and emotionally engaged.

There are also strong performances by Anika Larsen, Emily Schultheis, and Drew Gehling.  As William’s mother, Ms. Larsen creates a strong home base that continually calls to her son, reminding him of who he is.  This generates a strong and effective tension throughout the story.  Emily Schultheis’ character of Anita, William’s sister, gives him the inspiration that propels his journey.  She is honest and caring in this role.  Drew Gehling’s portrayal of Jeff, the lead singer of Stillwater, is full of bravado, instigating conflict between the band members.  This causes the darker side of their characters to be revealed. 

The entire cast is strikingly energetic.  They all develop distinct characters that illuminate the time period.  The fast pace is set at the top of the show, and everyone on stage works to keep the story moving forward at lightning speed.  

If you liked the original movie, you will love this show.  Almost Famous is playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.  Go see it!

Domenick Danza