Stereophonic

 Stereophonic
Golden Theatre
October 26, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Stereophonic

The Tony Award winning Broadway production of Stereophonic is a unique and engaging experience.  Playwright David Adjmi draws you into the relationships, challenges, and backstories of the characters.  His well-crafted dialogue causes you to lean forward and listen carefully.  The phenomenal cast, under the masterful direction of Daniel Aukin, plays the rich subtext, raising the stakes in every moment.  Heated arguments flare up, rooted in ambition, jealousy, and need.

It is 1976 in a recording studio in Sausalito, California.  The band is cutting their second album.  Diana (played by Amy Forsyth) just had a single from their previous album rise high on the charts.  Peter (played by Benjamin Anthony Anderson), who is her lover and manager of the band, is proud of her, but also threatened by her rising success.  Reg, the bass player (played by Will Brill), arrives drunk for the recording session.  Grover, the sound engineer (played by Eli Gelb) confesses to his assistant, Charlie (played by understudy Denver Milord), that he lied about his experience to get this job.  He is nervous about the band members finding out, so he keeps them supplied with alcohol and cocaine.  Holly, the keyboard player (played by Rebecca Naomi Jones), confides in Diana that she is moving out of the house the band shares because she needs space.  She bought a condo.  When Reg retreats under a blanket in his usual funk at the end of the session, the drummer, Simon (played by Chris Stack), tries to cheer him up.  Peter, looking to bond, joins in their conversation.  He admits that his brother is competing in the Olympics.  His whole family is watching the televised swim meet, except him.  His choice is to be in the recording studio with the band.  Every time the band records a track, they fight.  Every piece of advice for improvement is taken as a personal criticism.  The more they try to separate the work from their personal lives, the more entwined they all become.  When their album is completed, it goes to number one on the charts, and the complex entanglements accelerate. 

Photo courtesy of Stereophonic

This is truly an ensemble piece.  Each character is precisely developed.  Their needs, ambitions, and flaws are distinct and intense, creating a dynamic that fuels their work together.  As their success increases, so does their dependence on one another, causing deep-seeded conflict in their ability to achieve their individual objectives.  Some of them rise independently from this struggle, and some do not.  Each character has their own arc of growth and self-awareness, creating a realistic tone and enthralling atmosphere.  This cast has a phenomenal connection, each delivering fierce portrayals of these compelling characters.

Stereophonic is playing at the Golden Theatre through January 12.  It is skillfully written, directed, and performed.  You will be fully immersed in the passions of the characters for the three-hour fifteen-minute running time.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Ashes & Ink

 Ashes & Ink
AMT Theater
October 18, 2024 

Photo courtesy of AMT Theater

Ashes & Ink is an emotionally charged piece of theatre.  Playwright Martha Pichey presents well-developed characters facing the challenges of loss, grief, and addiction.  The relationships are truthful and clear.  Her dialogue is rich and honest.  There are a few very poignant, well-written monologues, revealing the inner turmoil of the main characters.  Director Alice Jankell keeps this excellent cast connected and focused on the action, while sustaining a smooth pace.

Molly (played by Kathryn Erbe) is surprised when her son, Quinn (played by Julian Shatkin), arrives home unannounced.  He left rehab without telling anyone.  He is preparing for an important audition for acting school, and cannot concentrate at the rehab center.  Molly allows him to stay, and helps with his monologues.  The next day they visit Molly’s boyfriend, Leo (played by Javier Molina), and his young son, Felix (played by Rhylee Watson).  Quinn takes Molly’s car and disappears without saying a word, leaving her frantic.  When he returns, he spends time teaching Felix to ride his bicycle.  They are very fond of one another, linked by loss.  Felix longs for his mother, who died of cancer when he was a baby.  Quinn misses his father, who passed away from a seizure a few years earlier.  Leo wants to take his relationship with Molly to the next level.  He suggests a romantic weekend, but she keeps putting him off.  She is overwhelmed with Quinn’s behavior, the transition of her business, and the failing health of her sister, Bree (played by Tamara Flannigan).  She risks losing Leo.  She first must come to terms with her son’s addiction and his inability to take responsibility for himself. 

Julian Shatkin & Kathryn Erbe
Photo courtesy of AMT Theater

Kathryn Erbe is wonderful as Molly.  She skillfully links into a deep and genuine level of emotion for this character.  She and Javier Molina (Leo) have wonderful chemistry.  They tenderly reach for one another, and almost get what they want.  Pain and apprehension overwhelm Molly.  Ms. Erbe plays these moments beautifully.  Mr. Molina delivers a touching portrayal of this patient and caring character.  It is heartbreaking when he realizes the truth of the situation. 

Julian Shatkin plays every tactic in delivering a truthful performance of Quinn’s addiction.  He is likeable, sympathetic, and, at times, untrustworthy.  His charm wins Molly over, then his behavior reveals his true colors.  He ends up pushing her further than she can handle.  Mr. Shatkin creates a strong and truthful relationship with Rhylee Watson (Felix).  They create honest and caring moments together.  

Ashes & Ink is playing at AMT Theater through November 3. 

Domenick Danza

The Counter

 The Counter
Roundabout at Laura Pels Theatre
Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre
October 16, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The Counter is a touching new play by Meghan Kennedy.  It tells the story of two characters who take the time to reach out.  Ms. Kennedy’s dialogue is honest and direct.  Secrets are revealed.  Bonds are formed.  A shift takes place in the routines and expectations of the characters, causing an emotional release for both of them.  It shows how a small connection can make a big difference in a life.  

It is winter in a small upstate New York town.  Paul (played by Anthony Edwards) goes to the same diner for breakfast every morning.  He is served at the counter by Katie (played by Susannah Flood).  They noticed little things about one another, but keep their observations to themselves.  One morning, Paul breaks the routine by asking Katie to be his friend.  He shares a secret about himself, and asks Katie to do the same.  She hesitates, but eventually tells him about voice mails she has saved on her phone from a person she once dated.  After listening to one of them, Paul makes a request that shocks Katie, pulling her in deeper than she anticipated.  

Susannah Flood & Anthony Edwards
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Anthony Edwards and Susannah Flood create a genuine bond in this piece.  It slowly develops, then catapults to a point of no return.  Both actors stay attuned to each other throughout the play, delivering a rhythmic portrayal of connection and reliance.  The more they open up, the more we feel their desperate need.  Their commitment to their word is honorable, building trust that is life-changing for both of them.  

Amy Warren plays Peg, the town doctor.  She unexpectedly shows up at the diner one morning, craving coffee cake.  This brief scene is a turning point for the action.  It is well directed and beautifully performed.  With no words, she and Mr. Edwards show a deep level of intimacy.  This reveals a side of Paul that Katie had not seen before.  She urges Paul to act on his feelings.  He refuses, but later supports her with the same genuine care. 

David Cromer has done an excellent job directing this remarkable cast.  They all deliver captivating performances in this well-crafted play.  The Counter is playing at the Laura Pels Theatre through November 7.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

The Roommate

 The Roommate
The Booth Theatre
October 12, 2024 

Photo courtesy of The Roommate

Mia Farrow and Patti LuPone are delightful in Jen Silverman’s play, The Roommate.  Their characters are complete opposites, and their energies bounce off one another brilliantly.  Director Jack O’Brien builds on the suspense in Ms. Silverman’s writing, allowing each moment to take the audience by surprise.

Sharon (played by Mia Farrow) is anxious to get to know her new roommate, Robyn (played by Patti LuPone), who drove for two days to get from the Bronx to Iowa City.  Sharon is an open book, telling Robyn all about her reading group and her son, who lives in Park Slope.  Robyn is a little more reserved, but does tell Sharon that she is a vegan and a lesbian.  The more Sharon pries, the more Robyn pulls away.  When Robyn reveals she has a daughter, Sharon feels they can share the challenges and disappointments of motherhood.  Sharon discovers something among Robyn’s belongings that concerns her.  She addresses it directly, only to be more intrigued when Robyn tells her the truth.  The life that Robyn has been running from is just the excitement Sharon craves. 

Patti LuPone & Mia Farrow
Photo courtesy of The Roommate

The transformation both characters undergo during their journey together is tangible.  Their bond gradually develops.  Sharon continually backs away, while Robyn’s aggressions and charms lure her in.  Ms. Farrow and Ms. LuPone play this game of cat and mouse beautifully.  Ms. Farrow varies her tactics, and Ms. LuPone avoids and defends.  Ms. Farrow’s persistence is sometimes tender and sometimes manipulative.  Ms. LuPone’s responses are often direct.  When that doesn’t work, she shuts down and leaves the room.  This back and forth is genuine and continuous, propelling the action at a brisk and natural pace.  When the table turns and Sharon takes control, Ms. Farrow blossoms with excitement, causing trepidation in Robyn.  Ms. LuPone plays this shift with sincerity, giving Sharon the closure she needs, while also allowing her to continue to discover herself. 

Don’t miss these two superstars in this excellent play!  The Roommate is playing at the Booth Theatre through December 15. 

Domenick Danza