The Visit
Lyceum Theatre
April 4, 2015
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| Photo courtesy of The Visit |
I
am stunned by the power of The Visit. It is a truly remarkable production, starring
the legendary Chita Rivera in a performance that should not be missed. The show is grim and sad and
breathtaking. It is a journey through
the wounds of love, fuelled by vengeance and a yearning for reunification.
When
the richest woman in the world, Claire Zachanassian, played by Chita Rivera,
returns to her down trodden hometown, everyone looks to her as a savior, a beacon,
and more importantly, a possible patron.
What she is looking for is to reunite with her first love, Anton Schell,
masterfully played by Roger Rees. The
truth of how the town ostracized her family and forced her into exile is
acknowledged when Claire reveals the true purpose of her visit. The proposition she offers forces everyone in
the town to question their humanity.
Strangely enough, the decision is a no-brainer for most of them, making
you question your own compassion as you put yourself in their shoes.
Chita
Rivera and Roger Rees both deliver riveting performances. The whole cast is amazing. They are a tightly woven ensemble strongly
directed by John Doyle. John Kander’s
score cannot be compared to any of his other work. His music creates a mood that envelopes
you. His rhythms and tempos lure you in
to a unique setting with mesmerizing characters. Fred Ebb’s lyrics tell a story that is clear
and heart wrenching, driven by vengeance and passion.
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Chita Rivera, Tom Nelis, Chris Newcomer, and Matthew Demming
Photo courtesy of The Visit |
The
entire production is coherently designed.
It envelops your emotions and enthralls your imagination. The set, designed by Scott Pask, is vast and
mysterious. The yellow shoes worn by
Claire’s entourage, along with the other symbols of prosperity and wealth, are
garish and striking against the dark and gloomy backdrop created by Mr. Pask. The lighting, by Japhy Weideman, creates
intimate spaces for realistic moments in the extensive setting.
The
ghosts of the younger Claire and Anton are ever present throughout the
play. In the opening scene they gesture
and move with efficiency and desire that carries the signature of choreographer
Graciela Daniele. All the characters in
the show display her precise and distinct influence. There is a duet between Claire and her
younger self that is beautifully choreographed.
It is danced by Chita Rivera and Michelle Veintimilla with a truthful
depth of emotion that propels the journey of the story forward with lucidity
and fervor.
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Chita Rivera and Michele Veintimilla
Photo courtesy of The Visit |
Originally
produced by the Goodman Theatre in 2001, the remounting of this Kander and Ebb
gem is remarkable. In the final scene
Chita Rivera and Roger Rees transport a grim and desperate story driven by
decades of betrayal and revenge into an incomparable love story smoldering with
youthful passion. The Visit is the highlight of the season!
Before the show
started, the man sitting to my left informed me that the show was based on a
1956 play written by Swiss dramatist Friedrich Durrenmatt. It was originally written in German and titled
“Der Besuch der alten Dame“. It was
produced on Broadway in 1958 starring Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, in English
of course. In 1964, it was made into a
film with Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn.
He proceeded to tell me the story of the play, which he knew intimately
because he taught it numerous times – an intellectual out to impress me, or
whoever was lucky enough to sit to his right.
I thought, “Spoiler alert!” and tried to politely tune him out. I am pleased to say that even a spoiler couldn’t
spoil this show. I was drawn in and willingly
went on the deep, dark journey. (I am
willing to admit that I was impressed by the gentleman to my left and had felt
relatively uniformed. Naturally, I
proceeded to do my research when I got home.
Not all his facts were accurate.
The above information is what I discovered. Who’s the intellectual now?)*
By the way, I
bought the refrigerator magnet… and was considering the key chain. Yes, the show was that good!
Domenick Danza
*Additional
interested tidbits: The original 2001 Goodman production was a vehicle for Angela Lansbury.
She pulled out of the production due to her husband’s illness, who later
passed away. Chita Rivera signed on, and
played opposite John McMartin. The production
was directed by Frank Gelati and choreographed by Ann Reinking. It opened on October
1, 2001. Due to the September 11 attacks,
the show did not move to Broadway.
