The Unsinkable Molly Brown

Transport Group

Abrons Arts Center

February 16, 2019

Photo courtesy of The Transport Group

The Transport Group is producing a new version of The Unsinkable Molly Brown with new book and lyrics by Dick Scanlon.  It tells a more truthful version of the life of the title character, focusing on her political and philanthropic causes.  Meredith Wilson's music is beautifully adapted by Michael Rafter.  Kathleen Marshall both directs and choreographs, keeping the action moving and the stage pictures vibrant.

Margaret “call me Molly” Tobin (played by Beth Malone) is headed to her dream life in Denver, but instead winds up in Leadville, a small silver mining town in Colorado.  She befriends Julia (played by Whitney Bashor), who lost her husband to a mining accident and is expecting a baby.  Molly decides to stay in Leadville until spring and help Julia with the baby.  She is courted by J.J. Brown (played by David Aron Damane), who gives her everything she longs for: a red silk dress, cups that match the saucers, books to read, and a brass bed.  They marry and have two children.  When the United States switches to the gold standard, the silver mine becomes worthless.  Molly encourages her husband to mine for gold.  He is successful, and they build a mansion in Denver.  Molly is never fully accepted into Denver Society, so she turn her attention to helping the less fortunate.  When the miners decide to form a union, Molly fights with them against her husband, causing a rift in her marriage.  Molly flees to Europe when her marriage crumbles.  She returns upon hearing of her husband’s illness, and survives the sinking of the Titanic.

In Rehearsal: Alex Gibson, Paolo Montalban, Beth Malone,
 Omar Lopez-Cepero, & Kevin Quillon
Photo courtesy of The Transport Grouop

Beth Malone is a powerhouse as Molly Brown.  You cannot take your eyes off her.  Her energy is high, her heart is big, and her singing voice is remarkable.  David Aron Damane balances her perfectly as J.J. Brown.  He has a commanding presence, a gentle demeanor, and a rich singing voice.  Together they are magic, creating a truthful, loving relationship that carries the story forward. 

The cast and ensemble are phenomenal with strong performances from Whitney Bashan, Alex Gibson, Omar Lopez-Cepero, and Paola Montalban.  The Unsinkable Molly Brown is playing at the Abrons Arts Center on the Lower East Side through March 22.

Domenick Danza

Himself & Nora

Himself & Nora

Minetta Lane Theatre

June 26, 2016

Photo Courtesy of Himself & Nora

Himself &Nora is a new musical about the love affair between James Joyce and Nora Barnacle.  With book, music, and lyrics written by Jonathan Brielle, the show poetically portrays the romance, passion, commitment, and emotional abuse in the long term relationship between these two individuals.  The two main actors are extraordinary.  The ensemble of three fills the stage with the presence and vocal power of a cast of twenty.  Director Michael Bush finds just the right the pace to create a seamless story that engages all the senses.  He allows this brilliant cast to develop their characters and build relationships that tells a story of longing, fervor, and devotion.

Matt Bogart as James Joyce
Photo courtesy of Himself & Nora

Matt Bogart embodies the character of James Joyce with commanding physicality.  He grows from an adolescent dreamer into a confident artist with astounding awareness of detail.  Whitney Bashor is powerful and bold as Nora.  Her presence demands attention when she enters in scene one, and keeps you riveted throughout the show.  It takes a strong actor to portray the woman who inspired James Joyce, was his true love, and tolerated his emotional distance and inflated sense of “himself.”  Ms. Bashor is perfectly cast to bring this amazing woman to the stage and match Mr. Bogart’s visceral interpretation.  Her singing is superb, as is Mr. Bogart’s.  These two actors ignite one another’s passion and yearning.  The story follows the characters’ exile from Ireland in hopes of escaping the restrictive weight of the Irish Catholic Church.  Together their journey takes them to Italy and Paris, where Joyce painstakingly develops his authentic writing style.

Lianne Marie Doss & Michael McCormick
Photo courtesy of Himself & Nora

The ensemble plays numerous roles including James Joyce’s parents, children, and publisher.  Zachary Prince is remarkable as the hometown Irish Priest, who is ever present, creating the inner conflict that haunts Joyce throughout his life.  Mr. Prince also delivers a touching portrayal of Joyce’s son, Giorgio.  Lianne Marie Dobbs is heartbreaking as Joyce’s daughter, Lucia, comical as Harriet Weaver, and energetic as determined publisher, Sylvia Beach.  Her range is phenomenal.  Michael McCormick is endearing and rough as Joyce’s father, and, just when the audience needs a laugh, is riotous as Ezra Pound.  These three actors physically and vocally create distinct, engaging characters and relationships.  They are skillfully versatile and keep the action of the play moving forward with tremendous verve.

Whitney Bashor & Matt Bogart
Photo courtesy of Himself & Nora

Scenic design, by Paul Tate dePoo III, is a unit set with moveable window frames, tables, chairs, and benches that serve numerous purposes.  Director Michael Bush utilizes these pieces to keep the flow of action seamless.  The design is simple, solid, and effective, and depicts the settings of Ireland, Italy, and Paris during the time period.  Lighting designer Jason Lyons skillfully enhances the setting with depth, warmth, and humor.

Himself & Nora is an amazing telling of “the greatest love story never told.”  It is playing at the Minetta Lane Theatre through September.  Go see it!  The cast is remarkable.  The score is unique and breathtaking.  The production is moving and inspiring.  It will make you want to read (or reread) Ulysses and give you a deeper understanding of The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man.   

Domenick Danza