False Steps

 False Steps
A Ballroom Comedy
Theatre at St. Clement’s
September 13, 2025

Photo courtesy of False Steps

False Steps is a sharp and stylized comedy that utilizes ballroom dancing to set the tone and pace for a cleverly conceived story.  Candace H. Caplin and Kim St. Leon’s writing is full of laughs, passion, and mystery.  There are unexpected twists, turns, pirouettes, lifts, and dips that keep the audience wanting more.  The flashy costumes and lighting effects are surpassed by the energetic performances of this marvelous cast. 

Sophie Applebaum (played by Candace H. Caplin) is a wealthy widow who takes up ballroom dancing.  Her daughter, Rae (played by Sarah Hogewood), is a playwright.  She goes to therapy because she can’t get her play finished.  Every conversation she has with her therapist (played by Jason Daley Kennedy) centers around her mother.  Rae walks in on her mother and the dance instructor, Paulo (played by Ronny Dutra), in a compromising position.  Rae is shocked and suspicious.  The housekeeper (also played by Jason Daley Kennedy) sends Rae to a private investigator, Herschel (again played by Jason Daley Kennedy).  Herschel does his research on Paulo, and Rae does a fair amount of snooping.  When Sophie announces that she is going to marry Paulo, Rae confronts her mother directly, causing her to collapse and be rushed to a hospital.  Rae and Paulo find themselves in a hospital waiting room, and in a compromising position of their own. 

Sarah Hogewood, Ronny Dutra, & Candace H. Caplin
Photo courtes of False Steps

The ensemble of four ballroom dance couples makes this a wonderfully original experience.  They are choreographed throughout the show, changing scenery, appearing and disappearing.  They create a rhythmic atmosphere of grandeur and passion.  The choreography (by Ronny Dutra) in the second act advances the story by illuminating the dreams and inner thoughts of the characters.  The audience is transported in these moments, falling deeper into the fears and desires that drive the action.  These dances are beautifully staged and skillfully delivered. 

False Steps, A Ballroom Comedy is playing at Theatre at St. Clement’s through September 28.  It is a fun, energetic, and sharply stylized production. 

Domenick Danza

The Wild Duck

 The Wild Duck
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonski Shakespeare Center
September 6, 2025

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

In his new version of The Wild Duck, playwright David Eldridge captures the depth, darkness, and emotional impact of Henrik Ibsen’s original writing.  The revelation of past action causes hurt and disruption that will hopefully lead to redemption and forgiveness.  Unfortunately, when the feeling of betrayal overwhelms, it incites additional action that causes irreparable damage.  Director Simon Godwin guides this stellar cast through a myriad of turmoil to create an impactful and lasting experience. 

Alexander Hurt & Nick Westrate
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Gregers (played by Alexander Hurt) returns home and is reunited with his childhood friend, Ekdal
(played by Nick Westrate).  Ekdal shares how Gregers’ father (played by Robert Stanton) made it possible for him to start a career as a photographer and marry Gina (played by Melanie Field).  Gregers is suspicious and confronts his father.  He is most concerned about the relations his father might have had with Gina when she was their housekeeper.  This argument builds, causing Gregers to separate from his father and abandon the family business and his inheritance.  When Gregers visits Ekdal, he ends up renting a room in his house.  Gregers reveals what he knows about Gina’s past, causing more trouble than he anticipated. 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

The metaphor of the wild duck is clear and powerful in this production.  The duck was shot by Gregers’ father, saved by his hunting dog, then given to Ekdal’s father (played by David Patrick Kelly) to nurse back to health.  Ekdal and Gina’s daughter, Hedwig (played by Maaike Laanstra-Corn), grows attached to the wounded bird.  Gregers compares himself to the hunting dog, who dove to the bottom of the “deep blue sea” to retrieve it.  The family has been mortally wounded by Gregers father, and Hedwig’s attachment is vital in their healing process.  Her final action makes a bold statement on the prospect of that ever happening.

Melanie Field & Alexander Hurt
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Maaike Laanstra-Corn plays Hedwig as fragile and innocent.  David Patrick Kelly portrays Ekdal’s father as determined, proud, and stubborn.  The dichotomy of these qualities is also reflected in Gregers’ insistent pushing of the truth and Ekdal’s being fully in the dark about past events.  Alexander Hurt and Nick Westrate play these characters with a strong sense of trust, which leads to both their downfalls.  Melanie Field plays Gina as steadfast and grounded.  The characteristics these actors focus on in their performances allow the conflict between them to heighten, the action to rise with urgency, and the reality of their despair to deepen. 

The Wild Duck is playing at Theatre for a New Audience’s Polonsky Shakespeare Center through September 28.  This is an expertly conceived production with a cast that delivers compelling performances. 

Domenick Danza

Sober Songs

 Sober Songs
Theatre Row
September 5, 2025

Photo courtesy of Sober Songs

Michael Levin’s new musical, Sober Songs, is bursting with truthful disclosures, dark humor, and honest emotion.  The story centers around a group of AA members who grapple with their illness every day.  Mr. Levin’s songs are catchy and upbeat, while his lyrics give clear insight into the characters’ challenges, obstacles, and needs.  Director Chris Mackin finds the perfect balance for the mood of this piece.  The subject matter is heavy and realistic, while the action is driven by hope. 

When Dean (played by Henry Ryeder) walks into his first AA meeting, everyone recognizes him.  He is a singer and underwear model.  He could have been a Broadway star if he didn’t get loaded on his opening night.  Angie (played by Melanie Carrié) is immediately attracted to Dean.  Cap (played by Bernard Holcomb) reminds her it is not a good idea to start a relationship with a fellow alcoholic in their first year of the program, but she doesn’t listen.  Dean develops a strong friendship with Roque (played by Jason Fio), who can’t stay clean.  When Dean is offered a second chance by his Broadway producers, Roque starts doing drugs again.  Dean gives Roque money, knowing what he is planning to buy with it.  When Roque overdoses, Dean feels responsible and abandons all the work he put into his sobriety. 

The Cast of Sober Songs
Photo courtesy of Sober Songs

The stories of the characters and how they support one another take a deep dive in Act II.  Nina (played by Jocelyn Darci Trimmer), who was personally involved with Roque, decides to go to Al-Anon to face her co-dependent behavior.  Angie joins her.  The bond that Ms. Trimmer and Ms. Carrié develop in these roles is genuine and palpable.  They also support Bri (played by Merrill Mitchell) in her quest to find a girlfriend.  These three women form a heartwarming comradery. 

Cap is the backbone of the group, leading the meetings and sponsoring a few members.  In Act II, he tells the story of when he hit his lowest point and the vow he made to himself.  Bernard Holcomb delivers this with sincerity, opening the heart of his character. 

Henry Ryeder and Jason Fio have a truthful bond as Dean and Roque.  They challenge and push one another.  The darker moments between them are brutal.  This all mystically resolves toward the end of Act II. 

The cast and ensemble all deliver strong performances, filling the audience with hope and making this show a heartening experience.  Sober Songs is playing at Theatre Row through September 28. 

Domenick Danza

The Brothers Size

 The Brothers Size
The Shed
August 30, 2025

Photo courtesy of The Brothers Size

Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play, The Brothers Size, is a beautifully crafted piece of theatre.  In an interview (from the program), Mr. McCraney said, “The story is based on a Yoruba tale that I heard when I was younger.  It’s about the ways in which siblings exist in the world, and how we have to let go of who we are in order to be a better sibling.”  The storytelling style is crisp, rhythmic, and impactful.  The action is driven by raw emotion and urgent need.  Co-directors Bijan Sheibani and Tarell Alvin McCraney worked closely with choreographer Juel D. Lane to create a seamlessly stunning production.  The performances are flawless. 

Oshoosi Size (played by Alani iLongwe) has recently been released from prison.  His brother, Ogun (played by André Holland) pushes him to get motivated first thing in the morning.  When Oshoosi tells him he is presently in search of employment, Ogun immediately gives him a job at his mechanic shop.  He refuses to allow Oshoosi to say no, and even threatens to tell his parole officer if he turns down the work.  At the shop, Oshoosi meets up with Elegba (played by Malcolm Mays).  They previously knew one another, then bonded while serving their prison terms.  Ogun has a dream that Elegba is taking Oshoosi from him.  He tries to keep them apart.  When Elegba gives Oshoosi a car, their bond tightens.  Elegba’s motive becomes clear, but it is too late for Ogun to keep his brother safe. 

André Holland, Alani iLongwe, & Malcolm Mays
Photo courtesy of The Brothers Size 

André Holland and Alani iLongwe are brilliant together.  Their characters are strongly connected,
while being opposite in every way.  André Holland portrays Ogun as strict and structured.  Since their parents passed away, Ogun has always kept an eye on his younger brother, forcing him to be the responsible one.  Alani iLongwe’s Oshoosi is lighthearted and adventurous.  His older brother carries the weight of his always getting in trouble.  Mr. Holland emotionally and vividly expresses this burden, and Mr. iLongwe humorously portrays his character’s dependence and vulnerability.  You can’t help feeling their frustration, disappointment, and yearning.  They are amazingly in sync.  

Malcolm Mays brings a sense of danger to the character of Elegba, while also expressing his loneliness and susceptibility.  Oshoosi’s attraction to him is evident, as is Ogun’s mistrust.  Mr. Mays delivers a visceral portrayal that immediately establishes his character and invites the audience to discover his deeper longings, when he decides to reveal them. 

The Brothers Size is playing at The Shed through September 28.  It is a slick and unique production.  You need to experience it.     

Domenick Danza

Kind Stranger… a memory play

 Kind Stranger… a memory play
The Dream Up Festival
Theater for the New City
August 24, 2025

Photo courtesy of Kind Stranger... a memory play

Kind Stranger… a memory play is part of The Dream Up Festival, now running at Theater for the New City.  It is a one-character play based on Tennessee Williams’ Memoirs.  Steven Simone-Friedland, who adapted and directed the piece, captures the voice and candor of Tennessee Williams.  He focuses on specific events in the life of the playwright, giving the audience a chance to get to know him in an informal manner.  The piece is charming and inspiring.  It is skillfully written and directed, and beautifully performed by Rick Simone-Friedland. 

We meet Tennessee Williams (played by Rick Simone-Friedland) as he is writing his memoir.  He admits it is an undertaking quite different from his theatrical projects.  It has a distinct goal and requires a new approach.  He goes on to share the events leading up to the opening of The Glass Menagerie and A Streetcar Named Desire.  He tells of the challenges he faced with The Rose Tattoo, and why he is most proud of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  He reveals his professional partnerships in these projects and how they sustained his work throughout the years.  He then shares about his long-time relationship with Frank Merlo, and how life changed after his passing.  Through all these stories, we gain a tender and personal insight into Mr. Williams’ thoughts and feelings. 

Rick Simone-Friedland as Tennessee Williams
Photo courtesy of Kind Stranger... a memory play

Rick Simone-Friedland is captivating and honest as Tennessee Williams.  He embodies the character’s rhythm and artistic perspective.  There is an ease to his portrayal, which warmly invites for the audience to develop a visceral understanding of the man. 

Steven Simone-Friedland expertly chose specific chapters from the memoir for this piece.  They center around the more well-known plays, giving the audience the opportunity to connect to the character.  The transitions are all smoothly written and seamlessly performed. 

Kind Stranger… a memory play is running through September 3.  If you are a Tennessee Williams fan, you will appreciate this work.  It is an excellent opportunity to get to know a different side of him.  Check the Theater for a New City website for the festival dates and times. 

Domenick Danza

Call Me Izzy

 Call Me Izzy
Studio 54
August 20, 2025

Photo courtesy of Call Me Izzy

Jean Smart delivers a brilliant performance in Call Me Izzy.  Playwright Jamie Wax crafted a beautifully rhythmic script with a character who is full of hope.  Director Sarna Lapine molded this piece with layers for Ms. Smart to explore in an intimate manner.  She invites the audience into her story, sharing her secrets and revealing her innermost desires. 

Isabelle (played by Jean Smart) decides at an early age she wants to be called Izzy, but only a few people do.  She performs a poem in a third-grade assembly, which opens the world of words to her.  She decides she wants to be a poet, and writes as often as she can.  She shares her notebook with her teacher, who buys her a book of verse to study.  When she turns nineteen, Izzy’s father marries her off to a man five years her senior.  They move to a trailer park, where he severely limits her social connections.  He does not allow her to write, so she does it secretly, keeping her notebooks hidden.  She befriends a neighbor behind her husband’s back, who takes her to the local library.  She pushes Izzy to join a writing class.  When Izzy wins a writing contest, her husband finds and burns all her notebooks.  She starts over, pushes against her husband’s abuse, and does not stop sharing her writing. 

Jean Smart as Izzy
Photo courtesy of Call Me Izzy

Jean Smart is warm and natural in the role of Izzy.  She commands the stage for 90 minutes.  Her
character is open and honest, yet holds back on sharing the physical and emotional damage her husband causes her.  The reveal of this abuse is powerful and jarring.  Ms. Smart’s portrayal of her character’s ability to rise up and move on is stunning. 

Call Me Izzy is playing at Studio 54 through August 24.  It is an emotional and inspirational story of creativity and perseverance.  Don’t miss Jean Smart in this role! 

Domenick Danza

Operation Mincemeat

 Operation Mincemeat
Golden Theatre
August 5, 2025

Photo courtesy of Operation Mincemeat

Operation Mincemeat is a boldly crafted, ingenious new musical.  The ensemble cast of five (David Cumming, understudy Jessi Kirtley, Natasha Hodgson, Jak Malone, and Zoë Roberts) play numerous roles, weaving together a complex and highly detailed story.  It has a fantastic score and a brilliantly comedic script.  Jenny Arnold’s choreography is sharp and witty.  Amid the fast pace, tight timing, quick costume changes, and heightened style, Director Robert Hastie skillfully transitions the energy to deliver sincere moments of touching humanity that give this raucous musical a truthful heart and soul. 

We are in England during World War II.  Hitler is planning to invade Sicily and enter into Italy.  British Intelligence is challenged with developing a plan to make Hitler believe the Allied Forces are taking over Sardinia.  If the Nazis shift their plan and invade Sardinia, the Allied Forces could move into Sicily and protect Italy from Nazi invasion.  The British Intelligence puts this challenge to their most respected agents.  They all submit a plan.  When one is chosen, they take quick action to move the plan forward.  They work out every minute detail and face unexpected obstacles. 

The Cast of Operation Mincemeat
Photo courtesy of Operation Mincemeat

This does not sound like an ideal plot for a raucous musical, but in the hands of the writing team (David Cumming, Felix Hagan, Natasha Hodgson, and Zoë Roberts), it all comes together with amazing style.  The score is uplifting, and the lyrics are clever.  The characters are distinct, over the top, and empathetic.  Since this is based on historical facts, Act II gets complex.  The plan is almost foiled when an American pilot crashes his plane on the same date and one of the supervisors is suspected of being a double agent.  This all motivates the hijinks to get even more audacious. 

Photo courtesy of Operation Mincemeat

The essential part of the plan is for the body of a British pilot to be washed up on the shore of Spain, carrying a briefcase with the Allied Forces’ top-secret plan for taking over Sardinia.  This plot point keeps the action of the play cohesive through to the end.  The agents procure a body from the morgue, but its identity is unknown.  The characters carefully create a fictional identity for the deceased pilot, evidence of which will be found on the body by the Spanish authorities.  This adds vital credibility to their plan.  The need to identify the corpse is brought up numerous times, but the truth is held back.  This builds a tension that keeps the audience fully engaged throughout the story.

Operation Mincemeat is a unique musical, skillfully crafted and flawlessly performed.   It is playing at the Golden Theatre.  You MUST see it! 

Domenick Danza