Patriots

 Patriots
Ethel Barrymore Theatre
April 13, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Patriots

The Almeida Theatre production of Peter  Morgan’s play, Patriots, is mind blowing.  The writing is superb.  The cast is outstanding.  Director Rupert Goold keeps the action tight and concise, making the complicated story of Putin’s rise to power dramatic and accessible. 

Boris Berezovsky (played by Michael Stuhlbarg) is a wealthy and powerful businessman in Russia.  During this time, Boris Yeltsin (played by Paul Kynman) is president.  Russia was taking on a more democratic form of government, and large corporations had a strong influence.  Capitalism was on the rise, improving Russia’s presence in Europe and the west.  Berezovsky bought the national television station, and controls all new broadcasts.  After an attempt on his life, he becomes connected with Alexander Litvinenko (played by Alex Hurt), the government agent investigating the car bombing.  Berezovsky offers him a job as his personal security.  Out of loyalty to his country, Litvinenko refuses.  Roman Abramovich (played by Luke Thallon) approaches Berezovsky with a business proposition, promising a guaranteed increase in Berezovsky’s wealth and power.  When the government instructs Litvinenko to take out Berezovsky, he resigns his position and goes public with the plot.  

Michael Stuhlbarg as Boris Berevosky
Photo courtesy of Patriots

Boris Yeltsin is re-elected president, and Berezovsky uses his influence to have someone he considers weak and controllable appointed as Prime Minister.  This man is Vladimir Putin (played by Will Keen).  When Yeltsin resigns, he appoints Putin to take his place.  Thinking they have their puppet in place, Berezovsky and his colleagues are content.  Putin wastes no time turning the tables on them all.  After Berezovsky broadcasts a truthful news story that makes Putin look bad, the tension rises between the two men.  Berezovsky leaves the country, joining Litvinenko in England, seeking political asylum.  They do what they can to start a new political party and remove Putin from power, but they no longer have influence. 

Will Keen as Vladimir Putin
Photo courtesy fo Patriots

The structure of this play is remarkable.  Playwright Peter Morgan sets up Boris Berezovsky as a wealthy oligarch, only interested in himself, his position, and his financial gain.  He is arrogant and disliked.  The villain.  Vladimir Putin is a weakling.  The underdog.  In Act II, Putin rapidly become the villain, and Berezovsky, who tries to take him down, becomes the sympathetic hero.  The dramatic action of the play revolves around the conflict between these two characters, and Michael Stuhlbarg and Will Keen are phenomenal.  Mr. Stuhlbarg commands the stage, continually making demands, and spouting threats.  He pointedly sets the tone and pace.  Will Keen masterfully portrays the transformation of Putin from a meek “yes man” to a decisive leader.  He takes the tone and pace set by Mr. Stuhlbarg and focuses it with laser beam precision.  

Alex Hurt as Alexander Litvinenko
Photo courtesy fo Patriots

There are equally strong performance by Luke Thallon (Roman Abramovich), Alex Hurt (Alexander Litvinenko), Ronald Guttman (Professor Perelman, Berezovsky’s teacher), and Stella Baker (Marina Litvinenko).  These characters all have very specific intentions at the start of the story.   As Putin takes control, their needs shift.  These actors skillfully and truthfully portray this stoic transformation with grit and caution.  

Patriots is playing for a limited engagement at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.  It is a powerful play, excellently directed, and stunningly performed.  You must see it!  

Domenick Danza

Dali’s Dream

 Dali’s Dream
Gene Frankel Theatre
April 12, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Dali's Dream
Monli International Company LLS &
The  Onomatopoeia Theatre Company

Lisa Monde’s play, Dali’s Dream, is as surreal as a Dali painting.  The characters are intriguing.  The dialogue is intelligent and witty.  Ms. Monde is a true collaborator.  She directed this piece with Thomas R. Gordon, composed the original music, and choreographed the production with Dylan Vallier.  The images in the design and characterizations are strong and consistent throughout the production.  The staging and choreography are at times clever and other times enigmatic, diving deeply into the psyche of genius.    

Salvador Dali (played by Dyllan Vallier) requests a session with Sigmund Freud (played by John Higgins).  Dr. Freud discusses this meeting with his assistant, Adolf/Adolphina (played by Lisa Monde).  He decides to expose Dali to his patients at the asylum.  Frank (played by Seth Andrew Miller), Stein (played by Ryan Wasserman), Yin (played by Sondrine Bontemps), and Yang (played by Habin Kwak) are each suffering from different psychological disturbances.  Pierre/Eva/Euterpe (played by Mac Stevenson) escorts the patients in and out of their sessions, helping Adolf/Adolphina with their care.  Observing the patients gives Dali an insight into his own paranoia.  When Dr. Freud takes Dali back to his childhood memories, they reveal the origins of the surreal images in his work.  In a later discussion with Coco Chanel (played by Leslie Renee), Dali turns the table on Freud’s analysis, and puts himself in control of the outcome.  He questions Freud’s conclusion, believing he is a true genius who longs for madness. 

John Higgins & Dyllan Vallier
Photo courtesy of Dali's Dream
Monli International Company LLS &
The  Onomatopoeia Theatre Company

John Higgins portrays a grounded Freud amidst the wildly absurd surroundings.  Dyllan Vallier’s Dali is a heightened characterization.  This contrast beautifully builds the conflict, tension, and humor, driving the action and keeping the audience riveted.  Lisa Monde’s Adolf/Adolphina represents the androgynous images in Dali’s work.  She enters at unexpected times, raising the level of mystery in each scene.  Mac Stevenson delivers a strong performance as Pierre/Eva/Euterpe.  This multiple named role serve numerous purposes in the dream-like plot.  Ms. Stevenson captures the audience’s undivided attention and makes a lasting impression.. 

Seth Andrew Miller, Ryan Wasserman, Sondrine Bontemps, and Habin Kwak each have a solo spot in Act II.  They shine as the characters of Frank, Stein, Yin, and Yank share their psyche with Dali.  Each actor delivers a truthful and inspiring moment, deepening the understanding of the statement the playwright/director is making about Dali’s genius and paranoia.  Leslie Renee is charming and bold as Coco Chanel.  Her character brings a sense of social standing/snobbery to Dali’s journey.    

Dali’s Dream is a unique experience, meshing the interpretation of artistic achievement with psychological analysis.  The production is running at the Gene Frankel Theatre through April 27. 

Domenick Danza

Water for Elephants

 Water for Elephants
Imperial Theatre
April 10, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Water for Elephants

Water for Elephants is an amazing new Broadway musical.  The book, by Rick Elice, is a strong and romantic adaptation of Sara Gruen’s novel.  The music and lyrics by Pigpen Theatre Co. are whimsical and energetic.  The choreography by Jesse Robb and Shana Carroll is truly spectacular.  Director Jessica Stone skillfully weaves all these elements together into one flawless production with a brilliant cast who deliver inspiring performances.

Mr. Jankowski (played by Gregg Edelman) escapes his nursing home to spend an afternoon at the circus.  He lingers as the workers pack up.  Charlie and June (played by Paul Alexander Nolan and Isabelle McCalla) offer to call him a cab.  He begins to tell about his days with the Benzini Brothers Circus.  June asks if he was there for the 1931 stampede, and we are transported back to when a young Jacob Jankowski (played by Grant Gustin) hops a train after both his parents are killed in a car accident.  To his surprise, it is a circus train.  Camel (played by Stan Brown) offers him one day of work for one day of food before he moves on.  Jacob meets Marlena (played by Isabelle McCalla) who is nursing her injured show horse.  Jacob, who was studying to be a vet, give her advice on how to care for the animal, who is suffering more than Marlena realizes.  When Marlena’s husband, August (played by Paul Alexander Nolan), who also runs the circus, sees that Jacob can help with the animals, he offers him a job.  After the horse is put down due to its injury, August needs a new star attraction.  Jacob finds Rosie, an elephant, and August buys her for the circus.  While training Rosie, Marlena and Jacob grow close.  This begins a journey that bonds them, creating turmoil for the Benzini Brothers Circus and all its employees. 

Paul Alexander Nolan, Isabelle McCalla, & Grant Gustin
Photo courtesy of Water for Elephants

The show is brilliantly conceived, bringing the older character, Mr. Jankowski, in and out of the action of the story with his younger version, Jacob.  These two actors, Gregg Edelman and Grant Gustin,  are fully in sync, allowing for this convention of time to flow smoothly.  This is also accomplished with the dual casting of Isabelle McCalla as both Marlena and June, as well as the roles of both August and Charlie played by Paul Alexander Nolan.  These two actors make subtle changes in their physicality as they transition to the different time periods.  This meshing in the storytelling keeps the action moving at a sharp pace, and emotionally connects the audience to the characters. 

Isabelle McCalla & Grant Gustin
Photo courtsy of Water for Elephants

The staging and choreography are phenomenal.  The dancing seamlessly blends with the circus stunts.  The ensemble is breathtaking, achieving amazing feats with the greatest of ease.  There is a lot going on in each scene, keeping the audience fully alert throughout the show.  It is visually stunning and emotionally riveting.  One outstanding highlight is the song “Easy”, where a trapeze artist gracefully and mournfully flies over the audience to portray the suffering of Marlena’s injured horse.  Another is the acrobatic depiction of the “red lighting” of Camel and Walter in Act II.

Water for Elephants is sure to be nominated for numerous Tony Awards this spring.  It is a joyous and entertaining show with a touching story and truthful, amiable characters.  It is a remarkable production!  Get your tickets as soon as you can.  

Domenick Danza

Lempicka

 Lempicka
Longacre Theatre
March 30, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Lempicka

Tamara de Lempicka is a world renown artist, whose paintings define the Art Deco period.  Her work and life flourished between World War I and World War II in Paris.  The new Broadway musical, Lempicka,  celebrates her unique style, and tells the story of her life and loves during that time period.  The score by Carson Kreitzer is bold and daring.  The music soars through the Longacre Theare, amazingly performed by this outstanding cast.  

We first meet Tamara de Lempicka (played by Eden Espinosa) in the 1970s in Los Angeles.  She is an older, eccentric woman, sitting on a park bench, painting, and contemplating the journey of her life.  We travel back with her sixty years, to her wedding day in Russia.  She marries Tadeusz Lempicki (played by Andrew Samonsky).  When the Russian Revolution begins, her husband, a Polish royal, is taken prisoner.  She gives herself to a Russian officer in order to get her husband released.  They flee to Paris with their baby daughter.  In Paris, Tamara returns to painting, something she did less of after she married.  Her work catches the eye of the Baron and Baroness (played by Nathaniel Stampley and Beth Leavel), who recommend she study under Marinetti (played by George Abud).  She immerses herself in her studies, and desperately tries to earn money selling her paintings.  When she meets Rafaela (played by Amber Iman), Tamara is immediately attracted to her.  She asks to paint her portrait.  It is with this nude painting that Tamara discovers her own style, which brings her great success in Paris.  Her affair with Rafaela, though known by her friends and husband, is kept very secret.  As Tamara’s fame rises, so does the power of the Nazi Party.  Her husband returns to Poland, and Tamara, being Jewish, flees to the United States with her daughter and the Baron.  

Eden Espinosa as Tamara de Lempicka
Photo courtesy of Lempicka

The production is sharp and stylistic, reflecting the unique and bold style of Lempicka’s Art Deco
masterpieces.  Although focusing on the two loves in Lempicka’s life, the story covers decades of time.  There is chaos and political upheaval, as well as social and artistic evolution, yet the story is told clearly and succinctly. 

Beth Leavel & Nathaniel Stampley
Photo courtesy of Lempicka

In Act II, Beth Leavel delivers an emotionally impactful solo.  The Baroness comes to Tamara to have her portrait painted.  The Baroness has been informed that she has a very short time left to live.  She wants her husband to remember her as she is, strong and full of life.  These are the qualities the Baroness sees in Tamara’s work, and she trusts Tamara to capture what she wants her husband to remember.  The Baroness admits that her husband is in  love with Tamara.  She makes Tamara promise to help her husband, who is also Jewish, escape the Nazis.

Before her death in 1980, Tamara de Lempicka’s paintings were recovered and put on auction in the United States.  They brought in millions, and re-establish her reputation.  Her work transformed the way women were viewed in society.  This musical documents her struggle, both personal and as an artist, to achieve her vision and make a name for herself.  

Domenick Danza

Appropriate

 Appropriate
Belasco Theatre
March 28, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Appropriate

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Appropriate is a phenomenal piece of theatre.  The focus of the story is a highly dysfunctional family facing their truths.  The deeper theme of inescapable heritage that underlines the action is highly impactful.  Director Lila Neugebauer boldly guides this cast through a roller coaster of emotion with truthful high points that trigger a downfall into fear and denial.  These characters are real and identifiable.  Their needs are viscerally understood.  Their desperation is palpable. 

The year is 2011.  Franz (played by Michael Esper) climbs through the window of his recently deceased father’s plantation home in Arkansas with his girlfriend, River (played by Ella Beatty).  They don’t think anyone is there, however, Franz’s sister, Toni (played by Sarah Paulson), and her son, Rhys (played by Graham Campbell), arrived a few days earlier to get ready for the estate sale.  Toni is not happy to see Franz, who has changed his name from Frank.  They have not seen one another in ten years.  No one was able to contact Franz/Frank to inform him of his father’s death, so Toni is very suspicious of his presence.  When their brother, Bo (played by Corey Stoll), arrives the next morning with his family, River pushes Franz to do what he came to do.  As part of his recovery, he needs to make amends to Bo and Toni.  Toni will have no part of it, yet Bo is open to forgiving and moving on.  Bo’s young son, Aisley (played by Lincoln Cohen), finds a photo album while helping to clean out his grandfather’s study.  When Bo’s wife, Rachel (played by Natalie Gold), looks closely at the photos, she is shocked.  A box of souvenirs is discovered in the study that provides serious evidence to a deep family secret. 

Michael Esper, Corey Stoll, & Sarah Paulson
Photo courtesy od Appropriate

Sarah Paulson is a firestorm as Toni.  Her resentment and pain fuel the action for the duration of the story.  She is equally matched by Corey Stoll, Natalie Gold, and Michael Esper.  They brilliantly portray a genuine, deep seeded family dynamic.       

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has crafted a play with numerous, rich layers.  While the characters are in the middle of heightened sibling conflict brought on by the grief of their father’s recent passing and the stress of settling a large estate in high debt, they discover a horrifying truth in their heritage.  They don’t know how to handle it, so they continue to blame and fight.  It is their only outlet.  This action accelerates to the point of no return, and they wonder where all the hate and aggression comes from.  No matter how much they try to deny it or cut themselves off, they cannot escape their inheritance.  It is fully evident in their dialogue and behavior.  When they leave, it is clear they will most likely never see one another again, yet the plantation house is another story.  Time quickly moves forward to 2024, and the abandoned house still stands, festering in that energy that will survive them all. 

Photo courtesy of Appropriate

Appropriate was originally produced by Second Stage Theater, and had a successful run at the Hayes Theatre.  It is now playing at the Belasco Theatre through June 23.  It is a MUST SEE!

 

Domenick Danza

12 Angry Men

 12 Angry Men
City Gate Productions
The Stone Circle Theatre
March 1, 2024 

Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

City Gate Productions was founded in December, 2021 with the main purpose of presenting quality theatre experiences around the borough of Queens.  The company travels to different locations, scouting out spaces that meet the specific feeling and environment for their upcoming shows.  The venue for their present production of 12 Angry Men is Stone Circle Theatre (59-14 70^th Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385).  The play is presented in the round. Director Cathy Chimenti skillfully builds the tension in this classic courtroom drama, keeping the audience emotionally and intellectually engaged.  The cast creates distinct, headstrong characters, who discover the true concept of reasonable doubt. 

James Brautigam & Frank DiSpigno
Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

As twelve men enter the jury room, you hear mention that their deliberations will not take very long.  It sounds like a cut and dry case.  Guilty as charged.  Juror #7 (played by Daniel Wolfe Mitnik) has theatre tickets, and wants to get out of there.  Juror #10 (played by Frank DiSpigno) is certain of his guilty vote, as are most of the other men.  There is one hold out.  Juror #8 (played by Max Bank) has reasonable doubt.  He requests a discussion before voting on the fate of the young man on trial.  The foreman (played by Joe Dujmic) leads the deliberation, then takes the vote.  Juror #9 (played by Bill McAndrews) is influenced by the reasoning of Juror #8, and votes not guilty.  Juror #3 (played by Robert Budnick) bullies him for being swayed.  This adds more doubt to the discourse, which extends the deliberation.  The more the men talk, the stronger their doubts become.  They re-enact parts of the crime.  The findings are surprising.    

Francis MacCall, Marco Malgioglio, & Joe Dujmic
Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

The entire cast is excellent.  They are fully in sync with one another, creating heightened moments of frustration and aggression.  The arguments rise out of genuine concern for wanting to uncover the truth.  Robert Budnick (Juror #3) does not let up with the pushing and bullying, yet Max Bank (Juror #8) does not back down.  They are evenly matched.  The variation in their approach and tactics keeps the conflict polarized and realistic.  Bart Blachnio brings reason and intellect to the table as Juror #4.  He is fair and evenly tempered, allowing everyone’s voice to be heard.  This is why his changed vote carries so much weight.  Bill McAndrews is wise and calm as Juror #9.  Frank DiSpigno’s outburst as Juror #10 is shocking and impactful.

Photo courtesy of City Gate Productions

The play takes place in 1953, on a hot summer day in NYC with no air conditioning.  It offers a keen insight into the mindset of mid-century America.  Our shortcomings, prejudices, and judgments are blatantly clear.  This production is an interesting opportunity to assess how we, as a society, have and have not progressed over the past seventy years.   

City Gate Productions is a company worth keeping an eye on.  12 Angry Men is playing through March 10.  Take the M train to Queens, and check it out.  It is well worth the trip!  

Domenick Danza

The Seven Year Disappear

 The Seven Year Disappear
The New Group
Pershing Square Signature Center
The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre
February 24, 2024 

Photo courtesy of The New Group

Jordan Seavey’s The Seven Year Disappear is mind blowing.  The New Group production is masterfully conceived.  Director Scott Elliott found a style and pace for the play that viscerally conveys the nature of the relationship of the two main characters.  The ending delivers an unexpected satisfaction that leaves the audience in a state of amazement.

Miriam (played by Cynthia Nixon) is a performance artist.  She is managed by her son, Naphtali (played by Taylor Trensch).  He just got her a commission from MoMA.  She is thrilled, and gets to work right away.  Miriam disappears the day of the MoMA announcement.  Naphtali is in a state of panic.  He starts drinking again.  He hires an investigator.  He turns to his mother’s previous manager, Wolfgang, who has not heard from her.  Naphtali realizes the disappearance is all part of Miriam’s new piece.  He turns his back on the art world, and starts working on Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.  Seven years later, as he is getting his life together, Miriam returns, expecting Naphtali to be part of the final phase of her seven year project. 

Photo courtesy of The New Group

Cynthia Nixon and Taylor Trensch deliver fascinating performances.  In addition to Miriam, Ms. Nixon plays numerous roles (Wolfgang and other friends and connections of Naphtali).  Her transitions are seamless.  The style in which it is written demands you listen carefully in order to find out who these characters are and how they relate to Naphtali and the disappearance of his mother.  Ms. Nixon is bold, daring, and commanding in each of these roles.  She grabs your attention, spikes your curiosity, and lures you into the journey.  

Taylor Trensch & Cynthia Nixon
Photo courtesy of The New Group

The character of Naphtali is complicated.  He is lost and searching, more for himself than for his mother.  Mr. Trensch peels back layers one by one to reveal a vulnerable core.  You are as uncertain as he is as to the reality of his situation, upbringing, and future.  At the end, it all lands in a place of knowing and a sense of calm.

Playwright Jordan Seavey has crafted a unique piece of theatre.  The scenes are out of order, causing the audience to piece the events together.  The play is carefully structured to provide details that answer the questions as they flood your mind.  This continuous reveal creates a forward moving action that keeps you fully engaged in the characters and their story. 

The Seven Year Disappear is playing at Pershing Square Signature Center’s Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre through March 31.  It is mesmerizing and powerful.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza