Pictures from Home

 Pictures from Home
Studio 54
January 20, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Pictures from Home

In Pictures from Home, playwright Sharr White takes a deep dive into Larry Sultan’s photo memoir of the same title.  She is quoted as saying, “This play is my exploration of Larry’s exploration.”  She takes Mr. Sultan’s probing of the relationship between his parents and his juxtaposition of truth with image to the next level.  Ms. White adds layers of fiction to the story through her dialogue.  The characters speak their truth as they face the masks they wear in order to project the images they desire.  Director Bartlett Sher molds and shapes this play into an emotional engaging piece of theatre.  The direct address seamlessly blends into genuine moments between the characters that are full of spunk and humor.  The cast is truly phenomenal, delivering authentic and heartwarming performances.

The action drops in on year eight of a project undertaken by photographer Larry Sultan (played by Danny Burstein).  He is in the process of interviewing and capturing images of his parents, Irving (played by Nathan Lane) and Jean (played by Zoë Wanamaker).  Irv questions the amount of time Larry has been spending on the project, constantly challenging every question he is asked and every photograph his son takes.  In the midst of these disputes, Irv tells of when he quit his job in New York City and moved his family to California to seek a better life.  His success was hard earned, yet his animosity not easily resolved upon his retirement.  Jean’s success in real estate kept the couple financially secure after her husband’s retirement, yet is underplayed in the shadow of Irv’s demanding ego.  These are the areas Larry explores with his photographs and interviews.  How do his parents project the images of success differently?  Can he capture their vulnerable sides?  Which of these qualities are reflected in him? 

Nathan Lane, Danny Burstein, & Zoë Wanamaker
Photo courtesy of Pictures from Home

Nathan Lane and Danny Burstein create a truthful and intimate father/son relationship as Irving and Larry.  They are direct and unapologetic.  They both have high standards for themselves.  They continually push each other beyond their limits.  No matter how harsh they get, you can feel their mutual respect.  Zoë Wanamaker is their rock.  She is the devoted wife, caring mother, and straight man to both male characters.  The timing between these three actors is impeccable, and surpassed only by their heart and sincerity.

Playwright Sharr White asks more questions in the course of this play than she delivers answers.  This directly corresponds to the purpose of Larry Sultan’s photography.  As his photographs tell a full story in an isolated image, questioning the truth in the perspective, so do Ms. White’s individual scenes.  They are full of subtext and backstory.  The audience is able to respond to each moment, relate to the characters and events, and bring their own perspective to the story.  They become part of the intimacy shared between the characters, their tenderness, their frustrations, their eagerness, and their hesitations. 

The character of Larry Sultan discovers at the conclusion of the story that his greatest joy is in how he touched a culture with his work.  We feel that touch in this play.  Pictures from Home is playing at Studio 54 for a limited engagement.  Don’t miss it!  

Domenick Danza

The Collaboration

 The Collaboration
Manhattan Theatre Club
The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
January 1, 2023 

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of The Collaboration is riveting.  Playwright Anthony McCarten characterizes two iconic figures in modern art.  He exemplifies their distinct personalities, and illustrates their impact on one another and the art world.  The play dramatizes their connection, as well as the conflict in their perspectives.  Director Kwame Kwei-Armah molds the flow of action, clearly laid out by Mr. McCarten, so the audience identifies with each of the artists at different times in the story. 

Jeremy Pope & Paul Bettany
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Art dealer and agent, Bruno Bischofberger (played by Erik Jensen) suggests to Andy Warhol (played by Paul Bettany) and Jean-Michael Basquiat (played by Jeremy Pope) that they collaborate.  Both men initially refuse.  Their resistance stems from their own insecurities and unwillingness to bend.  Bruno’s ability to convince them both is due to each artists’ admiration and respect for the other’s work.  They meet and immediately challenge one another.  Basquiat is visceral and instinctual.  He paintings are primal and bold.  Warhol is distant and analytical, having transitioned into silk screening and film making.  Warhol’s main interest is to film Basquiat.  Basquiat pushes Warhol to pick up a brush and paint again.  Their views on art are juxtaposed, yet they are bonded by their level of success and drive to create.  They challenge one another to face themselves. Their bond outlives them both.

Paul Bettany portrays Andy Warhol as a vulnerable, apprehensive man, hesitant to engage.  Warhol’s understanding of art and seeing the need for people to distance themselves is far ahead of his time.  When Andy Warhol’s beliefs are shared, they are easily recognizable in the ways we relate via social media.  Mr. Bettany has full conviction of these beliefs.  He is able to make Warhol’s complex views of art clear and accessible. 

Jeremy Pope portrays Jean-Michel Basquiat as an energetic free spirit, who paints incessantly, creating bold forms and dark images from deep within his soul.  The audience understands what drives him.  We feel it in Mr. Pope’s energy.  Mr. Pope takes his character further than anticipated in Act II when he faces the brutal beating and death of a close friend, and reveals the reason for his painting.  Mr. Pope exposes the heart of his character.  It is truly a revelation. 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

These actors initially give the audience a representation of their characters to entice and satisfy the expectation.  They then dive deeply into the truths of these iconic figures, revealing their beliefs, motivations, and hidden fears.  They are magnificent together.  They have a vibrant, palpable chemistry.  They use the opposite traits of their characters to magnetize their performances.  They create a need for their collaboration, and build a genuine bond that is deeper and stronger than the work they create.  

There is video during the intermission, which fills in the blank of how their relationship flourishes.  This is vital to the full impact of the story.  Be sure not to miss it.  

The Collaboration has been extended through January 29.  It is playing at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.  This play will challenge your intellect and satisfy your imagination.  

Domenick Danza