Here Lies Love

 Here Lies Love
Broadway Theater
August 20, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Here Lies Love

It is not the story, but the telling of the story that makes for compelling theatre.  That being said, Here Lies Love is a truly unique theatrical event that must be experienced.  It is about the rise to power of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos in the Philippians.  The show contains no spoken dialogue.  The concept, music, and lyrics by David Byrne, music by Fatboy Slim, and additional music by Tom Gandy & José Luis Pardo ingeniously keep the narrative clear and fills the Broadway Theatre, which is unrecognizable.  The scenic design by David Korins takes over the entire space from the upper balcony to the orchestra pit.  Lighting design by Justin Townshend, sound design by M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer, and projection design by Peter Nigrini complete the high tech effects that plunge the audience into the emotional turmoil of a political takeover, fully submerging them, and making this a powerful experience that is not to be missed.

Photo courtesy of Here Lies Love

The story line covers the past seventy-five years of the political history of the Philippians, with the central character being Imelda Marcos (played by Arielle Jacobs).  We first meet her as a naïve teenager with her close friend Estrella (played by Melody Butiu).  Imelda meets and dates a rising political figure, Ninoy Aquino (played by understudy Aaron Alcaraz).  After he breaks it off with her, she goes on to win a local beauty pageant.  She then moves to Manilla, where she catches the eye of Ferdinand Marcos (played by Jose Llana).  They wed before he is elected president of the Philippians.  Ninoy Aquino speaks against the Marcos’ excessive spending while the people of the Philippines live in poverty.  When it is revealed that Ferdinand Marcos has a child with movie actress Dovie Beams (played by Julia Abueva), Imelda’s popularity soars.  She declares her love and commitment to the people of the Philippines.  As protests demanding reform grow violent, Marcos declares Marital Law and Aquino is arrested.  He is later exiled to the United States, but decides to return to the Philippians after Marcos’ health crisis is announced.  Aquino is assassinated upon his return.  Thousands of people take to the streets.  After four days of peaceful protests, later called The People Power Revolution, Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos are airlifted out of the Philippians by the U.S. Marines.  

Photo courtesy of Here Lies Love

The most impactful and emotional moment of the show is the ending.  All the tech, lights, projections, and disco music is silenced.  The words of the people involved in The People Power Revolution is sung with an acoustic guitar.  One by one the cast enters to join the singing, no longer wearing glitzy outfits, but dressed as everyday citizens.  The power in that moment is riveting.  It is a relief, a breath of life after experiencing the ninety minutes of hype and excitement.  The message told and the value of the voices of the people fill the silenced theater with truth and compassion.  

Photo courtesy of Here Lies Love

Director Alex Timbers has orchestrated an outstanding cast and creative team of brilliant designers and theatre technicians to create an immersive experience like no other.  The audience is swept into a political upheaval, without realizing the emotional manipulation involved.  It is not until they awaken at the end, when all the hype falls away, that they are brought to their senses.  It is a brilliantly directed piece of theatre with an important message we all need to listen to. 

Here Lies Love is playing at the Broadway Theatre.  It is a one of a kind, not to be missed experience. 

Domenick Danza

Beetlejuice

Beetlejuice

Winter Garden Theatre

August 20, 2019

Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice

The Broadway production of Beetlejuice is wild, crazy, and over the top.  Director Alex Timbers pulls out all the stops.  The minute you walk into the Winter Garden Theatre you are drawn into a fun house atmosphere.  Music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect establish an environment and pace that keeps the audience captivated and engaged.  The choreography by Connor Gallagher is energetic and creative.  The scenic design by David Korins, costume design by William Ivey Long, and lighting design by Kenneth Posner brilliantly come together, making the show a visual feast that exceeds the highest expectation.

Rob McClure, Alex Brightman, & Kerry Butler
Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice

The show opens in a cemetery.  Lydia (played by Sophia Anne Caruso) is burying her mother.  Enter Beetlejuice (played by Alex Brightman), who lightens the mood by making it clear that the story we are about to see is “all about death.”  He needs to get a living person to say his name three times in order to achieve his quest, which is to be seen by the living.  He visits the home of Barbara (played by Kerry Butler) and Adam (played by Rob McClure).  They are about to die.  They will be able to see him as they pass over.  His plan is to trick them into helping him by getting them to haunt their house.  When the new owner, Charles (played by Adam Dannheisser) moves in with his daughter Lydia and their Life Coach, Delia (played by Leslie Kritzer), they all face one life and death encounter after another.

Leslie Kritzer & Adam Dannheisser
Photo courtesy of Beetlejuice

The only way to make this raucous story work is with a cast that can bring it to life and make it believable.  Every member of the cast rises to that challenge.  Alex Brightman is absolutely amazing in this role.  He is a vocal powerhouse, instantly switching tone and intention.  His comic timing is impeccable.  His energy is sharp and awe-inspiring.  Leslie Kritzer  also delivers a phenomenal performance.  Her timing and physicality are perfect.  Her range is amazing.

Beetlejuice is playing at the Winter Garden Theater.  If you’re looking for a fun time, this is the show to see. 

Domenick Danza

The Robber Bridegroom

The Robber Bridegroom

Roundabout Theatre Company

Laura Pels Theatre

March 20, 2016

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of The Robber Bridegroom is creative and vivacious.  Director Alex Timbers and Choreographer Connor Gallagher have invigorated this “Mississippi Fairy Tale” with traditional story telling practices, flawless comic timing, and footstomin’ rhythmic patterns that make this show ninety minutes of high energized fun.  What they do on the small stage at the Laurel Pels Theatre is amazing. 

When the Bandit in the Woods, who “steals with style,” robs from Rosamund (played by Ahna O’Reilly), her father (played by Lance Roberts) asks his trusted friend, Jamie Lockhart (played by Steven Pasquale), to find the Bandit and restore his daughter’s honor.  Little does anyone know (except the audience) that the Bandit and Jamie are one in the same.  The plot thickens.  Rosamund realizes she has fallen in love with the Bandit.  Little Harp, a rival bandit (played by Andrew Durand), wants Jamie out of the picture.  Rosamund’s evil step mother (played by Leslie Kritzer) wants Rosamund dead.  After much expected Natchez-style mayhem, love wins out in the end.

Ahna O'Reilly & Steven Pasquale
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The ensemble is strong and unified.  Their timing and vigor are impeccable.  Steven Pasquale is suave and commanding in the lead role.  Ahna O’Reilly’s singing voice is sultry and captivating.  Lance Roberts is endearing as father, husband, and wealthy land owner, Clement Musgrove.  Leslie Knitter is cunning and over the top funny as the envious step mother, Salome.  There are additional outstanding performances from Andrew Durand, Greg Hildreth, Evan Harrington, Nadia Quinn, and Devere Rogers.

The cast of The Robber Bridegroom
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The set design by Danyale Werle extends out into the audience, creating a welcoming atmosphere that beckons involvement.  The lighting design by Jake DeGroot and Jeff Croiter effectively transforms the space moment by moment.  The costumes by Emily Rebholz are simple and effective.

If you are a believer in love, passion, and happy endings then this show is for you.  If you are not, then you really need to see this show.  Just go and have fun!  The Robber Bridegroom runs at the Laura Pels Theatre through May 29.

Domenick Danza

Permission

Permission

MCC Theatre

Lucille Lortel Theatre

June 6, 2015

Photo courtesy of MCC Theatre

Permission, MCC Theatre’s production of Robert Askins new play, did not deliver the bang I had expected.  Perhaps it was that Mr. Askins’ Hand to God was so ingenious that my hopes were too high.  Perhaps the performances lacked the timing and chemistry to deliver the laughs and punch the script deserved.  Perhaps the director did not have the insight to the deeper levels or rhythms of the script. Yes, to all of the above.

When Eric (Justin Bartha) and his wife Cynthia (Elizabeth Reaser) accidentally walk in on their friend Zach (Lucas Near-Verbrugghe) spanking his wife Michelle (Nicole Lowrence), they don’t know what to think.  They quickly exit the dinner party and plan not to speak of the incident.  Zach meets up with Eric the next day and explains that he spanks his wife for Jesus.  It is part of CDD (Christian Domestic Discipline) which, through the power of God, allows couples to become the best they can be.  Eric and Cynthia try it and, thanks to the grace of God, their lives become empowered and productive… until it all comes back to bite them in the ass (pun intended).

Photo courtesy of MCC Theatre

The first act is relatively short as the premise of the play is established.  Mr. Askins delivers an Act II with a few twists and reveals that make the play worthwhile.  Director Alex Timbers finds the timing in the final scene that builds the action to the point where the main couple, Eric and Cynthia, is able to take a realistic look at their relationship.  Unfortunately, that sharp timing was missing from the earlier parts of the show.

The set, designed by David Korins, transformed the small space at the Lucille Lortel Theatre into six different realistic locations.  Each set was quickly changed, revealed, and smoothly rolled downstage as David Weiner’s lighting and M. L. Dogg’s sound design kept the transitions delightful.  Well done gentlemen!

Photo courtesy of MCC Theatre

Robert Askins is a playwright who pushes the envelope.  It is possible that this is too strong a conclusion to draw since I have only seen two of his plays, but they both did that so well.  The dramatic question in Permission is about discipline, how far is too far, and who really holds the power.  Even though the driving forces behind the behavior in this play were not as deep and dark as in Hand to God, he is still the playwright to watch. 

Domenick Danza