Lowcountry

 Lowcountry
Atlantic Theater Company
Linda Gross Theater
June 28, 2025

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The Atlantic Theater Company production of Lowcountry packs a powerful punch.  The two main characters carry a heavy load of secrets.  One tries to be open about them.  The other keeps them securely under wraps.  Playwright Abby Rosebrock holds back all reveals, skillfully building the suspense.  Director Jo Bonney brings the action to a stunning and unexpected climax, which bonds the two main characters in an even darker secret. 

David (played by Babak Tafti) is a sexual predator.  He is committed to an SA program in hopes of getting joint custody of his young son.  When he meets Tally (played by Jodi Balfour) through a dating site, he faces a bigger challenge than he expected.  She is extremely forward and not the least bit bothered when David comes clean about his past.  She finally reveals that they knew one another in a church youth camp.  She also researched him online.  She has a very specific purpose in getting together with him, and does not give up until she achieves it.  When his sponsor, Paul (played by Keith Kupferer), shows up for an unexpected visit, what he witnesses can ruin David’s chance of gaining custody of his son.  Tally feels threatened by Paul’s behavior, and reacts with unrestrained fury. 

Babak Tafti as David
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Babak Tafti portrays David as a flawed but honest character, stepping up to challenges as best he can.  He is immediately likeable, even though we hear and see him not being totally honest with his sponsor.  From the moment Tally enters, we can sense something untrustworthy and dangerous about her.  Jodi Balfour plays this with slick ease.  She is driven by a darker objective, which colors her actions and emotions with a bizarre hue.  She and Mr. Tafti create a genuine connection that rages and calms, then erupts with unbridled passion.

Jodi Balfour & Babak Tafti
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The character of David is on the phone for an extended conversation with Paul at the top of the show.  Even though he is not seen, Keith Kupferer does an outstanding job of creating a complete character in Paul’s voice over scene.  When he enters toward the end of the play, he is exactly as pictured, and just as overbearing.  Playwright Abby Rosebrock lays the foundation in Tally’s dialogue throughout the piece that justifies her reaction to Paul, yet it is still shocking. 

Lowcountry is playing at Atlantic Theater Company’s Linda Gross Theater through July 13.  Ms. Rosebrock’s writing weaves our present-day political atmosphere into the action.  The perspective is sharp and emotionally engaging. 

Domenick Danza

What Became of Us

 What Became of Us
Atlantic Stage 2 Theater
May 18, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Shayan Lotfi’s play, What Became of Us, takes the audience on an intimate and emotional journey in the relationship between two siblings.  It is masterfully crafted, uniquely structured, and tenderly written.  The Atlantic Theatre Company production is beautifully directed by Jennifer Chang.  She allows the actor to discover precise moments to reveal their vulnerability.  The characters open their hearts to one another and the audience.  They grow and change over a lifetime of shared and distant experiences.

We first meet Q (played by Rosalind Chao), who tells of when her parents made the decision to immigrate from the old county.  She is a young girl, fascinated by the adventure they are about to embark upon.  She easily tells of her parents selling candies and snacks outside office buildings, then opening their own newsstand, then purchasing the corner store.  Her life changes when her brother, Z (played by BD Wong) is born.  She takes responsibility for his care.  He is everything to her, as she is everything to him. 

BD Wong & Rosalind Chao
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Q and Z continue to tell their stories, directly addressing the audience and referring to one another in the second person.  Their identities develop into their adolescent and teen years.  They become more independent of one another, yet are fully aware of each other’s feelings.  Q remains conservative and connected to her parents.  Z becomes rebellious and makes different choices.  When their parents are killed in a car accident, they find themselves full of unresolved emotions, causing resentment.  They separate.  Years go by without contact.  Z gets married and has a son, the “golden child.”  After six years, he asks his father why he has no other family.  This motivates Z to call his sister.  They re-unite with a different sense of themselves, and are able to connect on a new level. 

Rosalind Chao and BD Wong are phenomenal.  They are fully connected, even though all their dialogue is direct address.  This connection is inherent in everything they do and say.  It morphs as the characters grow and change.  These transitions are clearly mapped out in the writing.  During the first portion of the play, the characters start all their lines with “You…” as they tell the story of how and what the other character did, said, and felt.  All of their thoughts are consumed with the other’s point of view.  The second section, when the characters are estranged, their lines all start with “I” statements, as they share their own thoughts, isolated from anyone else.  In the third and final section, their lines start with “I” statements, followed by a sentence starting with “You...”  The characters have come to a place where their mutual feelings and perspectives mold and shape their experiences.  It doesn’t matter if they agree or are in conflict.  They are able to connect, share, and commune.  This is beautifully writing.  Rosalind Chao and BD Wong embrace these words, and deliver poignant performances. 

Tony Shalhoub, Shohren Aghdashloo, BD Wong, & Rosalind Chao
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

What Became of Us is playing at Atlantic Stage 2 Theater.  There are two casts.  BD Wong and Rosalind Chao are performing through June 15.  Tony Shalhoub and Shohren Aghdashloo will step in from June 10 through June 29.  These casting decisions are aligned with Mr. Lotfi’s vision for his play.  His intention “has always been that the roles would alternate between separate parings of actors from different diasporic backgrounds.”  It is sure to be a different experience with the two different casts.  Get your tickets while they last.

Domenick Danza

I’m Revolting

 I’m Revolting
Atlantic Theater Company
Linda Gross Theater
September 10, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Gracie Gardner’s play, I’m Revolting, is a complex piece of theatre.  It takes place in the waiting room of a skin cancer treatment hospital over the course of one day.  It engages the audience with different points of view through the various character arcs.  Each story line delves into the character’s beliefs and fears.  The full story lands in a place of truth that brings revelation to the experience of the characters.  Director Knud Adams skillfully unites these various story threads by giving each member of this cast the time and space to delve into the needs of their individual character.

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Jonathan (played by Bartley Booz) is reviewing the patient list for the coming day with his colleague and mentor, Denise (played by Portia).  Reggie (played by Alicia Pilgrim) enters.  She is scheduled to have a fairly large carcinoma removed from her nose.  She is scared.  Denise tries to calm her by reviewing the procedure.  Reggie’s sister, Anna (played by Gabby Beans), finally arrives to keep her company, but manages to increase her anxiety level.  Liane (played by Emily Cass McDonnell) shows up with her husband Jordan (played by Glenn Fitzgerald).  She has a large tumor around her eye.  She need support, but her husband is emotionally disengaged.  When Clyde (played by Peter Gerety) arrives, he chats with Reggie, sharing his numerous experiences with the doctors at this hospital and boasting of how he values their expertise.  Toby (played by Patrick Vaill), who has been sleeping in his chair most of the time, is joined by his mother, Paula (played by Laura Easterman).  She loudly talks of self-healing, which pushes a button for the other patients. 

Each character faces their fears and darker self as they wait for the results of their procedure.  Some take it lightly.  Some will carry scars deeper than the ones left from the surgery.  Others might not survive at all. 

The anxieties felt and shared by this cast are genuine.  Reggie chooses to fight.  Alicia Pilgrim plays this character honorably.  Clyde is full of acceptance.  Peter Gerety is bold and brave in the conviction of his character.  Toby is truly scared.  Patrick Vaill portrays the character’s escape through numerous, carefully played tactics.  Paula is broken by her outcome.  Laura Easterman unapologetically shows the character’s willingness to voice her need and accept help. 

The final scene between Denise and Jonathan gives insight to the dedication required to treat patients at their most vulnerable moments.  Portia and Bartley Booz clearly illustrate the seriousness of their characters’ work.  Mistakes can be life threatening.  It is a stunning ending. 

I’m Revolting is playing at Atlantic Theater Company’s Linda Gross Theater through October 16.  It is a thought provoking, wonderfully conceived production.  The cast is excellent. 

Domenick Danza

Kimberly Akimbo

 Kimberly Akimbo
Atlantic Theater Company
Linda Gross Theater
November 20, 2021 

The Atlantic Theater Company production of KimberlyAkimbo is sheer joy.  Playwright David Lindsay-Abaire has teamed up with composer Jeanine Tesori to adapt his original play of the same name into this musical adventure.  The phenomenal cast, under the direction of Jessica Stone, delivers outstanding performances that will stay with you long after the show is over.

Kimberly (played by Victoria Clark) is a fifteen year old girl who wishes that her family was “normal.”  Her father (played by Steven Boyer) drinks too much.  Her mother (played by Alli Mauzey) thinks only of herself.  Kimberly suffers from a rare genetic disorder where her body ages at an accelerated rate.  She looks and feels like a sixty year old woman and has a life expectancy of sixteen years.  Seth (played by Justin Cooley), a tuba playing puzzle expert, asks Kimberly to partner with him on their science project.  At first Kimberly says no, but when they are both left without a partner, she agrees.  Kimberly becomes intrigued by Seth’s unique way of seeing things, and a friendship develops.  When Kimberly’s Aunt Debra (played by Bonnie Milligan) pops into town, she recruits a few of Kimberly’s school mates (played by Olivia Elease Hardy, Fernell Hogan II, Nina White, & Michael Iskander) on an get rich quick scheme.  When Debra spills the beans on a family secret, Kimberly finds herself drawn into her aunt’s illegal plan. 

Steven Boyer & Victoria Clark
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Victoria Clark delivers a heartwarming performance as Kimberly.  Her character pushes past her comfort zone throughout the story.  Ms. Clark plays these moments with genuine naivete and a determined focus.  Justin Cooley is outstanding as Seth.  His openness and honesty is refreshing.  The connection between him and Ms. Clark is mesmerizing.  Steven Boyer and Allie Mauzey have a strong bond as Kimberly’s highly difunctional parents.  They both try as best they can to get their act together for Kimberly’s sake.  These two actors keep the subtext of tension throughout, making their fall predictable, even though you never stop rooting for them.

Bonnie Milligan drives the action forward, plotting and recruiting for Aunt’s Debra’s plan.  Ms. Milligan weaves many layers into this character.  She creates a likeable villain and, since her plan involves six innocent teenager, you keep your fingers crossed for her success.  Olivia Elease Hardy, Fernell Hogan II, Nina White, & Michael Iskander are an amazing ensemble.  They each create distinct roles that hide their own individual secrets, while propelled by a unified desire. 

The Creatvie Team of Kimberly Akimbo
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The fruits of David Lindsey-Abaire and Jeanine Tesori’s collaboration abound in this production.  Mr. Lindsey-Abaire’s lyrics flow smoothly through Ms. Tesori’s week-crafted score.  There are moments of sincere emotion and deep realization, as well as charming humor.  The set design by David Zinn is full or surprises. 

Kimberly Akimbo is playing at Atlantic Theatre Company’s Linda Gross Theater through December 26.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Anatomy of a Suicide

Anatomy of a Suicide

Atlantic Theater Company

Linda Gross Theater

February 1, 2019

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Alice Birch’s Anatomy of a Suicide is an intense masterwork.  It examines the traumatic effects associated with the suicide of a loved one.  It is a compelling work that requires detailed timing and hyper awareness from every cast member.  There are three story lines taking place simultaneously.  Director Lileana Blain-Cruz guides the focus of the audience, maintaining a clear through line of action in this complex structure.  The Atlantic Theater Company intently brings all the elements together in this mesmerizing production.

The Full Company of "Anatomy of a Suicide"
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

First, we meet Carol (played by Carla Gugino) who is being picked up at a hospital by her husband, John (played by Richard Topol).  We find out that Carol unsuccessfully attempted suicide.  While this scene is taking place, we meet Anna (played by Celeste Arias), who is trying to scam drugs from a friend who works in a hospital.  In the next set of overlapping scenes we meet Bonnie (played by Gabby Beans).  She is an emergency room nurse with a strong ability to disengage emotionally.  As we follow the stories of these three women, we gradually understand their relationship.  What unravels is an intimate comprehension of the trauma passed down through generations by a mother’s suicide.

Playwright Alice Birch
Photo courtesy of Alice Birch

Playwright Alice Birch creates curiosity in the beginning of the play by building a sense of mystery and suspense.  The timing of the revelation of facts to piece the story together is perfect.  Just as a question forms in your head, the answer unfolds, as well as a new question and the desire to know more.  This is how she pulls you into the brutally emotional reality of the characters.  With three story lines playing concurrently, you need to step back in order to focus and follow.  This creates an emotional distance.  It is through this distance that we are able to safely engage in the gravity of the events without being overwhelming by their intensity.  This is where director Lileana Blaine-Cruz’s skillful ability to keep the audience’s attention focused is most vital.  There are a number of dark moments, yet the sense of hope is always present in at least one element or character in each scene.

The cast of ten is truly phenomenal.  They dive deep into the souls of their characters, riding the rhythm of Ms. Birch’s dialogue and delivering one truthful moment after another.  Anatomy of a Suicide is playing at Atlantic Theater Company’s Linda Gross Theater through March 15.  It is brilliantly written, expertly directed, and skillfully performed.

Domenick Danza

Sunday

Sunday

Atlantic Theater Company

Linda Gross Theater

September 7, 2019

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Jack Thorne’s new play, Sunday, commissioned by Atlantic Theater Company, is an intimate exploration of the powerful moments that define a person’s life.  It is a character driven story with a clear and valuable message.  The six characters are well developed and clearly defined.  The relationships continually feed the conflict, which leads to introspective moments that pull the story forward.  The cast is keenly connected and all deliver crisp and potent performances. 

Juliana Canfield, Sadie Scott, Zane Pais, & Ruby Frankel
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Marie (played by Sadie Scott) is on the phone with her mother while waiting for her roommate, Jill (played by Juliana Canfield), to get home.  It is Sunday, their book group night.  Marie’s downstairs neighbor, Bill (played by Maurice Jones), asks Marie to not play the music too loud because he has to get up early for work.  Jill returns with the vodka and snacks for the meeting, and the rest of the group descends upon the apartment.  They are discussing Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler.  Keith (played by Christian Strange) continually takes the conversation off topic.  Alice (played by Ruby Frankel) strains to bring it back into focus.  Milo (played by Zane Pais) gets inappropriate with Marie, but Jill keeps him from getting out of hand.  The evening’s conversation continually gets personal and is filled with animosity.  After everyone leaves, Marie finds herself alone and unsettled.  Her downstairs neighbor, Bill, hears her pacing the floor, and knocks on her door.  Their conversation turns deeper than either of them expects. 

Ruby Frankel in rehearsal
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The character of Alice narrates throughout the play.  The brilliance of this choice by Mr. Thorne is skillfully followed through by Director Lee Sunday Evans by keeping Alice aloof in how she relates to the other characters.  She is more than just a narrator.  She is an observer.  Her insights come from her first hand knowledge of the characters and their experiences, and propel the story deeper into their emotional state and motivating impulses.  Ruby Frankel’s portrayal of Alice brings depth and vitality to the story.

Sadie Scott in rehearsal
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The scene between Marie and her downstairs neighbor, Bill, after the book group members leave the apartment, is monumental.  Mr. Thorne takes huge risks with these two characters in their interaction.  Each one has a valuable payoff.  The scene builds and falls, then builds again, taking the play to a stunning conclusion.  Sadie Scott and Maurice Jones are genuinely vulnerable in this scene.

Jack Thorne has written a uniquely structured, thought provoking, and intriguing play.  Sunday is playing at the Linda Gross Theater though October 13.  See it with a friend.  An intense discussion is sure to follow.       

Domenick Danza

Describe the Night

Describe the Night

Atlantic Theater Company

Linda Gross Theater

November 24, 2017

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The New York premier of Rajiv Joseph’s play Describe the Night is presently in previews at Atlantic Theater Company.  It explores the phenomenon of how perception can become reality, and how facts can easily be replaced by fabrications that become acceptable truths.  Mr. Joseph’s writing is luminous and engaging.  The action of the play spans the years from 1920 through 2010.  It follows the events connected by Isaac Babel, considered one of Russia’s greatest writers of his time, and Nicolai Yezhov, who was closely associated with Stalin and became the chief of the Soviet Police from 1936-38.  Their fabricated truths are linked to the plane crash in 2010 that killed the President, First Lady, and virtually every top member of Poland’s government and military.

Danny Burstein & Zach Grenier
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

In 1920 Isaac Babel (played by Danny Burstein) meets Nicolai Yezhov (played by Zach Grenier).  They are both Soviet Soldiers.  Isaac is writing in his journal, describing the night, and teaches Nikolai how easy it is to tell a believable lie.  Fast forward to the plane crash of 2010, where Mariya, a journalist (played by Nadia Bowers), urgently needs to rent a car to flee the Soviet Police investigation of the events leading up to the crash.  Feliks, the car rental agent (played by Stephen Stocking), gives her his truck to escape unnoticed.  He passes on to her an old journal that was given to him by one of the victims of the plane crash before she died.  This is the journal belonging to Isaac Babel.  The play goes back and forth in time and follows the hand to hand journey of this journal, covered in truth, lies, perceptions, and falsities, from its start in 1920 until it gets into the hands of Vova (played by Max Gordon Moore), the man from St. Petersburg, who is on his way to be one of the most powerful men in the world.

Max Gordon Moore & Nadia Bowers
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The cast is superb in bringing clarity and life to the brilliant writing of Mr. Joseph’s play.  Every scene is driven by characters who are rich and real.  Danny Burstein and Zach Grenier juxtapose their characters with traits, physicality, and vocal rhythms that give visceral vigor to every scene they share.  Tina Benko is charming and heartbreaking as Yevgenia, the wife of Nicholai Yezhov.  The chemistry between her and Mr. Burstein is tangible.  Their connection is honest and genuine.  Nadia Bowers is powerful as Mariya.  She shows her range by also playing Mrs. Petrovna.  Max Gordon Moore’s character of Vova grows from an unassuming, eager government employee to a manipulative and aggressive official.

Danny Burstein, Zach Grenier, & Tina Benko
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Playwright Rajiv Joseph and director Giovanna Sardelli conquer a huge subject matter that is tightly interwoven with clear themes that are relative to every audience member.  The Atlantic Theater Company production of Describe the Night is running at the Linda Gross Theater through December 24.  The play has many layers that will keep you thinking.  See it with someone with whom you can have a deep, detailed discussion, or be prepared to do as I did and engage the person next to you during the two intermissions.   

Domenick Danza

Guards at the Taj

Guards at the Taj

Atlantic Theater Company

Linda Gross Theater

May 24, 2015

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

Can there be only one most beautiful thing in the world?  Can the creation of beauty become extinct?  What is beauty?  These are some of the thematic questions addressed by playwright Rajiv Joseph in Guards at the Taj now playing at Atlantic Theater Company.  This play will make you laugh, and cringe… and ponder beauty.

Humayun and Babur, two of the Emperor’s guards at the Taj Mahal in 1648, are among the first to see the newly completed mausoleum at first light.  They behold this MOST beautiful creation, a monument never to be exceeded in beauty.  They then journey to a blood drenched dungeon, where they face their darkest nightmare and come out with different appreciations of the truth.  Omar Metwally (Humayun) and Arian Moayed (Babur) each develops a unique and realistic character.  Together they create a relatable bond of friendship and adventure.

Arian Moayed, Rajiv Joseph, & Omar Metwally
at the Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
Photo courtesy of Atlantic Theater Company

The script by Rajiv Joseph, well known for his BengalTiger at the Baghdad Zoo (a 2010 finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), spans a broad range of topic as it focuses in on its main theme (the essence and creation of beauty) through the heartfelt comradery of the two characters.  It is profoundly, yet simply, directed by Amy Morton. 

The set is a brutal structure that weighs heavily on the space.  Ingeniously designed by Timothy R. Mackabee, it is realistic, powerful, and alive.  The moments of beauty the script refers to are illuminated by David Weiner’s amazing lighting.  The brightness contrasts the heaviness of the set to create spectacular moments that stand out in the characters’ perspectives.

Guards at the Taj runs through June 28 at Atlantic Theater Company’s Linda Gross Theater.  Put your thinking cap on and ponder the beauty of this piece of theatre.

Domenick Danza