An American Daughter

 An American Daughter
La Femme Theatre Productions
The Pershing Square Signature Center
September 2, 2026 

Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions

The La Femme Theatre Productions presentation of Wendy Wasserstein’s 1996 play An American Daughter contains an unpublished version of the second act.  This allows it to ring with remarkable relevance, leaving the audience with a lot to ponder.  Director Sarna Lapine brings this work to a new light with a star-studded cast who succinctly portrays the social and political landscape of the time and builds the conflict with truthful earnestness.  Set against our present political situation, the comparisons are astonishing.  

Lyssa Dent Hughes (played by Jean Lichty) is the president’s nominee for Surgeon General of the United States.  She is the daughter of Alan Hughes, a Republican Senator from Indiana (played by Dakin Matthews) and a descendant of Ulysses S. Grant.  While Lyssa is being interviewed by Timber Tucker (played by Chris Ghaffari) for national television, Morrow McCarthy, a close friend of her family (played by Ryan Spahn), casually mentions that Lyssa once ignored a summons for jury duty.  Her husband, Walter (played by Robert Sean Leonard) makes light of the incident in an attempt to move the interview along.  When the interview is aired on national television, Lyssa loses the support of the American public, particularly women.  She now faces the most monumental challenge of her career, while trying to keep her family and dignity intact. 

Montego Glover & Jean Lichty
Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions

The main storyline of a small, unintentional error becoming a huge controversy drives the action, yet it is the relationships in this play that offer the most value.  The support Lyssa receives from her family and friends is heartwarming, and sometimes questionable.  Their honesty is clear, bold, and at times brutal.  The most endearing bond is between Lyssa and her long-time friend Judith (played by Montego Glover).  Ms. Lichty and Ms. Glover portray a formidable connection from the beginning of the play.  Their friendship proves to be the most resilient as the action progresses.  They both suffer heart-breaking loss, and come out knowing they can count on one another. 

Jean Lichty & Robert Sean Leonard
Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions

Robert Sean Leonard delivers an intelligent and charismatic portrayal of Lyssa’s husband, Walter.  He is flexible and giving in their relationship, but his infidelity causes doubt for Lyssa when she needs to feel secure and grounded.  There is an ease between these two characters that crumbles as the truth is revealed.  Mr. Leonard and Ms. Lichty play each layer of their relationship with sincerity and fervor. 

Dakin Matthews & Mary Beth Peil
Photo courtesy of La Femme Productions

Dakin Matthews has a powerful presence as Republican Senator Alan Hughes.  He is pushy, arrogant, and wildly charming.  He can spin a story to create interest, then shut it down with a few sharp words.  Mary Beth Peil delivers an amazing performance as his wife, Charlotte “Chubby” Hughes.  She knows how to present herself as expected.  Just when you think that is all there is to her, she reveals her wisdom and gumption.

There are also excellent performances by Carmen Zilles, Ryan Spahn, Chris Ghaffari, and Will Devary. 

Carmen Zilles, Ryan Spahn, Robert Sean Leonard,
Mary Beth Peil, & Jean Lichty
Photo courtesy of La Femme Productions

An American Daughter is playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center through September 20.  The play presents multiple political points of view, each represented by a different character, and puts them in direct conflict.  This is a strength of Ms. Wasserstein writing, and this production highlights it beautifully.  It is an enthralling production.  

Domenick Danza

Henry IV

 Henry IV
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonsky Shakespeare Center
February 12, 2025 

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Theatre for a New Audience has outdone itself with its present production of William Shakespeare’s Henry IV.  This adaptation, by Dakin Matthews, combines parts one and two into one three and one-half hour production (with two intermissions).  Director Eric Tucker has gathered an amazing cast.  They work as a consistent, tight ensemble and all deliver stunning performances.   

King Henry IV (played by Dakin Matthews) is facing a conflict in his sovereignty.  A rebel faction is seeking to overthrow his reign, and place Henry Percy, known as Hotspur (played by James Udom) on the throne.  King Henry’s heir, Prince Hal (played by Elijah Jones) has turned his back on his royal duties.  He enjoys his time in the pubs, galivanting around London with a motley crew of friends, led by Sir John Falstaff (played by Jay O. Sanders).  When the King summons Hal back to the palace for a meeting, he reluctantly obeys.  Falstaff and his crew follow to keep an eye on their friend.  Hal is obligated to support the King in battle, and fights until the rebel faction is defeated and Hotspur is killed.  Upon his father’s deathbed, Prince Hal professes his loyalty and commitment to the crown.  When Hal is crowned King Henry V, he turns his back on his old life, rejecting Falstaff, who was expecting a position in court. 

Elijah Jones & Jay O. Sanders
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Jay O. Sanders delivers a boisterous Falstaff, full of bluster and humor.  His portrayal is just right for this in the round staging.  Elijah Jones is open and genuine as Prince Hal.  He is always one step ahead of Falstaff.  They have a natural camaraderie.  This makes Prince Hal’s rejection of Falstaff acutely hurtful after his royal transformation.  Dakin Matthews is regal as King Henry IV.  His command is firm, and he reveals many layers in his relationship with his son.  

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

The double and triple casting allows for instantaneous transitions from the streets of London to the Royal Court.  Steven Epp is outstanding as the Earl of Worcester, Francis, and Silence.  These roles are astoundingly different, allowing Mr. Epp to show off his comic timing, physical dexterity, and dramatic intensity.  James Udom also shows a range of skills in his portrayal of Hotspur and Pistol.  His Hotspur is focused and determined, while his Pistol is mischievous and silly.

Henry IV is playing at Theatre for a New Audience’s Polonsky Shakespeare Center though March 2.  It is a strong and slick rendition of this Shakespeare history tale, skillfully directed and majestically performed. 

Domenick Danza

Camelot

 Camelot
Lincoln Center Theater
at the Vivian Beaumont
July 1, 2023 

Photo courtesy of
Lincoln Cetner Theater

The Lincoln Center Theater revival of Lerner & Loewe’s Camelot tells the tale of an idyllic realm, built on the belief in equality and justice.  The book, revised by Aaron Sorkin, focuses on the challenge of this ideal, and the battle between intellect and mysticism.  Bartlett Sher majestically directs this stellar cast, drawing the audience into a regal world of knighthood, integrity, and respect, which dissolves due to jealousy, mistrust, and treachery.

Princess Guenevere of France (played by Phillipa Soo) is promised to King Arthur of England (played by Andrew Burnap) in a treaty of peace between their countries.  Guenevere, unhappy about her pending nuptials, offers her dowry to a stranger she meets in the forest to help her escape.  Little does she know that this stranger is Arthur, who has been walking in the woods out of nervousness over meeting his new bride.  Arthur sings to Guenevere of the idyllic Camelot, the Camelot of his dreams, the metaphor of his perfect and peaceful home.  She agrees to go with him to the castle, where she joins him in creating this utopia.  She and Arthur discuss the possibilities of transforming his band of knights into a noble assembly, with equal voice and influence.  The knights are uncertain about this change, but are definitely averse to Arthur’s decision to invite the French to join his round table.  Lancelot de Lac (played by Jordan Donica) travels from France and pledges his honor to King Arthur and his vision for Camelot.  Lancelot is strong and suave.  He quickly gains the trust of the king, and catches the eye and heart of the queen.    

Phillipa Soo, Andrew Burnap, & Jordan Donica
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

King Arthur is written as a young man who unwillingly has the crown thrust upon him when he
removed the sword, Excalibur, from the stone.  Andrew Burnap nobly portrays this youth with charm and ambition.  He is eager to make his mark on the kingdom and create a better future for its people.  He transforms into a ethical leader, yet never loses his youthful outlook.  Phillipa Soo portrays Guenevere as a feisty, determined young woman.  She takes her role as queen seriously, while joyfully participating in shaping the court and kingdom to her husband’s vision.  They become true partners.  Jordan Donica’s Lancelot is bold and confident.  His commitment to his beliefs and role as a knight outweigh his secret passion for Guenevere.  These three actor have luminous chemistry.  They develop their relationships through integrity and respect.  Their singing voices soar, filling the theatre with joyous passion. 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The entire cast delivers excellent performances.  Dakin Matthews is wise and grounded as both Merlyn and Pellinore.  Taylor Trensch is sneaky and undermining as Mordred.  Marilee Talkington is mysterious and conniving as Morgan Le Fey.

Set design by Michael Yeargan is truly magnificent.  The interiors of the castle are simple and expansive.  The space then opens up even further to sprawling exterior scenes.  The projections by 59 Productions and lighting by Lap Chi Chu enhance the set design by creating intimate areas and vast regions. 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The opening scene between Arthur and Guenevere is Mr. Sorkin’s strongest writing.  The characters are
introduced with wit and humor, smoothly establishing the conflict between them and vigorously setting the story in motion.  

Camelot is set to close on July 23.  Time is running out.  Get your tickets while you still can. 

Domenick Danza

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

Shubert Theatre

May 18, 2019

Photo courtesy of To Kill a Mockingbird

Experiencing the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird far exceeds any of the expectations you might have from the praise it continually receives.  Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation preserves the heart of Harper Lee’s coming of age classic.  He gives voice to the racial injustice portrayed in the story in a more direct manner so it becomes relatable to a present-day audience.  He develops numerous minor characters, which magnifies Atticus Finch’s continually telling the children that you will never truly know a person until you “live in their skin.”  This is a slight glimpse into how Mr. Sorkin creates a visceral experience with his adaptation that deepens the connection to an already engaging, touching, and well-known story.  Combine that with phenomenal direction by Bartlett Sher and an amazing cast, lead by Jeff Daniels and Celia Keenan-Bolger, and the theatre rings with an energy that heals and uplifts your soul.

Celia Keenan-Bolger & Jeff Daniels
Photo courtesy of To Kill a Mockingbird

The story goes back and forth in time, starting with Scout Finch (played by Celia Keenan-Bolger), her brother Jem Finch (played by Will Pullen), and their friend Dill Harris (played by Gideon Glick) questioning how someone can die from falling on their knife.  This debate takes them back and forces a close review of the events that took place the summer of 1934 in Maycomb, Alabama, when their father, Atticus Finch (played by Jeff Daniels) was appointed by Judge Taylor (played by Dakin Matthews) to defend Tom Robbins (played by Gbenga Akinnagbe) for the rape and beating of Mayella Ewell (played by Erin Wilhelmi).  The trial is interspersed throughout the telling of the story while the close relationships of the Finch family are revealed.  The outraged community response to Atticus’ defense strategies are threatening to the family’s safety.

Jeff Daniels & Gbenga Akkinnagbe
Photo courtesy of To Kill a Mockingbird

Celia Keenan-Bolger, Will Pullen, and Gideon Glick narrate the transitions of the story.  Their chemistry and timing are flawless.  They are genuine and truthful.  Their growth from innocence toward adulthood is clear and endearing.  Jeff Daniel’s makes the iconic role of Atticus Finch authentically his own.  He creates a multi-dimensional father whose primary focus is to instill a sense of decency and integrity in his children.  His character is real, human, flawed, and straightforward.

There are numerous reasons why Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird won a Pulitzer Prize in 1960 and has become one of the most well-known and well-loved American classics.  This production not only captures all of those reasons, but deepens the level of understanding in Ms. Lee’s themes and compassionate point of view.

Domenick Danza