Girls & Boys

Girls & Boys

Minetta Lane Theatre

The Royal Court Theatre

July 7, 2018

Photo courtesy of Girls & Boys

The Royal Court Theatre’s production of Girls & Boys is now running at the Minetta Lane Theatre.  This one woman play starring Carey Mulligan tells the story of family annihilation.  Magnificently directed by Lyndsey Turner, Ms. Mulligan transports herself in and out of the character’s memories in an effort to heal herself of grief and despair.  Playwright Dennis Kelly skillfully structures the story to build curiosity, intrigue, empathy, and knowledge.

Lights come up on Carey Mulligan as “the woman.”  She is alone on an empty, turquoise stage.  She is antsy, foul-mouthed, and desperately in search of herself.  She tells the story of how she met her husband in a line at an airport in Italy.  Her first impulse was one of dislike that turned into interest and attraction as he was approached by two stunningly beautiful models looking to cut the line.  The woman continues to tell the story of their lives together and the building of her very successful career as a film producer.  Cutting into this storytelling are scenes between her and her two children.  She becomes different with them.  Loving.  Caring.  Tender.  We see this woman grow and flourish into a focused and grounded wife, mother, and successful entrepreneur.  She then begins the story of what happened to her children, and we understand why they are not present in her memories.

Carey Mulligam
Photo courtesy of Girls & Boys

Carey Mulligan takes the audience on the journey of this character from discovery to happiness, uncertainty to risk, and despair to recovery.  Her transitions are flawless.  Her conversation is direct and personal to each individual member of the audience.  The timing in her humor is succinct.  Her connections are intimate and genuine.

Scenic design by Es Devlin, costume design by Jack Galloway, lighting design by Oliver Fenwick, and video design by Luke Halls all merge to create an effective environment that deeply absorbs the audience into the storytelling and heightens the emotional impact of the events.

Girls & Boys is a unique piece of theatre.  It is skillfully written, directed, and produced.  Don’t miss this impactful portrayal by Carey Mulligan at the Minetta Lane Theatre, now running through July 22.

Domenick Danza

American Psycho, the Musical

American Psycho, the Musical

Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre

April 16, 2016

Photo Courtesy of
American Psycho, the Musical

The stark, white set of a New York apartment fills up with smoke.  We hear the rhythmic, steady pounding of a heartbeat.  The shadowy figures of a man and woman appear.  Blood splatters.  Blackout.  That is the first three minutes of AmericanPsycho, the Musical.  The tone is set.  The erotic and stylistic telling of this dark story has begun.  The production, under the brilliant direction of Rupert Goold, accurately evokes the mindset of New York City in 1989.  It is fast paced with a crispness and shine that reflects on present day values and convictions.

Benjamin Walker is captivating as Wall Street Banker, Patrick Bateman.  He skillfully carries the show with a calm demeanor, intense focus, and outstanding singing voice.  He creates a character that is real, flawed, apathetic, and identifiable.  Jennifer Damiano, who plays his secretary, Jean, lures us deeper into the dark side of this psychological tale with a sincere portrayal of naive obsession.  She catalyzes the character of Patrick Bateman, twisting the plot to an unexpected climax and resolution.

Benjamin Walker & the Ensemble
Photo courtesy of American Psycho, the Musical

The book, written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis), is masterfully conceived.  The first act overflows with innuendo that generates psychological insight into the characters.  The most outstanding scene is the dinner party in Act I where the spoken dialogue is clearly the inner thoughts of those in attendance.  They blatantly blurt out the words in their heads, which should never be spoken out loud.  The effectiveness of this scene lays the foundation for the framework on which he builds the remainder of the show.  

Benjamin Walker, Jennifer Damiano, & Alice Ripley
Photo courtesy of American Psycho, the Musical

The music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik are powerful.  Some songs create a mechanical and robotic atmosphere, while others reveal the inner workings of the minds of the characters.  His best songs are in Act II.  “At the End of the Island” is biting and witty.  “A Girl Before” is hauntingly engaging.  In the finale, “This is not the End,” the main character reveals his deepest fears.  The force that has driven the plot is brought to a conclusion, and the impactful theme of the show is clearly understood.

Photo courtesy of
American Psycho, the Musical

The design elements of the production (scenic design by Es Devlin, lighting design by Justin Townsend, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier, and video design by Finn Ross) tightly blend together to create a harsh and cold atmosphere that illuminates the static noise and conflict inside the head of the main character.  Combined with the ingenious choreography by Lynne Page, the show has a mesmerizing effect on the senses. 

American Psycho, the Musical is a stunning and masterful work of theatre. 

                                                                     Domenick Danza