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

Choir Boy

Choir Boy

Manhattan Theatre Club

The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

December 22, 2018

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

In Tarell Alvin McCraney’s play Choir Boy, he explores the turmoil one young, black man faces to accept his homosexuality and carve out a place for himself in the world.  This Manhattan Theatre Club production is superbly directed by Trip Cullman with a gently touch and warm heart.  Mr. McCraney’s play is highlighted by acapella singing of gospel hymns and spirituals that illuminate the depth and drive of these well-written characters.  Movement by Camille A. Brown viscerally connects the audience to their need for unity and belonging. 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The Charles R. Drew Prep School for Boys is celebrating its 50^th year of providing excellence and tradition in the education of strong, ethical black men.  Pharus (played by Jeremy Pope) is confident in realizing his goal of leading the choir in his senior year and singing the school song at his own graduation.  Headmaster Marrow (played by Chuck Cooper) is supportive of his talents, while tactfully encouraging him to downplay his flamboyant behavior.  Bobby (played by J. Quinton Johnson) is constantly bullying Pharus, yet unable to bring him down.  Pharus is determined to achieve his goals, fit in, make his mother proud, and become a Drew graduate of distinction.  When he is caught in an intimate encounter with a fellow student, he is put on probation and forced to face his homosexuality.  He finds comfort and acceptance where he least expects it.

Jeremy Pope & Chuck Cooper
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Jeremy Pope portrays Pharus with high integrity and strong determination.  As these qualities are put to the test during the action of the play, we see his sensitive and vulnerable side.  Mr. Pope blends all these qualities to deliver a truthful performance of a young man struggling with self-acceptance while challenged to create a respectful position in his community.  J. Quinton Johnson’s Bobby is a strong adversary to Mr. Pope’s Pharus.  He is boldly determined to keep the tradition and honor of Drew Prep free from homosexual influence.  John Clay III plays Pharus’ roommate Anthony.  His character is self-assured and secure.  He has an open heart, full of care and compassion for his good friend.  Caleb Eberhardt delivers a heart wrenching performance as David.  He is full of fear and doubt, due to monumental pressure from his family.

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

This is a cast of highly skilled actor/singers who become one when performing acapella.  The destruction of that unity as each character strives for honor, belonging, and respect is what makes Choir Boy a gripping story.  See it!  It is playing at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre through February 17.    

Domenick Danza