The Beast in the Jungle

The Beast in the Jungle

Vineyard Theatre

June 15, 2018

Photo courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

The Beast in the Jungle, with music by John Kander and book by David Thompson, is now running at Vineyard Theatre.  Inspired by the Henry James novella, this “dance play” tells the romantic and tragic story of the missed opportunities for love.  Director/Choreographer Susan Stroman skillfully weaves realistic narrative with ballet and stylized movement to emotionally engage the audience in this dark tale.

John Marcher (played by Peter Friedman) advises his nephew (played by Tony Yazbeck) that if he truly loves his girlfriend, who just broke up with him because he cannot commit, he needs to run back to her, get on his knees, and ask her to marry him.  John Marcher tells his nephew the story of when he met May Bertram (played by Irina Dvorovenko) in Naples, and fell instantly in love with her.  It was the beast within him that compelled him to run from her as the mutuality of their feelings began to flourish.  This beast reared its ugly head again when they met by chance twenty years later.  It is not until sharing his story with his nephew that John faces his inner demons and is able to release them.

Irina Dvorovenko & Tony Yazbeck
Photo courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

Peter Friedman beautifully takes the audience through John Marcher’s story, facing the truth in the climax of the play.  Tony Yazbeck plays the young John Marcher as the story of his early years is told through dance.  Mr. Yazbeck is vulnerable and charming in this role.  His physical characterization and dance skills are strong and charismatic.  His transformation superbly reflects Mr. Friedman’s character.  Irina Dvorovenko is a beautiful match to Mr. Yazbeck.  She is an amazing dancer.  They connect and build a genuine relationship that carries the action of the story forward.

Photo courtesy of Vineyard Theatre

Susan Stroman uses an ensemble of six women to play numerous roles and create the setting and atmosphere of a beach in Italy, and English garden, and a New York City art gallery.  These six phenomenal dancers appear out of the darkness and create smooth transitions throughout the show.  They create the “beast” with a few simple and well-choreographed effects that evoke powerful images representing the main character’s deep-seeded fear.

John Kander’s score is lush and romantic.  Ms. Stroman’s choreography utilizes his rhythms and enhances the passionate swell in his score.  The Beast in the Jungle has been extended at Vineyard Theatre through June 24.  It is beautiful storytelling. 

Domenick Danza

The Visit

The Visit

Lyceum Theatre

April 4, 2015

Photo courtesy of The Visit

I am stunned by the power of The Visit.  It is a truly remarkable production, starring the legendary Chita Rivera in a performance that should not be missed.  The show is grim and sad and breathtaking.  It is a journey through the wounds of love, fuelled by vengeance and a yearning for reunification.

When the richest woman in the world, Claire Zachanassian, played by Chita Rivera, returns to her down trodden hometown, everyone looks to her as a savior, a beacon, and more importantly, a possible patron.  What she is looking for is to reunite with her first love, Anton Schell, masterfully played by Roger Rees.  The truth of how the town ostracized her family and forced her into exile is acknowledged when Claire reveals the true purpose of her visit.  The proposition she offers forces everyone in the town to question their humanity.  Strangely enough, the decision is a no-brainer for most of them, making you question your own compassion as you put yourself in their shoes.

Chita Rivera and Roger Rees both deliver riveting performances.  The whole cast is amazing.  They are a tightly woven ensemble strongly directed by John Doyle.  John Kander’s score cannot be compared to any of his other work.  His music creates a mood that envelopes you.  His rhythms and tempos lure you in to a unique setting with mesmerizing characters.  Fred Ebb’s lyrics tell a story that is clear and heart wrenching, driven by vengeance and passion.

Chita Rivera, Tom Nelis, Chris Newcomer, and Matthew Demming
Photo courtesy of The Visit

The entire production is coherently designed.  It envelops your emotions and enthralls your imagination.  The set, designed by Scott Pask, is vast and mysterious.  The yellow shoes worn by Claire’s entourage, along with the other symbols of prosperity and wealth, are garish and striking against the dark and gloomy backdrop created by Mr. Pask.  The lighting, by Japhy Weideman, creates intimate spaces for realistic moments in the extensive setting. 

The ghosts of the younger Claire and Anton are ever present throughout the play.  In the opening scene they gesture and move with efficiency and desire that carries the signature of choreographer Graciela Daniele.  All the characters in the show display her precise and distinct influence.  There is a duet between Claire and her younger self that is beautifully choreographed.  It is danced by Chita Rivera and Michelle Veintimilla with a truthful depth of emotion that propels the journey of the story forward with lucidity and fervor. 

Chita Rivera and Michele Veintimilla
Photo courtesy of The Visit

Originally produced by the Goodman Theatre in 2001, the remounting of this Kander and Ebb gem is remarkable.  In the final scene Chita Rivera and Roger Rees transport a grim and desperate story driven by decades of betrayal and revenge into an incomparable love story smoldering with youthful passion.  The Visit is the highlight of the season!

Before the show started, the man sitting to my left informed me that the show was based on a 1956 play written by Swiss dramatist Friedrich Durrenmatt.  It was originally written in German and titled “Der Besuch der alten Dame“.  It was produced on Broadway in 1958 starring Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, in English of course.  In 1964, it was made into a film with Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn.  He proceeded to tell me the story of the play, which he knew intimately because he taught it numerous times – an intellectual out to impress me, or whoever was lucky enough to sit to his right.  I thought, “Spoiler alert!” and tried to politely tune him out.  I am pleased to say that even a spoiler couldn’t spoil this show.  I was drawn in and willingly went on the deep, dark journey.  (I am willing to admit that I was impressed by the gentleman to my left and had felt relatively uniformed.  Naturally, I proceeded to do my research when I got home.  Not all his facts were accurate.  The above information is what I discovered.  Who’s the intellectual now?)*

By the way, I bought the refrigerator magnet… and was considering the key chain.  Yes, the show was that good!

Domenick Danza

*Additional interested tidbits:  The original 2001 Goodman production was a vehicle for Angela Lansbury.  She pulled out of the production due to her husband’s illness, who later passed away.  Chita Rivera signed on, and played opposite John McMartin.  The production was directed by Frank Gelati and choreographed by Ann Reinking.  It opened on October 1, 2001.  Due to the September 11 attacks, the show did not move to Broadway.