Monte Cristo, A New Musical

 Monte Cristo
A New Musical
The York Theatre
Theatre at St. Jean’s
March 20, 2026 

Photo courtesy of The York Theatre

The York Theatre production of Monte Cristo, A New Musical is a whimsical take on the Alexandre Dumas classic novel.  Peter Kellogg’s book keeps the action moving, finding humorous moments in this dark tale.  His lyrics dive into the emotional depth of the characters.  The music, by Stephen Weiner, sets the treacherous political environment of the period.  His duets are passionately composed, creating sweeping moments for the characters to explore.  Director Peter Flynn finds the rhythm and timing that aptly serves the style of this new musical.  The stellar cast is captivating. 

When Edmund (played by Adam Jacobs) finally returns from a long sea voyage, he asks Mercedes (played by Sierra Boggess) to marry him.  She accepts, sending Fernand (played by Daniel Yearwood) into a jealous frenzy.  Danglars (played by James Judy) takes advantage of this and convinces Fernand to deliver a forged letter accusing Edmund of treason.  At first, Villefort (played by Norm Lewis) finds Edmund not guilty, then changes his decision when he realizes this could put his father in danger of political prosecution.  Edmund is arrested and thrown into prison, where he meets Abbe (played by Danny Rutigliano), another political prisoner.  Abbe educates Edmund in the classics, and teaches him to fence and defend himself.  After eighteen years, Edmund escapes and returns to Mercedes, only to find she is married to Fernand.  He sets out on a year-long quest to seek revenge against those who imprisoned him and destroyed his life. 

Sierra Boggess & Adam Jacobs
Photo courtesy of The York Theatare

Adam Jacobs and Sierra Boggess shine as Edmund and Mercedes.  Their voices soar in their duets,
creating passionate moments that propel the action of the story.  Danny Rutigliano and Karen Ziemba deliver stunning comic relief as Caderousse and Carconte, the Inn Keeper and his wife.  It is in their Inn that the plan to frame Edmund is conceived and carried out.  Caderousse is recruited by Edmond to assist him in his plan of revenge.  

Norm Lewis
Photo courtesy of The York Theatre

Norm Lewis truthfully portrays Villefort’s guilt over his action against Edmund.  The scene where he confesses to Edmund and reveals the co-conspirators is gripping and sincere.  His regret is genuine, where Fernand and Danglars never face the consequences of their actions.  Daniel Yearwood plays Fernand as proud and arrogant, until Mercedes leaves him.  He falls quickly after that.  James Judy portrays Danglars as pompous and cowardly.    

Danny Rutigliano & Karen Ziemba
Photo courtesy of The York Theatre

There are also excellent performances by Stephanie Jae Park, Eliseo Roman, Kate Fitzgerald, and Jadon Lopez.

Anne Mundell’s scenic design transforms the moderate space at St. Jean’s into numerous locations, some vast and expansive, others confined and dangerous.  The lighting, by Alan C. Edwards, creates depth and mystery that draws the audience into mood of the story. 

The York Theatre production of Monte Cristo, A New Musical is playing at Theatre at St. Jean’s (150 E. 76 St.) through April 5. 

Domenick Danza

Heartbreak House

Heartbreak House

Gingold Theatrical Group

Theatre Row

Photo courtesy of Gingold Theatrical Group

George Bernard Shaw’s stinging social commentary is clearly played out in Gingold Theatrical Group’s Off Broadway production of Heartbreak House.  Director David Staller’s concept allows the cast to go over the top with their characterizations and find the rhythm and timing that is highly entertaining and intellectually engaging.  This amazing cast draws you in with humor, and before you know it, you are absorbed in Shaw’s dark and truthful themes of human nature.

The opening of the show takes place in 1940 in London, England.  We are in the basement of the Ambassadors Theatre during an air raid drill.  In an effort to keep the audience calm, the actors and staff from the Ambassador decide to perform George Bernard Shaw’s Heartbreak House.  They distribute the roles, throw on costumes, and transport us to the Villa of Captain Shotover (played by Raphael Nash Thompson) in Sussex, England in 1914.  Ellie Dunn (played by Kimberly Immanuel) is visiting the Captain’s daughter, Hesione Hushabye (played by Karen Ziemba).  Hesione tries to talk Ellie out of her intended marriage for money to Boss Mangan (played by Derek Smith), and plans on seducing him to achieve her objective.  Ellie admits to Hesione that she is in love with someone else, who, unknowingly turns out to be Hesione’s husband, Hector (played by Tom Hewitt).  Hesione’s sister, Ariadne (played by Alison Fraser), returns to her father’s house with the title of Lady Utterword.  She departed years earlier to start a successful marriage into money.  She is followed by her brother-in-law, Randall (played by Jeff Hiller), who has been smitten with her for years.  Ariadne keeps him well under her thumb, while she pursues her attraction to Hector.  They all chase after their heart’s desire, comment each other’s true motivation, and face their own flaws and heartbreaks.

The cast of Heartbreak House
Photo courtesy of Gingold Theatrical Group

Karen Ziemba is charismatic and beguiling as Hesione.  She has a powerful presence that grabs your attention.  Alison Fraser is funny and cunning as Ariadne.  Her timing and vocal characterization are impeccable.  Both women create characters who live up to the Greek mythological figures they are named after.  Tom Hewitt is bold and debonair as Hector.  He exudes a magnetism that justifies the attraction of the three main female characters in the play.  Kimberly Immanuel plays the innocence and naiveté of Ellie Dunn beautifully, then dives into her deceptive side with charm and commitment.  Strong performances are also delivered by Jeff Hiller, Lenny Wolpe, Raphael Nash Thompson, and Derek Smith.

Photo courtesy of Gingold Theatrical Group

The costumes, by Barbara A. Bell, are superb.  They clearly define each character, while setting the tone and dual time periods of the show.  Scenic design, by Brian Prather, utilizes the small space at the Lion Theatre by providing a second level.  His attention to detail allows the play within a play concept to work smoothly.  Lighting design, by Christina Watanabe, creates an effective ending, which dramatically connects to the 1940 air raid drill.

George Bernard Shaw explores the idea that heartbreak is the human experience that allows us to accept the position and truths of our lives.  He develops this theme from the different point of view of each character.  This Gingold Theatrical Group production is well conceived and impeccably executed.  Heartbreak House is playing at Theatre Row through September 29.

 

Domenick Danza

Prince of Broadway

Prince of Broadway

The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre

Manhattan Theatre Club

August 8, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Prince of Broadway is presently in previews at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.  Produced by Manhattan Theatre Club and under the direction of Hal Prince himself, the show celebrates his career and highlights some of the most memorable moments in Broadway musical history.  Susan Stroman collaborates as co-director and choreographer doing what she does best, making this a cohesive piece of theatre.  The cast of nine of heavy hitting performers (Chuck Cooper, Janet Dacal, Bryonha Marie Parham, Emily Skinner, Brandon Uranowitz, Kaley Ann Voorhees, Michael Zavier, Tony Yazbeck, and Karen Ziemba) left me wanting more.

Hal Prince started his career working for free in the office of director George Abbott in the late 1940s.  He stage managed, directed, and/or produced some of the most well know Broadway musicals.  The Pajama Game, Damn Yankees, She loves Me, West Side Story, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Merrily We Roll Along, Parade, and Phantom of the Opera, to name a few.  He has worked with the top directors, choreographers, composers, lyricists, book writers, and performers ever known.  The nine cast members all tell his story, wearing his trademark look, glasses on top of his head, when they are speaking his words.

The cast of Prince of Broadway
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The Follies sequence is intense and mesmerizing.  The two selections from A Little Night Music are biting and emotional.  The Act II opening of three songs from Company pulls you into the questioning/rebellion mindset of the time period.  The Evita section is powerful.  The Sweeney Todd scenes are haunting.

The highlight of Act I is Karen Ziemba’s rendition of “Who Cares” from Cabaret.  The Act I finale of “Cabaret” sung by Bryonha Marie Parham is stunning.  Chuck Cooper delivers an invigorating “If I Were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof, then later pulls you into the rolling rhythm of “Ol’ Man River” from Mr. Prince’s Showboat revival.  Ms. Stroman’s choreography for “The Right Girl’ from Follies masterfully depicts the inner conflict of Buddy's character.  Tony Yazbeck delivers it to perfection.

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

The scenic design by Beowulf Boritt and lighting design by Howell Binkley are brilliant and effective.  They create strong impressions and vivid images that exemplify the complete settings and overall mood of each varied segment.  They keep the flow seamlessly moving from one moment to the next. 

From the insert in the program you can see they are tweaking and refining, but no matter what they do, this show is a wondrous look at the legendary body of work of a Broadway icon.  Prince of Broadway is scheduled to open on August 24.  It is on TDF during previews.  Get a ticket right away!

  

Domenick Danza

The Traveling Lady

The Traveling Lady

La Femme Theatre Productions

Cherry Lane Theatre

June 17, 2017

Photo courtesy of
La Femme Theatre Productions

La Femme Theatre Productions is currently presenting Horton Foote’s The Traveling Lady at Cherry Lane Theatre.  Director Austin Pendleton successfully captures the pace and tone of Mr. Foote’s “small Texas town” in 1950.  The cast authentically portrays heartfelt camaraderie, Bible belt values, and compassion that is appropriate for the characters and time period.  The scenic and lighting design by Harry Feiner create an atmosphere that is warm, comfortable, and inviting.

Georgette Thomas (played by Jean Lichty) arrives at a new town with her six year old daughter, Margaret Rose (played by Korine Tetlow).  They are there to meet her husband Henry (played by PJ Sosko), who is being released from the penitentiary.  Slim Murray (played by Larry Bull) and his sister Clara Breedlove (played by Angelina Fiordellisi) take them in while Henry tries to secure a house for them.  When Henry reverts to his troublesome behavior, the journey for Georgette and Margaret Rose takes an unexpected detour.

Lynn Cohen, Karen Ziemba, & Angelina Fiordellisi
Photo courtesy of La Femme Theatre Productions

The women of this small Texas town have long time solidarity.  Except for the aging Mrs. Mavis (played by Lynn Cohen), who holds a few secrets, they know everything about one another and the comings and goings of all their neighbors.  Lynn Cohen, Angelina Fiordellisi, Karen Ziemba, and Jill Tanner create true believable relationships between these women, which sets the tone for the whole play.  Jean Lichty genuinely portrays the stranger coming into this group with warmth and sincerity.  The chemistry between her character (Georgette) and Larry Bull’s character (Slim) is subtle and clear.  Their connection keeps the action of the play flowing forward.  PS Sosko is energetic and honest as Henry Thomas.  His character is fallible and empathetic.

  

Photo courtesy of Cherry Lane Theatre

If you are a fan of Horton Foote, you will definitely enjoy this production.  It will capture your heart and take you back to simpler times.  The Traveling Lady is playing at Cherry Lane Theatre through July 16.

Domenick Danza