The Fear of 13

The Fear of 13
James Earl Jones Theatre
May 26, 2026 

Photo courtesy of The Fear of 13

After being nominated for an Olivier Award for his London stage debut in The Fear of 13, Adrien Brody recreates his role in a stunning Broadway debut.  This is a compelling character in a gripping story of forgiveness and redemption.  Playwright Lindsey Ferrentino based this work on the documentary film by David Sington.  It is an evenly paced, well-structured play with high stakes and well-crafted dialogue.  Director David Cromer creates a tense and claustrophobic atmosphere, then widens the sense of despair.  As hope rises so does suspicion and doubt.  The tension returns, then releases, allowing for satisfying closure. 

Jacki Miles (played by Tessa Thompson) is an advocate for death row prisoners.  She visits once a week and listens, taking notes on the stories they tell and reporting on their treatment, health, and psychological needs.  One prisoner, Nick Yarris (played by Adrien Brody) gets her attention when he quotes from Catcher in the Rye.  Jacki researches the implausible stories he tells to confirm they are the truth.  She finds herself spending more time with him on her visits, and finally admits she is getting involved.  Nick declares to Jacki that he is innocent… and in love with her.  She insists he tell her the full story of how he became incarcerated before they address their emotional situation.  Jacki realizes she could have full access to Nick’s records to better assist with his appeal if they were married.  Once she makes this commitment, there is no turning back. 

Adrien Brody as Nick Yarris
Photo courtesy of The Fear of 13

Nick Yarris is an intense and fascinating character.  He is well read from his time on death row, so he is articulate and knows how weave incredible tales.  Adrien Brody projects a glib and beguiling façade as this character.  He renders child-like traits, while masking deep feelings of hurt and betrayal.  He is vulnerable and full of anguish.  As his darker side rises, you wonder how trustworthy he is.  The more Jacki believes him, the more you fear for her safety.  You want to believe him, but are never really sure.  It is this duality that draws you in emotionally.  

Adrien Brody & Tessa Thompson
Photo courtesy of The Fear of 13

Jacki Miles gradually opens up to Nick.  She takes her responsibilities as an advocate very seriously.  She develops a genuine tenderness for Nick over the course of her visits.  Since she does not jump in unknowingly, the audience willfully goes on this journey with her.  Tessa Thompson splendidly portrays this measured discovery and immersion of emotion.  Her character is sure of herself and confident in every step she takes.  Ms. Thompson and Mr. Brody skillfully shift in their susceptible moments, supporting one another as they waver between hope and helplessness.  Their connection is tender.  Their bond is visceral.

The Fear of 13 is playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre through July 12.  You must see these performances.  The characters go through a harrowing journey, making this play a unique and amazing experience. 

Domenick Danza

Queen of Versailles

 Queen of Versailles
St. James Theatre
October 29, 2025

Photo courtesy of Queen of Versailles

The Queen of Versailles is a strikingly dark tale of wanting more and never getting enough.  Based on the documentary film of the same title, it tells the story of Jackie and David Siegel.  The music, by Stephen Schwartz, captures the essence of the characters and environment.  His lyrics illuminate that fine line between need and greed, which grows wider as the story progresses.  Lindsey Ferrentino’s book tells the callous story of these characters, where they came from and what drives them.  Director Michael Arden focuses this cast on deliberately displaying their truths, no matter how self-centered they might be, making this musical a bleak and truthful telling of the state of our present society.  

Kristin Chenoweth as Jackie Siegel
Photo courtesy of Queen of Versailles

Jackie (played by Kristin Chenoweth) is building the largest home in America.  It is designed to replicate the Palace of Versailles, and she will be Queen.  Her husband, David (played by F. Murray Abraham) made his billions by selling time shares in Florida.  When they meet, Jackie is a single mother.  She vows to give her daughter everything she could imagine.  After marrying David, Jackie is able to do that.  As her daughter, Victoria (played by Nina White), grows up, she is satisfied with having less.  This does not stop Jackie, who is unaware of anyone but herself.  When the stock market crashes, they lose everything.  David puts Versailles up for sale, even though it is still under construction.  Jackie refuses to accept this, and ends up sacrificing more than she expected in order to get it back.

Photo courtesy of Queen of Versailles

Kristin Chenoweth does a remarkable job in the role of Jackie.  The character has no redeeming qualities, yet Ms. Chenoweth gets the audience on her side.  She draws them into Jackie’s dreams of wealth and power, and makes them believe she deserves it all.  She and F. Murray Abraham are excellent together.  Their marriage is a mutually beneficial partnership.  They are in it for the long haul.  The relationship is clear and resilient, yet not based on love or passion.

Nina White is riveting as Victoria.  She grapples with the family’s wealth and pretension, while longing for her mother’s love and acceptance.  She has two of the strongest songs in the score (“Pretty Wins” and “Book of Random”) and delivers them both with a dark and unapologetic understanding of reality.  Her performance is evenly matched by Tatum Grace Hopkins, who plays her cousin, Jonquil.  There is animosity between them when they first meet.  Jonquil is dazzled by the family’s wealth.  When tragedy strikes, the two of them bond.  It is a genuine and touching moment.

Melody Butiu plays Sofia, the nanny.  The complexity of this character is found in her need to work for this family and her desire to return to the Philippines to be with her children.  Ms.  Butiu beautifully layers her performance to give sudden and honest glimpses into her loss and need. 

Pablo David Laucerica & Kristin Chenoweth
Photo courtesy of Queen of Versailles

There are excellent performances by Stephen DeRosa, Greg Hildreth, Isabel Keating, and a very strong ensemble.  The most potent scenes take place in the Palace of Versailles with Louie XIV (played by Pablo David Laucerica), Marie Antoinette (played by Cassondra James), and their full court.  The parallels of the characters and events are perfectly drawn.  It is a stark warning about our present political and economic situation.  The message is vital, yet extremely uncomfortable to sit though.

The Queen of Versailles is playing at the St. James Theatre.  It is a stunning musical with a bleak theme told through a shamefully honest perspective.

Domenick Danza

This Flat Earth

This Flat Earth

Playwrights Horizons

April 1, 2018

Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

Lindsey Ferrantino’s This Flat Earth is a powerful, emotional, and timely look at the effect of gun violence and school shootings on adolescents.  The Playwrights Horizons production is stunning.  Director Rebecca Taichman rhythmically builds the action of the scenes to gradually peel back the truths and realities of the characters.  Her cast is magnificent, each finding the heart in the words of these well written characters.  The two level set by Dane Laffrey is slick and clean, keeping the transitions smooth and concise.

Ian Saint-Germain & Ella Kennedy Davis
Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

Julie (played by Ella Kennedy Davis) and Zander (played by Ian Saint-Germain) are preparing to return to school after a shooting took the lives of some of their classmates.  Her father, Dan (played by Lucas Papaelias), helps Lisa (played by Cassie Beck) distribute the popcorn her daughter sold for a fundraiser for the school orchestra.  Lisa’s daughter, who played the cello, was killed in the school shooting.  When Julie and Zander see her, they are unable to look her in the eye.  Julie exhibits other signs of trauma, such as quick responses to loud noises and an emotional response to the sound of her upstairs neighbor, Cloris (played by Lynda Gravatt), playing recordings of cello music.  When Julie is forced to transfer schools, she confronts her trauma by asking simple and direct questions.  She gets answers to most of them, yet one remains unanswered and unresolved.

Lynda Gravatt, Lucas Papaelias, & Ella Kennedy Davis
Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

The actors in this cast create vulnerable characters and honest relationships that are engaging on a deep emotional level.  Ella Kennedy Davis has the perfect balance of spunk and naiveté as Julie.  Ian Saint-Germain is open and sincere as Zander.  Their connection is genuine and delicate.  Lucas Papaelias portrays Dan as a concerned and caring father, focused on providing his daughter with the best structured environment he can.  His intentions are sincere and his shortcomings are real.  Cassie Beck’s Lisa is in the middle of an emotional breakdown due to the unfathomable and violent loss of her daughter.  She creates a true sense of empathy with the audience.  Lynda Gravatt’s portrayal of Cloris, the curmudgeony upstairs neighbor, is strong and grounded.  Her timing and interpretation of the play’s closing monologue is direct, poignant, and perfectly delivered.  Live music performed by cellist Christina H. Kim graciously enhances the production since, as the Cloris explains, the cello expresses the full range of human voice and emotion.  

Given recent events in Florida and the student protests across the country, the timing and relevance of this production is uncanny.  The glimpse into the thoughts of the two teenagers (Julie and Zander) and the pain of the victim’s mother (Lisa) offers a very personal insight that we do not see on news coverage of such events.  This play stops the noise of the protests and political rhetoric and allows us to grasp the emotional distress that comes from direct involvement with violent incidents.  Along with the characters, you question the reasons for their occurrence and understand the strength it takes to move past them.    

Playwright Lindsey Ferrantino
Photo courtesy of Playwrights Horizons

Lindsey Ferrantino has written a masterpiece, reflecting the vulnerability of human experience told through truthful relationships.  The only other play I have seen this season that achieves this with skill and grace is Amy and the Orphans, also written by Ms. Ferrantino.  She is a playwright to keep an eye on.  Her voice is honest, tender, and potent. 

This Flat Earth is playing at Playwrights Horizons through April 29.  You MUST see this play.  Get your tickets today! 

Domenick Danza

Amy and the Orphans

Amy and the Orphans

Roundabout Theatre Company

The Laura Pels Theatre

February 4, 2018

Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Lindsey Ferrantino’s new play Amy and the Orphans, presently in preview at Roundabout Theatre Company, is a bold telling of siblings facing the truth about their upbringing.  Ms. Ferrantino skillfully weaves humor into the unravelling of brutal facts, crafting a script that is masterfully structured.  Scott Ellis beautifully directs this phenomenal cast into finding moment after moment of honest revelation that builds to clear and painful understanding and acceptance.

When Jacob (played by Mark Blum) and Maggie’s (played by Debra Monk) father pass away, they fly to New York to make the necessary arrangements.  Before driving to their father’s home in Long island, they stop in Queens to pick up their sister Amy (played by Jamie Brewer).  Amy was born with Down syndrome, lives in a state funded residence, and has a job in a local movie theater.  There is much talk between Maggie and Jacob about their regular visits with Amy, but the reality is that they don’t know her very well.  They learn a lot about her in the few days they spend with her and her state appointed guardian, Kathy (played by Vanessa Aspillaga), including the truth about the years she spend in a “group home” in Staten Island.

Director Scott Ellis in rehearsal with Jamie Brewer, Debra Monk, and Mark Blum
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Diane Davis and Josh McDermitt deliver heart breaking performances as the parents of Amy, Maggie, and Jacob.  Their scenes take place at least fifty years prior to the main action of the play.  The turmoil in their decision to put Amy into a state funded hospital in Staten Island is stirring and powerful.  Their scenes are full of denial, humor, fear, love, and desperation.  These scenes accurately depict the limited knowledge of the time period about people with special needs.

Debra Monk and Mark Blum develop an honest and poignant sibling dynamic.  It reflects the idealism and naiveté of their generation and offers a vivid insight into the cause of their distance and inability to connect.  Jamie Brewer delivers an excellent performance as Amy.  She has a strong presence, and her character’s intentions are clearly portrayed.  Vanessa Aspillaga tells it like it is as Kathy.  She gives the audience a focused perspective on the themes and actions of Ms. Ferrantino’s brilliant writing.

The full company of Roundabout Theatre Company's production
of Amy and the Orphans
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

Amy and the Orphans is a poignant and potent play.  It allows us to see how far we’ve come as a society on the education of people with disabilities, and how far we have yet to go in our understanding of individuals with special needs.  See this play!  It is running at the Laura Pels Theatre through April 22. 

Domenick Danza