The Perplexed

The Perplexed

Manhattan Theatre Club

New York City Center Stage I

February 15, 2019

Photo courtesy of Manhattam Theatre Club

“Two households, both alike in dignity… from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean… From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-cross’d lovers…”  Those well-known opening lines from William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet are the premise for Richard Greenberg’s play The Perplexed.  He uses this classic conflict to unearth two families’ dark pasts on the day of their children’s wedding.  The Manhattan Theatre Club production brings together a stellar cast who deliver laughs and poignant moments.  This supposedly happy occasion starts an unraveling of secrets that quickly gets out of control.

It is the wedding day of Isabelle (played by Tess Frazer) and Caleb (played by JD Taylor).  They were best friends as toddlers, then a chance meeting on a subway platform reunited them and started their romance.  The wedding is an elaborate affair taking place at Isabelle’s grandfather’s 5^th Avenue home, which includes a golden ballroom that can host a large crowd of people neither Isabelle nor Caleb have ever met.  Isabelle’s mother, Evy (played by Margaret Colin), is not too happy about the wedding.  There is a history of bad blood between her and Caleb’s mother, Natalie (played by Ilana Levine).  The focus of the day shifts when Isabelle’s brother, Micah (played by Zane Pais), is outed as a porn star.  His father, Joseph (played by Frank Wood), is distant with his son over this issue.  When long-kept family secrets are revealed, a strong bond between father and son is created.  A chance for this couple’s happiness emerges when Caleb steps up and takes action in an unconventional manner.

Tess Frazer & JD Taylor
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Cluc

Truthful moments rise to the surface amid the sarcastic humor, roller coaster of emotions, and underlying family pressure.  Mr. Greenberg skillfully crafts these in his writing, and Director Lynne Meadow successfully focuses the audience’s attention on them.  These scenes are memorable, honest, and, at times, heartbreaking.  Frank Wood is captivating in these moments.   His portrayal of Joseph, father of the bride, is riveting.  He recounts his emotional abuse at the hand of his father, then takes a stand, something he has never been able to do before.  Margaret Colin is commanding as Evy, mother of the bride.  Her characters creates the through line of action for the play, and Ms. Colin does a masterful job of maintaining the audience’s attention and admiration.  There are also strong performances from Patrick Breen and Eric William Morris.

The scenic design by Santo Loquasto stunningly depicts the extravagant library of a wealthy 5^th Avenue residence with secret nooks for eavesdropping, which are used to advance the intrigue.  The Perplexed is playing at New York City Center Stage I through March 29.

Domenick Danza

The Cake

The Cake

Manhattan Theatre Club

New York City Stage I

February 21, 2019

  

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Bekah Brunstetter’s The Cake, at Manhattan Theatre Club, is a light and buttercream look at the serious matter of bigotry and hate.  The playwright explores the gray areas between extremes, allowing the audience time to find redeeming qualities and respect the flaws in all her characters.  Director Lynne Meadow allows the humor to take the lead and become the entryway for the audience to see the point of view of each character without judgement.  I left the theatre wanting cake, which according to Della, the main character, can be the solution to the all world’s problems.  I strongly agree.

Jen (played by Genevieve Angelson) returns to her North Carolina hometown to plan her wedding.  She visits her late mother’s best friend, Della (played by Debra Jo Rupp), who owns a well-loved local bakery.  Della is happy to see Jen and offers to bake the cake for her wedding, until she meets her fiancé, Macy (played by Marinda Anderson).  Della’s religious beliefs keep her from baking the wedding cake, yet she can’t help but feel the joy in Jen and Macy’s love for one another.  She tries to discuss the situation with her husband Tim (played by Dan Daily), but he is more immovable than she expected.

Debra Jo Rupp brings just the right balance to this character.  She is likable, sweet, and caring, while in the same moment stands adamantly on her committed beliefs.  Her character faces a perplexing dilemma.  She allows herself to examine her faith and allegiances.  Ms. Rupp finds flexibility within the character to create genuine moments of generosity and consideration.  

Playwright Bekah Brunstetter
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Ms. Brunstetter’s best written scenes are when Della is imagining her appearances on her favorite TV baking show.  Della’s greatest aspiration is to win that baking competition.  These scenes satirically address the character’s moral dilemma in a humorous and poignant manner, while illustrating how deeply it is affecting her.

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of The Cake, is playing at New York City Center Stage I through March 31.

Domenick Danza