Here There Are Blueberries

 Here There Are Blueberries
Tectonic Theater Project
New York Theatre Workshop
May 4, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Tectonic Theater Project
& New York Theatre Workshop

“Who are we in the story?” is the question the audience is asked at the end of Here There Are Blueberries.  Conceived and directed by Moisés Kaufman, this Tectonic Theater Project production, presented in collaboration with New York Theatre Workshop, is a visceral experience with a timely message.  The piece chronicles the discovery, examination, and research of a collection of photos taken at Auschwitz.  The stories that are revealed from this historical artifact change the way we view the participants in the horrific events of World War II.  

Rebecca Erbelding, a curator at the Holocaust Memorial Museum (played by Elizabeth Stahlmann), receives a call from Peter Wirths (played by Grant James Varjas).  He claims he has an album of photographs that he believes were taken inside Auschwitz.  He asks if the museum would like to see them.  There is much doubt as to whether the photos were actually taken in the camp, since the Nazis destroyed all evidence of the atrocities.  When the album is received, Rebecca shares it with her colleagues.  They are amazed at what they see.  There are no photos of the prisoner, but numerous photos of officers and administrators inside the Auschwitz camp and surrounding areas.  The photos record their daily activities and leisurely pursuits.  The high ranking officers are easily identified.  The timeline of events and identities of the lesser known individuals take longer to piece together.  Once they do, they draw vital and shocking conclusions about the participants in the horrific events. 

Elizabeth Stahlmann as Rebecca Erbelding
Photo courtesy of Tectonic Theater Project
& New York Theatre Workship

Dialogue scenes are crafted from interviews, testimonies, and historic documents.  These are all
masterfully scripted by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich.  The cast works as a tight ensemble, playing numerous roles, including museum investigators, Holocaust survivors, present day family members of Nazi party members, and known Nazi officials.  There are outstanding performances by Scott Barrow, Nemuna Ceesay, Kathleen Chalfant, Jonathan Raviv, Erika Rose, Elizabeth Stahlmann, Charlie Thurston, and Grant James Varjas. 

Elizabeth Stahlmann & Kathleen Chalfant
Photo courtesy of Tectonic Theater Project
& New York Theatre Workshop

The process of investigating this photographic evidence is illuminated by the projection design of David Bengali.  These projections include reproductions of the artifacts from the authenticated photo album.  They are compiled in a way that highlight specific details in the images that lead researchers to ask more questions and dig deeper.  This design element illustrates the thought process of these experts, as they uncover facts and draw conclusions.

The power of this piece is multi-layered.  It tells how historians continually uncover truth that furthers our understanding of historic events.  It also makes us aware that valuable evidence that can give powerful insight into the past can be found anywhere and at any time.  Most importantly, in this time of turbulent unrest, hate, and fear, it informs us that horrific events are not initiated by monsters, but acted upon by humans who willfully participate due to their need to belong, and have an ability to block out the hurt and harm they see.  This piece urges us to be vehemently aware of who we are in the story. 

Here There are Blueberries is playing at New York Theatre Workshop through June 16.  Go see it, and find out the meaning of title. 

Domenick Danza

Paradise Square

 Paradise Square
Ethel Barrymore Theatre
July 3, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Paradise Square

Paradise Square is a MUST SEE  musical.  It tells the story of a twenty-block district in downtown Manhattan during the Civil War.  Populated by Irish Immigrants and free Black Americans, this area came under devastating attack during the New York Draft Riots in July 1863.  The fictional characters in the story are skillfully crafted to dramatize this unknown neighborhood and historic period.  The book by Christina Anderson, Craig Lucas, and Larry Kirwan is sharp and concise.  The plot is fueled by urgent, life changing decisions.  The score by Jason Howland is bold and emotionally impactful.  Lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Masi Asare bring the story forward with stunning clarity and heightened passion.  Director Moisés Kaufman masterfully pulls it all together to deliver a significant piece of musical theatre.

Photo courtesy of Paradise Square

Nelly O’Brien, a Black independent woman (played by Joaquina Kalukango), owns a bar in Five Points, also known as Paradise Square.  Her husband, Willie, an Irish Immigrant (played by Matt Bogart), is leaving to fight with the Union Army.  Willie’s sister, Annie (played by Chilina Kennedy) is remaining with Nelly to run the bar.  Annie’s husband, Reverend Samuel Jacob Lewis (played by Nathaniel Stampley) is a conductor on the Underground Railroad.  When a runaway slave (played by understudy Alan Wiggins) is separated from his partner, Angelina (played by Hailee Kaleem Wright), the Reverend seeks shelter for him at Nellie’s Bar.  At the same time, Annie’s nephew, Owen (played by A.J. Shively), arrives in New York, escaping the famine in Ireland.  Abraham Lincoln institutes the first Federal Draft, which imposes a $300 fine for any man who dodges his responsibility.  This creates a way out of the draft for the wealthy.  The immigrant population is required to serve and the Black population, who are willing, are prevented.  This creates a rift in the community of Five Points, especially within Nellie’s family.  When it is revealed to the authorities that Nellie is harboring a runaway slave, she becomes a target.  As the Draft Riots explode violently in the streets of New York, Nellie’s home becomes threatened.

Joaquina Kalukango & Chilina Kennedy
Photo courtesy of Paradise Square

Tony Award winner Joaquina Kalukango is a powerhouse.  She grabs your attention the minute she enters at the top of the show to tell Nellie’s story.  She continually engages your emotions, building to the spectacular number at the climax of the second act, which brings the audience to their feet. 

Also delivering a powerhouse performance is Chilina Kennedy as Annie Lewis.  She creates a rough, straightforward character who stands with Nellie through every emotional challenge and defining moment.  These two women are a remarkable duo.  There are also strong performances by Matt Bogart, Kevin Dennis, Nathaniel Stampley, A.J. Shively, Jacob Fishel, and understudies Alan Wiggins and Hailee Kaleem Wright.  The ensemble is outstanding.  They are full of energy, creating distinctive characters and vibrant moments that support the main action. 

Photo courtesy of Paradise Square

The choreography, by Bill T. Jones combines Irish step dancing and Black American Juba dance.  This sets the tone and pace for the story, while beautifully framing the historic and cultural content.  Scenic design, by Allen Moyer, creates a solid environment for the characters to inhabit.  It swiftly moves and shifts to keep the action continually connected.

In these current times where there is change and unrest, Paradise Square offers a startling perspective on the history of economic oppression in this country and the unrelenting need for standing up for freedom.  It is a monumental musical and a vital story.  Go see it! 

Domenick Danza