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

Prosperous Fools

 Prosperous Fools
Theatre for a New Audience
Polonsky Shakespeare Center
June 3, 2025

Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

In the new play, Prosperous Fools, Taylor Mac leaves no stone unturned in the examination of today’s political landscape and its effect on the arts.  The commentary is direct, but more importantly, the audience is left with questions, placing a spotlight on every participant in our present day society, and highlighting everyone’s role in its obliteration. 

The action of the play surrounds a gala performance of a new ballet, created by the Artist (played by Taylor Mac).  The Philantrhopoid (played by Jennifer Regan) is the Artistic Director of the dance company, willing to sell her soul and every element of the production to please the gala’s two wealthy honorees (played by Jason O’Connell and Sierra Boggess).  One is a despised capitalist oligarch, and the other a beloved sponsor of needy children.  Everything spins out of control as basic facts, creative expression, and philanthropic endeavors are manipulatively spun into fake news and absurd outcomes.  The Artist realizes they sold out and that the Intern (played by Kaliswa Brewster) is more deserving of praise than any of the artists or honorees. 

The full cast of Prosperous Fools
Photo courtesy of Theatre for a New Audience

Taylor Mac’s writing is exceptionally focused.  Even when expounding on minute details, the main point is always vividly clear.  During one scene, seven genres of humor are illustrated, defining how a message can be successfully communicated and for which demographic they are most suitable.  When the Artist addresses the audience at the conclusion of the show, they wear the hat of the fool.  This is most appropriate, based on how the message is to be heard.  The audience now learns forward, listening carefully to how to process the play.  This intellectualizes the full experience.  Answers to these questions are not provided, nor is the audience led to one specific message.  These questions are for the audience to ponder and discuss. The perspective of what we witness and experience in our daily life shifts, as we consider these questions through the lens of the absurd action of the play.  The big picture changes.  The responsibility of our individual choices becomes clear. 

Director Darko Tresnjak finds the right balance for this piece so the audience can hook into the humor and understand the metaphor.  The cast broadly plays the absurdity, but never goes too far over the top.  The choreography by Austin McCormick is stunning and clever. 

Prosperous Fools is playing at Theatre for a New Audience through June 29.  It is a riveting experience. 

Domenick Danza