Orlando

Orlando
Pershing Square Signature Center
Signature Theatre
April 27, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The Signature Theatre production of Sarah Ruhl’s Orlando is a fantastic romp through the centuries.  Adapted from the Virginia Woolf novel of the same title in 2000, Ms. Ruhl chose to tell this story through narration, most of which comes directly from the original novel.  She utilizes a chorus of six actors, playing gender fluid characters, to keep the action moving.  With Taylor Mac in the lead role, the humor becomes equally matched with truthful moments of discovery and conflict.

Orlando (played by Taylor Mac) wants to be a poet.  The Queen (played by Nathan Lee Graham) adopts him, and makes him her own.  When Orlando falls in love with a Russian Princess (played by Rad Pereira), they run off together, or rather skate down the frozen River Thames.  The Princess abandons Orlando, who then meets the Archduchess (played by Lisa Kron), and experiences lust.  He quickly tires of her, and proclaims he want to return home.  After retiring to his bed, he emerges a woman. 

The cast of Orlando
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

On the journey home, Orlando discovers both the freedom and limitations of being a woman.  She meets the Archduchess again, only to find that she is a man.  He pursues Orlando, but does not succeed at wooing her.  Centuries pass, and Orlando yearns to be wed.  She meets Marmaduke (played by TL Thompson).   After they fall in love, they discover they are both male and female simultaneously.  Centuries pass again, taking Orlando into the twentieth century.  The present moment is filled with confusion that leads to understanding and acceptance. 

TL Thompson & Taylor Mac
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Will Davis stylistically directs this piece with a sharp eye on consistency, and a precise sense of timing, rhythm, and pace.  Scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado creates a sparce, imaginative atmosphere that is heightened by Oana Botez’s costumes.  The stage is empty most of the time, with detailed set pieces rolled on as needed, and magnificent drops flown in.  The costumes are also pieced together in an impressionistic manner, creating the illusion of the numerous time periods, while allowing for fast changes.

Orlando is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through May 12. 

Domenick Danza

Letters from Max

 Letters from Max
Signature Theatre Company
The Griffin Theatre
The Pershing Square Signature Center
February 22, 2023 

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre Company

Sarah Ruhl’s Letters from Max, now playing at Signature Theatre, is a heartwarming telling of the relationship between teacher and student that grows into a mutually supportive and creative camaraderie.  It is based on the book Ms. Ruhl wrote with Max Ritvo.  It contains their correspondence over a number of years and through challenging and painful times.  The production is simply and effectively conceived, driven by a combination of direct address and dialogue scenes that depict moments of genuine connection and admiration.  Director Kate Whoriskey sculpts this piece into an intimate journey through pain and fear into understanding, peace, and love.

Sarah (played by Jessica Hecht) first meets Max (played by Ben Edelman) when he attended her playwriting class at Yale.  She immediately notices his light and creativity.  Max, a poet and comic, who never wrote a play in his life, was in remission from pediatric cancer.  He and Sarah share emails, letters, and texts, discussing their creative perspectives.  They quickly bond.  When Max’s cancer returns, their correspondence takes on a more serious tone.  Sarah says that she often felt like the student.  Max was teaching her so much about life, and challenging her to see herself more clearly.  Max undergoes a number of trial treatments for his cancer, yet never loses his creative drive or stops writing.  

Ben Edelman & Jessica Hecht
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre Company

Jessica Hecht is phenomenal in the role of Sarah.  Her heart is open from the first moment, and continues to expand throughout the action of the play.  Her connection with Ben Edelman (Max) is truthful and tangible.  Mr. Edelman’s character faces his mortality with courage and endurance, which is reflected back to him through the relationship he creates with Ms. Hecht’s character.  Their bond is genuine.  They welcome the audience into their story, yearning to share the experience. 

The discussions of life, death, and life after death in the letters are wise, caring, and hopeful.  The audience comes to conclusions along with the characters, as they share their stories and ponder their fates. 

Letters from Max is playing at the Griffin Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Theatre Center through March 19.  Go see it!  It will do your heart some good. 

Domenick Danza

The Watering Hole

 The Watering Hole
Signature Theatre
The Pershing Square Center
July 6, 2021 

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Lynn Nottage and Miranda Haymon’s The Watering Hole, now at Signature Theatre’s Pershing Square Center, is a healing experience for the soul.  It is made up of ten installations that offer participants the opportunity to take a breath, review the past fifteen months, and release.  It is a communal acknowledgement of what we’ve gone through and what we need, as individuals and communal beings, to heal and move forward.  In this respect, it is great theatre.

You travel through the spaces in small groups (4 – 8), so it is a very quiet, personal experience.  Each installation has its own purpose.  Pre-Industrial and The Multiplicity of Our Desires are informational.  This Room is a Broken Heart, The Beach Explored, Water Brings Me Back to You, and Ebb & Flow invite you to take a deep look and participate, each in a different way.  Wings & Rings, Spray Cap, Sssssshhhhhh, and Frequency are experiential.  The installations build upon one other, connecting and flowing to engage you in a unique and much needed cathartic experience.

Lynn Nottage & Miranda Haymon
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

To walk through and sit in empty spaces of Pershing Square Center is in itself a wondrous journey.  As you realize these spaces, once filled with creative energy and top rate professionals, have been empty for the past fifteen months, your heart sinks a little.  As each installation fills with light and sound, you, the participant, becomes a part of the space.  You, the participant, fill the space with what it has been missing, and in return, your artist soul becomes reborn.

This piece was conceived and created by Lynn Nottage and Miranda Hayman with a clear and unselfish objective.  Get a ticket and enter it with an open mind and an open heart.  Breath and enjoy it. 

Domenick Danza

Octet

Octet

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

May 4, 2019

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Eight people come together every week to share their stories of internet addiction.  This is the premise for playwright, compose, lyricist Dave Malloy’s Octet.  The Signature Theatre production leads you on an extremely personal journey into your own mind and obsessions, and makes you question the purpose of your repetitive behaviors.  At the end of the show one character asks, “Why always eight people?”  It must be for the acapella singing, which they do to perfection. 

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Dave Malloy has written eight characters that on the surface seem ordinary, until they dive deep into how the internet has taken control of them.  Whether it is games, dating apps, chat rooms, porn, or tarot, each character reveals their inner yearning and how it is satisfied when they are on the internet.  What is most remarkable is how their vocalization unites them on their journey of self-discovery and assessment.  Music Direction by Or Matias is detailed and flawless.  The phenomenal ensemble cast blends to make one sound, then above it all is heard the lead singer telling their story.  Director Annie Trippe’s staging builds the action and intensity of the one hour and forty-five minute experience to profound levels of revelation and unification. 

The full cast of Octet
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Dave Malloy is Signature Theatre’s first musical theatre writer in their Residency 5 program.  He is a truly gifted story teller with a unique voice and a style all his own.  It is going to be a joy to follow his work at Signature.  Octet is playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center through June 16.

Domenick Danza

By the Way, Meet Vera Stark

By the Way, Meet Vera Stark

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

February 23, 2019

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

In By the Way, Meet Vera Stark playwright Lynn Nottage tackles the racial stereotypes generated by the early years of Hollywood.  Together with Director Kamilah Forbes, they put a mirror to the audience for a deep look at how these images still live inside our minds today.  Although first produced in 2011, this play has a timely voice.  The Signature Theatre production brings together an impeccable cast and design team to celebrate Ms. Nottage’s poignant and powerful writing.

Act I opens in Hollywood in 1933.  We are in the posh living room of movie start Gloria Mitchel (played by Jenni Barber).  She is preparing for a screen test with her maid, Vera Stark (played by Jessica Frances Dukes).  While Gloria is nervous, scattered, and high strung, Vera is grounded, focused, and strong-willed.  Vera wants to be a movie actress, yet the color of her skin creates great limitation for her in the movie industry.  In her small apartment she commiserates with her roommate Lottie (played by Heather Alicia Simms), while her second, fair-skinned roommate, Anna Mae (played by Carra Patterson), goes on a date with a white movie director.  Vera meets Leroy Barksdale (played by Warner Miller) while waiting for Gloria to complete her screen test.  Leroy is a musician who claims to be the “Guy Friday” for the film’s director, but turns out to be his chauffer.  All the characters collide at a Hollywood party hosted by Gloria, where their lives and careers are propelled into the lime light.

Warren Miller & Jessica Frances Dukes
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Act II fast forward to 2003.  Vera Stark had success as a film actress, and a retrospective on her career is being presented.  The focus is on the movie she made with Gloria Mitchell in 1933.  The host, Herb Forrester (also played by Warner Miller) shows a 1973 television interview where Vera and Gloria are reunited and come close to spilling a few secrets of Hollywood glamour.

Jessica Francis Duke is captivating as Vera Stark.  She is direct and truthful in the early Hollywood scenes.  Her character’s optimism and determination keep the first act moving.  She and Warner Miller have an amazing chemistry.  Their scenes together are riveting.  They play each and every moment with scintillating musicality.  Ms. Dukes makes a brilliant transition in the portrayal of Vera in 1973.  Her presence is powerful, and her interpretation is rich in subtext that reveals volumes.

Jessica Frances Dukes & Jenni Barber
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

In the final scene, Ms. Nottage makes a bold statement about the courage and integrity of black women in early Hollywood.  Ms. Dukes and Ms. Barber play this moment to perfection, giving an eternal voice to the courage and self-awareness of these pioneers.

The Signature Theatre production of By the Way, Meet Vera Stark has been extended.  It is playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center through March 10.  Do whatever you can to get a ticket.  It is not to be missed.

Domenick Danza

Thom Pain (Based on Nothing)

Thom Pain

(Based on Nothing)

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

November 3, 2018

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The subtleties are astounding in Will Eno’s Thom Pain (Based on Nothing).  This play tells a captivating tale of loss of innocence, finding love, losing love, and maintaining hope.  Mr. Eno plays with words in this seventy-minute, one-character play that vividly depict the dichotomy of life’s journey.  His use of language brilliantly paints the landscape of emotion that floods the turning point events that define a life.  Director Oliver Butler seamlessly connects moment to moment, pulling truth to the surface of this distinctive theatrical work that is rich in subtext.

Michael C. Hall as Thom Pain
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Michael C Hall plays Thom Pain.  He starts out in the dark, trying to light a cigarette, telling the audience he is not ready to be seen in the light.  The lights abruptly come on.  He proceeds to tell the story of a young boy, innocent and playful, whose beloved pet dog is killed.  He separates himself from the emotion of the event, then goes on to tell of the loss of a woman he loved.  When he travels back to tell more of the story of the dog, we realize he is the young boy in the story.  He then tells of how he met her, the woman he loved and lost.  We understand the pain of his loss by the way he works to avoid addressing it, yet he cannot help embodying the person he has become because of it. 

Michael C. Hall, Will Eno, & Oliver Butler
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Mr. Hall talks directly to the audience, making direct eye contact with a number of individuals.  He maintains composure and distance, while engaging the packed house on an emotional level.  He evokes a sense of empathy from the audience.  Mr. Eno’s words, which are often intentional juxtaposed to the specific emotion he is encompassing, flow smoothly and resonate deeply from Mr. Hall.  He is direct and clear, while being aloof and subtle.  It is a masterful and genuine performance, ringing with truth and style.

The Signature Theatre production of Will Eno’s Thom Pain (Based on Nothing) is running at the Pershing Square Signature Center through December 2.  This play is a unique and intimate experience that will speak exclusively to each person who sees and hears it.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Our Lady of 121st Street

Our Lady of 121^st Street

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

May 5, 2018

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The opening line of Our Lady of 121st Street asks, “What kind of world is this?”  Playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis then proceeds to show us a world of hurt, fear, guilt, and betrayal, juxtaposed with intimate care and sincere longing.  Mr. Guirgis’ characters are multi-layered and locked into life-long relationships based on intense, shared experiences.  Phylicia Rashad directs a phenomenal cast of actors in this Signature Theatre production.  Together they create a driving sense of urgency that propels the audience into a profound understanding of their existence and an insight into their desperate need for connection.

Joey Auzenne and John Proccino
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Sister Rose’s death has strongly impacted the lives of the people in the Harlem community she served.  Mourners travel back to the neighborhood from all over the country to pay their respects, only to find that someone has stolen her body from the funeral home.  As they meet and talk, they face their shortcomings and denials while confessing their suppressed feelings.  For some, this becomes a healing transformation.  For others, it is another reason to sink deeper in despair.

Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Hill Harper, Dierdre Friel, & Kevin Isola
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Every member of this ensemble builds truthful characters from Mr. Guirgis’ writing.  Hill Harper and Quincy Tyler Bernstine develop a fluid arc with the characters of Rooftop and Inez.  Their feelings of pain, betrayal, and sorrow erupt, shaking the foundation of their characters’ beliefs and propelling them forward.  Erick Betancourt and Maki Borden beautifully portray brothers trapped in layers of guilt and dependence.  When they meet Stephanie Kurtzuba’s character Marcia, sparks fly and opportunities for connection and change are abruptly shot down.  Jimonn Cole and Kevin Isola play a gay couple brutally facing their denial and inner selves.  Joey Auzenne is magnificent as Balthazar, a NYC Police Detective suffering under layers of pain and disappointment.  Powerful performances are also delivered by John Procaccino, John Doman, Paola Lazaro, and Dierdre Friel. 

Our Lady of 121^st Street is playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center through June 10.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

At Home at the Zoo

At Home at the Zoo

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

February 10, 2018

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo, the two act version of his 1959 groundbreaking play The Zoo Story, is presently bring presented at Signature Theatre.  The production is excellently cast.  Director Lila Neugebauer has an expansive vision for the play.  The timing and character development are amazingly precise.

Peter (played by Robert Sean Leonard) is at home reading when his wife, Ann (played by Katie Finneran) enters from the kitchen and proclaims, “We should talk.”  Peter is so immersed in his reading that he does not hear her.  She manage to get his attention.  They get to talking, and it is viscerally understood how complacent they are in their marriage.  They are both very happy living in their Upper East Side apartment with their two daughters, two cats, and two parakeets, then Ann mentions her occasional need for something more animalistic.  Peter is perplexed.  He goes to Central Park to read, where he meets Jerry (played by Paul Sparks).  Again, Peter is so immersed in his reading that at first he does not notice that someone is talking to him.  Jerry, however, is  much more successful than Ann at getting Peter’s animal nature aroused.

Katie Finneran & Robert Sean Leonard
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Robert Sean Leonard and Katie Finneran are captivating in Act I.  Their relationship is deeply rooted and realistic, based on decades of familiarity and comfort.  Their dialogue reveals new aspects of both their personalities, yet they remain calm and accepting with one another.  Paul Sparks is intoxicating as Jerry.  His rhythm and physicality keep you engaged through Edward Albee’s detailed monologues in Act II.  The connections between these characters are vital to the climactic impact of the play, and this cast masterfully creates the bonds that are needed.

Paul Sparks & Robert Sean Leonard
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Scenic design by Andrew Lieberman is open and abstract.  The realistic green arm chair in Act I and the five iron and wood park benches in Act II keep the action grounded and realistic.  Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo: Homelife & The Zoo Story is playing at Pershing Square Signature Center through March 11.  Go see it!

Domenick Danza

Jesus Hopped the A Train

Jesus Hopped the A Train

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

October 14, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

“People think everything is replaceable.  Everything is not replaceable.  People believe they go through life accumulating things.  That is incorrect.  People go through life discarding things, tangible and intangible, replaceable and priceless,” says Corrections Officer Valdez (played by Ricardo Chavira) in Act I of Jesus Hopped the A Train.  Playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis’ brilliantly relates that statement to the value we put on not only human life, but our own existence.  This Signature Theatre production is spellbinding from the moment it begins, and intensely accelerates to a dramatic conclusion.

Edi Gathegi & Ricardo Chavira
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

When Angel Cruz (played by Sean Carvajal) is arrested for shooting a preacher in the ass, Mary Jane Hanrahan (played by Stephanie DiMaggio) is appointed his legal aid attorney.  He is verbally abusive to her at their first meeting.  When he openly admits doing the shooting, she explains it is in his best interest that she not represent him and that he not confess to his next appointed lawyer.  She is personally moved by the righteousness of his confession, and returns to visit him for the details of his story.  She decides to take his case when he reveals that the preacher he shot is a cult leader who brainwashed and stole his best friend.  When the preacher dies due to complications during surgery, Angel is charged with murder.  It is when Angel befriends serial killer Lucius Jenkins (played by Edi Gathegi) at Rikers that he begins to question his actions and sense of right and wrong.

Sean Carvajal
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Before the play started there was an announcement that Sean Carvajal stepped into the role of Angel Cruz earlier in the week and will carry a script in his hand for a few scenes.  Script or no script, he is truly remarkable.  He is fully present in every moment.  He emotionally engages the audience with the plight of his character, pulling them into the dramatic action of the play.  The most powerful scene is between him and Stephanie DiMaggio during Act I.  They go head to head, both passionately seeking truth to believe in. Ms. DiMaggio is riveting.  She grabs your attention even before her scenes begin when she walks into place in the dark with a sever determination that skillfully drives the scene the minute the lights come up.  Edi Gathegi smoothly

Stephanie DiMaggio
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

charms his way into your heart, as every serial murderer should, blurring the line between good and evil, then clearly defining it as he entraps Angel Cruz in Act II.  

Each actor portrays the many layers of their characters with clarity and honestly.  They create moments that explode with urgency.  Mr. Guirgis’ dialogue is zealous and masterfully woven.  You MUST see this play.  Jesus Hopped the A Train is playing at The Pershing Square Signature Center through November 12.  Don’t miss it!

Domenick Danza

Wakey, Wakey

Wakey, Wakey

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

February 22, 2017

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Will Eno’s new play Wakey, Wakey is a touching look at the moments in life that create change and lasting value.  Mr. Eno has chosen to direct this production himself.  It is well done and has a very personal and sensitive effect.  The design team of David Lander (lighting), Nevin Steinberg (sound), and Peter Nigrini (projections) are clearly in sync with Mr. Eno, connecting the themes of his work to the audience on a visceral level.

Michael Emerson plays Guy, who directly addresses the audience throughout the piece.  He discusses the small moments in his daily life that matter to him, and takes the audience through visualizations to help them connect to theirs.  When Lisa (played by January LaVoy) enters, Guy’s physical stamina diminishes.  It becomes clear that she is there to care for him as his life draws to a close.  Suddenly, all of what he spoke about earlier has a significant weight and value.  He delivers on his word even after the play ends.

Michael Emerson
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Michael Emerson is captivating as Guy.  He is gentle and humorous.  He puts the audience at ease in a way that allows the poignant message to be felt.  January LaVoy is calming as Lisa.  Her purpose is strong and vital, yet her demeanor is effectively underplayed and touching.

Wakey, Wakey successfully breaks away form a formal structure, allowing the audience to ease into the experience.  The Signature Theatre production runs through March 26 at the Pershing Square Signature Center.  See it with an open mind and allow yourself to connect with the moment.

Domenick Danza

Everybody

Everybody

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

February 18, 2017

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ new Play, Everybody, is based on the 15th century morality play Everyman.  Lila Neugebauer’s direction has truly raised the bar.  Her broad strokes are only exceeded by her eye for effective detail.  The passionate and remarkable partnership between her and Mr. Jacob-Jenkins has created a brilliant and clear present day mortality experience.  The concept successfully breaks the fourth wall in surprising ways that absorb each audience member, creating a true journey for everybody. 

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

God (played by Jocelyn Bioh) calls on Death (Marylouise Burke) to request a presentation from Everybody, holding them accountable for their experiences during their time on Earth.  When Everybody asks Death if they can bring along a companion to assist in making a successful presentation, Death agrees.  Who will accompany Everybody on this journey of no return?  What evidence can Everybody collect for the presentation that has value, weight, and meaning?

The Playwright, Director, and Cast in Rehearsal
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The ensemble cast (Brooke Bloom, Michael Braun, Louis Cancelmi, David Patrick Kelly, and Lakisha Michelle May) play numerous roles that vary each night of the performance.  Their roles are assigned by a lottery at the beginning of the show.  The playwright and director’s intention in this is to have “some element of chance to be essential to the fabric of how this event functions, how the evening makes meaning.”  By doing this the “Everyman” character is not assigned to “a single actor, who necessarily has an age, a gender, a race, a sexual orientation.  Also the notion that death could strike any one of us at any moment” rings clear and true.  This skillful ensemble exceeds any expectation of this wild concept.  They create a relatable environment with honest moments and true relationships.  The timing of their dialogue and the depth of their connections are masterful, especially given the fact that they have each memorized practically the entire script.

Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Scenic design by Laura Jellinek, lighting design by Matt Frey, and sound and original music by Brandon Wolcott meld seamlessly to place the audience in the center of the action.  Signature Theatre’s production of Everybody runs at The Pershing Square Theatre Center through March 19.  It is unique and profound, and brilliantly achieves the purpose of the historic morality play for a modern day audience.

Domenick Danza

The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World

The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

November 26, 2016

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Suzan-Lori Parks’ The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World aka The Negro Book of the Dead is presently playing at the Pershing Square Signature Center.  The production rings with rhythm and repetition that brings a visceral understanding to Ms. Parks’ intention.  The ensemble cast is ignited with passion and deliver vocally powerful performances.  Director Lileana Blain-Cruz masterfully blends images, form, and pacing that evoke emotion and a clear connection to Ms. Parks’ themes.

In Ms. Parks’ words, the play is “about a man and his wife, and the man is dying… It is like a funeral mass in a way… his wife is trying to find his final resting place.”  She says the play moves like “free jazz” music and correlates it with “poet’s theatre, slam poetry, hip-hop, like a poetry slam.” 

Photo courtesy fo Signature Theatre

Costume design by Montana Blanco and wig design my Cookie Jordan visually represent the dying man’s heritage, starting from the Pharaohs of Egypt and carrying it through the twentieth century.  These iconic visual images show a strength and connection that one person’s life exemplifies.  The cast of eleven phenomenal actors embody each of these symbols and fill them with life that supersedes their stylistic representation.  

Whether you are new to Suzan-Lori Parks work or an avid follower, this production will evoke an emotional response.  See it and allow it to envelop you.  The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World aka The Negro Book of the Dead runs at Signature Theatre’s Pershing Square Signature Center through December 18.

  

Domenick Danza

Daphne’s Dive

Daphne’s Dive

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

April 28, 2016

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Daphne’s Dive is Quiara Alegria Hudes’ impactful play now running at Signature Theatre.  It is about much more than the North Philadelphia dive bar in which it takes place.  It’s about Daphne’s willingness to dive into life when all the odds are against her.  It’s about the bonding and journey of seven characters over the stretch of about eighteen years.  It is realistic, gritty, and edgy.

When the FBI raids the apartment above Daphne’s Dive, they inadvertently leave behind an eleven year old girl, Ruby (played by Samira Wiley).  She is adopted by Daphne (played by Vanessa Aspillaga) and is pretty much raised in the bar.  She is influenced by Daphne’s regulars: Pablo (played by Matt Saldivar), an artist who uses garbage and discarded items as his medium and inspiration; Rey (played by Gordon Joseph Weiss), an aging biker; Jenn (played by KK Moggie), a free-spirited, rebel with a messiah complex; Daphne’s sister, Inez (played by Daphne Rubin-Vega); and her husband Acosta (played by Carlos Gomez), a local businessman and community activist.  A heated argument occurs between Jenn and Acosta the night he is elected to Congress.  This initial crack in the foundation of the group’s connection causes more harm than anyone of them presumes.

Daphne Rubin-Vega, Vanessa Aspillaga,
& Samira Wiley in rehearsal
Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

The script has some very powerful moments, which the cast delivers honestly.  They are a tight ensemble authentically portraying strong characters with clear, specific objectives.  Under the direction of Thomas Kail, they bring the play to an emotional climax and poignant conclusion.

“Signature Theatre exists to honor and celebrate the playwright.”  This production does just that for the unique, distinct voice of Quiara Algeria Hudes.  Daphne’s Dive runs at the Pershing Square Signature Center through June 12.

Domenick Danza