American Son

American Son

Booth Theatre

December 8, 2018

Photo courtesy of American Son

In his play, American Son, playwright Christopher Demos-Brown brings emotional depth and a broader perspective to the harsh realities of our present day social struggle and racial divide.  Director Kenny Leon builds the dramatic tension while the main characters revisit the misunderstandings and betrayals in their marriage during a highly vulnerable event.  The distance between this newly separated husband and wife starts with the difference in their race and upbringing, then shift to their egos, deep rooted fears, and unfulfilled expectations.  Kerry Washington and Steven Pasquale are both riveting, delivering truthful performances grounded in a genuine sense of connection.   

Kerry Washington, Steven Pasquale, & Jeremy Jordan
Photo courtesy of American Son

It is 4:00 AM in a police station in Miami, Florida.  Kendra (played by Kerry Washington) is waiting, impatient, and emotionally drained.  Officer Paul Larkin (played by Jeremy Jordan) enters and informs her that he has no news on the whereabouts of her son Jamal, but can verify that his car was in a reported incident.  Protocol demands that she wait for the arrival of Lieutenant Stokes (played by Eugene Lee) for further information.  When Kendra’s husband, Scott (played by Steven Pasquale) shows up, Officer Larkin mistakes him for Lieutenant Stokes and proceeds to fill him in on the case.  Scott’s bureaucratic handling of the situation sends Kendra further into hysterics and generates arguments about their failed marriage and the raising of their son.  When Scott’s brother texts him a link to a video of a local police shooting, they become seriously concerned about Jamal’s well-being.

Kerry Washington & Steven Pasquale
Photo courtesy of American Son

Kerry Washington delivers a monologue in the first half of the show that exposes the deeply rooted fear her character has been unable to get her arms around since the birth of her son.  This is a powerful and truthful moment, and Ms. Washington delivers it with genuine passion.  Steven Pasquale’s response to this monologue succinctly illustrates the distance between the two characters.  It is not until there is evidence that their son could be in serious danger that his character rises to the realities of the situation and exposes his vulnerability.  The richness in Mr. Pasquale’s performance is found in the juxtaposition of his reserve and unanticipated emotional outburst.  These two actors vividly portray the unknown elements that exist between two people in a long term relationship, as well as the bond that unites them forever.   

Eugene Lee’s Lieutenant Stokes takes immediate control upon his arrival and brings a perspective to the situation that expands and deepens the truth and thematic strength of the play.  This is where playwright Christopher Demos-Brown transports the emotionally driven story into broader complexity, challenging your sense of right and wrong and presenting themes that strike the heart of every audience member.

American Son is a well written, well directed, and timely piece of theatre.  The performances are very worth seeing.  The ending is impactful and unexpected.  It is running at the Booth Theatre through January 27.  

Domenick Danza

Junk

Junk

Lincoln Center Theater

at The Vivian Beaumont

October 21, 2017

 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Ayad Akhtar’s new play Junk, produced by Lincoln Center Theater, tells the story of corporate buy outs, greed, and the loss of work ethic and professional integrity.  The powerhouse cast of twenty-three ignites Mr. Akhtar’s skillfully crafted dialogue with a fiery passion that keeps you on the edge of your seat.  The characters are so honest, flawed, cunning, and charming that you will find yourself buying what they are selling and, as with Mr. Akhtar’s other plays, find yourself questioning your own judgement and motivations.

The year is 1985.  Robert Merkin (played by Steven Pasquale) is in the business of taking over large corporations by creating debt and raising money to buy them out.  He sells junk bonds and makes millions for his clients, keeping a high percentage for himself.  Sometimes he bends the rules, sometimes he breaks the law.  When he decides to buy Everson Steel, the third generation owner, Thomas Everson Jr. (played by Rick Holmes), puts up a larger resistance than expected.  It becomes a fight of ethic vs. greed, and it is not until the very end that it becomes clear who suffers the greatest loss.

Steven Pasquale as Steven Merkin
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Steven Pasquale is driven as Robert Merkin.  He has a powerful presence that keeps the action moving, even when he is not on stage.  Rick Holmes portrays Thomas Everson Jr. as a determined fighter.  He has a lot at stake, both personally and financially.  Playwright Ayad Akhtar has masterfully crafted these two characters.  They are each compelled by selfish motives, yet compassionate and aware of the effect their actions have on those around them.  The consequences of their conflict are always in question.  The balance of egotism and empathy keeps the struggle between them riveting. 

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

The brilliance of this play is the way Mr. Akhtar develops all the characters so that the audience gets to know their many sides.  From the Lincoln Center Theater program: “Junk is a fictionalize account suggested by events in the historical public record.  The characters in this play are dramatic concoctions, stitched together – at times – with details pulled from history but these characters are never anything other than fiction.”  Amazing performances are delivered by the entire cast, especially Teresa Avia Lim, Matthew Rauch, Henry Stram, Michael Siberry, Ito Aghayere, Miriam Silverman, and Joey Slotnick.

Experiencing this play will give you a new perspective on how greed is a driving force in the American economy, and how our own personal desires are a contributing factor in its downfall.  Junk is presently in previews at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, and runs through January 7.     

Domenick Danza

The Robber Bridegroom

The Robber Bridegroom

Roundabout Theatre Company

Laura Pels Theatre

March 20, 2016

Photo courtesy of
Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of The Robber Bridegroom is creative and vivacious.  Director Alex Timbers and Choreographer Connor Gallagher have invigorated this “Mississippi Fairy Tale” with traditional story telling practices, flawless comic timing, and footstomin’ rhythmic patterns that make this show ninety minutes of high energized fun.  What they do on the small stage at the Laurel Pels Theatre is amazing. 

When the Bandit in the Woods, who “steals with style,” robs from Rosamund (played by Ahna O’Reilly), her father (played by Lance Roberts) asks his trusted friend, Jamie Lockhart (played by Steven Pasquale), to find the Bandit and restore his daughter’s honor.  Little does anyone know (except the audience) that the Bandit and Jamie are one in the same.  The plot thickens.  Rosamund realizes she has fallen in love with the Bandit.  Little Harp, a rival bandit (played by Andrew Durand), wants Jamie out of the picture.  Rosamund’s evil step mother (played by Leslie Kritzer) wants Rosamund dead.  After much expected Natchez-style mayhem, love wins out in the end.

Ahna O'Reilly & Steven Pasquale
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The ensemble is strong and unified.  Their timing and vigor are impeccable.  Steven Pasquale is suave and commanding in the lead role.  Ahna O’Reilly’s singing voice is sultry and captivating.  Lance Roberts is endearing as father, husband, and wealthy land owner, Clement Musgrove.  Leslie Knitter is cunning and over the top funny as the envious step mother, Salome.  There are additional outstanding performances from Andrew Durand, Greg Hildreth, Evan Harrington, Nadia Quinn, and Devere Rogers.

The cast of The Robber Bridegroom
Photo courtesy of Roundabout Theatre Company

The set design by Danyale Werle extends out into the audience, creating a welcoming atmosphere that beckons involvement.  The lighting design by Jake DeGroot and Jeff Croiter effectively transforms the space moment by moment.  The costumes by Emily Rebholz are simple and effective.

If you are a believer in love, passion, and happy endings then this show is for you.  If you are not, then you really need to see this show.  Just go and have fun!  The Robber Bridegroom runs at the Laura Pels Theatre through May 29.

Domenick Danza